This Dahua Lite series camera is designed to provide clear and dependable video surveillance for homes and businesses. It captures high-definition footage, even in low light, and is built to withstand various weather conditions. It's a practical choice for anyone looking for a straightforward security solution that offers smart detection features without unnecessary complexity.
Features
-
Sharp 5MP Resolution: Get clear and detailed images, making it easier to identify important details in your surveillance footage.
-
Excellent Low-Light Performance: The camera utilizes Starlight technology to deliver bright, colorful video even in dimly lit environments.
-
Efficient Video Storage: With Smart H.265+ encoding, the camera optimizes video compression, saving you bandwidth and storage space while maintaining high quality.
-
Weatherproof Durability: An IP67 rating ensures the camera is protected against dust and water, making it suitable for outdoor installation in various climates.
-
Built-in Microphone: Capture audio along with video, providing a more complete picture of events and enhancing situational awareness.
-
Intelligent Detection: Features like tripwire and intrusion detection can alert you to specific activities within defined areas, helping you monitor key zones effectively.
-
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): Enjoy clear images even in challenging lighting conditions with strong contrasts, like bright backlights or dark shadows.
-
Flexible Storage Options: Supports up to a 256 GB Micro SD card for local storage, and can also store footage to Dahua Cloud, FTP, or NAS.
Perfect For:
- Small business entrances
- Home driveways and yards
- Garage monitoring
- Backyard security
- Perimeter surveillance
- Small office spaces
Installer Tips
-
Optimal Mounting Height: For best performance of face detection and people counting, install the camera at a height that provides a clear, unobstructed view of the target area, ideally where faces are clearly visible and people are not too clustered.
-
Leverage ePoE: Utilize the ePoE feature for installations requiring longer cable runs than standard PoE allows, saving on the need for additional power outlets or repeaters.
-
Lens Adjustment for Specific Views: The 2.7mm–12mm vari-focal lens allows you to adjust the field of view. Use the wider angle (2.7mm) for broad overview shots and the telephoto end (12mm) for more focused, detailed surveillance of specific points.
-
Pair with Compatible NVRs: For advanced intelligent search and event management features, integrate this camera with a Dahua Smart NVR. This unlocks capabilities like refining intelligent searches and merging event videos.
-
Consider Data Reporting: When using people counting features, work with a compatible management platform to generate daily, monthly, and yearly reports, which can be invaluable for operational analysis.
-
Strategic Alarm Setup: Connect external alarm devices (e.g., sirens, lights) to the camera's alarm output ports and configure intelligent alarms (e.g., perimeter protection) to trigger these devices for immediate alerts.
Downloads
Quick-Read Specs
| Feature |
Detail |
| Resolution |
5MP (2592 × 1944) @20 fps, 2688 × 1520 @25/30 fps |
| Lens Options |
2.8 mm, 3.6 mm |
| Night Vision |
IR LED, up to 30 m (98.43 ft) range |
| Deterrence |
None |
| AI Features |
Tripwire, Intrusion |
| Audio |
Built-in Mic |
| Storage |
Micro SD card (up to 256 GB) |
| Power |
12V DC / PoE (802.3af) |
| Weather Rating |
IP67 |
Extra Info
Smart H.265+ & Smart H.264+ Encoding
This camera leverages Dahua's advanced smart encoding technology, which goes beyond standard H.265 and H.264 compression. By employing a scene-adaptive rate control algorithm, it intelligently optimizes the video stream. In practical terms, this means the camera analyzes the scene and adjusts the compression ratio dynamically, allocating more bits to areas with motion or detail and fewer to static backgrounds. The result is a significant reduction in file size (up to 70-80% compared to standard H.264) without compromising video quality. For users, this translates directly to lower bandwidth consumption for live viewing and remote access, and substantially less storage space required for recordings, leading to longer retention periods on an SD card or NVR. It's a game-changer for cost-effective, high-definition surveillance.
