| The Source for Video Surveillance | Download the FREE Video Surveillance Book |
Testing HikVision's 2MP Camera (DS-2CD852MF-E)
by Scott Oie, posted on Feb 09, 2010Hikvision is one of the fastest growing video surveillance manufacturers in the world. Already a leader in their home market of China, Hikvision is aggressively expanding direct sales efforts throughout North America and Europe.
While HikVision is best known for its analog products (DVRs, cameras, etc.), they are growing an IP video portfolio (such as IP cameras and VMS software). In this test, we examine HikVision's 2MP box camera - the DS-2CD852MF-E.
Key findings from the test include:
- Acceptable video quality and detail in well, evenly lit areas
- Poor video quality in both low light (1 lux or lower) and wide dynamic range scenes (such as sunlight facing a doorway) [Note: this camera does not have a mechanical cut filter, a different model (DS-2CD852MF-ICR) does but it is not publicly listed on Hikvision's website]
- Cumbersome configuration process with key steps undocumented
While the camera is inexpensive, prudent users should carefully consider the impact of various limitations and issues.
Compare to 9 other megapixel camera tests. Of the cameras we have tested, the Vivotek 2MP camera is the closest for overall price / performance.
Comments: Only PRO Members can view and submit comments for this article.
Most Recent Industry Reports
IP Camera PC Training on May 23, 2012
Over and over, we are told that this is the most common and fundamental problem techs have getting started with IP cameras. They come to a job site, or even to training, and they need to connect th...
IP Camera Standards Use Revealed on May 21, 2012
Just four years ago, IP camera standards were no more than a dream. All IP cameras were integrated with proprietary interfaces or using the simplest most basic connections. This added to the cost o...
IPVM New Features May 2012 on May 20, 2012
We have added in 4 new features to IPVM and have another half-dozen lined up for the second half of the year. In this post, we explain the new features.Invoice Auto GenerationEvery week, many membe...
Axis vs Hikvision IP Camera Test Results on May 16, 2012
Hikvision is the most valuable video surveillance company in the world, going public in 2010 at $6 Billion USD and now trading at over $7 Billion USD, far higher than Axis Communications. Even in t...
Should Manufacturers Write A&E Specs? on May 09, 2012
Users depend on architects and engineers (A&Es) to design buildings that best meet their needs. However, many A&Es use specifications from door hardware manufacturers that give away specifi...
Video Surveillance Buyer's Guide 2012 on May 06, 2012
With so many manufacturers and so many new products, deciding what products to buy can be overwhelming. Last year, to make this easier, we released our first ever Video Surveillance Buyer's Guide&n...
The Right Aspect Ratio for Surveillance on May 04, 2012
You are wrong about the best aspect ratio for surveillance, at least statistically speaking. In the past few years, as HD swept into living rooms, people have moved from watching video on 4:3 aspec...
Panasonic WV-SP509 Camera Test on May 03, 2012
The world's best all around HD camera - that's what the new Panasonic WV-SP509 was declared at the Milestone shootout. But is it really? That's the goal of this test. We took the Panasonic WV-SV509...
IP Camera Networking Basics on Apr 30, 2012
Getting started with IP cameras can be daunting for those without experience in computer networks. Fortunately, it is not that hard. In this report, we train networking novices on how get started u...
Top Trend - Edge Storage Test on Apr 25, 2012
The top technology trend for Spring 2012 is edge storage, as selected by your fellow IPVM readers. While edge storage has slowly evolved it had never made a big push to the 'core' of the video surv...