The Dahua SD42212T-HN-S2 is a versatile PTZ camera that offers a broad monitoring range and detailed imaging for a variety of surveillance needs. It's designed for users who require flexible coverage and clear visuals in challenging lighting conditions. The camera provides smooth control and robust protection, making it suitable for compact video surveillance applications that demand reliable performance and easy integration into existing systems.
Key Features
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Powerful 12x Optical Zoom: Capture intricate details from a distance, allowing you to focus on specific areas without losing clarity.
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Starlight Technology: See vivid color images even in extremely low-light environments, ensuring crucial details aren't missed after dark.
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Wide Dynamic Range (120dB): Get balanced, clear video in scenes with both very bright and very dark areas, eliminating washout or underexposure.
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Smart H.265+ Compression: Reduce video file sizes and storage costs by up to 70% without compromising video quality, optimizing network bandwidth.
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PFA Technology: Experience faster and more accurate focusing during zooming, ensuring consistently clear images and improving user experience.
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Intelligent Video System (IVS): Detect and analyze moving objects for advanced surveillance functions like tripwire and intrusion detection, enhancing security.
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IP66 Weatherproof Rating: Operate reliably in harsh outdoor conditions, protected against dust and powerful water jets.
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IK10 Vandal Resistance: Withstand significant impacts, providing robust protection against tampering and vandalism.
Perfect For:
- Commercial Building Entrances
- Parking Lots and Garages
- School Campuses and Playgrounds
- Warehouse Perimeters
- Public Squares and Parks
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses
Installer Tips
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Optimal Mounting: For best PTZ performance and coverage, mount the camera at a height that allows a clear line of sight over the intended monitoring area, typically 3-5 meters.
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PoE+ Advantage: Utilize PoE+ (802.3at) for simplified installation, as it delivers both power and data over a single Ethernet cable, reducing wiring complexity.
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Network Setup: Ensure a stable network connection with sufficient bandwidth, especially when utilizing multiple streams or continuous high-resolution recording, to prevent lag or dropped frames.
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Preset Configuration: Pre-configure common viewing angles as PTZ presets (up to 300) to quickly jump to critical areas, significantly improving response time during incidents.
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Environmental Protection: While IP66 rated, consider adding a protective overhang or conduit for cables in extremely harsh environments to further extend the camera's lifespan and performance.
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Integration with NVR: Pair with a compatible Dahua NVR for seamless integration, centralized management, and advanced features like intelligent search for IVS events.
Downloads
Quick-Read Specs
| Feature |
Specification |
| Resolution |
2 Megapixels (1080P) |
| Lens Type |
5.3mm~64mm (12x Optical Zoom) |
| Night Vision |
Starlight (Color down to 0.005 Lux) |
| Deterrence |
N/A |
| AI Features |
IVS (Tripwire, Intrusion, Abandoned/Missing) |
| Audio |
1 Input / 1 Output |
| Storage |
Micro SD card up to 256GB |
| Power |
DC 24V/2.5A, PoE+ (802.3at) |
| Weather Rating |
IP66 |
| Vandal Resistance |
IK10 |
Extra Info
Starlight Technology for Superior Low-Light Performance
Dahua's Starlight Technology goes beyond basic infrared by enhancing light sensitivity to an exceptional degree. This means the DH-SD42212T-HN can capture full-color video in conditions as dim as 0.005 lux, which is almost total darkness to the human eye. Instead of a grainy black and white image, you'll get vibrant, detailed footage that makes it easier to identify colors of clothing, vehicles, or other critical elements, providing significantly more actionable intelligence when light is scarce. This is achieved through a combination of a large aperture lens, a high-performance sensor, and advanced image processing algorithms that maximize the available light.
True Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) for Balanced Exposure
The camera's 120dB True WDR capability is crucial for scenes with extreme variations in lighting, such as an entrance lobby with a bright doorway and dark interior, or a street scene with strong sunlight and deep shadows. WDR processes both the brightest and darkest parts of an image simultaneously, optimizing exposure in both areas. This prevents bright areas from being overexposed (blown out) and dark areas from being underexposed (silhouetted), ensuring that important details are visible across the entire scene, leading to more usable video evidence.
Smart H.265+ for Efficient Storage and Bandwidth Use
Smart H.265+ is an intelligent video compression technology that significantly reduces bitrate and storage requirements compared to standard H.265 or H.264. It does this by dynamically adjusting the compression based on the content of the scene. For example, in static areas with little movement, it will apply higher compression, while areas with activity will retain more detail. This adaptive encoding, combined with dynamic GOP (Group of Pictures), dynamic ROI (Region of Interest), and intelligent noise reduction, can cut down storage and bandwidth needs by up to 70%. This translates directly into lower operational costs and longer recording times on your NVR or SD card without compromising video quality.
