Dahua HAC-HF3231E - 2MP 1080p Starlight HDCVI Analogue Box CCTV Camera

The Dahua HAC-HF3231E - 2MP Starlight HDCVI Box Camera is part of Dahua’s HDCVI range — cameras that send high-definition video down standard coaxial cable rather than network cable.

Also listed as DH-HAC-HF3231E.

Key features

• 2MP 1080p HDCVI analogue CCTV camera with Starlight low light performance.
• Wide dynamic range camera: 120dB true WDR and 3DNR.
• HD and SD dual output on BNC, for use with an HDCVI recorder.
• C/CS lens mount: a C mount camera body that takes a separate lens, and needs a housing for outdoor use.

Technical specification

Need a complete outdoor camera instead? The HAC-HFW3231E-Z12 is a 2MP Starlight HDCVI IR bullet from the same 3231 series.

Who is HDCVI for?

If a property already has coax from an older analogue CCTV system, HDCVI lets you upgrade the picture without rewiring. The same RG59 that carried a grainy analogue image will carry 2MP, 4MP or 5MP HD video once you change the cameras and the recorder. For a shop, a pub, an office or a house that was cabled years ago, that is the difference between a weekend job and a full re-cable.

It is also the simpler option where long runs are involved: coax will carry video several hundred metres without the 100m limit that applies to network cable, and there is no switch or IP addressing to configure. Point-to-point, camera to recorder, and it works.

What you will need

• A Dahua XVR recorder. HDCVI cameras need an HDCVI-capable recorder. Dahua’s Penta-brid XVRs accept HDCVI, AHD, TVI, CVBS analogue and IP on the same box, so you can mix old and new cameras while you upgrade in stages.
• RG59 coax and 12V power to each camera. Pre-made shotgun cable carries both in one run and is the quickest way to install.
• A multi-way 12V power supply if you are running several cameras — the recorder does not power them, unlike PoE on an IP system.
• A surveillance-grade hard drive in the recorder, sized for how many days of footage you need to keep.

HDCVI or IP?

Choose HDCVI when coax already exists, when runs are very long, or when you want the simplest possible system. Choose IP when you are cabling from scratch, want the highest resolutions, or want a single cable per camera carrying both power and video. Both record locally with no subscription.

Frequently asked questions

Will this work with my existing recorder?

Only if the recorder supports HDCVI. Most Dahua XVRs auto-detect the camera type per channel. Tell us your recorder model and we will confirm.

Can I mix it with my old analogue cameras?

Yes — a Penta-brid XVR takes analogue and HD cameras on different channels at the same time, so you can replace cameras gradually.

Do I need to run new cable?

Usually not. If the existing coax is sound, it will carry the HD signal.

Browse the full Dahua range, all HD analogue cameras or DVRs and XVRs. Need help choosing? Contact us, call 01902 902251, or visit the Wolverhampton trade counter.