@sbiddle - got a model number or link for the Dahua you have in mind?

SumnerBoy:

 

@sbiddle - got a model number or link for the Dahua you have in mind?

 

HDBW4421 - it also has a 3 axis mount which the earlier 2MP and 3MP models didn't have.

One small problem with Aliexpress is lots of sellers are still selling really old stock - there are cameras Dahua haven't even made for close to a year. Because of the way their supply chain works most ate simply selling stock after buying from bigger sellers as Dahua's distribution model is one where all support, firmware etc comes from the distributor.

Being a bit dim sorry, but what exactly is a 3 axis mount? Does that mean once the camera is fixed to the wall/ceiling you can swivel the lense/camera itself inside the casing to point in just about any direction?

SumnerBoy:

 

Being a bit dim sorry, but what exactly is a 3 axis mount? Does that mean once the camera is fixed to the wall/ceiling you can swivel the lense/camera itself inside the casing to point in just about any direction?

 

Yes. Many dome cameras traditionally had a 2 axis mount as they were designed to be mounted hanging from a roof so only needed the ability to move left/right and up/down. If you mounted one on a wall you had no ability to swivel the camera on the 3rd axis so they were pretty useless for wall mounting unless you wanted to look directly in front of the camera so you'd see lots on crazy angles. 3 axis gives you full control over where you want to aim it so the image will be level.

Just be aware that Dahua don’t have firmware updates on their website. I have 2 identical Dahua cameras running different firmware versions and asked for the updated version and they told me to contact my supplier.

The picture quality is great, much better than my old Ubiquiti Aircams. To setup/configure Dahua cameras you have to run IE with a plugin. It is really nasty and drives me nuts. I will not buy Dahua again because of this. 

I use Sighthound for monitoring, the main reason is their software is better at detecting people rather than just movement (wind etc) so less false alarms.

SQLGeek:

 

Just be aware that Dahua don’t have firmware updates on their website. I have 2 identical Dahua cameras running different firmware versions and asked for the updated version and they told me to contact my supplier.

 

The picture quality is great, much better than my old Ubiquiti Aircams. To setup/configure Dahua cameras you have to run IE with a plugin. It is really nasty and drives me nuts. I will not buy Dahua again because of this. 

 

I use Sighthound for monitoring, the main reason is their software is better at detecting people rather than just movement (wind etc) so less false alarms.

 

Man Sighthound is not cheap if you have more than 2 cameras 

SQLGeek:

 

Just be aware that Dahua don’t have firmware updates on their website. I have 2 identical Dahua cameras running different firmware versions and asked for the updated version and they told me to contact my supplier.

 

The picture quality is great, much better than my old Ubiquiti Aircams. To setup/configure Dahua cameras you have to run IE with a plugin. It is really nasty and drives me nuts. I will not buy Dahua again because of this. 

 

I use Sighthound for monitoring, the main reason is their software is better at detecting people rather than just movement (wind etc) so less false alarms.

 

As I mentioned above Dahua only resell through distributors who provide support. Most Chinese sellers on Aliexpress are not authorized distributors.

Having said that there are numerous sources online to find Dahua firmware of all their models that's continually updated. Because of the number of models they have any firmware differences between them you just have to be very careful you don't brick your device.

As for using IE to configure it that's only needed if you're using the cameras as a standalone. If you're using them with a proper NVR or software NVR such as Dahus'a SmartPSS software there is no need to even log into the camera as all configuration is from the NVR or SmartPSS. Likewise if you're using a ONVIF NVR or standalone NAS such as a Synology you will need to configure the IP address of the camera using the setup tool but most camera configuration can be set from the NAS or NVR.

tripp:

 

SQLGeek:

 

Just be aware that Dahua don’t have firmware updates on their website. I have 2 identical Dahua cameras running different firmware versions and asked for the updated version and they told me to contact my supplier.

 

The picture quality is great, much better than my old Ubiquiti Aircams. To setup/configure Dahua cameras you have to run IE with a plugin. It is really nasty and drives me nuts. I will not buy Dahua again because of this. 

 

I use Sighthound for monitoring, the main reason is their software is better at detecting people rather than just movement (wind etc) so less false alarms.

 

 

Man Sighthound is not cheap if you have more than 2 cameras 

 

It's far cheaper than most other semi decent NVR apps! I had actually forgotten about Sighthound after looking at it a while ago. I need to have a play again as it looks pretty awesome now.