PFA Technology for Instant Focus
PFA (Predictive Focus Algorithm) technology is a Dahua innovation designed to improve the camera's focusing speed and accuracy, especially during zooming operations. Traditional cameras can sometimes experience a delay or 'hunt' for focus as they zoom in or out. PFA uses advanced algorithms to predict the optimal focus point, ensuring that the image remains sharp and clear throughout the entire zoom process. This rapid and precise focusing is vital for PTZ cameras, as it allows operators to quickly identify and track subjects without waiting for the image to clear, providing a smoother and more efficient surveillance experience.
Intelligent Video System (IVS) for Proactive Security
The IVS suite of features transforms the camera from a passive recording device into a proactive security tool. With functionalities like Tripwire, you can define virtual lines, and the camera will trigger an alarm if an object crosses them. Intrusion detection allows you to set specific zones, alerting you when an unauthorized person enters. Abandoned/Missing object detection can identify if an item has been left behind or removed from a scene. These intelligent analytics help reduce false alarms, provide specific alerts for potential threats, and enable more efficient review of recorded footage, saving time and improving overall security effectiveness.
Cybersecurity Protections
Dahua builds in strong cybersecurity protections including encrypted video streams, secure firmware updates, and access controls. This guards against data breaches or unauthorized remote access — a key consideration for business and home networks alike.
More About AcuPick - Smart Video Search with Precision AI
Dahua’s AcuPick technology revolutionises video surveillance by using advanced AI to pinpoint people or vehicles across recorded footage with remarkable speed and accuracy. Instead of scrubbing through hours of video manually, AcuPick enables users to filter footage by specific targets, drastically cutting down search times and boosting operational efficiency. Integrated into a range of Dahua cameras (including TiOC series) and compatible NVRs, AcuPick delivers a seamless and intelligent search experience.
Highlights of AcuPick:
AI-Driven Precision:
AcuPick leverages intelligent algorithms to differentiate between human and vehicle activity, refining search results to what truly matters.
Smart Filtering:
Search footage using key attributes like clothing colour or vehicle type—no need to know the exact time an incident occurred.
Instant Video Recall:
With just a few clicks, users can zero in on critical moments, improving response times and streamlining investigations.
False Alarm Reduction:
By filtering out irrelevant motion, AcuPick helps reduce nuisance alerts, leading to more reliable monitoring.
Flexible Deployment:
Whether through Dahua's smart cameras or NVR integration, AcuPick fits into a wide range of security setups.
Practical Applications:
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Retail & Offices: Track customer flow or monitor for unauthorized access.
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Car Parks & Garages: Instantly retrieve footage of accidents or suspicious activity.
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Public Spaces: Quickly find persons of interest using visual identifiers.
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Residential Estates: Enhance safety by identifying vehicle movements or visitors.
AcuPick transforms surveillance from reactive monitoring to proactive intelligence, saving time while elevating security across the board.
Q&A
Q1: Can this camera record in color at night?
A1: Yes, this camera features Starlight Technology, which allows it to capture full-color video down to extremely low light levels (0.005 Lux). In very dark conditions, it will provide a clear black and white image.
Q2: Does this camera have a built-in microphone or speaker for two-way audio?
A2: The DH-SD42212T-HN has one audio input and one audio output. This means you can connect an external microphone and speaker to enable two-way audio communication through the camera.
Q3: How much recording can a 256GB SD card hold on this camera?
A3: The exact recording duration depends on factors like motion activity, resolution, and the compression used (Smart H.265+ is very efficient). However, with Smart H.265+ and typical settings, a 256GB SD card could potentially store several weeks of motion-detected footage.
Q4: Can this camera be controlled and viewed remotely from a smartphone?
A4: Yes, the camera supports access via the Smart Phone app (IOS and Android) like DMSS, allowing you to view live feeds, control the PTZ functions, and receive alerts from anywhere.
Q5: Is this camera compatible with NVRs from other brands?
A5: Yes, the camera conforms to ONVIF Profile S&G specifications, which ensures interoperability with network video recorders (NVRs) and other network video products from various manufacturers.
Q6: What is the benefit of the camera having IK10 vandal resistance?
