In many surveillance projects, professionals regularly have to deal with contradictory objectives: on the one hand, a complete overview of an area should be possible; on the other hand, certain zones need to be analyzed in detail if required. Conventional solutions work with several cameras, such as a fixed wide-angle camera for an overview and a PTZ camera for detailed monitoring.

Dahua goes one step further with the new X-Spans series and combines these two requirements in one camera, including intelligent linking of both image channels. In this article, we show how the new Dahua X-Spans series works, what it delivers, and what tangible benefits it offers in practice.

What is the Dahua X-Spans Series?

The X-Spans series from Dahua combines several surveillance systems in one unit: a panoramic channel provides a permanent ultra-wide-angle image (up to 180° field of view), while an additional integrated PTZ channel can track moving objects. Unlike classic multi-camera solutions, these two channels are fully synchronized with each other in terms of hardware and software. The system works as a single entity, without any additional cabling or configuration involved.

The core principle is highly efficient: while the panorama channel keeps the entire surveillance area continuously covered, the PTZ channel can react dynamically, for example when people, vehicles, or other movements are detected. In this way, both the overview and the specific details can be secured with one device, regardless of the size of the location or the complexity of the surroundings.

The Dahua cameras in the X-Spans series are particularly suitable for environments where large areas need to be monitored, but where a close-up picture is also required, for example in industrial facilities, parking lots, at traffic crossroads, or for perimeter protection.

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Dahua Key Technology in spotlight

The unique technical feature of the Dahua X-Spans cameras consists of the intelligent cooperation of both image channels.

The panorama channel constantly monitors the entire field of view. As soon as movement or an object is detected, a tracking mechanism is activated and transfers the coordinates of the object from the panorama channel to the PTZ channel. The pan-tilt-zoom unit aligns itself precisely with the target and can continue to track it. The focus is on the advanced linking of two image channels, whereby all operations are synchronized by software.

The Dahua X-Spans series supports two operating modes: Linkage Mode and Independent Mode. Depending on the particular circumstances, the camera units can operate together or individually. Here is a brief overview of the two modes and their functions.

Linkage Mode

In linkage mode, the combination of the panorama and PTZ channels is used to automatically detect and track movements. Before using this mode, the camera must be calibrated via the web interface. Two methods are used for this purpose:

Linkage Tracking

As soon as an object is detected by the panorama channel, the camera transmits its coordinates to the PTZ channel. This automatically aligns itself with the detected target and tracks it as long as it remains in the common field of view. The transfer is carried out in a software-controlled and precise manner so that even partially obscured objects can be followed reliably.

Relay Tracking

If an object leaves the field of view of the panorama channel, the PTZ unit seamlessly takes over further tracking. This is made possible by the integrated Auto Tracking 3.0 algorithm. This ensures a continuous monitoring process, even over long distances, without the need for manual intervention.

Independent Mode

In independent mode, both channels operate autonomously. The panorama channel and the PTZ unit can handle different image areas or tasks simultaneously. This operating mode is particularly suitable for scenarios with several monitoring focal points where synchronous linking is not necessary or not desired.

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Advantages of the Dahua X-Spans series at a glance

Cost savings on hardware procurement: A single X-Spans camera replaces the combination of panoramic and PTZ cameras. This not only leads to a reduction in the number of devices, but also reduces the need for mountings, accessories and initial investment costs.

Less installation work: The combined structure significantly reduces the installation effort: fewer drill holes, fewer cables, fewer network connections. This saves working time and reduces the amount of approvals involved (e.g. for pole installations in public spaces).

Reduced network infrastructure: Both image channels run via a single IP address. This simplifies switch ports, cabling and network management - a crucial advantage, especially for large projects with many camera placements.

Lower operating and maintenance costs: Less hardware also means fewer potential sources of error. In addition, diagnostics are centralized. Software updates, configuration adjustments and maintenance routines can be carried out more quickly.

Intelligent object tracking in linkage mode: Movements in the panoramic image automatically activate tracking via the PTZ channel. Tracking remains stable even if the target is partially obscured, e.g. by parked vehicles or vegetation.

Long-range tracking with Relay Tracking: When the object leaves the panoramic area, the PTZ channel switches to following. The camera uses an advanced algorithm and ensures complete automation of surveillance without manual intervention.

Flexible operating modes: Depending on the application, the cameras can be operated in linked or independent mode. This increases adaptability to different project requirements.

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Model range of Dahua X-Spans cameras

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Dahua SDT4E425-4F-GB-A-PV1

This model combines two 4-megapixel sensors. The panorama channel uses a high-speed 1/2.8" F1.0 CMOS sensor, while the PTZ channel is based on a 1/2.8" STARVIS™ CMOS. With a maximum frame rate of 25/30fps at 4MP and 25x optical zoom, both a comprehensive overview and targeted detailed monitoring can be achieved. The integrated IR illumination, with a range of up to 100 m, and Auto Tracking 3.0 enable reliable object tracking even in poor lighting conditions. Functions such as active deterrence using light and sound, perimeter protection, and intelligent analysis make this camera a flexible solution for dynamic and complex surveillance areas.

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Dahua SDT4E425-8P-GB-APV1

The device offers a panoramic channel with 8 megapixel resolution that produces a 180° wide-angle image. It is supplemented by a 4MP STARVIS™ PTZ channel with 25x zoom. This combination allows both the full-coverage display of extensive surfaces and the targeted tracking of individual objects in high detail. The maximum frame rate is 25/30fps at 8MP. In addition to the IR range of up to 100 m and functions such as Auto Tracking 3.0 and Smart Tracking, active deterrence and perimeter protection are also featured. With the panoramic PTZ combination, security incidents can be analyzed in real time and monitored efficiently, even over long distances.

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Dahua SDT6C425-4P-GB-APV-0280

Equipped with a 4-megapixel STARVIS™ CMOS sensor, this model delivers high-resolution images in combination with a 180° panoramic view through image merging. The 25× optical zoom, an IR range of up to 200 m, and integrated Starlight technology ensure high detection quality, even in the dark. Functions such as auto-tracking, perimeter protection, and face detection are supported. The IP66 protection rating and an audible-visual alarm system (light and sound) make the camera suitable for demanding surveillance environments with changing light and weather conditions. The technical features allow both large-scale scenes to be captured and objects to be tracked precisely, with reduced infrastructure resources.

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The Dahua X-Spans series offers an integrated solution for scenarios where both overview and detail capture are essential, without additional installation effort. By combining the panoramic channel and PTZ technology in a single unit, as well as functions such as intelligent tracking and Auto Tracking 3.0, even complex surveillance tasks can be implemented with minimal hardware. For installers, this means less wiring, reduced installation times, simplified project planning, and a scalable system architecture that can be easily incorporated into existing infrastructures, ideal for projects with high demands on efficiency, flexibility, and responsiveness.

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