Review-OEM 4mp AI Cam IPC-T5442TM-AS Starlight+

@mmmburritos I was told the same thing from Andy. Said it was only an issue because of a couple complaints. I was hoping that was the case, but no joy. It doesn't appear to be the set screw that's the problem, it's the rubber bumpers. They don't seem to be tall enough to really latch onto the ball.
That's what I suggested to Andy, he said he was going to test it but never heard back about it. I gave up and them and returned the one I had. It's a bummer as it was a nice cam and it's a shame that Dahua can't or won't admit to a problem with them and address it.
 
@mmmburritos I was told the same thing from Andy. Said it was only an issue because of a couple complaints. I was hoping that was the case, but no joy. It doesn't appear to be the set screw that's the problem, it's the rubber bumpers. They don't seem to be tall enough to really latch onto the ball.
How bad is it? Are we talking it's so loose that it moves on it's own? A minor bump would move it? Or you actively have to try to move it? I'm not putting it somewhere I'm concerned with people reaching up and touching it...but if there is clearly a problem with it, Dahua needs to address it somehow, I shouldn't need to wedge extra materials in there for it to function properly.
 
It's bad enough that I won't put it up without bolstering the bumpers with something. It won't fall immediately, but over time I picture the camera will sag by either its weight or vibrations from wind/movement.
 
How bad is it? Are we talking it's so loose that it moves on it's own? A minor bump would move it? Or you actively have to try to move it? I'm not putting it somewhere I'm concerned with people reaching up and touching it...but if there is clearly a problem with it, Dahua needs to address it somehow, I shouldn't need to wedge extra materials in there for it to function properly.
If someone has a stick, they could move it. It does move pretty easily unless you really wrench down on the set screw, but you have to watch how tight you go as it could break.

I know that's far fetched, but it could happen. I asked about this and mentioned that it could be reachable by some and was given a reply of, tape could disable the camera too, so my response can't be that insane. lol
 
If someone has a stick, they could move it. It does move pretty easily unless you really wrench down on the set screw, but you have to watch how tight you go as it could break.

I know that's far fetched, but it could happen. I asked about this and mentioned that it could be reachable by some and was given a reply of, tape could disable the camera too, so my response can't be that insane. lol
Yeah I guess it all depends on what is acceptable to you. I'm replacing a Chinese 4421C camera with the plastic base, so despite the flaws in the 5442 maybe it's still better than what I'm replacing. I did just replace another Chinese model with a 5831 and it's rock solid when tightened down as someone mentioned about the 5231.
 
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Anyone who has a bad camera, let's keep track of the manufacture date...maybe the issue has been addressed in later builds?
 
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Yeah the new torx wrenches are made by Mattel
 
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The ball part for this model is not totally locked,because this camera is much lighter than the HDW5231R-ZE, easy to adjust the ball part is an update compare to the HDW5231R-ZE, the installers have difficulties to adjust the camera when hang the camera on, so they made some improvement. The loosen still need some strength to move it after I checked Ajrun's pics and video, i thought the ball part totally loosen and can’t hold on the position that set . I tested 10 cams right now for this series of cams, All ok. I think can be easier for installation or maintenance.
 
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The 4433 and new 2431T-AS I recently tested and reviewed also have this new adjustment ball. It was wayyyyyyyyyy easier to adjust than the older models with the set screws.

And while relatively easy to move, I didn’t feel like it would do so on its own. Something would still need to physically move it. Cat or possum might.
 
The bullet version. I have 2 and they are by far the best low light cameras I’ve seen for under $200
 
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I really like the video quality of this camera, but not the issue people are receiving.

What is another model you would suggest if I wanted this one?
From my experience, That is not be a problem at all, the ball part i tested can be adjusted when it's locked on all new cams, the camera is installed on the vertical wall or celing, not sit on the desk! Any wind even hurricane will not blown it, so if you afraid some guys climb to your wall to adjust it, I think No thief will be such stupid.
@bigredfish @wopi82 @looney2ns , Do you guys think this is a problem for installations? Their cameras are in the same lot, They make many GREAT reviews on the forum, if this is a big problem for the installation, they surely point out.
Using turret cameras, not only the better pics also easier installations.
For the IPC-HDW5231R-ZE, many guys told me they lost the lock screws, why? Because they climb to loosen the screws to adjust the direction, and lost the lock screw, because it's too tight. So that is why newer turret cams are smaller than before.

But if you install very low places, the turret not suit, better use dome ones with IK10, even use a hammer will not destory it.
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I have the bullet version also and the picture quality at night is excellent, not seen anything better to date 10/10 for the 1/1.8” Sony Starlight + sensor it's a massive upgrade to what I had before.