This IPC-PFW8601-A180 Dahua Multi 180-degree Panoramic Network IR Bullet Camera provides added flexibility for capturing wide area video surveillance.
With real-time image splicing technology, the camera has three 2MP sensors working in tandem to create a comprehensive 180-degree view. This camera replaces multiple single-sensor cameras to lower the cost of installation, storage, and maintenance.
Review: Dahua Panoramic Bullet IP Camera
The camera comes in the white Dahua logo box, and it includes the mounting screws, template map, screwdriver, and guide-book. No mounting bracket comes with the camera. However, Dahua offers many solutions regarding the brackets: pole mounting bracket, corner mounting bracket, and junctions box.
The main features:
- Three 1/2.8” 2Megapixel progressive scan STARVIS. CMOS
- H.265/H.264 triple-stream encoding
- Max 25/30fps@4096×832
- Support 180-degree panoramic view
- Day/Night(ICR), 3DNR, AWB, AGC, BLC, WDR
- Smart detection
- Intelligent Function
- Max. IR LEDs length of 30m
- Micro SD memory, IP67, IK10, PoE+
- The spec sheet from the manufacturer.
Installation
The camera feels heavy (7.5 lb / 3.5 kg) and mounting it may be a little bit tricky. My recommendation is to use a mounting bracket like a junction box, this may you can hide the pigtail and the installation will look clean.
There are three 2 Megapixels cameras connecting together in this panoramic camera achieving 180-degree coverage. This means that if the camera is no mounted properly you’ll see “stitches” where the three images from the three built-in cameras are attached together.
The manufacturer’s suggestion is to mount the camera at least 12 feet high. At that height, the stitches will disappear and the picture will look smooth.
The camera supports a MicroSD card up to 128GB. To access the slot you need to unscrew the cover in the back of the camera. The card needs to be formatted on the camera’s settings, otherwise, it won’t record.
With an operating ambient temperature range of -40 °C to +60 °C, IP67, and IK10 rating, this camera suits almost any outdoor applications including open and expansive areas like borders, coastlines, highway, square, and stadium. Note: the camera will get hot, but according to the manufacturer that should be considered normal.
Supporting ±25% input voltage tolerance, this camera suits even the most unstable conditions for outdoor applications. Its 6KV lightning rating provides effective protection for both the camera and its structure against lightning.
IP67 is supported by the camera, which makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. IK10 compliance enables the camera to sustain the equivalent of 55 kg (120lbs) force.
Environmental Standard Dahua camera can function from -30°C to +60°C(-22 °F to +140 °F) with 95% humility, meanwhile some models support heater module optional which allows the camera to function from -40°Cto +60°C (-40 °F to +140 °F). With a temperature range of -40 °C to +60 °C, the camera is designed for extreme temperature environments.
Configuration
As with other Dahua cameras, you need to install the Configuration Tool in order to detect and modify the IP of the camera (the software will scan your network and list the IP camera’s address there). The IP of the camera should match the IP of your network. This way the camera is accessible via web browser. The default IP on the camera is 192.168.0.108.
On the Encode section of the camera settings, you can modify the resolution, bitrate, frames per second, etc. The max resolution of this camera is 4096x832px. The image on the screen will be elongated with black bars on the top and bottom and offer 180-degree coverage.
Make sure to get a Network Video Recorder that supports this camera (in the unsupported versions the image will be stretched to fill up the whole screen).
The Smart H.265+ encoding technology includes a scene adaptive encoding strategy, dynamic GOP, dynamic ROI, flexible multi-frame reference structure, and intelligent noise reduction, providing a saving of up to 70% of bandwidth and storage when compared with standard H.265.
Adjustments can be made to each sensor on contrast and brightness to achieve a crystal-clear panorama view. The multi-lens camera supports day/night mechanical IR cut filter and true WDR (120dB) which make it ideal for applications in fluctuating lighting conditions In addition, this camera deploys Dahua Starlight Technology to deliver usable video with minimal ambient light.
The camera is equipped with a built-in intelligent video analytic algorithm, which can realize functions like Tripwire, Intrusion, Abandoned object, Missing object, to quickly and accurately respond to events in a specific area.
At the same time, the camera features face detection and intelligent tamper detection, which means more efficient security surveillance.
Other features include Audio Detection (if there’s a mic hooked up to the camera) to trigger the camera when environmental audio is detected, Face Detection (in my opinion not very reliable since the people’s faces need to be very close to the camera), Heat Map (will map the areas with more movement), People Counting, etc.
Daytime and Nighttime picture quality
The array of the three cameras offers a 180-degree view and judging by the video below the pictures looks good. This camera is perfect for parking lots, or for buildings that require a 180-degree view on each side of them.
The manufacturer on the installation documentation recommends the camera to be mounted at least 12 feet high in order to eliminate the stitches between the three cameras (where each individual picture gets attached to the rest). The WDR features can be used when necessary.
The camera has Smart IR technology which can adjust the intensity of the camera’s infrared LEDs to compensate for the distance of an object. Smart IR technology prevents IR LEDs from whitening out images as they come closer to the camera.
On the spec sheet, the max IR LED distance is up to 30 meters (96 feet). As you can see on the demo below, the picture during the nighttime is not that bad.
Conclusion
This Dahua panoramic IP camera is very expensive and is generally used on commercial installations. The three built-in cameras offer an amazing 180-degree view, perfect for parking lots, hospitals, shopping malls, or other commercial spaces that require to have a full 180-degree view on their promises.
The 6 MP resolution of all the three cameras combined will deliver a relatively clear and sharp image, enabling you to track continuously on the picture the movement of the people, cars, or other subjects. Keep in mind to follow the instructions listed by the manufacturer for proper installation.
Overall this Dahua IPC-PFW8601-A180 panoramic camera is a good choice for certain solutions that require a 180-degree view.