WDR (Wide Dynamic Range)
The 120 dB WDR feature is crucial for environments with challenging lighting. Imagine a camera pointed towards a bright window or a doorway where the outdoor light is much stronger than the indoor light. Without WDR, either the outdoor area would be completely washed out, or the indoor area would be too dark to see any details. The camera's WDR technology captures multiple exposures of the same scene and then intelligently combines them into a single, perfectly exposed image. This ensures that both the brightest highlights and the darkest shadows in your video retain clear details, providing a balanced and usable image regardless of extreme contrast, which is common in entrances, loading docks, or areas with strong backlighting.
Starlight Technology
Dahua's Starlight technology is specifically designed for low-light scenarios, far exceeding the capabilities of standard night vision. While traditional cameras switch to black and white in low light, Starlight allows this camera to produce a clear, colorful image even in environments with minimal illumination (as low as 0.008 Lux @ F1.6). This means that crucial details like vehicle colors, clothing, or facial features that might be indistinguishable in black and white footage can still be seen clearly. This is particularly beneficial for after-hours monitoring of retail spaces, common areas, or any location where visual identification is critical, even when it's nearly dark outside.
IVS (Intelligent Video System)
The IVS features, specifically tripwire and intrusion detection, transform this camera from a simple recording device into a proactive security tool. Tripwire allows you to draw a virtual line in the camera's field of view; if a person or object crosses this line in a specified direction, an alarm is triggered. Intrusion detection enables you to define a virtual area, and an alarm sounds if an object enters or exits that area. These intelligent functions help minimize false alarms caused by minor environmental changes and instead focus on actual security events, sending instant notifications to your mobile phone or NVR, allowing for a much more efficient and responsive security system.
Protection (IP67, Wide Voltage)
The IP67 protection rating signifies that this camera is built for the elements. It means the camera's enclosure is completely sealed against dust ingress and can withstand immersion in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes without damage. This makes it ideal for outdoor installations in diverse climates, resisting heavy rain, snow, and even temporary flooding. Coupled with the wide voltage input tolerance (±30%), the camera can handle fluctuations in power supply without issue, making it highly reliable in outdoor environments where voltage might not always be stable, ensuring continuous operation and longevity.
Q&A
Can this record in color at night?
Yes, thanks to its Starlight technology, this camera can provide clear, colorful video even in very low-light conditions, where traditional cameras would typically switch to black and white.
Does it have a speaker for two-way audio?
No, this model only has a built-in microphone for audio input. It does not have a speaker for two-way communication.
Can the IR lights be disabled?
Yes, the Illuminator On/Off Control can be set to Auto or Manual, giving you control over when the IR LEDs are active.
Does it work with NVRs from other brands?
Yes, the camera supports ONVIF (Profile S/Profile G/Profile T), which means it can be integrated with most NVRs and surveillance software from other manufacturers that also adhere to the ONVIF standard.
How long does the SD card recording last?
The recording duration depends on the Micro SD card capacity (up to 256 GB), the resolution and frame rate settings, and the amount of motion in the recorded scene. With Smart H.265+ compression, you'll get significantly more recording time compared to older compression methods.
What's the main difference from a "Pro" version camera?
The "Lite" series, like this model, focuses on essential, high-performance features for reliable surveillance. "Pro" series cameras often include more advanced AI features (like human/vehicle detection, facial recognition), more robust casing, or additional functionalities like alarm I/O, which may not be necessary for every application.
Will the intelligent detection (tripwire/intrusion) activate an audible alarm?
The camera itself does not have a built-in siren. When an intelligent detection event (tripwire or intrusion) occurs, it will trigger an alarm event that can send notifications to your mobile phone, management software, or trigger recordings on an NVR. An external alarm device would be needed for audible alerts.
Is it difficult to set up the smart features like tripwire?
Setting up features like tripwire and intrusion is done through the camera's web interface or compatible management software (like Smart PSS). It involves drawing virtual lines or areas, which is generally straightforward, but may require some basic networking knowledge for initial setup.
