The Dahua DH-IPC-MW4231A-E2 is a robust dual-lens dash camera specifically designed for vehicles like taxis and ride-sharing cars. It captures both front and rear views simultaneously, ensuring comprehensive coverage. This camera provides clear footage even in challenging lighting conditions and offers intelligent features to enhance vehicle security and event monitoring.
Key Features
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Dual Lens Coverage: Capture both the road ahead and the vehicle's interior simultaneously, providing a complete record of events.
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Starlight Technology: Obtain clear, detailed color images in extremely low-light conditions, ensuring visibility even at night.
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Wide Dynamic Range (WDR 120dB): Get balanced and usable video in scenes with extreme variations in brightness, such as entering or exiting tunnels.
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HEVC (H.265) Compression: Save significantly on storage space and bandwidth while maintaining high video quality, reducing operational costs.
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Intelligent Video Analysis (IVS): Automatically detect and alert for events like tripwire violations, intrusions, or abandoned objects within the vehicle's view.
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Face Detection: Quickly identify and capture faces within the camera's field of view, useful for passenger identification or security.
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Micro SD Card Storage: Record footage directly to an on-board SD card (up to 128GB), providing a reliable local backup.
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Robust Design: Built with metal and plastic casing to withstand the demanding conditions of vehicle installation.
Perfect For:
- Taxi and ride-sharing vehicles
- Commercial fleet management
- Delivery vans
- Public transportation buses
- Personal vehicles requiring dual-view recording
- Vehicles operating in low-light environments
Installer Tips
- Optimal Placement: Mount the camera securely on the dashboard or windshield, ensuring both lenses have an unobstructed view of the road and interior.
- Power Connection: Connect the camera directly to a stable 12VDC power source within the vehicle. Ensure the power supply can handle the camera's draw, especially when IR is active.
- SD Card Installation: Insert a high-quality microSD card (up to 128GB) before final installation to enable local recording. Format the card via the camera's interface for optimal performance.
- Network Configuration: Utilize the M12 Ethernet connector for reliable network connection to a compatible Mobile Video Recorder (MVR) or network switch for remote monitoring and management.
- Angle Adjustment: While the main bracket offers pan/tilt, fine-tune the angle of the rear camera (Pan: ±15˚; Tilt: ±15˚) to best capture the passenger compartment.
- Software Integration: For comprehensive fleet management, integrate the camera with Dahua's DSS/PSS or DMSS software for live viewing, playback, and event management.
Downloads
Quick-Read Specs
| Feature |
Specification |
| Resolution |
2MP (1920x1080) |
| Lens Options |
Front: 2.8mm, Rear: 2.1mm |
| Night Vision Type |
Starlight (color down to 0.009 Lux), IR (2m) |
| Deterrence |
N/A |
| AI Features |
IVS (Tripwire, Intrusion, Object Abandoned/Missing), Face Detection, Tamper Detection |
| Audio |
Built-in Mic |
| Storage |
Micro SD up to 128GB |
| Power |
12VDC |
| Weather Rating |
N/A (designed for interior vehicle use) |
Extra Info
Starlight Technology for Superior Low Light: This camera features Dahua's Starlight technology, which is crucial for vehicle applications, especially during night shifts or in dimly lit urban environments. Unlike standard cameras that switch to black and white in low light, Starlight allows the DH-IPC-MW4231A-E2 to capture full-color details down to an impressive 0.009 lux. This means that even in conditions where the human eye struggles to see, the camera can still deliver clear, informative color images, which is vital for identifying faces, vehicle details, or objects within the cabin. This capability significantly enhances evidence quality in incidents occurring at night.
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR 120dB) for Challenging Lighting: Vehicles frequently encounter scenes with extreme contrast, such as driving into direct sunlight, entering a tunnel, or passing under bright streetlights at night. The camera's 120dB Wide Dynamic Range technology addresses this by optimizing both the brightest and darkest areas of the scene simultaneously. Instead of having overexposed highlights and underexposed shadows, WDR balances the lighting, ensuring that important details are visible across the entire image. This is particularly beneficial for dash cameras where rapid lighting changes are common, helping to prevent critical information from being lost due.
Intelligent Video Analysis (IVS) for Enhanced Security: Beyond basic motion detection, the DH-IPC-MW4231A-E2 incorporates built-in Intelligent Video Analysis (IVS). This advanced algorithm provides smart functions like Tripwire and Intrusion detection. For example, a virtual tripwire can be set up to alert if someone crosses a specific line within the vehicle's field of view (e.g., entering a restricted area of a commercial vehicle). The camera can also detect abandoned or missing objects, which could be critical for identifying suspicious packages or missing valuables. These IVS features provide proactive alerts, allowing for quicker response to potential security threats or operational issues.
