Wired CCTV Cameras

A wired IP camera sends video over an Ethernet cable, so the picture does not depend on Wi-Fi signal strength, and with PoE the same cable powers it. That makes a wired camera the steadier choice for continuous recording to an NVR. A wireless camera saves running a data cable, but it still needs power at the camera.

Not usually: connected to a PoE NVR or switch, the cameras here draw their power over the network cable. Some, such as the DS-2CD2146G2-ISU, also accept a 12V DC supply, and large PTZs such as the DS-2DF5225X-AEL(T5) take 24 VAC or Hi-PoE, so check that the switch or supply can provide it.

For general coverage 4MP is a sound choice, and 8MP (4K) gives more detail to zoom into when you need to identify faces or vehicles at a distance. The range runs from 2MP to 12MP: the HDview HC828FBW is an 8MP bullet, and the Hikvision iDS-2CD7AC5G0-IZHSY is a 12MP DeepinView bullet. Higher resolution uses more NVR storage.

ColorVu is Hikvision night-time colour imaging: an F1.0 lens and white supplementary light keep the picture in colour after dark, where an infrared camera switches to black and white. Smart Hybrid Light models such as the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY combine white light and IR with selectable modes, and dual-illumination turrets such as the DS-2CD3346G3-LISUY add a speaker and strobe for active deterrence.

Choose a fixed lens, such as 2.8mm, for a wide view close to the camera, and a varifocal lens when you need to set the view on site. Motorised varifocal models such as the DS-2CD2643G2-IZS (2.8-12mm) adjust zoom without opening the housing, and the iDS-2CD7A46G0-IZHSY ANPR bullet has an 8-32mm lens for reading plates further away.

Yes, an ANPR camera can. Hikvision DeepinView ANPR bullets such as the iDS-2CD7A46G0/P-IZHSY and the 2MP IDS-2CD7A26G0P-IZHSY use motorised varifocal lenses, and the iDS-TCM403-BI is a 4MP IR ANPR bullet rated IP67 and IK10. Mount it where vehicles pass at a steady angle and set the zoom so the plate fills enough of the picture.

Yes, Hikvision separated pinhole cameras. The DS-2CD6425G1-20 has a 3.7 mm pinhole sensor head on a 2 m cable from its main body, and the DS-2CD6425G1-L20 has an L-shaped 2.8 mm head on an 8 m lead, both recording 1080p. The DS-2CD6425G1-L10 is a 3.7 mm version with microSD, and all three run on PoE.

Yes, a panoramic, fisheye or TandemVu camera covers a wide area from one position. The HiLook IPC-B460HAD-LUF/SL gives a 180° view, the Hikvision DS-2CD2955G0-ISU is a 5MP indoor fisheye with a 1.05mm lens, and TandemVu models such as the DS-2SE3C404MWG-E/14 pair a 4MP panoramic lens with a 4MP PTZ that zooms 4× into detail.

Yes. The RekorHD RC24KB4G and RC24KB4W kits pair four 2MP PoE bullet cameras with a 4-channel recorder and a 1TB drive, and the RC24KTB and RC24KTW kits use four turrets instead. The RC24KB4G comes complete with a 2MP network video recorder, cable and a system power supply, which suits a small home or shop installation.