Dahua has three main types of cameras: HD-CVI (analogue) cameras, network IP cameras, and high-speed PTZ cameras, which the manufacturer calls Speed Dome.

Dahua analog cameras

Let's consider the decoding of the notation using examples, let's start with the first one, analog cameras:


1. There will always be DH, the designation of the Dahua brand, DHI is less common, but the essence is the same.

2. Type of equipment, HAC - designation that this is an HD-CVI camera.

3. H - a high-resolution camera (from the English. High Definition), and given that any modern resolution of 1 MP is considered high, this letter is always here.

4.Camera type, let's take a closer look at the options that may occur:
D - fixed, domed;
DW - fixed, dome with IR illumination;
DP - fixed, dome in a plastic case;
DB - fixed, vandal-proof dome;
DPW - fixed, dome in a plastic case and with IR illumination;
DBW - fixed, vandal-proof dome with IR illumination;
F - directional;
FW - directional with IR illumination;
EB - FishEye camera or fisheye;
EBW - FishEye camera with IR illumination;
PFW - camera with multiple sensors;
LC - cameras with a frequency module 433/868/915 MHz for integration with other security devices, various sensors or, for example, transmission of alarm events;
ME - cameras with a built-in PIR sensor that responds to movements;
UM - hidden cameras in the peephole.

5. Positioning or market segment. The notation is used here:
1 - entry-level cameras;
2 - professional level cameras;
3 - high-end cameras.

6. Resolution in megapixels, the numerical value corresponds to MP, except for the number 0:
0 – sensor 1/4” resolution 1 MP;
1 - 1 MP;
2 - 2 MP;
4 - 4 MP;
5 - 5 MP;
6 - 6 MP;
8 - 8 MP.

7. Generation, here the numerical designation starting from 0, where 0 is the first generation, 2 is the second and so on.

8. Also, only a numeric designation that carries information about various additional camera functions:
0 - standard version without additional functions;
1 - WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) image enhancement function. At the same time, the implementation itself needs to be specified separately; it can be implemented both in hardware and software (DWDR);
2 – 1/2” matrix sensor is used;
3 – 4/3” matrix sensor is used;
9 - uses Starlight technology, which allows you to shoot a more natural and colorful picture at night. These cameras use photosensitive sensors and the camera can be equipped with a visible LED backlight.

9. In this place there will be a letter designation from A to Z, it indicates the subtype of the camera body used.

10. Video format, as a rule, cameras with one of two signal options are supplied to certain regions:
P - PAL, almost always found in our sale;
N - NTSC.

11. The so-called postfix, which means additional equipment. There can be quite a lot of options, consider examples:
A - built-in microphone;
DP - dual power supply, AC24 V AC or DC12 V DC supply is allowed;
DIP - equipped with a DIP signal switch;
TH – temperature and humidity sensor;
VP - anti-vandal;
T – SDI output present;
H - low-temperature with built-in heating;
POC - support for power over coaxial cable (analogous to PoE);
I8 - IR illumination with a range of up to 80 m;
VF - camera with variable focal length and manual adjustment;
Z is a zoom camera with a motorized lens.

12. Focal length in millimeters for cameras with a fixed lens. As a rule, most models have a standard value, 2.8, 4, 6, 8 mm, which determines the viewing angle. It is also worth noting that sometimes, depending on the delivery market, there is a marking of the following type: instead of 2.8 mm - 280B, and instead of 3.6 mm - 360B and further by analogy. But it doesn't change the essence.

Dahua Analog Surveillance Cameras

Dahua Network or IP Cameras



Network or IP cameras have similar designations with analog ones, let's look at an example:


1. DH/DHI is Dahua brand designation.

2. IPC - type of equipment, IP surveillance camera.

3. Always H - high resolution camera.

4 .Body type:
D - fixed, domed;
DW - fixed, dome with IR illumination;
DP - fixed, dome in a plastic case;
DB - fixed, vandal-proof dome;
DPW - fixed, dome in a plastic case and with IR illumination;
DBW - fixed, vandal-proof dome with IR illumination;
K - portable with a mount (note that these models do not fit the general marking);
F - directional;
FW - directional with IR illumination;
EB - FishEye camera or fisheye;
EBW - FishEye camera with IR illumination;
PFW - panoramic camera with multiple sensors;
S - several sensors;
UM - hidden cameras in the peephole

