Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I Outdoor Bullet Camera

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I Outdoor Bullet Camera Review

The

Hikvision DS-2CD2042FWD-I is Our favorite mini bullet camera at the moment.   It’s a 4-megapixel fixed focal length waterproof outdoor bullet network camera with built-in infrared illuminators and great image quality in all lighting conditions.  It’s part of Hikvision’s R6 value series platform that has an excellent price to performance ratio.

Core Features / Specifications

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I

resolution Up to 4 MP (2688 x 1520)

image sensor 1/3″ Progressive Scan CMOS

fixed lens options 4mm (82°) or 6mm (55°)

weather-proof rating IP66

Built-in IR with up to 30m (98 feet) range

Powered by PoE or 12 Volts DC ±10%

operating range -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F)

What’s Included?

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I

The mini bullet camera itself

Mounting screws and plastic anchors

Mounting template for installation

Cable gland to seal the network connector

Software CD

Quick start guide

Initial Configuration

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD

Camera and software configuration and operation are the same across all members of the Hikvision R6 platform since they all share the same firmware and core electronics.  The initial configuration and software features that we cover in Our Hikvision DS-2CD2142FWD-I Outdoor Dome Camera Review is the same with this camera.  Simply access the factory 192.168.1.64 IP address if you can, or set it to a new IP address with the Hikvision SADP software program.

Hardware Installation

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I

Mini bullet cameras are very easy to install and adjust to the position that you want.  You can find more details in Our post about installing camera systems, but it’s as simple as choosing a location for the camera, drilling a center hole for the network cable, and mounting the camera base in place.   The camera swivels out of your way easily when you loosen the clamp, making for easy access to install the screws in the mounting base. This picture shows one of mine in a temporary test location and I didn’t even need to use the mounting template.  Once the base is secure you can point the camera in the desired direction and tighten the clamp.  There is a screw behind the camera that can be loosened to allow you to rotate the camera to fine tune that mounting axis.  All of the camera housing and mounting hardware is metal with the exception of the plastic nut that you tighten by hand to lock it into position.  It seems rugged enough but I’d mount it out of reach if you can, which is a really good idea with any bullet camera.

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I

6mm lens and its nice zoomed in 55-degree horizontal field of view.  It has 4 megapixels of resolution with up to 2688 x 1520 image size at 30 frames per second, and the image quality is superb.  The small size and simple mounting bracket make installation a breeze.  The little shield extending out above the lens really helps keep rain drops off of the lens in most installations and also shades the lens from direct sunlight helping with image quality.

Shortcomings

Hikvision DS-2CD2042WD-I

We can’t think of any serious shortcomings specific to this camera.  There is the Web components plugin to keep in mind but it’s just used during initial testing and setup for most people, and you’ll want to watch out for grey market cameras, both of which we mention in Our DS-2CD2142FWD-I review.  Most mini bullet cameras like this do not have a microSD slot, and all of them are vulnerable to being knocked out of position or even destroyed if they are mounted so low that they can be reached by a criminal.

Final Thoughts

We have quite a few different cameras and this little bullet camera is one of Our favorites.  It’s not very large, it’s very easy to install, and it has great image quality