The IPC-HFW71242H-Z 12MP IR Bullet WizMind Network Camera is a robust security camera designed for detailed surveillance in demanding environments. It excels at intelligent detection and analytics, making it ideal for monitoring perimeters, identifying people and vehicles, and managing public spaces. This camera is built for reliability and provides clear imaging around the clock.
Features
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Advanced AI Detection: Accurately identifies and classifies humans, vehicles, and non-motorized vehicles, significantly reducing false alarms and focusing on genuine threats.
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Detailed Face Analytics: Detects faces, tracks them, and extracts attributes like gender, age, and expressions, aiding in identification and specialized monitoring tasks.
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License Plate Recognition (ANPR): Automatically captures and recognizes license plates along with vehicle type, color, and other attributes, which is crucial for access control or traffic monitoring.
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People Counting & Queue Management: Provides precise tracking of people entering, leaving, or congregating in an area, offering valuable insights for business operations and crowd control.
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Durable for Harsh Conditions: Withstands extreme temperatures and is protected against dust, water (IP67), and impact (IK10), ensuring reliable operation in challenging outdoor settings.
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Flexible Storage Options: Supports up to a 256GB Micro SD card, FTP, and NAS for local and network storage, providing versatile options for video backup.
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Easy Power Integration: Can be powered by 12V DC, 24V AC, or PoE+, simplifying installation and offering flexibility in various setups.
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Extensive Infrared Night Vision: Built-in IR LEDs provide clear black and white vision up to 60 meters (196.9 ft) in complete darkness, ensuring continuous monitoring even at night.
Perfect For:
- Commercial Building Perimeters
- Parking Lots and Garages
- Traffic Monitoring and Entry Points
- Retail Stores and Shopping Centers (for analytics)
- Public Squares and Event Spaces
- Industrial Facilities and Warehouses
Installer Tips
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Optimal Placement for ANPR: For accurate ANPR, mount the camera at an angle that provides a clear, head-on view of license plates, typically between 15-30 degrees from the center of the lane.
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Leverage PoE+: Utilize PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus) for simplified installation as it delivers both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, reducing cabling complexity.
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Vari-focal Lens Adjustment: Take advantage of the motorized vari-focal lens (2.7 mm–12 mm) to precisely adjust the field of view for wide-angle coverage or zoomed-in detail, depending on the surveillance area's requirements.
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Integrate with Smart NVR: Pair this camera with a Dahua Smart NVR to unlock advanced intelligent search capabilities, allowing for refined event extraction and merging of event videos.
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Environmental Considerations: While IP67 and IK10 rated, consider the optional anti-corrosion coating or NEMA 4X protection for installations in highly corrosive or extreme outdoor environments.
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Audio and Alarm Connections: Plan for external audio input/output (3.5mm JACK) and alarm input/output connections if you intend to use two-way audio or integrate with external alarm systems.
Downloads
Quick-Read Specs
| Feature |
Specification |
| Resolution |
12MP (4000 × 3000) |
| Lens Type |
Motorized vari-focal, 2.7 mm–12 mm |
| Night Vision |
IR LED, up to 60 m (196.9 ft) |
| Deterrence |
N/A |
| AI Features |
Perimeter Protection, Face Detection, ANPR, People Counting, Queue Management, Video Metadata, PPE Detection |
| Audio |
1 Input, 1 Output |
| Storage |
Micro SD card (max. 256 GB) |
| Power |
12V DC / 24V AC / PoE+ (802.3at) |
| Weather Rating |
IP67, IK10 |
Extra Info
WizMind Deep Learning AI
The IPC-HFW71242H-Z camera is part of the Dahua WizMind 7 Series, which utilizes industry-leading deep learning algorithms to provide highly accurate and intelligent surveillance. This isn't just about detecting motion; it's about understanding what's happening in the scene. The camera can differentiate between humans, vehicles, and even non-motorized vehicles, drastically reducing false alarms that are common with traditional motion detection. This intelligent classification allows you to focus on relevant events, improving the efficiency of your security monitoring. The deep learning algorithms enable functions like Perimeter Protection, where you can set virtual tripwires or intrusion zones, and the system will only alert you when a classified human or vehicle crosses them, ignoring irrelevant movements like swaying trees or passing animals.
