What 12mm camera (or bigger zoom) for Lorex NVR

[ride525 0]

I recently purchased the Lorex 382 NVR with 4 cameras (4mm) from Costco for $799. I successfully set it up using a POE injector and switch for the four cameras then hooking that switch up to my home network, as well as the Lorex 382 NVR to the home network.

 

But I would like to hook up a couple of 12 mm (or better zoon) cameras, and be able to see license plates . I found this Hikvision 12mm, will it work?

http://wrightwoodsurveillance.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1_91&products_id=278

 

Other suggestions?

 

Thanks,

 

Jeff

Edited May 7, 2014 by Guest

[JoeyJoey 0]

Other suggestions?

 

I have that same 12mm Hikvision camera, it works well, but.... now there is the whole English not working on new firmware updates issue.

So I advise against it unless you want the hassle of editing binary files on each update.

 

This one can be adjusted and is in English on all firmware updates. I would get this one and flash it to the latest hikvision firmware, which will be in English.

http://www.costco.com/Swann-HD-1080p-3MP-IP-Vari-Focal-Add-on-Bullet-Camera.product.100089466.html

[ride525 0]

Other suggestions?

 

I have that same 12mm Hikvision camera, it works well, but.... now there is the whole English not working on new firmware updates issue.

So I advise against it unless you want the hassle of editing binary files on each update.

 

This one can be adjusted and is in English on all firmware updates. I would get this one and flash it to the latest hikvision firmware, which will be in English.

http://www.costco.com/Swann-HD-1080p-3MP-IP-Vari-Focal-Add-on-Bullet-Camera.product.100089466.html

 

Thanks for your response. I hadn't realized there was an issue with English not working on firmware updates. I thought that that there was dropdown menu in English.

 

I had considered the Swann camera at Costco. Advantage, it's easy to return.

Disadvantages:

It's a lot bigger and bulkier than the fixed focus bullet, twice as long and over twice the weight.

They one review on Costco says it's hard to get and keep in focus.

The fixed focus camera should be a bit sharper.

The variable focus camera costs more.

[ride525 0]

Or what if I just did not update the Hikvision 12mm camera? Or waited to update until safe?

[JoeyJoey 0]

Or what if I just did not update the Hikvision 12mm camera? Or waited to update until safe?

 

Depends, but I haven't been happy with the different components are on different versions of the activex web plug in.

 

They might never get the language issue sorted out, might be intentional, who knows.

 

The Swann adjustable camera is more capable, can also store data on an internal uCD card for additional redundancy.

It will take time to get the focus right.

[buellwinkle 0]

Those cameras are in English. The issue of cameras in Chinese that I posted a fix for comes from people buying direct from China.

 

Here's some pics from the 12mm bullet -

 

 

[ride525 0]

Those cameras are in English. The issue of cameras in Chinese that I posted a fix for comes from people buying direct from China.

 

Thanks buellwinkle. I actually came across the 12mm camera first from your great review at networkcammeracritic.com .

 

So, if I understand you correctly, if I purchase a camera from Wrightwood Surveillance in the US, even though it's a China Region camera, I won't have the problem with the English menus disappearing?

 

Could you explain why this is, how a China Region camera purchased in China has language problems, while the China Region camera purchased in the US does not?

 

EDIT: Actually the cameras are coming to Wrightwood with Chinese menus only. Wrightwood has to change them be English, which I assume means going back to previous firmware.

 

If I buy a camera from Wrightwood, will I be able to update the firmware for English menus? Or am I stuck at English menus for firmware that Wrightwood ships?

 

And will I be likely able to use the Hikvision camera on my Lorex NVR?

 

Thanks for your thoughts.

Edited May 7, 2014 by Guest

[ride525 0]

Edited above post with contents of this post. Sorry, I could not delete this post.

[buellwinkle 0]

Don't ask me why, but some models come in English some Chinese. So the 4mm for example is all English and uses English firmware, for now, the 6mm & 12mm use China firmware, but converted to English for you. Some resellers are putting 5.1 to get around this. Applying new firmware, even English firmware would show in Chinese in 5.1.2 on the 6mm & 12mm versions. In prior version this has not been an issue and it's impossible to say about future versions.

 

Please note that there new bugs introduced in each firmware release and for example, there are people that bought cameras with 5.1.2 firmware but have downgraded to 5.0.2 for example for Mac compatibility as it works but is awful in 5.1 or 5.1.2. Most of my Hikvision cameras, English, Chinese, USA versions are running 5.0.2. Having the latest firmware doesn't always work out for the best. I just replaced a camera that got hit by lightning that had 5 year old firmware, no problems.

 

The 6mm and 12mm is available from Hikvision USA, but besides the higher cost, they are not available to consumers, meaning I have to buy them as an SI at ADI or Tried. If I get caught reselling the cameras, their process is to immediately void the warranty, the policy is on their website with a long list of resellers that they do this with. So be ready to show a receipt from an authorized distributor for warranty, not a reseller. For example, I had an issue with one camera, and I had to show I got them from ADI which I did. This is part of their effort to stop resellers, crazy huh!

[MaxIcon 0]

These cams can all be updated to English firmware with TFTP, right? That seems easier than the patched file update.

 

I'm finding it hard to follow all these variations!

[buellwinkle 0]

Yes and no. The only difference between English and China software is a flag. Someone went in with a hex editor and it was 3 bytes difference. When you load firmware via the browser, it uses this to validate it's valid for that camera or you get a language mismatch error but otherwise it's identical.

 

You can use TFTP to force the wrong language firmware, but it has no effect on how the camera works so if it was Chinese it will stay that way. .

[JoeyJoey 0]

So, if you know your way around these cameras, modifying files to make them English, you'll be ok. Personally I would avoid known problems if I can help it.

 

I know this is affecting businesses, which could be their intention.

[ride525 0]

Ordered 12mm Hikvision camera today. Will report back after I receive it.

 

Thanks to all for your help and thoughts.

[JoeyJoey 0]

I use the same camera on the Lorex NVR that I have, works great.

[ride525 0]

I use the same camera on the Lorex NVR that I have, works great.

 

Joey, could you describe anything special you did in the setup, or did the Lorex just find the camera fine?

 

Thanks!

 

Jeff