Network or IP security cameras
A network camera (often called an IP camera) is basically a CCTV or security camera that has a computer built-in. Most network cameras can independently monitor, detect and send (push) notifications to computers in a home network, or on the Internet, mobile phones, smart phones or any email address. Some can also record footage locally to SD cards or to Network Attached Storage (NAS) drives, upload snapshots to FTP and much more. In a sense they perform the function of a camera and Digital Video Recorder (DVR) or Network Video Recorder (NVR) combination.
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Hikvision – who are they?
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Co. Ltd. popularly known as simply Hikvision, is a Chinese surveillance product company started in 2001. It is listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. It claims to be the world’s largest supplier of video surveillance products and solutions including security cameras. Indeed, many of the popular security camera brands (such as Swann and older Lorex) are rebranded Hikvision products. Hikvision is a name that is quickly becoming popular in the home security and surveillance market owing mainly to their inexpensive but reliable and high performance network (or IP) security cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVR). In a crowded market with names such as Dahua and Foscam, Hikvision stands out as a great first choice for a network camera.
Network camera range
Hikvision divides their network cameras into three product lines, rather interestingly called 2-Line, 4-Line and 6-Line. Please note that these terms have nothing to do with the analog resolution term ‘lines’ (TVL). Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) camera models are not included in the scope of this guide, as they are more expensive and probably not of interest to the average homeowner.
What can these cameras do? As a standalone device, they do not need a computer to function. So if you are looking for an inexpensive, simple, energy bill friendly CCTV solution that you can monitor through email, FTP, or from your smartphone, without having to run a computer 24/7 the Hikvision cameras are perfect.
Model naming convention
The full Hikvision IP camera naming convention is:
‘DS-2CD’ ‘1234’ F/H/WD – I (A) (H) (P) (S) (W) (Z)
- A fixed prefix:
- ‘DS-’, then
- ‘2CD’, then
- 4 digits:
- product line number 2,4,or 6
- a digit from 0 to 5 representing the type of IP camera.
- a digit representing the number of megapixels.
- a digit representing – currently unknown.
- The next set of alphabets of F, H or WD indicate the presence of certain features:
- F indicates Flash memory. This means that the model has the on-board flash storage option. Remember you will have to add a suitable SD-Card.
- H indicates a built-in heater.
- WD indicates Wide Dynamic Range (WDR).
- The suffices are:
- I indicates a true IR cut filter with auto day/night switch.
- A indicates Auto back focus.
- H indicates HD resolution (1080p).
- P indicates P-iris.
- S indicates Sound or what Hikvision calls Smart Audio Detection – 2 way audio using either inputs or a mic and a built-in speaker as in some indoor models.
- W indicates WiFi.
- Z indicates a Motorized VF lens.
- The last digit indicates the range of the camera infrared LEDs. Model specific details can be found below.
For the Hikvision NVR model naming convention, check our detailed NVR Buying Guide.
Product lines
We have grouped Hikvision’s network camera range so that you can easily find the model you are looking for.
2-Line
Fixed focus / Standard IR LED
| Megapixels | Fixed Bullet | Fixed Dome | Mini Dome / Turret / Eye-ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4MP | DS-2CD2042WD-I | DS-2CD2142FWD-I(W)(S) | DS-2CD2542FWD-I(W)(S) |
| 3MP | DS-2CD2032-I | DS-2CD2132F-I(W)(S) | DS-2CD2532F-I(S) |
| 2MP | DS-2CD2022WD-I | DS-2CD2122F-I(W)(S) DS-2CD2122FWD-I(W)(S) | DS-2CD2E20F (-W) DS-2CD2522FWD-I(W)(S) |
| 1.3MP | DS-2CD2012-I DS-2CD2012F-I(W) | DS-2CD2112F-I(W)(S) | DS-2CD2E10F(-W) DS-2CD2512F-I(W)(S) |
Fixed focus / EXIR LED
| Megapixels | Bullet (30M Range Dual EXIR) | Bullet (50M Range Dual EXIR) | Bullet (80M Range Dual EXIR) | Mini Dome / Turret / Eye-ball | Cube |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4MP | DS-2CD2T42WD-I3 | DS-2CD2T42WD-I5 | DS-2CD2T42WD-I8 | DS-2CD2342WD-I | |
| 3MP | DS-2CD2T32-I3 | DS-2CD2232-I5 DS-2CD2T32-I5 | DS-2CD2T32-I8 | DS-2CD2332-I | DS-2CD2432F-I(W) |
| 2MP | DS-2CD2T22WD-I3 | DS-2CD2T22WD-I5 | DS-2CD2T22WD-I8 | DS-2CD2322WD-I | |
| 1.3MP | DS-2CD2T12-I3 | DS-2CD2212-I5 DS-2CD2T12-I5 | DS-2CD2T12-I8 | DS-2CD2312-I | DS-2CD2412F-I(W) |
As one of our readers pointed out, the last digit in the DS-2CD2T32-I3 / DS-2CD2T32-I5 / DS-2CD2T32-I8 models represents the claimed range of the infrared LEDs:
I3 = 30 metres
I5 = 50 metres
I8 = 80 metres
Variable focus / Standard IR LED
| Megapixels | Bullet | Dome |
|---|---|---|
| 4MP | DS-2CD2642FWD-I(S) | DS-2CD2742FWD-I(S) |
| 3MP | DS-2CD2632F-I(S) | DS-2CD2732F-I(S) |
| 2MP | DS-2CD2622FWD-I(S) | DS-2CD2722FWD-I(S) |
| 1.3MP | DS-2CD2612F-I(S) | DS-2CD2712F-I(S) |
4-Line
Box camera
| MP | Standard | WDR | Low Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3MP | - | DS-2CD4032FWD-(A)(P)(W) | - |
