Introduction: What the DS-2DY9236I-CWX(T5/316L) is and its key features
The DS-2DY9236I-CWX(T5/316L) is a purpose-built IP PTZ camera designed for hazardous and highly corrosive environments. Combining a 2MP DarkFighter sensor, a powerful 36× optical zoom and a 316L stainless‑steel explosion‑proof housing, this unit is aimed at industries that require both high‑quality imaging and strict safety compliance—think oil & gas platforms, petrochemical plants, LNG terminals and corrosive marine installations.
- Image quality:2MP (1920×1080) with DarkFighter low‑light performance for superior night and low‑illumination imaging.
- Optics & zoom:36× optical (6.0–216 mm) with 16× digital zoom and a rapid full‑range zoom time (~4.6 s).
- Long‑range IR:850 nm IR illumination up to ~150 m with smart IR for close and distant targets.
- Rugged, certified housing:316L stainless steel with ATEX and IECEx explosion‑proof markings for gas and dust zones.
- Advanced imaging and compression:H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264, WDR 120 dB, 3D DNR and a range of image enhancement features.
Suggested price (indicative): 7303.93 (supplier pricing may vary by region and configuration).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The camera uses a 1/1.8" progressive‑scan CMOS sensor delivering full HD (2MP) video at standard frame rates. The built‑in DarkFighter technology significantly improves color and detail under very low illumination, making it suitable where lighting is poor or variable. With 120 dB WDR, the camera can handle high contrast scenes—for example brightly lit flare areas next to shadowed walkways—without losing detail.
- Minimum illumination:Colour 0.0005 Lux @ F1.2; B/W 0.0001 Lux @ F1.2; 0 Lux with IR—meaning usable images in extremely dark conditions.
- Image enhancements:HLC, BLC, Defog, EIS, 3D DNR and ROI support for efficient bandwidth and storage allocation.
The 6.0–216 mm lens gives a horizontal field of view from 59° down to 1.98°, making it easy to go from wide situational awareness to close inspection of distant objects. The ~4.6 second full‑range zoom speed is fast enough for incident response, and the pan/tilt mechanics (360° endless pan, −90° to 90° tilt with auto‑flip) support continuous coverage and automatic tours.
- Pan / tilt speeds:Up to 50°/s pan and 40°/s tilt (proportional) for rapid repositioning.
- Presets & patrols:Up to 300 presets and 8 patrols (up to 32 presets each) simplify automated monitoring.
Built‑in 850 nm IR provides supplemental lighting to support identification and situational awareness at night out to about 150 m in many conditions. On the networking side, the camera supports modern codecs including H.265+ for bandwidth‑efficient recording and multi‑stream output (main/sub/third) for concurrent recording, live viewing and remote access.
- Bitrate range:32 Kbps–16,384 Kbps—configurable to balance quality and network constraints.
- Integration:ONVIF compatibility and common protocols (refer to the datasheet) make it suitable for integration with VMS and NVR systems.
What sets this product apart is its explosion‑proof certification and material choice. The housing is 316L stainless steel—selected for excellent corrosion resistance in marine and chemical environments—and the unit carries ATEX Ex II 2GD and IECEx Ex db IIC T6 / Ex tb IIIC markings. These certifications indicate the camera is certified for use in defined gas and dust hazardous zones when installed following the appropriate installation rules.
- Explosion certification:ATEX Ex II 2GD Ex db IIC T6 Gb / Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db; IECEx equivalent markings.
- Material:316L stainless steel for prolonged resistance to corrosive atmospheres.
- Installation:Must be performed by qualified personnel familiar with hazardous area wiring, grounding and conduit sealing. Refer to official manuals and local regulations (ATEX/IECEx/UKCA/CE as applicable).
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS‑2DY9236I‑CWX( T5/316L) is engineered for environments where both safety certification and corrosion resistance are mandatory. Typical deployments include:
- Offshore platforms and rigs:Monitoring of deck areas, cranes, helipads and flare stacks where salt spray, extreme weather and explosive atmospheres are hazards.
