NiToNi

Thanks for your input which is much appreciated. Well I am in the UK so 500ppm makes sense for me. Using the formula: radius = horizontal rez x 11.46 / viewing angle; where 11.46 is rounded from (36 / pi) the distance from the camera at which the pixel density is 500ppm at 90 degrees viewing angle is in each case: 4526: 1920 x 11.46 / 90 = 244 cm = 96" 4535: 2048 x 11.46 / 90 = 261 cm = 103" 4585: 4096 x 11.46 / 90 = 522 cm = 205" based on that, the 4585 is the only one giving me compliant coverage of most of my garden, including a shed with bikes at the far end. So resolution is important but so is also low-light capability. I do agree though that FPS may not be an important factor in this application. I prefer to use one 4-series camera over four 2-series cameras if I can for simplicity. Running cables is a pain and I don't want to come across as completely paranoid to neighbours and friends I went with the DF 4526 for now but will probably get a 4585 after summer. If I am not happy with it for the garden, I'll use it on my smaller terrace instead. A disadvantage of the 4585 is that it is still H.264 only, making it a BW hog, whereas the next 4K gen will probably have H.265. Price differs of course between the two models. I got the 4526 for $395 whereas the 4585 would be $655, in both cases including bank charges and delivery by DHL. For comparison, the cheapest I've seen the 2742 for on Aliexpress is $299 so not that much cheaper: http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Free-shipping-hikvision-english-version-DS-2CD2742FWD-IS-Audio-4MP-WDR-Vari-focal-Dome-Network-Camera/1152139_32373484891.html

I am choosing between these three models: 4526: http://overseas.hikvision.com//uploadfile/image/20150413111741603.PDF 4535: http://overseas.hikvision.com//uploadfile/image/20150417022147307.PDF 4585: http://overseas.hikvision.com//uploadfile/image/20150422082615905.PDF The camera will cover my back garden, 20 x 20 ft, 90 degree view from a corner. There is no direct lighting but it is far from pitch black as it has some indirect light spill from a few far-away street lights. The way I see it, it's a trade-off between low-light performance and resolution. It would have been nice to have the high-pixel density of the 4585 in order to meet ID requirements (500px/m) up to 16 ft. On the other hand I suppose the Darkfighter's performance would be superior at night, but by how much, and enough to go for 2MP only. High FPS is another bonus with the 4526. Perhaps the 4535 is the golden compromise with respect to these parameters with a motorized lens to boot? 4585: High resolution, medium light sensitivity, no true WDR, low FPS; or 4535: Medium resolution, medium light sensitivity, true WDR, medium FPS; or 4526: Low resolution, high light sensitivity, true WDR, high FPS. What do you guys think?

Sorry, typo. Meant DS-9616NI-H8. Latest gen, can do 16 channels of 8MP in and 3840x2160/30p out via HDMI.

Hikvision DS-9616NI-N8...? Thanks for your Orwellian concerns about my kids.... who happen to be 3, 2 and 0 years old, so this would be instead of the crappy Angelcare baby cams that we currently have to monitor them if we sit outside etc. I've told my wife, who's pushing for an IP can solution (Dropcams, like all her girlfriends, but I resist) , that they've got to go when they get older. But again, thanks for your concern... :rolleyes

Well, I have been in dialogue over the last couple of days with Shenzhen DSD Technology Co., Ltd (http://www.dsdcctv.com) that markets itself on Alibaba: http://dsdsecurity.en.alibaba.com/product/60240658245-219231951/Hikvision_ip_camera_2015_new_released_cameras_DS_2CD4A85F_IZ_H_S_.html ; and have received the following quotes: (i) DS-2CD4585F-IZ with 2.8-12mm motorized varifocal lens, price is $565. (ii) DS-2CD4585F-I, 4K smart IR IP dome camera, support PoE, max 40M IR, built in 2.8-12mm varifocal lens, price is $485. (iii) DS-2CD2432F-IW, 3MP IR cube WIFI IP camera, with 4mm lens default, price is $125. Shipping is not included and they have yet to provide me with a quote for this (calculated depending on order size), however since they promise fast delivery (3-5 business days after payment) I would assume they would use one of the global express couriers which drives the price up (est. $50-75 perhaps plus VAT & duty). I had asked for a quote also for the 2432, not only because I am in the market for three of these too (for the kids' bedrooms) but also so I could better benchmark their pricing in general against other sellers. The cheapest I have found this camera from other sellers on Aliexpress with good feedback is $115 but then with free shipping, probably by airmail using EMS, Hong Kong or Singapore Post or similar (slower but more likely to go through customs without any extra import charges than DHL, FedEx, UPS etc). Re firmware, they have said that the DS-2CD2432F-IW comes with English v5.2.5 and can be continuously upgraded with official firmwares from Hikvision's EU & US website), while I am still waiting to hear back from them on the DS-2CD4585F-IZ as their engineer is currently in the process of testing out this new model. As long as it is in English, that's good enough for me. "English" hex hard coded flag would just be a bonus AFAIAC. I will most likely place an order with these guys (with whom I have zero affiliation btw) but if you are not comfortable in doing the same, it should only be a matter of time before these start popping up on Aliexpress and eBay soon at competitive prices similar to those above. Unfortunately $327 was a bit too optimistic, especially for the motorized -Z model with distortion correction, but I'm sure they can be found cheaper locally in China still than what I've been quoted for export.

Yes, that's what I'm saying. No I have not idea, but I know I will be all over them once they are available

Here is another example from a more-known shopping site: http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.0.0.4qnN2v&id=44906942673&ns=1#detail Looks like the real deal to me. A little bit more expensive at CNY 2,400 but if anything prices should come under pressure once supply picks up and it becomes available on ebay, aliexpress, dealextreme etc. And at 3.5x more expensive than the equivalent 3MP, the price makes sense too: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/HIKVISION-DS-2CD2732F-IS-New-High-Quality-varifocal-lense-3MP-IR-dome-security-network-ip-cameras/32311601560.html

Is that this one? : http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Free-shipping-TS-2CD2052-I-cheapest-outdoor-waterproof-5-0-MP-15fps-onvif-ip-camera-support/32273953711.html

The DS-2CD4585F-IZ is selling for CNY 2,025 in China which is like USD 327. http://translate.googleusercontent.com/translate_c?depth=1&hl=en&prev=search&rurl=translate.google.co.uk&sl=zh-CN&u=http://www.xiawu.com/bz.php%3Fid%3D44824526687%26t%3D42&usg=ALkJrhjOrC0Fug47zbNXtNEb1D1haqEptQ