EmpireTech Smart 4MP 1/1.8" CMOS Ultra Low Light Starlight+ IR Bullet AI IP Wired Camera 2.7mm-12mm Motorized Lens,Built-in Mic,IVS,Video MetaData,IP67,IK10,IPC-B54IR-ZE S3

Didnt care for this model at first, actually returned it for a better Empire model.

I have used a variety of cameras from many different manufactures and I ca say to date these are the best performing nighttime cameras in this price point. For many years, nighttime cameras were only 2mp to not overwhelm the utilized sensor. These come with a 1/1.8” sensor which allows these 4mp cameras to have stellar nighttime video. These sensors are also used in 4k/8mp cameras as well but then you start overwhelming the sensor which will add noise to your image. This brings me to saying that these offer a well-balanced image during day and night. Again, for this price range this is the best-balanced camera you can purchase if nighttime image quality is a must. Look for the 5442 series and you should not be disappointed. This camera is motorized variable Focus that allows for 4x zoom. Will be keeping an eye out for a 12x if they become available… The first image is at 8am and is currently focused on the plant and people that walk up to the front door. The second image is at 12:21am and again is focused on the plant before I trimmed it and removed the fuchsia that someone placed without letting me know 😊.

I don’t write a lot of reviews on Amazon (probably should start) but as someone that deals with broadcast video as well as security cams, installation, testing of these and associated equipment (NVRs, mounts, ANPR systems etc), I wanted to write this review and share my opinion as I’ve had this camera now in daily operation for at least 3 months. In my opinion, it is absolutely one of the best cameras currently on the market in this price point. The 1/1.8” sensor and SOC pairing of this 2.7mm to 12mm cam is solid and through that delivers a fantastically sharp and vibrant image day & night. This 4MP camera represents the next step up from the legendary 2MP starlight cameras and is one that finally not only measures up to the performance of those BUT moves the bar to a new level. With this camera you don’t just get a solid image, you also get a number of more advanced features as it is part of the Pro Ai range. One feature which is incredibly useful is Object Filtering (People, Vehicle). This cuts down on the number of mis-captures you usually see from leaves, animals etc that you don’t want to have to wade through when reviewing footage for critical captures. You also gain Face Detection which will not only attempt to capture optimized facial images but tag metadata as well such as facial attributes. These AI features work seamlessly with AI NVRs as well, passing the metadata captures back for search functions etc. I’ve personally put this camera through its paces in a number of capture scenarios and install locations (some that are unforgiving for cameras such as extreme low light, poor angle etc) and highly recommend it. Even in extreme low light, noise (although present) is kept to a minimum while preserving image quality. This has also been improved over recent firmware updates. Key here is also dialing in the image correctly (reduce gamma by -5 along with other adjustments based on your install) and you will be very pleased with the end result. Color leans towards red when using AWB but you can adjust for this in camera. I also want to point out that the RAM/ROM in this cam also allows it to perform all functions quickly and ensures the camera is responsive even if you are processing multiple streams out, incredibly useful in situations where you are using platforms such as OpenALPR. Speaking of OpenALPR, this camera also comes in a Z4 variant if you need a little longer focal length (8mm to 32mm) as well. The seller can also assist with that model. Passing streams from the camera listed here or the Z4 will absolutely give you recognition captures once you setup the install, dial in the image and adjust for lighting. Definitely one of the cams I would recommend if you are in the market for LPR purposes and can make the focal length work. If not then other solid options such as the 5241 (5231 replacement) with the Z12 (64mm equivalent) in the Pro AI range are definitely worth checking out as well. Now onto the seller. They are absolutely one that you can trust and on top of that have integrity. They stand behind their business and the equipment they sell. After personally purchasing many pieces of kit through them, I would not only highly recommend them for this camera but reach out to them if you have other needs for cams, NVRs etc that they may not have posted here. They are also incredibly responsive so if you do come across any issues even if its firmware based rather than hardware, you are in good hands with someone that cares about the customer experience, something that I value very highly Now, with all of that said, one final caveat. Remember these are pro level cameras, not plug and play, not wifi, not 1 button setup and certainly not webcams. You will need a knowledge of IP networking, have an understanding of POE requirements, storage solutions for CCTV (Blue Iris, NVR, SD card, NAS etc) and be ready to plan your install location (height, angle, distance to target, choke points etc). This is critical to any business, residential or corporate installation but I mention it as many people gloss over it and it is fundamental when selecting specs, equipment and in dialing in the image to ensure optimum capture for the desired end results. Just remember there are resources out there to assist if you need help with the above but don’t write off these cameras without doing your homework.

I received a lemon ... did nothing when power applied via POE. Camera returned, verbal confirmation of refund .. but no refund.

This is the one you want, unless you prefer fixed focus. Pros: * 30 fps, no blur * 520 kB/s full-res data rate * Wide angle when zoomed-out * Wide zoom range (zoom in on details without pixelization) * Wide dynamic range (Unbelievable image quality in super low light) * Quick/easy setup (e.g. no IE plugins required, default TCP port usage) Cons: * Zoom/re-focus is kind of slow (but always settles on perfect auto-focus) * I haven't gotten the camera's microphone/audio feed to work (is it supposed to?) * Every camera defaults to the same static IP address (better change it or use DHCP!) In my attached example photo (from Blue Iris 5), the left camera is this one and the right camera is a Vivotek 8332 with an external IR light source, pointing at the same drive way full of cars at the exact same time of night (super dark out). There is no comparison! I added a B&W/Infrared comparison as well, but I just record color, day and night. A full screen capture shot is included too. This camera is incredible!

I've had these cameras for a few years now. Still working great. Local police came asking for video to solve a crime and liked the daytime and night time video quality. The area of concern for them was 50 yards from camera and was a great help.

I have many of these cameras and had never had a problem until the latest round of upgrades. You may run into a problem logging in with MS Edge to do the setup but it does work with Chrome.

Bought 2 of these, both were a nightmare to set up with our NVR. Terrible at capturing license plates unless the lighting is perfect and the vehicle is completely stationary. Save yourself the money, time, and headache, buy something else.