Comprehensive Face & Body Analysis
Beyond simple detection, this camera offers advanced Face Detection and Face and Body Association. It can not only identify faces but also extract attributes such as gender, age, whether they wear glasses or a mask, and even their expression (anger, happiness, sadness, etc.). The Face Recognition feature takes this a step further by comparing captured faces against a stored database of up to 50,000 faces, making it valuable for access control, identifying known individuals, or even recognizing repeat customers in a retail setting. The PPE Detection function is particularly useful for industrial or construction sites, as it can detect if individuals are wearing required personal protective equipment like face masks, safety helmets, glasses, and safety vests, and trigger alarms if compliance isn't met. This comprehensive analysis provides a deeper understanding of activities within the monitored area.
Intelligent Traffic and Crowd Management
The built-in ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) technology is powered by a high-performance GPU chip and extensive training data, enabling the camera to automatically identify license plates, vehicle types, colors, and even other attributes like seatbelt usage or phoning habits. This is invaluable for parking management, traffic flow analysis, or enforcing access restrictions. For businesses and public spaces, the People Counting function provides detailed statistics on entries, exits, and the number of people within a specific area, allowing for better resource allocation, understanding foot traffic patterns, and optimizing operations. Furthermore, Queue Management helps in real-time monitoring of queues, alerting staff when a queue exceeds a predefined length or dwell time, improving customer service and operational efficiency. These intelligent features transform raw video data into actionable insights.
Seamless Integration and Cyber Security
This camera is designed for seamless integration into existing surveillance systems. It supports a wide range of protocols, including ONVIF (Profile S/G/T), CGI, Milestone, and Genetec, ensuring compatibility with various VMS (Video Management Software) platforms. You can access and manage the camera through Dahua's Smart PSS, DSS, or DMSS mobile app (for iOS and Android), providing convenient remote monitoring. Cyber Security is a paramount concern, and the IPC-HFW71242H-Z is equipped with robust security measures such as video and firmware encryption, access control, IP/MAC filtering, and trusted boot features. These measures enhance data protection and defend against malicious cyber threats, providing peace of mind for sensitive installations.
Q&A
Q: Can this camera record in color at night?
A: No, this model primarily uses IR LED illumination for night vision, which provides clear black and white images in low-light or no-light conditions up to 60 meters. It does not offer full-color night vision.
Q: How long can the SD card record for?
A: The recording duration on a 256GB Micro SD card will vary significantly based on factors like video resolution, compression (H.265 vs. H.264), frame rate, and the amount of motion in the scene. Generally, 256GB can store several days to a couple of weeks of continuous recording at moderate settings. Using Smart H.265+ encoding will significantly extend the recording time compared to standard H.264.
Q: Does this camera have a siren or active deterrence features?
A: No, this specific model (IPC-HFW71242H-Z) does not include built-in audible sirens or flashing lights for active deterrence. Its focus is on intelligent detection and comprehensive monitoring.
Q: Can the camera integrate with NVRs from other brands?
A: Yes, it supports ONVIF (Profile S/Profile G/Profile T), which is a widely adopted standard for IP-based security products. This typically allows for basic compatibility (video streaming, motion detection) with ONVIF-compliant NVRs from other manufacturers. For full functionality, especially for advanced AI features, pairing with a Dahua NVR is recommended.
Q: What makes this camera different from a "Pro" version in terms of AI features?
A: This camera, being part of the WizMind 7 Series, is already a highly advanced "Pro" level camera. It includes comprehensive AI features like Perimeter Protection, Face Detection and Recognition, ANPR, People Counting, Queue Management, and PPE Detection. Other "Pro" or higher-end models might offer additional specialized AI functions or greater processing power for more complex scenarios, but this model is very feature-rich.
Q: Will the ANPR feature work in all weather conditions?
A: While the camera itself has an IP67 weather rating for protection against dust and water, the accuracy of the ANPR feature can be affected by extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow, or dense fog, which might obscure license plates. Optimal performance is achieved in clear visibility.
Q: Can I access the camera remotely from my phone?
