Hikvision 4 MP AcuSense IP Dome Camera, Motorised Varifocal 2.8 to 12 mm DS-2CD2743G2-IZS(2.8-12mm)

What this varifocal dome is for

A dome camera sits close to the ceiling or wall with its lens behind a bubble. This Hikvision model adds a motorised zoom lens.

It can suit a shop, school or office where a camera is within reach of the public. It also suits an installer who wants to fine-tune the view after fitting.

How the camera's technology works

• AcuSense: Hikvision's name for deep learning that sorts movement into people and vehicles. Motion, line crossing and intrusion alarms can then focus on those targets.
• Network camera: the picture travels as data over a network cable, not as an analogue signal, so the camera can sit on the same network as a recorder.
• Night picture: the IR is at 850 nm. An ICR cut filter moves aside for night mode, which can run on auto or a schedule.
• H.265+: a compression method that needs less bandwidth and storage than older formats for a similar picture.

Where to use it

The IP67 rating and -30 °C to 60 °C working range cover covered entrances and open walls in UK weather, as well as indoor rooms. The metal base and IK10 rating help where people could reach it.

This model has no specific anti-corrosion protection. Choose something else for a coastline, dock or chemical plant.

What the figures mean in practice

• DORI distances: these stand for detect, observe, recognise and identify. To identify a stranger, plan on 6.4 m at the wide end and 20 m when fully zoomed.
• Wide against tele: 2.8 mm takes in a whole room, while 12 mm narrows the view to a doorway or till. One camera covers either job, but not both at once.
• Bit rate: the range of 32 Kbps to 8 Mbps sets how much data the camera sends, so higher rates use more disk space.
• Lux and AGC: lux measures light falling on a scene, and AGC is the camera's automatic gain. Real results vary with the scene.

Installing it

• Power budget: a PoE switch port must supply Class 3, one of the PoE power levels. Allow max. 12.5 W when adding up the load.
• Fixings by code: as well as the box and wall mount, the options include the DS-1475ZJ-SUS pole mount, the DS-1476ZJ-SUS corner mount, the DS-1227ZJ-DM44 in-ceiling mount and the DS-1471ZJ-155 pendant mount.
• Alarm wiring: the output is small at max. 12 VDC, 30 mA, so it usually drives a relay input and not a device directly.
• First set-up: use plug-in free live view in Chrome 57.0+ or Firefox 52.0+, or the iVMS-4200 client.

Planning your system

Small jobs can save to a microSD card or a NAS (network attached storage) drive. Auto network replenishment can refill gaps in the recording after a network drop.

For longer retention, add a network video recorder that shares one of the profiles below, plus hard drives sized for how many days you want to keep. Audio needs a separate microphone on the line in, as a built-in one is not among its features.

Standards and ratings explained

• IP67: dust tight, and protected against temporary immersion in water.
• IK10: the top of the common impact scale, showing how well the housing resists being struck.
• Profiles S and G: parts of the Open Network Video Interface standard. Profile S covers streaming and G covers on-device recording.
• EN 50130-4: an immunity standard for alarm equipment, covering electrical interference.