My NTP servers just don't seem to keep time. On my Hikvision cam, it fails to work when I do the test, but when I put it in DHCP, the test works. My Dahua cams don't keep proper time either. Do I need to put them in DHCP? Thanks.
Check the DNS setting and the default gateway setting in the network configuration.
DNS is usually the IP address of the router / gateway.
Hikvision devices also work well with the Google 8.8.8.8 DNS choice.
What is the DHCP server? An NVR? If so, it an NTP server address may be part of the DHCP config passed to the camera. On my Dahuas, there's a box for NTP server address under System, General, Date&Time. I'm using 128.138.140.44 for the NTP server. My cameras have static IP addresses and can't access the Internet except for hitting that IP on port 123. If you have a firewall, make sure outbound UDP 123 is allowed to the NTP server of your choice.