Camera Model Comparison
Dahua Lite Series: DH-IPC-HDW2531EM-AS-S2 vs. DH-IPC-HDW2531EM-AS-S1
| Category |
Newer Model (DH-IPC-HDW2531EM-AS-S2) |
Older Model (DH-IPC-HDW2531EM-AS-S1) |
| Series Overview |
With upgraded H.265 encoding technology, Dahua Lite series camera has efficient video encoding capacity, saving bandwidth and storage space. Adopts the latest starlight technology for better colorful image in low illumination. Supports SD card storage, IP67 waterproof/dust-proof. |
Similar Lite series features, likely with earlier H.265 implementation. Adopts starlight technology. Supports SD card storage, IP67 waterproof/dust-proof. |
| Image Sensor |
1/2.7” 5Megapixel progressive CMOS |
1/2.7” 5Megapixel progressive CMOS |
| Max. Resolution & Frame Rate |
Outputs max. 5MP (2592 × 1944) @20 fps, and supports 2688 × 1520 @25/30 fps
|
Outputs max. 5MP (2592 × 1944) @20 fps, and supports 2688 × 1520 @25/30 fps
|
| Video Compression |
H.265; H.264; H.264B; MJPEG (sub stream only). Smart H.265+/ Smart H.264+
|
H.265; H.264; H.264B; MJPEG. Smart Codec (H.265+/H.264+)
|
| Min. Illumination |
0.008 Lux @ F1.6 |
0.008 Lux @ F1.6 |
| Illumination Type/Range |
Built-in IR LED, max IR distance: 30 m (98.43 ft). 2 IR LEDs. |
Built-in IR LED, max IR distance: 30 m (98.43 ft). 2 IR LEDs. |
| WDR |
120 dB |
120 dB |
| AI Features (IVS) |
Intelligent detection: Intrusion, tripwire. Abnormality detection: Motion detection, video tampering, no SD card, SD card full, SD card error, network disconnected, IP conflict, illegal access, voltage detection. |
Intelligent detection: Tripwire; intrusion. Abnormality detection: Motion detection, video tampering, scene changing, audio detection, no SD card, SD card full, SD card error, network disconnection, IP conflict, illegal access, voltage detection. |
| Audio |
Built-in MIC. Audio Compression: G.711A; G.711Mu; G.726; AAC
|
Built-in MIC. Audio Compression: G.711A; G.711Mu; G.726 |
| Storage |
Supports max. 256 GB Micro SD card. Dahua Cloud; FTP; SFTP; NAS. |
Supports max. 256 GB Micro SD card. FTP; Micro SD card; NAS; SFTP. |
| Physical Attributes (Dimensions) |
93.6 mm × Φ106 mm (3.7" × Φ4.2") |
99.1 mm × Φ121.9 mm (3.9" × Φ4.8") |
| Power Consumption |
< 7.2W |
< 7.2W |
| Protection Grade |
IP67 |
IP67 |
| DORI Distances (2.8mm Lens) |
Detect: 56 m; Observe: 22.4 m; Recognize: 11.2 m; Identify: 5.6 m |
Detect: 56 m; Observe: 22.4 m; Recognize: 11.2 m; Identify: 5.6 m |
Summary Recommendation
-
Choose the Newer Model (DH-IPC-HDW2531EM-AS-S2) if:
- You require the AAC audio compression for potentially better audio quality or compatibility.
- You prefer a slightly more compact design, as the S2 model has smaller dimensions.
- You are building a new system or upgrading and want the latest iteration of the Lite series, ensuring the most up-to-date encoding and features available in this specific line.
-
The Older Model (DH-IPC-HDW2531EM-AS-S1) might still be suitable if:
- You are looking for a more cost-effective option, as older models are often discounted.
- The subtle differences in audio compression and physical dimensions are not critical for your specific application.
- You are expanding an existing system that already uses S1 models and prefer consistency in models.
- The core features like 5MP resolution, Starlight, WDR, 30m IR, and basic IVS are sufficient for your needs.
