D-Link DCS-942L Surveillance Camera

Surveillance cameras come in all shapes and sizes and are equipped with various features to provide the best possible coverage in a certain area. But these devices can be tasking to install and present some limitations in monitoring a place at any given time.

The D-Link DCS-942L aims to solve these problems through the use of the internet.

The D-Link DCS-942L’s design is rather unusual because it looks more of a webcam than a surveillance camera. It has a detachable rounded base that holds the main piece in place and also acts a stand if the device is not mounted on the wall.

Setting up the camera for the first time is relatively easy thanks to its user friendly CD installation guide. The camera comes with an Ethernet cable to connect it to your router, but should you wish to, you can also connect it wirelessly via the WPS button.

Once the connection is established, you’ll be asked to create a myDLink account which will serve as a portal for you to see what the camera is seeing wherever you are at any given time. This can be done by either logging in on the myDLink website or downloading mydlink app which is available on iOS and Android platforms. Here’s a screenshot of the camera in action accessed via the myDLink app on our Galaxy Note.

The D-Link DCS-942L is capable of recording in H.264 and MP4 file format in 640 x 480 resolution at 30fps. Recording in low-light condition isn’t going to be a problem with this camera either, thanks to its light sensor and four infrared LEDs. In terms of saving, a user can set up a host computer to save the recorded videos or insert a micro-SD card, but if you have NAS device set up you can also choose to save it on there.

Other than managing your camera’s settings, there are other neat customizations that you can do with the D-Link DCS-942L through the D-ViewCam software that comes with the device. You can set up recording schedules, email alert notification and make use of the motion detection feature of the camera which only triggers the recording when it detects movement inside the app.

Updated: Suggested retail price is in the $199PHP 11,678INR 16,865EUR 190CNY 1,448 range.