I still have several of the older IP8M-T2499E cameras in remote use, and last summer I made the mistake of "upgrading" one of them with the new-improved firmware that did away with the Active-X, and unfortunately, most of its functionality.
Is it possible now to downgrade the older cameras to the original firmware? A couple years ago Amcrest would do it but you have to send them in to them, when it should be something a user ought to be able to do from the web interface.
Apparently, if you dont know the secret handshake, the newer firmware will block attempts to flash with older firmware.
Im not thrilled with the newer models using more plastic etc., so I intend to keep as many of the older ones in service as possible, and avoid updates like the plague.