Review-Dahua SD1A203T-GN Starlight Mini PTZ

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Thanks, but I would like to install it on the wall, under the wall lamp, by the patio door.
Eye level.
I don't think that is a good idea, to see people from above.
 
Is there an updated version of this camera?
Looking to buy a PTZ camera with IR for indoor with decent zoom. Most likely for garage and kitchen.
 
I pulled the trigger on this one and it is okay. I do like to be able to view a larger area because of the PTZ but it is in my opinion no where near as good as the 5231RZ.
The plus on this one is that it didn't make me have to buy 2 cameras which saved me money. The negative on this camera is that it is not as good as I had hoped.
 
ingeborgdot said:
I pulled the trigger on this one and it is okay. I do like to be able to view a larger area because of the PTZ but it is in my opinion no where near as good as the 5231RZ.
The plus on this one is that it didn't make me have to buy 2 cameras which saved me money. The negative on this camera is that it is not as good as I had hoped.
Click to expand...

Don't depend on the factory default settings, every camera needs to be tweaked based on it's surroundings to get the best performance.
 
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I understand. What did you change to get it set to your preferences? Maybe that would be a starting point for me. I still don't think it will get as good of a picture as the 5231 though.
 
What are the major differences you’re noticing compared to a 5231? Zoom?
 
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ingeborgdot said:
I understand. What did you change to get it set to your preferences? Maybe that would be a starting point for me. I still don't think it will get as good of a picture as the 5231 though.
Click to expand...

Location matters, what works for me, may not work for you.

Daytime, I set the contrast to around 55-57, reduce saturation to 42-45, turn on wdr and set to 8 or 9. Set noise reduction daytime to 4-5 or to off.

Night time, set the shutter to manual, speed at 1/60 or 1/100 sec, set the gain to suit, probably 80-90. Adjust the contrast to suit.
Turn down noise reduction as low as you can stand it, probably 35 or so.

It does not have as strong of IR, that's one. So depending on what you are trying to see and at what distance, you may need additional IR.
But, in my case with the cam, and I think @aristobrat will agree, I think it is every bit as good as the 5231 series.

Make sure it is positioned so it does not have any IR or other reflection on the dome.
 
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The zoom only goes to 8.1mm vs the 5231’s 12/13mm, so if someone was trying to zoom in to do some distance watching, I could see the 5231 doing better there.

Mines on my front porch, so I’m covering at 20ft area fairly zoomed out most of the time. I don’t notice any noticeable image quality diff from the 5231 with that setup.
 
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Can these cameras be mounted vertically or horizontally?
I read on one of these pages that it can only be mounted horizontally.
 
Dseg42 said:
Are there any upgraded versions of the SD1A203T-GN coming out or out that we know of?
Think there is a 4MP coming out?
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And per the previous post by Andy the newer units do not have IR yet anyway.
 
I got one of these cameras and it is extremely hot when touched. I actually am unable to hold it in my hand because it is so hot.
Is this normal? It seems dangerous.
 
Dseg42 said:
I got one of these cameras and it is extremely hot when touched. I actually am unable to hold it in my hand because it is so hot.
Is this normal? It seems dangerous.
Click to expand...
I've not experienced that with mine, it runs rather warm, but so much I can't hold it.
Do you have a way to measure temp on the bottom metal portion of the cam?
 
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