Hi
@Gwladok
So in terms of image performance, the scale goes from the older & entry-level model like the 2xx2FWD and 2xx3G0 EasyIP 2.0+ cameras, then you have the 'Powered by Darkfighter' EasyIP 3.0 cameras (2xx5FWD/2xx5G1) which have software improvements that improve how the camera handles low-light images. Finally, you have the True Darkfighter cameras from the 5-Series (5xx6G0) & 7-Series (7xx6G0) ranges which have hardware improvements (different lenses, sensors, etc...) to improve further still on top of the Darkfighter software improvements, but these are top range models that come in around the £500 mark.
We would say that if you are going up from a 2142 model to something like the
2145 4MP Dome camera from the EasyIP 3.0 range you will not only see an improvement because of the 'Powered by Darkfighter' software but also because this model would have much newer hardware inside including a larger sensor (2145 has 1/2.5" sensor compared to the 1/3" sensor of the 2142) which helps with light sensitivity.
Another big factor that improves with the newer camera models is the IR performance, all current-generation hikvision cameras from EasyIP2.0+, 3.0, and higher now use more powerful EXIR LEDs which means they don't have to use as many LEDs and they don't have to arrange them in the traditional ring layout that you see in your 2142, this greatly reduces IR reflection and the halo ring effect where the image falls into darkness at the edges.
As well as the Darkfighter cameras, there is one other option you may not have seen or considered. Hikvision recently introduced a new technology as part of their latest EasyIp 4.0 range called ColorVu, as the name suggests ColorVu cameras feature improved hardware and software to achieve colour images at night. The main model in this new range would be the
DS-2CD2347G1-LU 4MP Turret, the key thing to be aware of though with ColorVu cameras is that if your scene is completely dark or reliant on moonlight you will likely have to use the cameras built-in visible white LED floodlight which is very bright and stays on all the time when it is dark enough to be needed. The colorVu cameras, in our opinion, work best in scenarios where you already have plenty of visible light (e.g. streetlights, motion floodlights, etc...) as then you can turn off the cameras harsh floodlight and just use the available light to light the scene.
Another forum user shared some images from their own test to give you an idea of the performance you get from a ColorVu camera in a scene with other visible light, see those images
here