Comparison Hikvision DS-2CD2420F-IW vs Hikvision DS-2CD2410F-I

— LAN. The LAN (Ethernet) interface was originally designed to build wired computer networks. Cameras with such a connector, as a rule, also work as network devices. The advantage of this option over the Wi-Fi described below is a higher actual throughput, over BNC — the ability to connect without additional equipment, directly to a standard network router used for a regular computer network. Of the disadvantages, one can note only the need to pull a wire, but this point is common to all wired connection options. In terms of other features, LAN is the most convenient, due to which it has become widespread in modern surveillance cameras.

— Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi connection was originally a wireless analogue of the LAN described above and was used to connect to computer networks. When working in such networks, this connection is similar to LAN in the sense that it allows the camera to work through a regular router (of course, supporting Wi-Fi). At the same time, Wi-Fi is more convenient due to the absence of wires, but with an abundance of other wireless devices connected to the router, the channel throughput and image quality can significantly deteriorate. Note that recently it has also been possible to use this connection in Direct mode - for direct connection of the camera to another device, for example, connecting the camera to a smartphone (see "Design and capabilities -...P2P"). However, this option is less common.

— BNC. Abbreviation for Bayonet Neill Concelman. A bayonet-type connector, usually used to transmit an analog video signal. Refers to professional video interfaces; special equipment is required to work with such a camera. However, cameras with this type of connector are usually in the lower price range. This is due to the limited connectivity options via BNC — it can only transmit a video signal, which limits the functionality of such cameras compared to models that work via LAN or Wi-Fi (see above).

— Aviation port. It is a round multi-pin connector designed for reliable connection of cameras. Such ports provide a stable connection even in conditions of vibration and high humidity, due to which it is used in car video surveillance systems. Power, video signal and control (for example, for PTZ cameras) can be transmitted through one aviation port, which simplifies installation and reduces the number of required cables.

— 3G / 4G. Connecting to the Internet via 3G / 4G mobile networks; as a rule, this requires installing a SIM card from a mobile operator in the camera. The speed of such networks allows, among other things, to broadcast video in fairly high resolution. So such a connection (of course, if there is coverage) is well suited not only as a backup option in case of Internet outages, but also as the main communication channel if there is no fixed Internet connection at all. A typical example of the second situation is monitoring a country house located “far from civilization”, but in an area with reliable mobile phone reception. In both cases, you can contact the camera via the Internet from anywhere on the planet.

The size of the matrix installed in the surveillance camera (diagonally).

In general, larger sensors (with the same resolution and sensor type) are considered more advanced: they get more light, which has a positive effect on image quality (especially in low light). On the other hand, increasing the size affects the cost of the entire device; and in some cases (for example, if the camera is not planned to be used in twilight and darkness), a relatively small sensor may be quite suitable.

As for specific dimensions, the most modest cameras in terms of this indicator have matrices of 1/4 "or less. Models with sensors of 1/3.8" - 1/3" and 1/2.9" - 1/2" are very popular, these values can be called average. And in advanced devices, diagonals and more than 1/2 "(up to 1/1.7") are found.

Camera sensor resolution in megapixels (millions of pixels).

The higher the resolution of the matrix, the higher the video resolution can be (see below), the more detailed the image is capable of providing the camera. At the same time, note that as the number of megapixels increases (without changing the size of the matrix), the size of each individual pixel decreases, which increases the likelihood of noise and deterioration in the overall image quality. Therefore, high resolution in itself is not necessarily a sign of high quality — a lot depends on other things, for example, on the size of the matrix (see above).

As for specific values, in the most modest matrices it does not exceed 1.3 MP, which corresponds to the maximum HD resolution. 2 MP sensors allow for already Full HD resolution (usually 1920x1080 or 1600x1200), 3 MP, 4 MP, 5 MP and 6 MP are capable of better resolution, but still do not reach 4K, which is typical for 8 MP.

The maximum video resolution that the camera can capture.

The higher the resolution of the video, the more details you can see on it, the less details will be blurry. On the other hand, high resolution means large volumes of video materials, which, accordingly, requires capacious media for their storage and fast communication channels for broadcasting video in real time. Yes, and this indicator significantly affects the cost of the camera.

Horizontal viewing angle of the surveillance camera. For models with a variable value, the maximum value is indicated, since it is the width of the image that is important, and when zooming in, the zoom factor is more important than the angle. This paragraph also indicates the general angle of view for models with a circular field of view – in particular, cameras with a fisheye lens (see above)

The wider the viewing angle, the more space the camera captures and at the same time, the smaller the images of individual objects in the frame are obtained. Therefore, when choosing by this parameter, it is worth deciding what is more important – the ability to view a large scene or the visibility of small details in a relatively narrow field of view. Also note that with a wide field of view (100° or more), characteristic distortions can be observed at the edges of the frame, and the wider the angle, the more pronounced they are. This phenomenon can be eliminated by panoramic shooting (see "Design and features"), but this feature, in turn, complicates and increases the cost of the camera.

The ambient temperature range in which the camera can be used normally.

All modern surveillance cameras normally tolerate temperatures typical for houses / apartments, offices and other premises with similar mild conditions. Therefore, it is worth paying attention to this parameter, first of all, if the device is planned to be used outdoors — or in a room where the temperature does not differ much from the street temperature or, for technical reasons, should be low (freezer warehouse, refrigerated car, etc. ). In such cases, the lower temperature threshold is especially important: for example, almost all outdoor cameras have the ability to work in cold temperatures below 0 °, but among indoor models such features are much less common. However, frost-resistant devices(with an allowable temperature of -40 °C and below) can also be found not only among outdoor cameras, but also among “internal” cameras.

As for the upper temperature limit, it is usually not lower than +40 °C, which is quite enough for using the camera in a temperate climate. In some models, this limit reaches +50 °C and even +60 °C, making them suitable even for hot countries. However, note that we are talking exclusively about use in the shade; the possibility of working under direct sunlight should be clarified separately.