Q's Cheap Camera Shootout

[Q™]

I get obsessed with stuff...sometimes technology tools...and other times more basic tools such as the several drawers of tomahawks I've collected...



But we're here to talk about IP cameras, not blades, so...

I continue to purchase cheapo cameras, cameras which wiser men would most assuredly pass on. So here are five (5) cheapo IP cameras which I've collected from Aliexpress over the past 12-months or so. I'm finally getting around to installing these units in order to determine exactly how much money I've wasted.

Here are the players in Q's Cheap Camera Shootout...

Camera Description	Form	Sensor	Top Resolution	Lens	QFIG*	Qost
Hikvision DS-2CD3345-I (China Region)	Turret	1/3"	4MP 2560x1440	4mm	B+	$85.50
Novate (OEM Rebrand)	Mini Bullet	1/3"	2MP 1920x1080	2.8mm	C+	$48.00
Besafe BS-BH24S200-POE (Longse LBH24S200 Rebrand)	Mini Bullet	1/2.8" IMX323	2MP 1920x1080	3.6mm	B	$47.65
Novate (OEM Rebrand)	Turret	1/3"	2MP 1920x1080	4mm	C+	$66.00
Diske 800	Mini Bullet	1/2.8" IMX322	2MP 1920x1080	3.6mm	D	$47.60

*Q's Firmware Interface Grade

The installation...





As a point of reference I placed a stake with a hat on top 54.5-feet in front of the camera mount...



Unfortunately I only got as far as installation and wiring one (1) single camera today fellas. The image shootout will have to wait for another day!

To be continued...

 

[Jack B Nimble]

Of all the things I have lost I miss my mind the most.

 

[klasipca]

I am betting that Besafe will Bethebest.

 

[Q™]

The OEM 1080p bullet has the same Sony IMX322 sensor klasipca...but so far I like the hand-forged Damascus steel poll hawk from Warzakstan the best!

 

[klasipca]

Oops, I clicked on the wrong link initially, basically I am betting on that 4 LEDs bullet. I wanted to get it as well.

 

[Travieso]

Im looking forward to this, Subscribe. !!

 

[Q™]

Oops, I clicked on the wrong link initially, basically I am betting on that 4 LEDs bullet. I wanted to get it as well.

I'm curious about the performance of that unit also...but it's mounting arm is poorly designed and I'm afraid that a strong wind will cause the camera to shift position. The "Novate Turret" on the other hand is a solid cast aluminum freakin' Sherman tank.

 

[PSPCommOp]

Im looking forward to this, Subscribe. !!

+1

 

[pozzello]

which camera is reading the tape measure from 54+ feet? that one wins...

 

[alastairstevenson]

Are we supposed to ask about the 5th one that's missing - is that going to be the unknown winner from behind?

 

[Q™]

Are we supposed to ask about the 5th one that's missing - is that going to be the unknown winner from behind?

It's still on the slow boat from China Alastair.

 

[Q™]

which camera is reading the tape measure from 54+ feet? that one wins...

That's is my Moto X Pure 12mp camera taking a picture of the tape laying at my feet.

 

[bp2008]

Unfortunately I only got as far as installation and wiring one (1) single camera today fellas. The image shootout will have to wait for another day!

To be continued...

View attachment 11912

Q you are such a tease!

 

[Del Boy]

Looking forward to this Q. I wanted to do something similar but with the pricier stuff I have. Need more time! PVC sheet a good idea. I might copy that.

 

[pozzello]

no more room on that pole for the 5th cam. the vertical layout will show differing LED throws for the night-time comparisons, something to keep in mind...

 

[Q™]

no more room on that pole for the 5th cam. the vertical layout will show differing LED throws for the night-time comparisons, something to keep in mind...

Yes Pozello. Francis Bacon would deride and mock my crude methods. But onward we tread!...without the slighest regard for scientific methodology!

 

[Masejoer]

Watching this. I've created threads like this for other things on other forums. Glad to see someone else trying to provide raw data to the public!

 

[Q™]

Back again with more on "Q's Cheap Camera Shootout" fellas...

I spent a good part of today finishing the camera installation, running and crimping cable, configuring Blue Iris and setting up the four (4) cameras which are a part of this experiment misadventure complete waste of time exercise.

Remember, there is a 2mp Sony IMX322 mini-bullet still floating to America on a slow boat from China, and I'll be certain to update this topic as soon as it arrives.

This is the first of the "Cheap Camera Shootout video" and it was taken under (what I consider to be) optimal lighting conditions: late mid-day with no direct sunlight (approximately 3:30PM GMT -5) at which point the sun has passed to the west side of the house which blocks direct sunlight. On another day I'll show you how direct sunlight wrecks havoc on some of the images generated by these cameras. Until that time, here's the first video from these units.

I enter the frame at 50-feet out. I pause at 25-feet out (orange bucket)...then a 2nd pause at 10-feet out (gray bucket)...before I turn and retreat from whenst I came.

Hikvision DS-2CD3345-I (China Region) Turret | 4MP | 4mm | 2560x1440 | 10fps | VBR 4096



Diske Mini-Bullet | 1/2.8" Sony IMX322 OEM | 2MP | 3.6mm |1920x1080 | 10fps | VBR 4096



Novate Mini Bullet | 1/3" | 2MP | 2.8mm| 1920 x 1080 |10fps | VBR 4096



Novate Turret | 1/3" | 2MP | 4mm | 1920x1080 |10fps | VBR 4096


How can I improve this shootout without incurring the wrath of Mrs. Q™?

Any and all comments welcome fellas!

P.S.: Yes...Q has become a fat fuQ.

 

[alastairstevenson]

My instant impression was how poor the 3345 was on showing motion.
There seem to be lots of block artifacts around any areas that change.
What's the DNR set to on this camera?

I thought the image quality on both the Novate videos was good, though they could benefit from a better dynamic range, quite a few saturated areas.

As always - I think it will be the low-light performance that will differentiate the cameras.

*edit* And I forgot - the Diske video is set as private.

 

[Q™]

My instant impression was how poor the 3345 was on showing motion.
There seem to be lots of block artifacts around any areas that change.
What's the DNR set to on this camera?

I thought the image quality on both the Novate videos was good, though they could benefit from a better dynamic range, quite a few saturated areas.

As always - I think it will be the low-light performance that will differentiate the cameras.

*edit* And I forgot - the Diske video is set as private.

Opps! Sorry about that! The Diske IMX322 video should be set to Public now.

Regarding the Hikvision:

WDR: On | 50%
White Bal: AWB1
DNR: Norman Mode | Level: 45%