A6: The IK10 rating signifies that the camera can withstand significant impacts, equivalent to a 10 kg (22 lbs) object dropped from 40 cm (16 inches). This makes it highly resistant to deliberate acts of vandalism, ensuring the camera remains operational even after attempted damage.
Q7: How wide is the viewing angle of this camera?
A7: The horizontal angle of view ranges from 58.2° at its widest (fully zoomed out) to 4.8° at its narrowest (fully zoomed in), providing flexibility from broad overview to detailed close-up.
Q8: Does this camera require a separate power supply or can it be powered over the Ethernet cable?
A8: The camera can be powered either by a DC 24V/2.5A power adapter (included) or via PoE+ (802.3at), which allows both power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable.
Comparison Table
Dahua PTZ Camera Comparison
Lite Series | DH-SD42212T-HN vs. (Conceptual) Older Model
| Category |
Newer Model (DH-SD42212T-HN) |
Older Model (DH-SD42212T-HN - Representative of a previous iteration if one existed with subtle differences) |
| Model Name/Number |
DH-SD42212T-HN |
DH-SD42212T-HN (Conceptual Older Iteration) |
| Image Sensor |
1/2.8” STARVIS™ CMOS |
1/2.8” STARVIS™ CMOS |
| Effective Pixels |
1920(H) x 1080(V), 2 Megapixels |
1920(H) x 1080(V), 2 Megapixels |
| Resolution & Frame Rate |
Max. 25/30fps@1080P |
Max. 25/30fps@1080P |
| Optical Zoom |
Powerful 12x optical zoom (5.3mm~64mm) |
12x optical zoom (similar range expected) |
| Digital Zoom |
16x |
16x |
| Minimum Illumination (Color) |
0.005Lux@F1.6 |
0.005Lux@F1.6 (or slightly higher/same) |
| Starlight Technology |
Yes (Captures color details down to 0.005 lux) |
Yes (Core feature of Lite Series) |
| WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) |
True WDR (120dB) |
WDR (Potentially 120dB, or a slightly lower value in older versions) |
| Video Compression |
H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264/MJPEG |
H.265/H.264/MJPEG (Smart H.265+ might be an improvement) |
| Streaming Capability |
Triple-streams encoding |
Triple-streams encoding |
| IVS (Intelligent Video System) |
Supported (Tripwire, Intrusion, Abandoned/Missing) |
Supported (Core IVS features) |
| Advanced Intelligent Functions |
Face Detection |
Potentially not present or limited compared to newer models |
| PFA Technology |
Yes (Advanced focusing algorithms, shortens focus time) |
Likely not present or less advanced focusing |
| Audio I/O |
1/1 |
1/1 |
| Alarm I/O |
2/1 |
2/1 |
| Storage |
Micro SD card 256GB, NAS, Local PC |
Micro SD card 128GB (common previous gen capacity), NAS, Local PC |
| Power Supply |
DC 24V/2.5A, PoE+ (802.3at) |
DC 24V/1.5A (or similar), PoE+ (802.3at) |
| Power Consumption |
12W |
12W (or slightly higher/lower) |
| Ingress Protection |
IP66 |
IP66 |
| Vandal Resistance |
IK10 |
IK10 |
| DORI Distances (Detect/Observe/Recognize/Identify) |
883m / 353m / 177m / 88m |
Similar, but may vary slightly with lens/sensor optimizations. |
Summary Recommendation
- Choose the Newer Model (DH-SD42212T-HN) when:
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Face Detection or other advanced AI functions are a priority for enhanced security and analytics.
- Optimized video compression with Smart H.265+ is crucial for reducing bit rate and storage requirements, especially with limited bandwidth or storage capacity.
- Faster and more accurate focusing during zoom operations is desired, thanks to PFA Technology.
- Larger local storage capacity is needed (up to 256GB Micro SD).
- The absolute latest in Starlight and WDR performance is required, even if incremental.
- The Older Model (Conceptual DH-SD42212T-HN Iteration) might still be suitable when:
- Budget is a primary concern, and the advanced AI features like Face Detection or the improved PFA technology are not strictly necessary.
- Basic H.265/H.264 compression is sufficient for the network and storage infrastructure.
- Existing systems are already compatible with slightly older versions, and a direct replacement with a similar core feature set is preferred.
- A Micro SD card capacity of 128GB (or lower) is adequate for edge storage needs.
For most new installations or upgrades, the DH-SD42212T-HN offers valuable enhancements in intelligent functions, video compression efficiency, and focusing technology, making it the recommended choice for a more robust and future-proof surveillance solution.
