Hikvision DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY 8MP PTZ Camera, 42× Optical, 4K DarkFighter, IR up to 500 m

Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY and its key features

The Hikvision DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY is an 8MP outdoor network PTZ camera engineered for long-range, high-resolution surveillance. Branded as an "8MP DarkFighter 42× Outdoor PTZ," this model combines a large 1/1.2" progressive-scan CMOS sensor with Hikvision's DarkFighter 2.0 low-light technology, a 42× motorised optical zoom, optical image stabilisation (OIS) and an industry-leading long-range infrared Smart Supplement Light with a stated reach of up to approximately 500 metres. Designed for demanding outdoor environments, the camera also includes robust mechanical and electrical protections (IP67, IK10 excluding the window), Hi-PoE (802.3bt) support or 36 VDC power, and advanced on-board AI capabilities for face capture, vehicle detection, LPR support and smart tracking.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

At its core the DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY blends high-resolution imaging with long-range optics and practical field features. Below are the key technical specifications and what they mean in real-world terms.

• Image sensor and resolution:A 1/1.2" progressive-scan CMOS sensor delivers up to 3840 × 2160 (8 MP). The larger sensor size improves sensitivity to light and dynamic range versus smaller sensors, producing clearer daytime images and better low-light performance.
• Lens and zoom:The motorised 7.5–315 mm lens provides 42× optical zoom plus 16× digital zoom. This range is ideal for long-distance identification — from a wide-area overview to pin-point detail at hundreds of metres without swapping cameras.
• Low-light performance:DarkFighter 2.0 gives the camera exceptional colour imaging at very low illuminance (colour as low as 0.0005 lux at F1.6), and B/W sensitivity to 0.0001 lux. With IR supplement the camera can achieve 0 lux scenarios for complete darkness coverage.
• IR and Smart Supplement Light:The integrated IR smart supplement light extends visibility to roughly 500 m under the right conditions. This long-range IR is useful for perimeter and wide-area surveillance where ambient light is limited.
• Image enhancement:Optical image stabilisation (OIS), 3D-DNR (digital noise reduction), 140 dB wide dynamic range (WDR) and optical defog work together to reduce motion blur, suppress noise in low light, handle high contrast scenes and mitigate atmospheric haze.

• Compression and streaming:Supports H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264, and up to three simultaneous streams for flexible recording and remote viewing while conserving bandwidth.
• On-board storage:microSD support up to 256 GB gives local failover recording when network storage is unavailable.
• Network and protocols:Standard RJ-45 10/100Base-T with IPv4/IPv6, HTTPS and ONVIF S/G/T/M compatibility eases integration with VMS and third-party systems.

• PTZ range and presets:Full 360° pan and −20° to 90° tilt (auto-flip) with up to 300 presets, patrols and patterns gives flexible automated coverage of large zones or complex perimeters.
• Speed and control:Configurable pan/tilt speeds with preset velocities up to 280°/s (pan) and 250°/s (tilt) enable rapid reacquisition of targets.
• Power options:Supports Hi-PoE (802.3bt) or 36 VDC, with a built-in heater and surge protection for reliable operation in harsh climates. Typical power consumption is ≤ 50 W depending on IR and heater usage; maximum around 60 W.
• Ruggedisation:Rated IP67 for ingress protection and IK10 impact resistance (excluding the glass window). Designed to operate from −40°C to +70°C with humidity tolerance up to 95%.

Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels

The DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY is purpose-built for long-range and wide-area surveillance where resolution, zoom reach and adaptability matter. Common use cases include:

• Perimeter security:Industrial sites, energy facilities, and critical infrastructure benefit from the camera’s ability to detect and identify people and vehicles at significant distances and track movement across large boundary zones.
• Transport hubs and ports:Airports, seaports and major rail yards require comprehensive coverage of runways, aprons and cargo areas. The 42× zoom and high resolution allow operators to switch from overview to close inspection without redeploying equipment.
• Highway and traffic monitoring:With LPR support and long-range imaging, the unit can assist in vehicle detection, incident verification and traffic flow analysis along extended road corridors.
• Checkpoints and border control:The on-board AI features — face capture/comparison, vehicle attributes and checkpoint mode for LPR — help automate identification and evidence collection at controlled access points.
• Wide-area urban surveillance:City centres and public spaces where fewer, more capable cameras reduce infrastructure and simplify operations while still delivering identification-level imagery.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

