Three Night Picts Comparing Dahua IPC-HFW5231E-Z12 (S1), Empire IPC-B52IR-Z12E-S2, Empire IPC-B54IR-Z4E-S3

[guykuo]

These frame captures tell the story. With extra lighting or shorter distance, the differences would be less, but here are the three aimed down a dimly lit street. All three cameras are units purchased from Andy.

Dahua IPC-HFW5231E-Z12 (series 1)



Empire IPC-B52IR-Z12E-S2 was a definite step up from the first generation Z12. Still, a 1/2.8 inch sensor at 2MP, but pretty good. Low clouds completely block lights from distant ridge.



Empire IPC-B54IR-Z4E-S3 brings out considerably more detail and still does well in the dim lighting. 4MP with 1/1.8 inch sensor is definitely a sweet spot.


If the limited zoom range of the Z4-S3 can cover your required reach, definitely get Z4-S3 instead of a Z12-S2.

 

[samplenhold]

Nice comparison. Thanks for the post.

 

[CanCuba]

I recently replaced some 2431-S-S2 with 1/3" sensors with 5449 dual lens with 1/1.8" sensors (both 4MP cameras). What a difference! I run colour at night now and am getting some great images.

We had a few minutes without power this morning due to a high winds moving through. Can't wait to see how the new cameras adjusted to losing the runway lighting.

 

[guykuo]

I think the 2431-S-S2 are 1/3” sensors, and that would make sense going up to 1/1.8” being a leap in image quality at night

 

[CanCuba]

I recently replaced some 2431-S-S2 with 1/1.3" sensors with 5449 dual lens with 1/1.8" sensors (both 4MP cameras). What a difference! I run colour at night now and am getting some great images.

We had a few minutes without power this morning due to a high winds moving through. Can't wait to see how the new cameras adjusted to losing the runway lighting.

Yes, 1/3". I was still waking up. Thanks for catching that!