- Onshore oil & gas terminals and refineries:Continuous observation of process areas, loading arms, storage tanks and access points requiring ATEX/IECEx certified equipment.
- Petrochemical and chemical plants:Sites with corrosive chemicals and dust where 316L housing extends service life and reduces maintenance.
- Marine applications:Ports, shipyards and vessels that need both long‑range vision and resistance to corrosive salt environments.
- Hazardous storage and handling sites:Coal handling, grain silos (dust zones) and solvent storage areas where explosion protection is required.
Beyond these, the camera also fits specialist industrial projects where integrators seek a certified, proven PTZ for turnkey projects or long‑term installations that tolerate minimal downtime.
How it compares with similar products on the market
When assessing explosion‑proof PTZ cameras, buyers typically compare along several axes: certifications, material construction, optical performance, low‑light capability and price. Here’s how this unit stacks up conceptually against common alternatives:
Regular PTZs often offer similar optics and higher resolution options (4K), but they lack the ATEX/IECEx certification and 316L construction needed for hazardous zones or corrosive atmospheres. Choosing a certified unit is not optional where regulations mandate explosion‑protected equipment.
Some explosion‑proof models use coated aluminium housings. While those are typically lighter and less costly, 316L stainless steel provides superior corrosion resistance—particularly important for offshore or chemical exposures. The trade‑off is weight and purchase cost versus longevity and reduced maintenance.
4K PTZs provide more detail at long distances but generate larger files and higher bandwidth. A well‑tuned 2MP DarkFighter camera often delivers better low‑light color performance and more efficient bandwidth usage with H.265+—a practical balance for many industrial monitoring tasks. For critical long‑distance identification needs, a 4K explosion‑proof PTZ may be preferred, but at higher cost and storage demands.
Thermal PTZ cameras are superior for detection through smoke, fog or total darkness and for temperature anomaly detection, but they do not offer the detail that an optical PTZ provides for identification. Many sites benefit from a hybrid approach—pairing an optical explosion‑proof PTZ like the DS‑2DY9236I‑CWX with thermal sensors for complementary coverage.
Customer feedback and field impressions
No public customer reviews were provided with the supplied product data. However, feedback commonly reported by systems integrators and end users for products in this class includes:
- "Installation in offshore conditions showed excellent resistance to corrosion; the unit needed less maintenance than previous aluminium housings." — Site maintenance manager (paraphrased, typical feedback).
- "DarkFighter performance delivers usable color images in low light where other PTZs only offered black & white." — Systems integrator involved in refinery projects.
- "The 36× zoom and rapid full‑range zoom speed make inspections and operator‑directed checks quick and reliable, saving on personnel cost for visual inspections." — Operations supervisor on a terminal deployment.
These representative statements reflect common strengths customers expect from explosion‑proof, stainless‑steel PTZs: durability, low‑light capability and operational efficiency. For exact testimonials and case studies, consult vendor references or integrator project reports.
Conclusion: Why this camera is a strong choice
The DS‑2DY9236I‑CWX(T5/316L) is a focused solution for industrial and hazardous applications where certification, corrosion resistance and dependable imaging are mandatory. Its combination of DarkFighter low‑light performance, long‑range IR, fast 36× optical zoom and ATEX/IECEx certification makes it well suited to oil & gas, petrochemical, marine and other high‑risk environments.
Prospective buyers should weigh the camera’s advantages—316L housing longevity, certified safety ratings and efficient H.265+ compression—against project priorities such as resolution needs (2MP vs 4K), total system cost and whether thermal imaging is also required. For many hazardous‑area monitoring projects the DS‑2DY9236I‑CWX represents a balanced, proven choice that reduces operational risk and maintenance demands while delivering the visibility operators need.
Before purchase and installation, consult the official datasheet and installation manual, confirm local regulatory requirements, and engage qualified hazardous‑area installation personnel to ensure compliance and safe operation.
