Hikvision4 Megapixel EXIR PoE Turret IP Outdoor Surveillance Camera, DS-2CD2342WD-I 2.8mm Lens,White

Got two of these to monitor/record the activities outside of my house. Both are US models, not the Chinese knock-offs with hacked English firmware.Installation:This was probably the hardest part, but that's mostly due to where I chose to mount. As getting the ethernet cable to the cameras location turned out to be harder than anticipated. The cameras both came with a real-size sticker showing where to drill the holes. Though I just taped them to the surface, as I don't like using stickers (afraid they'll never come off).Configuration:I used Hikvision's SADPTool to set them up on my IP scheme, which was very easy to use. Was also very easy to add these to my Blue Iris software, which I have running on a dedicated Windows server. Overall, took under 10 minutes. I've setup many cameras in the past, so others may find this process a bit more difficult.One thing to note, if you're using the Blue Iris software, you cannot take advantage of the H.264+ encoding. If you enable it, none of the saved videos will play back (my understanding is because your basically double-encoding the video).Picture Quality:The daytime picture/video is wonderful. The night time picture/video is significantly better than the cheap cameras I've had before. It illuminates all the way to the end of my driveway! Though it does tend to over saturate objects the closer they are to the camera. But perhaps more tweaking in the cameras settings will help this. I haven't really deviated from much from the default settings.Build Quality:These feel and look great. Solid metal design (even the mounting ring), unlike the cheap plastic ones I've had in the past. It does generate a small amount of heat after it's been on for a day or so. But I think this is a plus, especially in the winter time when it can get well below zero in my area. I feel confident it'll survive.Other Thoughts:The IR doesn't attract bugs like bullet and dome cameras do. Well, maybe it does, but since the IR is off to the side of the lens (not around the lens like the other styles), they must go over there and not over the lens.To this point, I'm more than satisfied them. Even my wife (who's not a techy like me) thinks these were worth the extra money, over the budget cameras we've had in the past.

I have purchased several of these Turret cameras. The critical review is somewhat right. Many of these are the Chinese version that have hacked firmware. Several of these are also true US versions. It really depends on which seller you happen to choose. If you do have the Chinese version, you're definitely going to need to be careful when doing firmware updates - you'll brick the camera if you apply US firmware to a Chinese camera. HIKVision does have a way to unbrick them, as I have done this once before. It involved setting up a special TFTP server hosting the firmware image on a specific IP address. Apparently at pre-boot environment they go looking for firmware. Now I have one camera in 100% Chinese. Oh well. I can reference a US one to see what buttons to push to get it set-up. If you want a tried-and-true US Version, you may want to head over to B&H Photo. They're an official dealer of HIKVision products (but you'll pay more).As for the cameras quality - These are very nice cameras for the price. If I can save $$$ for a hacked Chinese version, so be it. They still work very well for me. I find they have a very clear picture, an outstanding IR illuminator, a very stable IP connection that rarely needs rebooting, a lot of adjustments for video, and work great in cold winters. I also find their design doesn't attract spiders quite as much as cameras with a "hood." They are super-easy to install - I really like their design.I've only had 2 problems with the cameras. One of them the Ethernet jack (receptacle) pulled completely apart. I was able to fix it with a careful application of some Epoxy.The other problem was a 'new' camera I ordered that was actually used. Someone had already set it up with a password. These are NOT easy to do a password reset for a lost/forgotten password. You essentially have to generate a file and send it to HIKVision with the SADPTool. They send you back another file that allows you to reset the password on the camera. In the case of the camera I was using, this did not work after multiple attempts. Luckily, Amazon has a WONDERFUL return policy. I sent the camera back. This isn't a problem with the camera, but with that particular seller. Although from a HIKVision perspective, it would be nice to have a way to reset the password on these without involving the manufacturer. Just keep that in mind... Don't forget the password!Since these are potentially hacked, and HIKVision has direct ties to the Chinese gov't... as a precaution I have set up my firewall to block the cameras from accessing the Internet directly. I probably should put them in a VLAN when I'm not feeling so lazy.

This camera is mounted outside under the overhang near my front door. Worked great for 2 months - now not so much as the color is off and contrast is bad. Works the same with a short or long cable, using other POE injectors too - no improvement.Beware that you as a consume cannot return a camera to Hikvision. Here is what their own web site says:"RMA Inquiry: Prior to returning product(s), please reach out to your direct point of purchase for return options. Hikvision only accepts returns from direct purchasers and/or authorized distributors..."I tried to return a camera to the seller on Amazon - SI Family Shop - and they directed me to the web site. Now they are non-responsive.So.....buyer beware!