| 2MP | DS-2CD4024F-(A)(P)(W) | - | - |
| 1.3MP | - | DS-2CD4012FWD-(A)(P)(W) | DS-2CD4012F-(A)(P)(W) |
Bullet camera
| MP | Standard | WDR | Low Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3MP | - | DS-2CD4232FWD-I(Z)(H)(S) | - |
| 2MP | DS-2CD4224F-I(Z)(H)(S) | - | - |
| 1.3MP | - | DS-2CD4212FWD-I(Z)(H)(S) | DS-2CD4212F-I(Z)(H)(S) |
Indoor Dome / Standard IR LED
| MP | Standard | WDR | Low Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3MP | - | DS-2CD4132FWD-I(Z) | - |
| 2MP | DS-2CD4124F-I(Z) | - | - |
| 1.3MP | - | DS-2CD4112FWD-I(Z) | DS-2CD4112F-I(Z) |
Outdoor Dome / Standard IR LED
| MP | Standard | WDR | Low Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3MP | - | DS-2CD4332FWD-I(Z)(H)(S) | - |
| 2MP | DS-2CD4324F-I(Z)(H)(S) | - | - |
| 1.3MP | - | DS-2CD4312FWD-I(Z)(H)(S) | DS-2CD4312F-I(Z)(H)(S) |
6-Line
Ultra lowlight
| 6-Line Megapixels | Ultra lowlight | Fisheye IR | Covert | Intelligent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3MP | - | Not launched yet | - | Not launched yet |
| 2MP | DS-2CD6026FHWD-(A) | - | ||
| 1.3MP | - | DS-2CD6412FWD |
Where can I buy them?
Hikvision network cameras have good reviews on the Internet and we you can check out our reviews of the Hikvision 2CD-2132F-IS and the Hikvision 2CD-2542FWD-IS. The cameras are officially allowed to be sold via designated distributors only, however it is often cheaper to source them directly from China via AliExpress or via Amazon.
Amazon
Check price on your local Amazon site
As always on an online marketplace, please ensure you are buying from a genuine seller.
Hi. Really like your write ups.Good info always. Would you know if these cameras WDR DS-2CD2442FWD-IW 2.8mm support push notifications via email or in app messages. How to power up these cameras without running ethernet cables all over the house? Found one on Amazon that does not come with a power cable which i dont mind as im in Australia. It’s a rental.TP-LINK TL-PoE150S PoE Injector would this work? And last thing is. Would you recommend setting this up on a window sill looking out? Kind Regards. Dharman.
Thanks for the kind words! Yes the DS-2CD2442FWD-IW supports push and email notifications through Hikvision’s IVMS4500 app. If you don’t want to use ethernet cables, you can use the camera over WiFi and use a DC12V power source. Hikvision cameras generally do not come with power cables. Yes you can also use a PoE injector such as the TP-LINK TL-PoE150S.
You can point the camera out of a window and it will be fine during the daytime but at night if you keep the Infrared LED on, it will reflect off the glass and totally spoil the image. So your camera would be useless once dusk falls. Now you could keep it in day mode even at night by switching off the auto day/night switch and the IR LEDs, and install external IR LEDs such as this one to light up the scene.
I currently have a swann nvr 8ch using swann 3mp poe cameras.
I would like to add a couple more cameras.
And Hikvision are almost half price of swann.
If there just rebranded would they work on my swann nvr with no issues on my setup?
Hi,
If your Swann NVR is ONVIF compliant, Hikvision cameras should work with the NVR. All the Hikvision cameras are ONVIF compliant. If you look up the spec list of your Swann NVR, you can find out whether it supports ONVIF or not.
Daniel
Hi, looking to add an extra camera outside for backyard, but comparing DS-2CD2T42WD-i5 vs DS-2CD2042WD-I. Range depends on how wide the angle ends up being, but could be 20-30m. Thoughts?
Hi, the DS-2CD2T42WD-I5 would be my choice due to the extended IR range of 50m over the DS-2CD2042WD-I’s 30 metres. If you are using external IR lamps however, this point would be moot. Also the DS-2CD2T42WD-I5 uses EXIR LEDs that will last longer before fading compared to the DS-2CD2042WD-I’s ring type LEDs. But other than this, I would go for whichever is cheaper!
Daniel
Cheers, ended up with one of each as I’ve got a use for both – planning to use the i5 outside for the larger run first.
Hi:
I am looking at these cameras and am having a hard time deciding between the DS-2CD2T42WD and the DS-2CD2232-I5. From the videos I have seen, both have great daytime video (easy part) but the DS-2CD2232-I5 seems to do a little better at night. Do you have any experience with either of these? They will rarely be exposed to complete darkness because there are street lights around.
I am looking at the following setup:
Outside – 4ea of either DS-2CD2232-I5 or DS-2CD2T42WD
Inside – 3ea DS-2CD2142FWD-I
NVR – Hikvision DS-7616NI-I2/16P
Recommendations? FYI…these will all be english versions with upgradable firmware (probably purchased from Amazon).
Thanks!
Hi Matt
No personal experience with these, but here’s my opinion based on the specs.
The DS-2CD2T42WD-I5 has true Wide Dynamic Range (120dB) whereas the DS-2CD2232-I5 has only digital WDR. This should give the former an edge in night time quality. The WD in the model name means the camera has true WDR.
The inside camera – would you want to record audio? If so the DS-2CD2142FWD-I doesn’t support audio. You would need the -IS version of the camera for audio support.
The NVR is exactly what I would go for, you will have the option to add more cameras in the future.
Cheers
Daniel