Dahua IPC-HFW5659T1-ASE-PV-0280B-PRO IP camera 6 MP, 2.8 mm, IR 80 m, speaker

The 1/1.8-inch CMOS sensor is noticeably larger than the usual 1/2.7-inch one, and the F1.0 aperture lets a great deal of light reach it. The manufacturer calls this WizColor: the image stays in colour when other cameras switch to black and white. Minimum illumination is 0.0001 lx and WDR reaches 130 dB, which evens out even strong backlight.

The 3072 × 2048 resolution has a 3:2 aspect ratio, so the frame shows more vertically than a standard 16:9 camera: a person at the door is visible from head to toe. The camera records at up to 30 frames per second, and the 2.8 mm lens covers 109° horizontally, 59° vertically and 131° diagonally.

The built-in illuminator combines infrared with a range of up to 80 m and warm light reaching up to 60 m, according to the manufacturer. Infrared gives a discreet black-and-white image of a large area, while warm light provides colour closer in and signals that the area is being watched. Smart IR prevents nearby objects from being overexposed.

As a WizMind series camera, it runs Xinghan vision models. According to the manufacturer, AI Rule Assist creates accurate IVS rules automatically, which simplifies setup. Intrusion, tripwire, human and vehicle classification, people counting and heat maps are supported, and the manufacturer also lists face detection, AcuPick and video metadata. Recording goes to a microSD card of up to 1 TB or to NAS.

With two microphones and a built-in speaker, you can talk to people through the camera, for example to warn an intruder or guide a courier. RCA audio in and out, alarm in and out and an RS-485 interface let you connect additional devices. A 12 V output of up to 165 mA can power a small accessory directly from the camera.

The camera is powered over PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) and also supports ePoE and 12 V DC. Typical consumption is 4.1 W and the maximum is 21.6 W. The metal and plastic housing is rated IP67 and IK10, operates from −40 to 60 °C, weighs 1.09 kg and measures 288.4 × 94.4 × 84.7 mm. It mounts on a ceiling, wall or pole.

Businesses, shopping centre car parks, industrial sites and private houses that need colour images at night and a way to speak to an intruder right away. The wide lens covers an entrance or yard, the IK10 housing resists vandalism, and people counting and heat maps add value for retail.