Hikvision DS-2CD2112-I IP Camera Review

[Harri Whipp]

In the last month we have received in the office a number of new HikVision products (pronounced Hike Vision); everything from NVRs to IP cameras. Today we will take a look at the DS-2CD2112-l 1.3MP External Dome Camera. Although it's a 'budget' model you can still grab some great images.

This 1.3MP camera shoots at 1280 x 960 pixels and has night vision that can see up to approximately 30 metres. It also features 2-way audio, uses PoE as its power source and has an IP66 rating.


This camera is the most cost-effective dome camera that HikVision currently offer. We recently unboxed it on our YouTube channel:

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The camera mounts to the wall using 3 screws that are provided in-box, as well as a mounting template. Once the cover is removed you can also angle the camera as you wish. Below is a picture of the camera with the cover removed and the ethernet port cable.

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Like other manufacturers, HikVision do have a web client as shown below and they also offer software that you can use to record your footage. To record our footage we began by using the DS-7708NI-SP NVR and found this a good way to record HikVision. However, the majority of footage we recorded using QNAP Vs-4008 Pro VioStor NVR, which was also a great recording solution.







Below is an image of the live stream in the web client:

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As per most web clients you can edit all of the camera settings, watch live footage, set up your streams, take snapshots and record footage direct to your computer. The screenshot below demonstrates the camera's quality and was taken using our QNAP, just click to enlarge (1248 x 720).

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We also have some sample footage of this camera. Please note that we are aware that this is an exterior camera but the weather has not been good for months and certainly too cold for temporary outdoor camera tests! Here's what we captured:

In conclusion, I feel that this camera is a good budget solution that is well worth the price. This camera would be ideal for both home and business. When coupled with a HikVision NVR it gives great results. If used with an NVR like a QNAP VioStor, which supports many cameras, this camera would fit in perfectly to any new or existing IP CCTV system.