Explosion‑Proof Bullet Network Camera, 4MP 4mm, 316L Stainless, PoE/AC, DS-2XE6242F-IS(4mm)(D)/316L

Introduction: What the Hikvision DS-2XE6242F-IS (4mm) /316L Offers

The Hikvision DS-2XE6242F-IS (4mm) /316L is a purpose-built explosion-proof fixed bullet network camera designed for the most demanding industrial and hazardous environments. Combining a 4 MP image sensor, a fixed 4 mm wide-angle lens, advanced imaging features and a 316L stainless steel, ATEX/IECEx‑certified housing, this camera delivers reliable surveillance where safety, corrosion resistance and clarity are essential. Offered with flexible power options (PoE or AC) and comprehensive networking support, it targets oil & gas, chemical, marine, mining and other facilities that require explosion-proof equipment.

Key Features at a Glance

• 4 MP resolution(2560 × 1440) for clear, actionable imagery.
• Fixed 4 mm wide-angle lens(~83–84° horizontal field of view) for broad coverage.
• Ultra low-light and IR: colour 0.01 lux, B/W 0.001 lux, and up to 30 m IR illumination.
• Advanced imaging: 120 dB WDR, 3D DNR, BLC and multi-stream H.265/H.264 compression.
• Explosion-proof 316L stainless housingwith ATEX & IECEx certifications, plus IP68 and IK08 ratings.
• Flexible power & storage: AC 100–240 V or PoE (802.3af), microSD up to 128 GB, NAS support and ONVIF compatibility.

Detailed Specifications and Benefits

The camera uses a 1/3" progressive‑scan CMOS sensor and captures 4 MP video at up to 25/24 fps (region dependent). The fixed 4 mm M12 lens provides a wide-angle view (approximately 83°–84° horizontal), making it suitable for monitoring medium-sized outdoor zones, perimeters and plant corridors where a broad field of view is valuable. The aperture (approx. F1.6) balances depth of field and light gathering so that scenes remain sharp and usable across varying distances.

Benefit: 4 MP resolution is a practical upgrade over 2 MP devices; it captures more detail for forensic review and identification without the storage and bandwidth demands of very high‑megapixel cameras.

With colour sensitivity down to 0.01 lux and B/W sensitivity to 0.001 lux (at F1.2), this camera offers reliable imaging in low-light settings. When ambient light is absent, built‑in IR illumination extends visibility up to 30 m (approx. 850 nm), ensuring continuous monitoring through night-time operations.

Benefit: Strong low-light and IR performance reduce the need for additional lighting infrastructure in remote or hazardous zones, which is often desirable when electrical additions are costly or pose safety challenges.

Features such as 120 dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), Backlight Compensation (BLC) and 3D Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) help the camera deliver balanced, low-noise images in scenes with mixed lighting or moving elements. Multi-stream H.265+/H.265/H.264 compression optimizes bandwidth and storage while maintaining image quality.

Benefit: These enhancements make the camera effective at capturing readable images under challenging lighting contrasts—common in industrial sites near flares, reflective surfaces or changing weather conditions.

The housing is manufactured from 316L stainless steel with anti‑corrosion treatment—chosen for its resistance to harsh chemicals, salt spray and aggressive environments. Certified to ATEX and IECEx standards for gas and dust hazardous zones, and carrying IP68 (ingress protection) and IK08 (impact protection) ratings, the enclosure is engineered to withstand rigorous field conditions.

Benefit: 316L steel extends equipment life in marine, offshore and chemical settings where ordinary stainless or painted housings would rapidly degrade. Certification simplifies compliance with site safety regulations requiring explosion‑proof gear.

The DS-2XE6242F-IS supports AC 100–240 V via terminal block or PoE (802.3af, class 3), giving installation flexibility. Network connectivity uses a 10/100 RJ45 port with standard protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP(S), RTSP, RTP, RTCP, DHCP, DNS, DDNS, FTP) and ONVIF Profile S/G compatibility for easy integration with third‑party VMS solutions. Onboard microSD (up to 128 GB) and NAS options (NFS, SMB/CIFS) allow local and network storage; ANR functionality helps prevent data loss during temporary network outages.

Benefit: Multiple power and storage options reduce dependency on specialized wiring and make retrofits easier in legacy facilities.