5. Camera segment, examples:
1 - budget Lite series;
2 - the same Lite series but models with a varifocal lens;
3 - Lite AI series, middle class using basic video analytics;
4 – segment of professional cameras with advanced video analytics functionality;
5 - professional, but models with a varifocal lens;
8, 9 are advanced models that may include the functionality of people counting, face recognition, and more, but you need to look at each model separately.

6. Camera resolution - the number corresponds to the resolution in megapixels (MP), as in the case of analog cameras, only without taking into account the size of the sensor, only the resolution.

7. Camera generation or modification, the higher the number, the newer the model.

8. Additional features. There can be various numerical values, for example:
0 - standard without additional functions;
1 - wide dynamic range (WDR). As with analog ones, it is necessary to specify the software or hardware implementation;
2 – matrix 1/2”.

9. Subtype of camera body used. This may determine the shape of the case, brackets, visors and other accessories that fit it.

10. Video format. As a rule, cameras with one of two signal options are delivered to certain regions:
P - PAL, almost always found in our sale;
N - NTSC.

11. Postfix, which denotes additional equipment. There can be quite a few options that can be combined with each other, consider the popular ones:
A - built-in microphone;
M - mobile indoor camera;
VP - anti-vandal;
S - support for memory cards;
H - low-temperature with built-in heating;
P - P-iris, aperture control to combat glare and improve the image;
PT - pan and tilt support;
DI - mortise mount (for dome);
I8 - IR illumination with a range of up to 80 m;
VF - camera with variable focal length and manual adjustment;
E - ePoE power supply over a coaxial cable over a long distance;
W - wireless, with Wi-Fi;
Z - a camera with a variable focal length and a motorized lens;
Z12 - maximum optical zoom (zoom) 12x.


Dahua IP Security Cameras

1. DH/DHI is Dahua brand designation.

2. Type of equipment - Speed Dome cameras, or high-speed PTZ-controlled cameras.

3. The physical size of the camera in inches, typically 2” to 6”.

4. This place can be either a number or a letter. The main designation is the application environment, additional information about IR illumination, there may also be some other parameters, consider examples:
0 - external use;
1, 2 - internal use;
3 - budget;
4 - energy efficient with IR illumination;
5 - high-speed PTZ;
9 - high-speed PTZ with IR illumination;
A, C, D - these letters indicate that this is already an updated version.

5. Camera resolution, the number corresponds to the resolution in megapixels (MP).

6. Optical zoom ratio, there are such values:
03 - 3x;
12 - 12x;
18 - 18x;
20 - 20x;
23-23x ;
30 - 30x;
36-36x ;
40-40x.

7. Version of the camera or the number of TV lines in the case of analog, examples:
for analog SD quality:
C - 540 TVL, CMOS matrix;
E - 650 TVL, CCD matrix;
H - 700 TVL, CCD matrix, etc.
for network:
*empty - first version;
A - second;
B - third, etc. Similarly.

8. Video format type:
P - PAL, almost always found in our sale;
N - NTSC.

9. Pan and tilt speed, there are two options and they are quite general, G - general speed or general speed, the second option is H - high speed, high speed.

10. Present camera interfaces, meaning the main ones for communication:
*blank - regular analog;
S – signal in HD-SDI format;
C – signal in HD-CVI format;
N - network camera.

11. Additional equipment of the camera, examples:
F - a physical wiper on the camera lens, reminiscent of a janitor;
R - uses Starlight technology, is equipped with a light-sensitive sensor that allows you to produce a high-quality picture even in very poor lighting conditions. The name itself suggests that the light from the stars should be enough for visibility, but nevertheless, most of these models still have IR illumination.
I - intellectual models. Such cameras have slightly more advanced video analytics functionality, for example, they can have auto-tracking, face recognition, etc. - you need to specify it separately for a particular model.

12. W - the presence of a Wi-Fi module.