Network Surveillance Camera VERKADA HARDWARE Mini Series CM42-S, 5 MP (2592×1944), Color Day/Night, Fixed Iris & Focal Length, Audio, GbE, PoE, H.265/H.264, 256 GB Onboard

The VERKADA HARDWARE Mini Series CM42-S is an indoor network surveillance camera that captures 5 MP images at 2592×1944 resolution with color day/night imaging. It features a fixed iris and fixed focal length lens, integrated audio support, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and Power over Ethernet (PoE). The camera supports H.265 and H.264 video compression and includes 256 GB of onboard storage designed to retain approximately 30 days of continuous recording, enabling local storage of footage alongside remote access and centralized management.

Advantages

The CM42-S combines high-resolution imaging with color day/night capability to provide clear visual detail in a variety of indoor lighting conditions. Fixed optical parameters simplify installation and reduce maintenance needs while integrated audio and onboard storage enable standalone operation without immediate reliance on external NVRs. Support for H.265 codec reduces bandwidth and storage requirements compared with older compression formats, and Gigabit Ethernet with PoE simplifies cabling by delivering power and data over a single cable.

Suitable for

• Office environments requiring continuous indoor monitoring and clear facial/detail recognition.
• Retail stores and point-of-sale areas where color detail and audio can support incident review.
• Educational or healthcare facilities for general indoor surveillance and compliance logging.

When it may not be suitable

The camera’s fixed iris and fixed focal length mean it is not ideal for applications that require variable zoom or automatic aperture adjustments for widely varying focal distances or outdoor light extremes. It is designed for indoor use; it lacks features such as housing-rated weatherproofing and extreme temperature tolerance needed for outdoor or harsh-environment installations.

Key specifications

• Image sensor and resolution: 5 MP, 2592×1944 pixels.
• Imaging mode: Color day/night functionality for low-light performance.
• Lens: Fixed iris and fixed focal length.
• Video compression: H.265 and H.264 codec support.
• Connectivity: Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) with Power over Ethernet (PoE).
• Audio: Integrated audio support (microphone and/or audio input as per device design).
• Onboard storage: 256 GB internal storage with around 30 days continuous retention (actual retention depends on settings and scene activity).

How to use

Mount the camera in a stable indoor location with a clear field of view and run a single Cat5e/Cat6 cable for both power and data using a PoE-capable switch or injector. Connect the Gigabit Ethernet cable to your network and configure the camera through the VERKADA management interface or compatible network management system, selecting resolution, compression (H.265/H.264) and recording schedules. Use the onboard storage settings to manage retention and enable continuous or event-based recording. Verify audio settings and permissions if audio capture is required, and test image framing and exposure under typical lighting conditions.

What to consider before purchase

• Intended installation location: indoor use only; not rated for outdoor weather exposure.
• Optical requirements: fixed focal length and iris limit zoom and aperture flexibility.
• Network and power: requires Gigabit Ethernet and PoE availability or a PoE injector/switch.
• Storage needs: 256 GB onboard storage offers about 30 days retention under typical settings but varies with scene activity and bitrate.

Usage recommendations

For reliable indoor monitoring, install the CM42-S at a height and angle that captures intended coverage zones without obstructions, configure H.265 for efficient storage use, and schedule periodic checks of onboard retention and firmware updates via the management platform.