Rated to operate between −30 °C and +60 °C with humidity up to 95% non‑condensing, and weighing roughly 6–7.4 kg depending on configuration, this camera is built for industrial installations. Physical dimensions are approximately 221.3 × 174 × 172 mm.

Benefit: The broad operating range and robust construction reduce downtime and replacement costs in extreme climates.

Use Cases and Ideal Scenarios

• Oil & gas facilities:Monitoring flanges, pump stations, control rooms and perimeter fencing in hazardous zones where ignition‑proof equipment is mandatory.
• Chemical plants and refineries:Surveillance of processing units and storage tanks where corrosive vapours or dust can attack standard housings.
• Offshore and marine installations:Platforms, jetties and vessel monitoring where salt spray, wind and impact resistance are essential.
• Mining operations:Pit edges, conveyors and processing buildings in dusty, explosive atmospheres.
• Utilities and power stations:Monitoring critical infrastructure in hazardous substations or fuel storage areas.

These environments often require equipment that both prevents ignition sources and endures corrosion. The DS-2XE6242F-IS is tailored precisely for that intersection.

Comparisons with Similar Products

When evaluating explosion‑proof cameras, buyers typically compare image quality, certification scope, materials, and integration flexibility. Two common alternatives are:

• Standard explosion‑proof cameras with painted housings:Often less expensive up-front but susceptible to corrosion in marine or chemical environments. The 316L stainless construction of the Hikvision model provides a longer service life and lower maintenance in corrosive conditions.
• High‑end PTZ explosion‑proof units:These offer pan/tilt/zoom for flexible, long-range inspection, but they are larger, costlier and may consume more power. A fixed 4 mm bullet like the DS-2XE6242F-IS is a cost-effective alternative for fixed coverage zones where wide-angle monitoring is sufficient and reliability in harsh conditions is the priority.

Compared with lower-resolution explosion-proof options (e.g., 2 MP), the 4 MP sensor improves forensic capability and allows cropping or digital zooming while retaining useful detail. Against higher-resolution devices (8+ MP), this camera strikes a practical balance between image quality and bandwidth/storage economy, particularly when using H.265+ compression.

Customer Feedback and Field Observations

Direct customer testimonials for this specific SKU may be limited in public forums, but installers and site managers commonly report a few recurring themes for cameras of this class:

• "Robustness": teams appreciate the 316L construction for offshore and chemical applications—less surface degradation over time compared to painted housings.
• "Image clarity in difficult lighting": the combination of 4 MP resolution, 120 dB WDR and good low‑light sensitivity receives positive feedback for incident review and perimeter detection.
• "Integration ease": ONVIF compatibility and standard networking reduce installation friction when adding these cameras to existing VMS platforms.

Note: For precise user reviews and installation reports, request field references or case studies from the supplier or certified distributors. Warranty information should be confirmed at purchase—this listing indicates warranty terms may vary and should be checked with the seller.

Practical Considerations and Installation Notes

Because this is an explosion‑proof device, installation must be performed by qualified personnel following local regulations and site safety procedures. Confirm the camera's exact ATEX/IECEx marking and applicable zone classification for your site; regional approvals (for example, UKCA or CE) may require verification on the official datasheet. Consider power routing (PoE vs. AC) in hazardous areas—intrinsically safe or suitably protected circuits may be mandated.

Conclusion: Why Choose the DS-2XE6242F-IS (4mm) /316L

The Hikvision DS-2XE6242F-IS (4mm) /316L is a well‑balanced explosion‑proof bullet camera that combines dependable 4 MP imaging, strong low‑light performance and advanced processing with a corrosion‑resistant 316L stainless enclosure and formal hazardous‑area certifications. It is especially well suited to industrial sites where both safety and long‑term durability are required—marine, oil & gas, chemical and mining environments among them. With flexible power options, onboard and network storage, and ONVIF compatibility, it integrates smoothly into modern surveillance systems.

Pricing guidance: the suggested retail price is listed at $4,745.00 (check supplier for current pricing), with a cost price reference of $1,534.99 noted in this listing. As with any industrial safety purchase, evaluate total cost of ownership—installation, maintenance, certification compliance and expected service life—when comparing options.

In short, if your project requires an explosion‑proof camera that prioritises corrosion resistance, practical high‑resolution imaging and certified safety in hazardous zones, the DS-2XE6242F-IS (4mm) /316L is a strong candidate worth evaluating further with your systems integrator or supplier.