HEVC (H.265) for Efficient Storage and Bandwidth: The implementation of H.265 (High Efficiency Video Coding) is a significant advantage for dash cameras, especially when recording continuously. H.265 offers nearly double the data compression ratio compared to older H.264 technology, without compromising video quality. This means you can store twice as much footage on the same size microSD card or transmit high-resolution video over networks with significantly less bandwidth. For fleet managers, this translates to reduced storage costs, longer recording periods on local storage, and more efficient remote access to live or recorded video streams.
Face Detection for Quick Identification: The integrated face detection feature is particularly useful for applications like ride-sharing or public transport. The camera can automatically detect and capture faces, then upload these images to a server or mark them within the recorded footage. This functionality can assist in quickly identifying passengers, drivers, or individuals involved in incidents, streamlining investigations and enhancing overall security protocols. It provides a targeted approach to recording vital identifying information.
Cybersecurity Protections
Dahua builds in strong cybersecurity protections including encrypted video streams, secure firmware updates, and access controls. This guards against data breaches or unauthorized remote access — a key consideration for business and home networks alike.
More About AcuPick - Smart Video Search with Precision AI
Dahua’s AcuPick technology revolutionises video surveillance by using advanced AI to pinpoint people or vehicles across recorded footage with remarkable speed and accuracy. Instead of scrubbing through hours of video manually, AcuPick enables users to filter footage by specific targets, drastically cutting down search times and boosting operational efficiency. Integrated into a range of Dahua cameras (including TiOC series) and compatible NVRs, AcuPick delivers a seamless and intelligent search experience.
Highlights of AcuPick:
AI-Driven Precision:
AcuPick leverages intelligent algorithms to differentiate between human and vehicle activity, refining search results to what truly matters.
Smart Filtering:
Search footage using key attributes like clothing colour or vehicle type—no need to know the exact time an incident occurred.
Instant Video Recall:
With just a few clicks, users can zero in on critical moments, improving response times and streamlining investigations.
False Alarm Reduction:
By filtering out irrelevant motion, AcuPick helps reduce nuisance alerts, leading to more reliable monitoring.
Flexible Deployment:
Whether through Dahua's smart cameras or NVR integration, AcuPick fits into a wide range of security setups.
Practical Applications:
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Retail & Offices: Track customer flow or monitor for unauthorized access.
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Car Parks & Garages: Instantly retrieve footage of accidents or suspicious activity.
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Public Spaces: Quickly find persons of interest using visual identifiers.
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Residential Estates: Enhance safety by identifying vehicle movements or visitors.
AcuPick transforms surveillance from reactive monitoring to proactive intelligence, saving time while elevating security across the board.
Q&A
Q: Can this camera record in color at night?
A: Yes, thanks to its Starlight Technology, the DH-IPC-MW4231A-E2 can capture detailed color images even in very low-light conditions, down to 0.009 Lux.
Q: How much recording time can I get with a 128GB SD card?
A: Recording time depends on factors like video quality, compression (H.265 is very efficient), and motion activity. With H.265 compression and a 128GB card, you can expect multiple days of continuous recording, or significantly longer if set to record only on motion detection or specific events.
Q: Does this camera have a built-in speaker for two-way audio?
A: No, the camera has a built-in microphone for audio recording, but it does not include a speaker for two-way communication.
Q: Can I access the camera's footage remotely?
A: Yes, if the camera is connected to a network (via the M12 Ethernet port) and integrated with Dahua's management software like Smart PSS, DSS, or the DMSS mobile app, you can view live feeds and access recorded footage remotely.
Q: Is this camera suitable for outdoor use?
A: No, the DH-IPC-MW4231A-E2 is designed specifically as a dash camera for interior vehicle use. It does not have an IP (Ingress Protection) or IK (Vandal Resistance) rating for outdoor environmental protection.
Q: What is the main difference between the front and rear lenses?
A: The front lens has a 2.8mm focal length with a wider horizontal angle of view (114.6˚) suitable for the road ahead, while the rear lens has a 2.1mm focal length with an even wider horizontal angle (133.6˚) to capture more of the vehicle's interior.
Q: Does this camera need a separate recorder (NVR/MVR) to function?
A: While it has an SD card slot for local storage, connecting it to a compatible Mobile Video Recorder (MVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) is recommended for extended recording, centralized management, and advanced features like fleet tracking. It can function standalone with SD card recording for basic needs.
Q: Can the intelligent video analysis (IVS) trigger alerts on my phone?
A: Yes, if the camera is properly configured and connected to the internet through a compatible system (like an MVR/NVR) and you are using the DMSS mobile app, IVS events like intrusion or tripwire violations can generate push notifications to your smartphone.
