Dahua IP Camera Buying Guide
Pick the right Dahua IP camera in four decisions.
Choosing a Dahua IP camera comes down to:
- Resolution
- AI tier (WizSense or WizMind)
- Lens type
- Camera shape
This guide covers each, with links to the models we stock. For more on each technology, see our range guides: WizSense, WizMind, Smart Dual Light, TiOC & Active Deterrence.
On this page: Choosing resolution · WizSense or WizMind? · Lens type · Camera shape · FAQs
What resolution do I need?
We stock Dahua IP cameras from 2MP up to 12MP. As a starting point:
- 2MP-4MP: general coverage of entrances, car parks and warehouse floors. Most of our range is here, and it's enough for most sites.
- 5MP-6MP: more detail for identifying faces or number plates at a reasonable distance, without much bigger files.
- 8MP (4K) and above: for wide areas covered by one camera, or footage you may need to zoom into later.
Higher resolution means more storage per camera. Before you put a whole site on 8MP, check your recorder's drive space and how much incoming bandwidth it can take.
Should I choose WizSense or WizMind?
Both Dahua AI tiers run detection on their own chip inside the camera.
- WizSense detects and sorts: is this a person or a vehicle?
- WizMind has more processing power for recognition, people-counting and more detail on each event.
Mainly want reliable alerts and footage you can search? WizSense does it. Need recognition and reporting? Choose WizMind.
Fixed or vari-focal lens?
- A fixed lens (typically 2.8mm or 3.6mm) costs less and gives a set view. Fine when you know the mounting spot and distance in advance.
- A motorised vari-focal lens (commonly 2.7-13.5mm on our range) can be zoomed and focused remotely once the camera is up.
Vari-focal is worth the extra wherever the distance to the subject isn't fixed, or where one model must cover several different spots on a site.
Does camera shape matter?
- Dome and eyeball: discreet, and hard to move by hand once mounted, which puts off tampering.
- Bullet: the most visible, so a stronger deterrent, and the easiest to aim precisely when fitting.
We also stock fisheye and multi-sensor panoramic models for covering a wide area from a single fixed point, and mobile/vehicle-certified cameras for transport applications.
Questions
What resolution Dahua IP camera do I need?
2-4MP covers most general coverage at a lower cost. 5-6MP adds real detail for identifying faces or number plates at distance. 8MP (4K) and above suit wide areas covered by one camera, or where footage may need cropping and still stay usable in court or with police.
Should I choose WizSense or WizMind?
WizSense is Dahua's cost-performance AI tier - detection and classification (person, vehicle, face). WizMind is the higher tier, adding more processing power for recognition, people-counting and richer event metadata. Choose WizSense for straightforward alerting, WizMind if you need recognition and reporting on top of detection.
Fixed lens or vari-focal?
A fixed lens (commonly 2.8mm or 3.6mm) is cheaper and set by where you mount the camera. A motorised vari-focal lens (often 2.7-13.5mm) lets you fine-tune the field of view and zoom level remotely after installation - worth the extra cost wherever the exact mounting position or distance isn't fixed in advance.
Dome, bullet, eyeball or turret - does the shape matter?
Functionally the sensor and lens are usually the same across shapes on a given model line. Dome and eyeball cameras are more discreet and harder to reposition by hand; bullet cameras are the most visible deterrent and easiest to aim precisely.
See the full range: all IP cameras · all Dahua products · all Dahua ranges.
Need help choosing? Contact us, visit our Wolverhampton trade counter, or call us on 01902 902251.
