Dahua HAC-HFW2501TP-I8-A-0360B 5MP Starlight Pro HDCVI IR Bullet,WDR,ICR,3.6mm,IR 80m

Model: DH-HAC-HFW2501T-Z-A

Who This Is For

Property managers specifying upgrades to existing coaxial cable infrastructure will find the Dahua HAC-HFW2501T-Z-A a practical fit. Rather than ripping out analogue cabling runs already in walls or conduit, this 5MP Starlight HDCVI bullet camera works directly over existing coax - transmitting 5MP video, audio, and data over a single cable run of up to 700 metres. The 3.6mm fixed lens covers a wide 79-degree horizontal field of view, making it suited to car parks, loading docks, building exteriors, and long fence lines where broad coverage from a single mounting point matters. Starlight low-light performance down to 0.005 Lux and 80m Smart IR mean the camera continues producing detailed images well after dark without any supplementary lighting. IP67 weatherproofing and a -40°C to +60°C operating range handle Australian outdoor conditions across all seasons. The built-in microphone captures ambient audio over the same coaxial run, adding an evidential layer without extra cabling.

What This Camera Actually Does

Who Buys This Model

• Analogue system upgraders: Sites already wired with coaxial cable that want 5MP resolution without paying for a full IP re-cable. The HDCVI protocol reuses existing coax runs up to 700m at full 5MP output.
• Industrial and warehouse managers: Loading dock and perimeter applications where 80m Smart IR and IP67 weatherproofing handle the combination of dark approaches and harsh outdoor conditions year-round.
• Retail and commercial property installers: Shopfronts, car parks, and external access points where 120dB WDR handles the bright-exterior/dark-interior contrast problem common at entrances and roller doors.
• Security integrators managing mixed recorder environments: The DIP switch format selection means this camera connects to HDCVI, CVBS, and most existing HD DVR systems without additional converters or signal adapters.

Honest Assessment

The HAC-HFW2501T-Z-A does two things particularly well: it extracts usable 5MP footage from existing coaxial infrastructure, and it produces detailed low-light images through the Starlight sensor and 80m Smart IR combination. The 120dB WDR rating is among the stronger figures in the HDCVI bullet category and makes a genuine difference on high-contrast outdoor scenes. The built-in microphone over coax is a practical feature that many competing bullet cameras omit. Where this camera has limits: the 3.6mm fixed lens gives a wide 79-degree view but a short identification distance of just 7 metres per DORI standards - it is designed for area coverage, not subject identification at distance. Buyers needing face or plate identification beyond 10 metres should consider an 8mm fixed variant or a varifocal model. It is also a coax-only solution - sites running Cat5e/Cat6 throughout will be better served by an IP camera. Available through Security Australia alongside compatible HDCVI recorders and accessories.

Before You Buy

Quick Fit Check

• Good match if: You have existing coaxial cable runs on site and want to step up to 5MP resolution without rewiring - HDCVI supports up to 700m coax transmission at full 5MP, making this a direct drop-in upgrade from standard analogue cameras.
• Good match if: Your installation covers a wide outdoor area - car park, loading dock, or building perimeter - where the 79-degree field of view, 80m Smart IR, and IP67 rating suit broad coverage in unlit or exposed conditions.
• You may need a different model if: Your infrastructure is Cat5e/Cat6 throughout and your recorder is IP-based - an IP bullet or turret camera will integrate more cleanly and give you access to network-based AI analytics not available on HDCVI platforms.

Key Features & Technical Specifications

Real-World Scenarios

How It Compares

• Choose this if: Your site has existing coaxial cable runs and you need to reach 5MP resolution without rewiring - HDCVI transmits full 5MP over 700m of existing RG59 or RG6 coax, which no IP camera can do on the same infrastructure.
• You may need a different model if: You need facial or licence plate identification beyond 10 metres from the mounting point - the 3.6mm lens identifies subjects at 7m DORI distance, so a longer focal length bullet (8mm or varifocal) would be more appropriate for corridor or driveway identification scenarios.
• Pairs well with: A compatible HDCVI XVR or Penta-brid DVR that supports 5MP HDCVI input, and a 12V DC centralised power distribution board sized for the number of cameras on site.

Common Questions

1. Will this camera work with my existing coaxial cable runs?

   Yes. The HAC-HFW2501T-Z-A uses HDCVI technology which is specifically designed to transmit 5MP video, audio, and control data over existing coaxial cable. Verified transmission distances are up to 700m via coaxial cable and up to 300m via UTP with a compatible passive balun at each end. No signal amplifiers are required within those distances.

2. Does this camera support PoE?

   No. This camera requires a 12V DC power supply with a tolerance of ±30%, drawing a maximum of 10W with IR fully on. It does not accept PoE. Each camera needs a dedicated 12V DC feed, either from a local power adaptor or a centralised 12V distribution board. Using a PoE switch or injector with this camera will not power it.

3. What does the DORI rating tell me about how far I can identify a person with the 3.6mm lens?

   The DORI standard (EN 62676-4) defines 4 distance thresholds based on pixel density. At 3.6mm, this camera identifies subjects at 7m, recognises at 14m, observes at 29m, and detects motion at 72m. In practical terms: if you need to confirm a person's face for evidentiary purposes, they need to be within approximately 7 metres of the camera. For general area monitoring and detecting that movement has occurred, coverage extends to 72m. If identification at greater distances is needed, the 8mm variant extends identification to 16m and detection to 160m.

4. How far can HDCVI transmit 5MP video and what cable type should I use?

   HDCVI transmits 5MP at up to 700m over standard coaxial cable (RG59 or RG6) with no quality loss, as verified in Dahua laboratory testing. If coaxial cable is not available, UTP Cat5e or Cat6 with a passive HDCVI balun at each end supports up to 300m at 5MP. Beyond those distances, signal degradation will affect image quality and the 4-signal transmission (video, audio, data, power-over-coax) may be compromised. Plan cable routes with these maximums in mind before installation.

5. Does this camera support two-way audio?

   No. The HAC-HFW2501T-Z-A has a built-in microphone and a 1-channel audio input interface, which means it captures and transmits audio - but there is no built-in speaker. One-way audio monitoring is supported to a compatible HDCVI recorder; two-way audio intercom capability is not available on this model.

6. Will this camera work with my existing DVR or XVR?

   In most cases, yes. The camera supports HDCVI, CVBS, and other common HD analogue output formats selectable via a DIP switch on the cable tail. This makes it compatible with most HDCVI XVRs, Penta-brid DVRs, and standard CVBS DVRs. If your recorder supports 5MP HDCVI input, you get full resolution. If it only supports lower resolutions or CVBS, the camera will downscale accordingly via the DIP switch. Check your recorder's supported input formats before purchasing if you want to confirm 5MP output.

7. Is the lens on this camera interchangeable or adjustable?

   No. The 3.6mm lens is a board-in fixed lens and cannot be changed or refocused in the field. The focal length and iris are both fixed at purchase. If you require a different field of view, the 6mm and 8mm variants of this model are available - each with a different horizontal angle of view (49.5° and 38° respectively). Select the correct focal length for your scene geometry before ordering. This information is also available from Security Australia at the time of purchase if you need assistance selecting the right variant.

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