Hikvision 2 MP Full Time Colour Bullet Camera with Siren, PIR and Strobe, 3.6 mm DS-2CE12DFT-PIRXOF(3.6MM)

What this siren camera is for

Recording a break-in after the event only helps so far. This Hikvision camera adds a siren and flashing lights, so it can make itself known while someone is still on the property.

It can suit a homeowner or small business with an existing coaxial system, and an installer adding a deterrent at one position. A bullet camera has a long body on a bracket, so it is plainly visible from a distance.

How the camera's technology works

• PIR: a passive infrared sensor, which reacts to the heat of a moving body. It is separate from the camera's picture.
• White light: Smart Light adds light from the front of the camera, which is what keeps the night picture in colour. It can be set to auto or off in the menu.
• TVI, AHD, CVI and CVBS: four ways of sending video down coaxial cable. CVBS is the older standard-definition signal, and the other three carry HD.
• BLC and HLC: backlight compensation lifts a subject against a bright background. Highlight compensation tames glare such as car headlights.

Where to use it

The IP67 rating and -40 °C to 60 °C range cover outdoor walls and soffits in UK weather. Good spots face a drive, side passage or yard that people should not be crossing.

Sirens and flashing lights are noticeable, so avoid pointing them at a neighbour's home and use the setting that suits the site.

What the figures mean in practice

• 11 m PIR: people further away than this will not trip the sensor, even if the camera can see them. Aim the camera at the area you want guarded.
• Light up to 40 m: this is how far the camera's light reaches. Recognising someone needs them to be far closer than that.
• 2 MP at 1080p: enough detail for a general overview of a small area. Mount closer where you need to see faces clearly.
• 3.6 mm lens: a horizontal view of 83.0° suits a mid-sized area, a little narrower than the wide lenses often fitted on small cameras.

Installing it

• Video cable: a coaxial run carries the picture to the recorder, so an existing run can often be reused if it is in good condition.
• Power: the camera takes a separate 12 VDC supply, so run one to each position.
• Alarm out: the 1 alarm out can pass a signal on to other equipment. Check its rating with Hikvision before wiring anything to it.
• Three-axis bracket: the adjustment lets you level the picture on a sloped soffit or a side wall.

Planning your system

Recording happens at the recorder, as a card slot is not among this camera's features. For HD, the recorder needs to take 1080p on the signal you choose.

A microphone is not among its features, so this position gives pictures without sound. Add a mount or box if the wall or cable route calls for one.

Ratings explained

• IP67: dust tight, and protected against temporary immersion in water.
• PAL and NTSC: the two older regional video systems. PAL is the UK one, which is why 25 fps is the frame rate to set here.