Hikvision DS-2CD2935FWD-I 3MP Fisheye Mini Dome 1.16mm 2048×1536

Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2935FWD-I

Hikvision DS-2CD2935FWD-I — 3MP Mini Fisheye Network Camerais a compact, purpose-built panoramic camera designed to provide a single-camera solution for full-room coverage. With a 1.16 mm fixed fisheye lens and a 180°×180° field of view, this 3 MP (2048×1536 @ 30 fps) camera produces a wide panoramic image that can be dewarped into multiple views or used with virtual PTZ to inspect areas in detail. The device supports modern video compression (H.265/H.265+ and H.264/H.264+), offers true WDR and low-light performance, and supports PoE for simplified installation. Priced competitively (suggested retail around $199), the DS-2CD2935FWD-I targets retail, offices, hospitality and other small-to-medium indoor spaces where reducing the number of cameras and cable runs is a priority.

Key Features at a Glance

• 3 MP resolution (2048×1536) at 30 fps for clear panoramic imagery.
• 1.16 mm fixed fisheye lens delivering 180° horizontal and 180° vertical coverage.
• Support for H.265/H.265+, H.264/H.264+ and MJPEG with multiple streams.
• 14 display/dewarped modes plus virtual PTZ for flexible viewing and evidence extraction.
• 120 dB True WDR and 3D DNR for high-contrast and low-light environments.
• Built-in IR illumination (approximately up to 8 m) and minimum illumination ~0.005 Lux (colour).
• Power over Ethernet (802.3af) and 12 VDC support; onboard microSD storage up to 128 GB and NAS/ONVIF compatibility.

Detailed Specifications and Benefits

The DS-2CD2935FWD-I combines practical hardware with flexible video management features that address common deployment challenges.

At the heart of the unit is a 1/2.8" progressive scan CMOS sensor paired with a 1.16 mm fisheye lens (F2.2). This setup provides a single 180° panoramic image with a native 3 MP resolution (2048×1536) at 30 frames per second. This higher than typical 2 MP resolution means more detail across the panoramic scene, making it easier to identify faces, register details and support forensic review when required.

True 120 dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) helps preserve detail in scenes that contain both bright and dark areas (for example, a retail window with sunlight and shadow inside). The 3D Digital Noise Reduction (3D DNR) improves image clarity in low-light conditions and reduces storage requirements by generating cleaner compressible frames.

Minimum illumination around 0.005 Lux (colour) makes the camera useful in dim interior lighting, while built-in IR LEDs extend visibility to approximately 8 metres in full darkness. For indoor environments such as reception areas and small retail floors, this provides confident night-time monitoring without secondary IR illuminators.

Modern compression options (H.265/H.265+ alongside H.264/H.264+ and MJPEG) reduce bandwidth and storage usage while preserving image quality. Multiple streams allow a mix of high-resolution main streams and lower-bitrate substreams for remote viewing or mobile access. The camera supports microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards up to 128 GB and can record to NAS or integrated recorders via ONVIF (Profile S/G) for flexible recording architectures.

PoE (802.3af) simplifies cabling by combining power and network on a single Ethernet cable; 12 VDC is supported when PoE is not available. The camera’s compact dimensions (approximately Ø 119.9 × 41.2 mm) and ceiling/wall/table mounting options make it adaptable to many indoor sites. ONVIF support ensures easier integration with third-party VMS and NVRs; check the official datasheet and firmware notes for exact interoperability details and any variant-specific differences.

Use Cases and Scenarios Where the Camera Excels

The DS-2CD2935FWD-I is tailored for situations where broad, single-point coverage is desired without sacrificing usable detail. Typical scenarios include:

• Retail floors and boutiques:One fisheye camera mounted centrally can monitor shopfloor activity, reduce blind spots, and provide dewarped lanes for loss prevention and customer flow analysis.
• Reception and lobbies:A single panoramic camera covers waiting areas and entry points while dewarped views focus on counters or doorways for identity checks.
• Small meeting rooms and classrooms:Instead of multiple cameras, a fisheye camera gives a full-room overview and virtual PTZ to review specific interactions.
• Hospitality and F&B:Cover dining areas, bars or small event rooms with a single camera to reduce installation cost and visual clutter.
• Situational awareness in offices:Large open-plan offices or server rooms can benefit from panoramic monitoring to keep sightlines clear with minimal equipment.

Because of its multiple display and dewarping modes, the camera supports both overview surveillance and investigation workflows: use the panoramic view for live awareness and dewarped/virtual PTZ clips for evidence export.

Comparisons with Similar Products

Fisheye cameras from Hikvision and other manufacturers aim to replace multi-camera setups for small spaces. Compared to standard 2 MP fisheye models, the DS-2CD2935FWD-I stands out with 3 MP resolution, offering more useful detail across the panoramic image. When compared to multi-sensor panoramic units (which stitch multiple sensors), single-sensor fisheyes like this model are often more compact and cost-effective, though multi-sensor options can produce higher-resolution, less-distorted views at a higher price and larger footprint.

Compared with other 3 MP fisheye models on the market, key differentiators include:

• Compression flexibility:H.265/H.265+ support reduces bandwidth and storage costs relative to older H.264-only cameras.
• Display modes:The 14 dewarped/display modes and virtual PTZ make this camera versatile for both live monitoring and forensic review, matching or exceeding many competitors in view management.
• Price and size:At a suggested retail around $199, it is positioned competitively for small-business applications versus larger multisensor cameras whose prices can be multiples higher.

However, if your priority is ultra-high-resolution detail across the entire scene (forensic-grade evidence capture across very large areas), a multi-sensor camera or higher-megapixel domes may be preferable. For most retail/reception/office use cases, the DS-2CD2935FWD-I offers a good balance of coverage, cost and functionality.

Customer Feedback and Reviews

While individual customer reviews will vary by installation and expectations, common feedback themes from system integrators and end users include:

• Installers appreciate the compact form factor and PoE support, which reduce installation time and cabling complexity.
• Retail managers often note that a single fisheye camera reduces blind spots and lowers the number of required cameras, simplifying management and reducing hardware costs.
• IT teams and security operators value the H.265 compression and ONVIF support, which lower storage and bandwidth needs and make integration with existing VMS/NVRs straightforward.
• Some users mention the learning curve for optimal dewarping layouts and the importance of correct mounting position to avoid occlusions and ensure useful dewarped angles.

Note: Prospective buyers should check for the DS-2CD2935FWD-IS variant if audio or alarm I/O is required — the IS variants commonly include additional interfaces that some installations need.

Installation & Compliance Notes

Before purchase and deployment, verify the exact SKU and check the official datasheet for IP rating, CE/UKCA markings and the latest firmware. Isolate power before installation and follow local wiring regulations; for permanent installations, use a qualified electrician or installer. Ensure lens orientation and mounting height are appropriate for dewarped view planning to maximize useful coverage.

Conclusion: Why Choose the DS-2CD2935FWD-I?

The Hikvision DS-2CD2935FWD-I delivers a compelling mix of panoramic coverage, practical image quality and modern efficiencies. Its 3 MP sensor and 180° fisheye optics provide detailed panoramic images suitable for retail, reception areas, small offices and hospitality spaces, while H.265 compression and onboard storage options keep operating costs down. The camera’s multiple dewarping modes and virtual PTZ add investigative flexibility that often eliminates the need for several fixed cameras.

For projects where a single-camera solution must balance coverage, cost and ease of installation, the DS-2CD2935FWD-I is a strong candidate. Verify variant and firmware details for your use case, plan mounting to maximise the dewarped outputs, and pair the camera with an ONVIF-compliant recording and monitoring solution to get the best results.