VERKADA HARDWARE CF81-E Network Fisheye Security Camera, Outdoor Vandal-Resistant, 12 MP, Color Day/Night, GbE PoE+ with 30-Day Onboard Storage

The VERKADA HARDWARE CF81-E Network Fisheye Security Camera is an outdoor, vandal-resistant 12 MP fisheye camera designed for wide-area surveillance. With a 4056 x 3040 sensor and fixed optics, the camera captures high-resolution panoramic images suitable for monitoring large indoor or outdoor spaces. It supports color day/night imaging and integrated audio, and connects via Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ for both power and data. Built-in onboard storage retains up to 30 days of continuous recording, enabling local archival without immediate cloud dependency.

Advantages

The CF81-E combines a high-resolution 12 MP sensor with a 180° fisheye field of view to provide comprehensive coverage from a single mounting point. Its vandal-resistant housing and outdoor-rated design offer resilience in public-facing installations. Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ simplifies installation by delivering power and network connectivity through a single cable, while integrated audio adds contextual sound for investigations. Onboard storage for 30 days of recording reduces reliance on external NVRs and ensures continuous local recording even if network connectivity is interrupted.

Suitable for (tasks / use cases)

• Wide-area monitoring of retail floors, lobbies, and open-plan spaces
• Surveillance in transportation hubs such as stations or terminals
• Public space monitoring where vandal resistance is required
• Perimeter overview and situation awareness in campuses or parking areas

When it may not be suitable

This fisheye camera provides panoramic coverage but does not replace multi-camera setups where zoomed, high-detail views of distant targets are required. Fixed optics and a fisheye projection mean there is no mechanical pan/tilt/zoom; for applications needing optical zoom or targeted long-range identification you should consider dedicated PTZ or telephoto cameras. The 12 MP fisheye format can require dewarping or software adjustment for detailed region-of-interest exports.

Key specifications

• Image sensor: 12 MP (4056 x 3040) resolution
• Lens: Fisheye fixed focal length, panoramic/180° field of view
• Imaging modes: Color day/night operation
• Audio: Integrated microphone (two-way or one-way depends on configuration)
• Network: Gigabit Ethernet with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+)
• Storage: Onboard continuous recording with up to 30 days retention
• Enclosure: Outdoor-rated, vandal-resistant housing

How to use

Mount the camera at a central location that provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the coverage area, following the manufacturer’s recommended mounting height and orientation. Connect the camera to a PoE+ switch or injector using Cat5e/Cat6 cabling to provide both power and network connectivity. Access the camera through the compatible Verkada management platform or local interface to configure network settings, exposure, audio, and onboard storage retention policies. Use the platform’s dewarping and analytics tools to create virtual views, set motion detection zones, and export incidents from the 30-day onboard archive.

What to consider before purchase

• Confirm that a PoE+ switch or injector is available to supply power over Ethernet
• Ensure mounting location provides a clear, unobstructed panoramic view for fisheye coverage
• Consider whether dewarped views meet your identification and evidence requirements
• Verify environmental and vandal-resistance ratings suit the intended outdoor installation

Usage recommendations

For optimal results, pair the CF81-E with Verkada’s management tools to enable dewarping, analytics, and retention settings; position the camera to maximize coverage while avoiding direct glare sources; and routinely check firmware and storage settings to maintain continuous 30-day archiving.