I have had cameras for years the old BNC type with a DVR and im in the process of upgrading to IP cameras. I stumbled on to this, the product looked to good to be true it has its own NVR and cloud based notifications all for $200... What a piece of crap the night vision is worse than all the $20 ebay cameras ive purchased and the APP is terrible. The motion detection only works when birds fly infront of the camera not when someone walks up the drive at 70% but when i change it 80% its constantly reporting movement. Completely useless.

So im back on the hunt again for good cameras with night vision that works and NVR software that can do movement notification etc.

sbiddle:

 

When you can buy a great quality Dahua 4MP camera for around US$85 I'm not sure why people bother with cheaper junk.

 

 

+1  Completly agree.

I've set up a few friends, all with Dahua cameras as they have evolved. Started at 1.3MP, then 3MP, now the 4MP ones are great.

Just ordered some last week, eagerly awaiting the upgrade, came to $120 NZ per camera.

sbiddle:

 

SQLGeek:

 

Just be aware that Dahua don’t have firmware updates on their website. I have 2 identical Dahua cameras running different firmware versions and asked for the updated version and they told me to contact my supplier.

 

The picture quality is great, much better than my old Ubiquiti Aircams. To setup/configure Dahua cameras you have to run IE with a plugin. It is really nasty and drives me nuts. I will not buy Dahua again because of this. 

 

I use Sighthound for monitoring, the main reason is their software is better at detecting people rather than just movement (wind etc) so less false alarms.

 

 

As I mentioned above Dahua only resell through distributors who provide support. Most Chinese sellers on Aliexpress are not authorized distributors.

 

Having said that there are numerous sources online to find Dahua firmware of all their models that's continually updated. Because of the number of models they have any firmware differences between them you just have to be very careful you don't brick your device.

 

As for using IE to configure it that's only needed if you're using the cameras as a standalone. If you're using them with a proper NVR or software NVR such as Dahus'a SmartPSS software there is no need to even log into the camera as all configuration is from the NVR or SmartPSS. Likewise if you're using a ONVIF NVR or standalone NAS such as a Synology you will need to configure the IP address of the camera using the setup tool but most camera configuration can be set from the NAS or NVR.

 

 

 

 

 

that sounds just as bad as the "cheap junk" you mentioned.  I bought a QD520 from lightinthbox.com, for around usd$30 a year ago.  720p camera, works well.  was a PITA to setup due to requiring IE, but once its setup its connected to my blueiris server fine and I've never had to touch the setup again.

As to why I would buy a USD$30 camera vs USD$85, the USD$85 3 times as much.... and doesn't sound all that good TBH.   if there was a similar one with good software/web interface (like the foscam) to setup then sure I might pay more for that.

my foscam is a much better camera obviously, but that cost me $150-200ish (IIRC) and has a panning etc controls.

so personally I would gamble on a cheap one from china and see how they go, if its crap youve just lost $40ish and can flick it off on trademe for $50 :p

reven:

 

 

 

my foscam is a much better camera obviously, but that cost me $150-200ish (IIRC) and has a panning etc controls.

 

so personally I would gamble on a cheap one from china and see how they go, if its crap youve just lost $40ish and can flick it off on trademe for $50 :p

 

I'd never touch a Foscam due to the big gaping hole that is their p2p functionality!

If it helps, I picked up one of these for $129 earlier today for a mate:

AVTECH AVM365 1.3MP Outdoor Bullet IP Camera, f3.8mm/F1.5 Fixed Lens, IR 25M, IP67, 1280x720 30fps, PoE (12.5W)

http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=CAMAVT0365&qr=ec_EDM0225_Overstock3_07

The webs site shows no stock, however there were 5 in stock in when I visited the branch at lunch.

Generally speaking if comparing at the same price point, then IP cameras are IP cameras, there is not a great deal of difference between all the "cheap" brands (well, there are subtle differences, but unless you're scanning number plates or reading fine print on moving objects, then I wouldn't get too fussy) In fact, a lot of them are out of the same factory (or same parts), just re-branded with a different name.  The important thing to look at is the software features / ease of use of their interface, mobile app support (if that's needed), protocol support, integration, warranty etc - also for example what 3rd party NVR's or home automation systems they can integrate with, etc. I run Q-See IP cameras myself. They're "ok" for the money, but their NVR's are crap. Hikvision and Dahua are probably the most commonly used out there. Stay clear of Foscam :-) 

Oh, and as someone eluded too above - there is a big difference between a $100 vs a $200 camera.  Twice the price, triple the quality and feature set

I have a Dlink DCS 932L. Pretty happy with it. Android app works will for live view, turning on/off motion detection etc