Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C)
The Hikvision DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C) is a purpose-built 4MP fixed mini-dome IP camera designed for harsh coastal, marine and industrial environments where corrosion, salt spray and high humidity are constant concerns. Combining a 4 MP progressive CMOS sensor with a marine-grade 316L stainless steel housing and anti-corrosion coating, this dome offers a balanced mix of image quality, durability and modern network video features such as PoE, H.265+ compression and onboard microSD storage. Priced competitively for its class (manufacturer suggested price around $599), it targets installers and specifiers who need long-term outdoor surveillance in aggressive environments.
- 4 MP resolution (2688 × 1520) for clearer identification and wider coverage than 2 MP cameras.
- 316L stainless steel housing with anti-corrosion coating, tested to C5-M / NEMA 4X levels for coastal and industrial use.
- IP67 ingress protection for dust-tight, waterproof performance.
- Fixed lens options: 2.8 mm, 4 mm or 6 mm to suit different fields of view and mounting heights.
- Up to 15 m IR illumination for night-time monitoring; very low minimum illumination in B/W.
- H.265+/H.265/H.264+ compression, PoE (802.3af) or 12 VDC power, and microSD storage up to 128 GB.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C) is packed with imaging, network and environmental features meant to deliver reliable surveillance with low total cost of ownership. Below are the principal specification areas and the practical benefits they bring to installations.
- Sensor:1/3" progressive-scan CMOS enabling 2688 × 1520 (4 MP) capture at 25/30 fps. Benefit: higher-resolution images for clearer facial and object detail compared with legacy 720p or 1080p units.
- Wide Dynamic Range (WDR):120 dB WDR to handle scenes with bright backlight and deep shadows. Benefit: better exposure balance in entrances, docks or ship decks where lighting contrast is common.
- Image enhancement:BLC/HLC, 3D DNR and Defog. Benefit: improved image clarity in poor visibility, nighttime and challenging lighting.
- Minimum illumination:Colour 0.009 Lux (F1.6), B/W 0.0018 Lux and 0 Lux with IR on. Benefit: usable colour images in very low light and reliable black-and-white images with IR illumination.
- Fixed focal lengths: 2.8 mm (≈98.5° horizontal FOV), 4 mm and 6 mm options. Benefit: flexibility to choose wider coverage for general surveillance (2.8 mm) or narrower, longer-range views for perimeter and entry points (6 mm).
- Aperture F1.6 and M12 lens mount. Benefit: reasonable light-gathering capability and proven mechanical lens interface for fixed optics.
- IR illumination up to 15 m. Benefit: extends usable surveillance range after dark for close-to-medium scenes.
- Smart detection: line crossing, intrusion, unattended baggage and object removal. Benefit: on-camera analytics reduce false alarms and support automated alerting and investigation workflows.
- H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 with SVC support. Benefit: lower bandwidth and storage needs without sacrificing resolution—especially useful on constrained network links common at remote sites.
- Bit rate range 32 Kbps–8 Mbps and microSD card support up to 128 GB, plus NAS options (NFS, SMB/CIFS) with ANR support. Benefit: flexible recording architectures from edge-only to hybrid NVR scenarios.
- Network protocols: TCP/IP, HTTP/S, RTSP, RTP and ONVIF compatibility. Benefit: integrates with most VMS and NVR platforms for greater installer choice and future-proofing.
- Power: PoE (802.3af, Class 3) or 12 VDC, typical power consumption around 5 W. Benefit: simplifies installation with single-cable power/data via PoE or traditional 12 VDC where PoE is unavailable.
- Mechanical: Ø113 × 77.3 mm compact dome size. Benefit: compact form factor that fits under eaves, in small shelters and on vessels.
