Most here do not update cameras if they are working and meet our needs and that the best practice. Only update it if you know for sure it fixes a problem you have. We have seen updates eliminate features people were using. My ZEs are still running the firmware it came with, so 2018-2019 firmware. The only thing it added was Smart IR, but if the cameras are working for your needs, why risk potentially bricking it?i haven't used the camera in a while and always figured being on the latest firmware was good practice. when i power it up i'll let you know which gui version i have. camera was purchased a few years ago.
i'm a bit disappointed to hear that there are different chipsets for the same model camera, that doesn't make any sense to me. a new chipset should be a new model number. very confusing, imo.
Using the same model number is no different than a car and getting a new model style and new features every few years.
The new model is 5442-ZE-S3 to differentiate the newer model.
The new model is an incredible jump over the older one.
Mini-Review - 5442-ZE-S3 AKA T54IR-ZE-S3 - Replacement to 5442-ZE
As many of us are aware, Dahua decided to keep the same model numbers of some of their most popular models like the 5442-Z12E and the 5442 series cameras, but they have been updated with a newer GUI and specs that on paper show better than the previous version as was discussed in this thread...
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