The PTZ market includes many long-range 4K models. Where the Hikvision DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY stands out is the combination of sensor size, DarkFighter low-light performance, 42× optical zoom with OIS, and a long-range IR option. Key comparative points:

• Sensor and low-light capability:Many PTZs offer 4K resolution, but sensor size varies. The 1/1.2" sensor in this model typically outperforms smaller 1/2.8" or 1/3" sensors in low light, producing clearer colour images at night when paired with DarkFighter technology.
• Zoom and IR range:A 42× optical zoom with 500 m IR reach positions this camera towards the top end of long-range PTZs. Some competitors deliver similar optical zoom but may lack the same IR distance or advanced OIS, affecting clarity at full zoom in vibration-prone installations.
• On-board AI:Face capture/comparison, vehicle detection and LPR support are increasingly common. Hikvision’s integration and checkpoint mode make the DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY strong for applications that require analytics at the device, reducing the load on edge servers.
• Power and installation:Hi-PoE (802.3bt) support simplifies cabling compared with legacy solutions requiring separate power runs; however, professional installation is recommended for safety and to take advantage of surge/heater features. Competing models may use similar power profiles but differ in convenience and overall power draw.

Price is another differentiator. With a suggested price of approximately $2,699 (cost price example: $2,043.28), this camera sits in the premium PTZ bracket. Buyers should weigh whether the advanced optics, sensor and analytics justify the investment versus lower-cost PTZs that may require additional units or complementary lighting to achieve similar coverage.

Customer testimonials and reviews

Direct manufacturer or verified end-user testimonials specific to this exact model may be limited in public forums due to commercial deployments and pro-install integration. However, feedback trends for Hikvision long-range PTZs with similar specifications commonly include:

• "Outstanding night-time performance — colour images well into low lux conditions and the IR reaches far enough to verify licence plates in many cases."
• "The 42× zoom with OIS is a game changer for long corridors and elevated poles; targets remain recognisable even with wind-induced motion."
• "On-board analytics reduced our need for separate LPR and face capture systems, simplifying the solution and lowering total system cost."
• "Professional installation and proper PoE/grounding are essential — once installed correctly the unit has been very reliable in harsh conditions."

These representative comments reflect common strengths and field considerations reported for comparable high-end Hikvision PTZs. Prospective buyers should request site-specific references and trial footage where possible and consult integrators for live demonstrations prior to large-scale deployment.

Conclusion — why the DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY is a strong choice

The Hikvision DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY is a purpose-built solution for organisations that require high-resolution, long-range surveillance with advanced analytics at the edge. Its combination of a large 1/1.2" sensor, DarkFighter 2.0 low-light technology, 42× optical zoom with OIS, and a very long-range IR supplement make it particularly well-suited to perimeter protection, transport hubs, border checkpoints and other wide-area use cases where identification at distance matters.

Operational reliability is supported by professional-grade ingress and impact protection, built-in heater and surge mitigation, and flexible power options including Hi-PoE or 36 VDC. On-board AI features reduce the dependence on central servers for routine analytics, and the camera’s ONVIF support helps integration with existing VMS ecosystems.

As with any professional surveillance purchase, success depends on matching the camera to the site: correct mounting height, power provisioning (Hi-PoE/36 VDC), network capacity and compliance with local regulations and installation standards. For installations where single-camera coverage of extended distances can reduce complexity and overall cost, the DS-2DF8C842IXG1-ELWY is a compelling, high-performance choice.

Note:Professional installation is recommended. Check CE/UKCA and local regulatory compliance with your supplier before deployment and follow Hikvision installation guides and local electrical regulations for safe wiring and earthing.