Review: Dahua HFW5442T-ASE 4MP Starlight+

Awesome. Thanks! The online spec sheets are often wrong, as I can set my cameras to 10240, but the spec says it maxes out at 8192. 20Mbps is much better, and is more reasonable for a 4MP camera.
 
Shows the same. Again I’m not able to record st that rate so can’t be sure.
 
@EMPIRETECANDY Any news, from dahua guys, for a true smart IR firmware for AI cams ? :)
For this camera, I was able to contact Andy in regards to the SmartIR and he replied back yesterday saying "The Smart IR we are working on it, no worry. I think can be solved soon.". Can't get an estimate date/time from him but hope this helps :D.
 
Last edited:
Just an update:

I compared the 3.6mm fixed camera in this review (IPC-B5442T-ASE 4MP Starlight+ fixed 3.6mm bullet)
to the Vari-Focus version (HFW5442E-ZE)

The fixed lens has better min. illumination specs and it seems to hold true.
IPC-B5442T-ASE (Fixed) Minimum Illumination 0.001 Lux@F1.6
HFW5442E-ZE (VF) Minimum Illumination 0.002 Lux@F1.8

As expected, the fixed 3.6mm lens performed better capturing more light which is clearly seen in the images below.Captures are 13 seconds apart.

Cameras are literally stacked 1/2" apart, same exact settings; 1/30, Gain 55, DNR50, Defog-Auto.


Variable Focus -HFW5442E-ZE
5442VF_IPC_main_20190907214100_@15.jpg

Fixed 3.6mm IPC-B5442T-ASE
DVR_CAM 17_main_20190907214116_@7.jpg
 
As an Amazon Associate IPCamTalk earns from qualifying purchases.
The picture from the cam looks fantastic and has convinced me to get a couple.

I’m sure I saw something posted about the field of view being different to the 5231-ZE. With the 5231-ZE zoomed fully out what mm version of the cam should I get?
 
  • Like
Reactions: EMPIRETECANDY
The fixed only comes in 2.8, 3.6, and 6mm

The full zoom on the varifocal is 12mm
 
Sorry I meant zoomed out fully so max field of view.
From the Dahua specs, this model's Angle of View is:
H: 114°–47°, V: 62°–26°

5231R-ZE:
H: 101°~31°, V:54°~17°

So zoomed all the way out (to max width), this model looks like it "sees" an extra 13° horizontally (114° vs the 5231s 101°) and an extra 8' vertically (62°vs 54°).
 
I think I might order a 2.8 and a 3.6?

So the 3.6 to go here, so effectively zoomed in a bit
b4ae642b5c0a058954f0de1b1a42ad8a.jpg


And the 2.8 here, so effectively zoomed out a bit
bd656e9be042f77b411954cb9adeafd8.jpg
 
Both are mounted pretty high, may get ID on the bottom one, unlikely on the top one
 
I've just placed my order with Andy for the fixed version as I was impressed with the picture quality posted above Day & Night.

I have LED street lighting outside the house and in the street so should work fine for my needs.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bigredfish
I also have this camera this week from Andy, it's performance is nothing short of amazing and love it. I would like a 8mp version that would top it all off for me no more camera buying I would be well happy.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: EMPIRETECANDY
I also have this camera this week from Andy, it's performance is nothing short of amazing and love it. I would like a 8mp version that would top it all off for me no more camera buying I would be well happy.
That is great, thanks for your sharing, if you can share us some pics that would be great;)
 
I think I might order a 2.8 and a 3.6?

So the 3.6 to go here, so effectively zoomed in a bit
b4ae642b5c0a058954f0de1b1a42ad8a.jpg


And the 2.8 here, so effectively zoomed out a bit
bd656e9be042f77b411954cb9adeafd8.jpg
For the front door or nearby watching, use a 3.6mm is better i think.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bigredfish
Here's another comparison of the 5442T-ASE 4MP Starlight+ (3.6mm) vs an older HFW8231E-ZE Variable Focus

The 8231 was my best camera.... not anymore..


5442T-ASE 3.6mm
HOA Rear_Overview_main_20190928003231_@3.jpg


8231E-ZE VF
HOA Rear_Overview_main_20190911203354_@3.jpg
 
I now have two of these as my primary drive/street overview cameras and now with the firmware fix they are rock solid.

These are running 1/60 exposure and 0-50 Gain, 8192 bitrate and 30fps

DVR_DriveWest_main_20191112222503_@1.jpg
DVR_DriveEast_main_20191112224612_@1.jpg
 
They would be much better with White LED street lighting instead of the old Yellow ones.