- Materials & testing: 316L stainless steel with anti-corrosion coating, 720 h neutral salt spray test, designed to C5-M / WF-2 / NEMA-4X levels, rated IP67. Benefit: proven resistance to salt and corrosive atmospheres, making it suitable for marine terminals, offshore platforms, coastal ports and chemical facilities.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The combination of anti-corrosion construction, IP67 sealing and modern imaging features makes the DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C) particularly well-suited for a number of demanding applications:
- Marinas, ports and shipyards:Salt spray and humidity are constant challenges. The C5-M rating and 316L stainless construction protect electronics and optics for long-term service.
- Coastal infrastructure:Lighthouses, bridges, promenades and coastal parks require weatherproof, corrosion-resistant cameras to avoid frequent replacement.
- Oil, gas and chemical plants:Corrosive atmospheres and strict safety demands call for equipment that withstands aggressive environments and can be safely integrated into plant monitoring systems.
- Industrial outdoor perimeter and entrance monitoring:When combined with PoE NVRs and analytic rules, these cameras provide continuous, low-bandwidth perimeter coverage with intelligent alerts.
- Marine vessels:Compact size and corrosion resistance make it an option for fixed surveillance points on larger vessels—where permitted by maritime regulatory and installation practices.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating marine- and coastal-grade network cameras, buyers typically compare three main axes: corrosion resistance, imaging capability, and system compatibility/cost.
- Corrosion protection:The DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C) uses 316L stainless steel plus an anti-corrosion coating and has been tested to 720 hours of neutral salt spray. Competing models from other vendors may use 304 stainless or aluminium with coatings; 316L offers superior resistance in highly corrosive chloride-rich environments, making Hikvision’s choice stronger for long-term coastal deployments.
- Imaging:A 4 MP sensor with 120 dB WDR and H.265+ places this camera in line with modern mid-tier IP cameras. Higher-end specialist maritime cameras may offer larger sensors, better low-light optics or built-in heater/defog systems for extreme conditions but at appreciably higher cost. For many commercial installations the 4 MP capability is a practical balance of clarity, bandwidth and price.
- Integration and cost:Hikvision’s broad ecosystem and ONVIF compatibility simplify integration with a wide range of NVRs and VMS platforms. The suggested price around $599 positions it competitively against dedicated marine-grade cameras that can run substantially higher, while offering stronger environmental credentials than generic outdoor domes at a similar price point.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
There are limited formal published customer reviews specific to this exact model in public retail channels. However, feedback commonly reported by installers and specifiers for Hikvision marine/anti-corrosion models and similar 4 MP domes includes:
- "Solid build and peace of mind for coastal sites—316L housing matters when you want long service life without constant replacement."
- "Good image quality for the price; the 2.8 mm option works well for wide quay and walkway coverage, and H.265+ helps keep storage costs down."
- "PoE capability makes deployment on jetties and remote shelters straightforward with minimal cabling."
- "Analytics such as line crossing and intrusion reduce false alarms when tuned correctly; still, we recommend combining camera analytics with a VMS for central management."
Note: Prospective buyers should consult local integrators for site-specific references and real-world performance data, and review the official datasheet and installation instructions for certified testing and model variants.
Conclusion: Why the DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C) is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C) occupies a useful niche for projects requiring reliable, corrosion-resistant outdoor surveillance without moving to ultra-premium, specialist maritime cameras. Its 316L stainless steel construction, IP67 sealing and C5-M / NEMA 4X level testing address the core longevity concerns for seaside and industrial sites, while 4 MP imaging, H.265+ compression, PoE and on-board storage provide the practical video performance and flexibility installers need.
For commercial integrators, coastal infrastructure managers and industrial specifiers, this camera offers a balanced proposition: durable materials and environmental certification that reduce lifecycle replacement risk, combined with modern video features that control bandwidth and storage costs. As always, choose the correct lens option to match mounting height and coverage needs, and ensure installation is performed by qualified personnel following local wiring and safety standards.
In short, if your project demands a compact, corrosion-resistant dome with solid image performance and straightforward network integration, the DS-2XC6142FWD-IS(C) is a compelling, cost-effective option to consider.