A: Yes, you can manage and view the camera remotely using Dahua's official mobile applications like DMSS, which is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Camera Model Comparison
Dahua IPC-HFW71242H-Z vs. IPC-HFW71240H-Z
| Category |
Newer Model (IPC-HFW71242H-Z) |
Older Model (IPC-HFW71240H-Z) |
| Model Name |
12MP IR Bullet WizMind Network Camera (IPC-HFW71242H-Z) |
12MP IR Bullet WizMind Network Camera (IPC-HFW71240H-Z) |
| Image Sensor |
1/1.7” 12 Megapixel progressive CMOS |
1/1.7" 12 Megapixel progressive CMOS |
| Max. Resolution |
12MP (4000 × 3000) @25/30 fps |
12MP (4000 × 3000) @25/30 fps |
| Min. Illumination (Color) |
0.01 Lux@F1.8 (Color, 30IRE) |
0.0009 Lux@F1.6 (Color, 30IRE) |
| Min. Illumination (B/W) |
0.001 Lux@F1.8 (B/W, 30IRE) |
0.0005 Lux@F1.6 (B/W, 30IRE) |
| IR Distance |
60 m (196.9 ft) |
60 m (196.85 ft) |
| Lens Type |
Motorized vari-focal |
Motorized vari-focal |
| Max. Aperture |
F1.8 |
F1.6 |
| Field of View (Horizontal) |
103°–44° |
106°–45° |
| ROM / RAM |
4 GB ROM / 2 GB RAM |
8 GB ROM / 4 GB RAM |
| Intelligent Functions (AI) |
Perimeter Protection, Face Detection, Video Metadata, ANPR, People Counting, Queue Management, *PPE Detection*, *Face Recognition (General & Counting Mode)*, *Face and Body Detection (General & PPE Detection)* |
Perimeter Protection, Face Detection, Video Metadata, ANPR, People Counting, Queue Management, *PPE Detection*, *Face Recognition (General & Counting Mode)*, *Parking Space Management* |
| Streams |
Five streams for three-channel HD video |
Five streams |
| Video Bit Rate (H.265) |
32 kbps–14080 kbps |
32 kbps–12288 kbps
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| DORI Distance (Wide - Detect) |
93 m (305.1 ft) |
93 m (305.1 ft) |
| DORI Distance (Tele - Identify) |
20 m (65.6 ft) |
20 m (65.6 ft) |
| Storage (SD Card) |
Supports max. 256 GB SD card |
Supports max. 512 GB Micro SD card |
| Power Consumption (Max.) |
15.2W (12V DC); 19.32W (24V AC active power); 18.9W (PoE) |
<17.3W |
| Operating Conditions |
–40°C to +65°C (–40°F to +149°F) |
–40°C to +60°C (–40°F to +140°F) |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) |
340.1 mm × 138.3 mm × 134 mm |
340.1 mm × 108.5 mm × 92.9 mm |
| Protection Grade |
IP67, IK10, Anti-Corrosion Protection: NEMA 4X (optional) |
IP67, IK10 |
Summary Recommendation
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Choose the Newer Model (IPC-HFW71242H-Z) when:
- You require a slightly wider field of view at the wide end (103° vs 106°), though this is a minor difference.
- You need support for a wider range of ambient operating temperatures, extending to +65°C, making it more robust for extreme hot environments.
- You need the latest iteration of Dahua's WizMind 7 series with potentially optimized AI algorithms and minor feature enhancements like the explicit mention of "Five streams for three-channel HD video" in its summary (though the -40 also has 5 streams).
- You require the specific "Face and Body Association" or "Face and Body Detection" (General & PPE Detection) which is explicitly listed as a feature.
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The Older Model (IPC-HFW71240H-Z) might still be suitable when:
- Low-light performance is a critical factor, as it boasts a *lower minimum illumination* (0.0009 Lux vs 0.01 Lux) and a *wider maximum aperture* (F1.6 vs F1.8), suggesting better performance in very dark conditions.
- You need more internal memory for enhanced processing capabilities (8GB ROM / 4GB RAM vs 4GB ROM / 2GB RAM).
- A higher maximum SD card storage capacity (512GB vs 256GB) is required.
- Cost-effectiveness is a primary concern, as older models are often available at a lower price point while still offering robust 12MP resolution and a comprehensive set of AI features, including PPE Detection and ANPR.
- You specifically need "Parking Space Management" which is listed as an intelligent function for the -40 model, but not explicitly highlighted in the -42's detailed specs provided.
