ds-2cd2032 Cameras I Like.

I've been working with video surveillance systems for many years.
Like everyone else, I used to install analog cameras. These days, of course, I've switched to digital, and I wouldn't go back.
I've tried various cameras, but I kept coming across products from ILDVR and Hikvision, mostly because of their convenient software.
This article is about cameras from the latter manufacturer—or rather, one particularly successful model.
If you're interested, read on.

Let me say up front that, unfortunately, I don't have any screenshots of the street view or anything like that.
When I was putting this review together, the weather was awful for several days, and then the cameras were moved to their permanent location.

I ordered four cameras in three batches: the first as a test, then three more. They arrived without any problems.
The packaging is fairly simple, but quite sturdy. It's very difficult to damage a camera in transit.

What's included with one camera:
The camera itself
A set of screws and wall plugs (absolute crap, just like the ones in the branded version)
A waterproof connector kit
Instructions
A CD with software (in theory; I've never even checked what's on it)
A quick installation guide.


There's not much information on the camera itself; the box actually has more.
The lens focal length is listed as 4.0 mm, and the maximum power consumption as 7 W at 12 V (the PoE switch shows about 5.5 W).


On the back there's a screw for grounding the camera housing and a reset button.


From the front, the camera looks much like any other surveillance camera: the same kind of lens and IR illuminator with a light sensor.


The camera has two connectors.
12 V power connector
Connector for the network cable.
One advantage is that the network connector can be made practically watertight. If you power the camera from a switch, you don't need to connect anything else. The downside is that the power connector should be insulated, either with electrical tape or heat-shrink tubing, or by putting all the connections in a sealed box.


A closer look at the mounting hardware and waterproof connector kit.
The connection is quite reliable. Of course, it's still best to make all connections inside boxes, but even this setup works very well.


Here's the complete set of paperwork.
Quick installation guide.
A sticker to make it easier to drill the mounting holes
A round film with Hikvision printed on it, which I can't figure out. It wasn't included with the ones sold here.
CD and manual.
The dome cameras also come with a hex key.


The seller also included a note asking me to give him 5 stars and a “CCTV in operation” sticker. He only included one sticker, though—couldn't bring himself to add more.


And here are all four beauties together :)


The bracket is mediocre (in general, not specifically on these cameras).
I've installed various cameras, and I'm not a big fan of this type of mount, since the camera can sometimes sag. The manufacturer added notches here to prevent that. But I prefer brackets where the mount has only two degrees of freedom and is tightened with a wrench or screwdriver.


How could I resist taking the camera apart? :)

I'll devote part of the review to describing the software.
First, the software for getting started with Hikvision cameras: Hikvision Tools.
There's also IPCTool software for choosing the correct focal length. All the software mentioned in the review will be available for download.

You can control the camera entirely through the web interface.
I've also hidden descriptions of some features and settings behind a spoiler.

Hikvision cameras are usually used with their own iVMS4200 software, but in my personal opinion, it’s pretty lousy. If anyone is really interested, I can show you the original software too.
There’s also more feature-packed software, such as TRASSIR, with tons of options and add-on modules (all at extra cost). I use something in between called ILDVR.
I’ve been working with this software for about 10 years. I started back with the 7.xx versions; version 10.xx is popular now.
The software is updated frequently and regularly, and it has a Russian-language interface.
As you’d expect, the software has both server and client components.
I’ll describe only the server component. The client has a simplified interface, but still provides remote access to most of the server settings (except security settings), as well as advanced playback features (for example, working with information from POS terminals). The client can also record incoming video automatically.
But to use these cameras fully with this software, you need to buy a license for each camera. Without one, the server can only display video; it won’t record.
The license costs about as much as an inexpensive Chinese IP camera, but even so, it can be worth it. Incidentally, ILDVR cameras can also work with Hikvision software, but again, only if you buy a license.
All the software works for free with its own cameras, but I don’t like Hikvision’s software, and I like ILDVR’s cameras, so I have to put together these kinds of hybrids.

I decided to post a couple of screenshots after all. The first shows the 180 W overhead light on; the second shows only the IR illumination.

Summary.
Pros
Excellent image quality
Extensive camera software features
Compact size
Sturdy, weatherproof housing.
Two power options: 12 V and PoE.
Price.

Cons.
Other than the poorly designed protection for the 12 V power connector, none found.

In my opinion, this is an excellent, well-refined camera with a high-quality image and an affordable price. I've installed quite a few of them and haven't run into any particular problems; they work reliably.
I've been asked a few times why I don't review cameras from other manufacturers. Here's the answer: so far, I haven't come across any cameras with comparable specs and features on paper. I may review something else in the future, but 1 MP cameras just don't interest me, and 3 MP models are already quite a bit more expensive. I have some good comparison shots of 1.3 MP and 3 MP cameras installed in the same spot (yes, we're already replacing 1.3 MP cameras with 3 MP ones), but for various reasons I can't publish them.:(

I hope my mini-review was useful, though I realize it may not have been all that interesting.
I couldn't fit in all the features, menus, etc., and I also didn't cover the manufacturer's software. If anyone's interested, though, I'll be happy to add all that to the review or the comments.