The error “camera does not support this function” shows in multiple situations on the Hikvision logo or OEM devices. For example, you may try to change the camera’s name and suddenly you’ll get an error message that says that the camera does not support this function.
Another situation when the error is displayed is when you try to configure any smart features on the camera via the NVR or DVR. For example, when you try to enable the Intrusion Detection, Tripwire, Motion Detection, or even when you try to change video settings such as resolution, bit rate, frame rate, etc.
The “camera does not support this function” shows when you try to modify settings locally on the NVR or DVR, through the iVMS-4200 software, and on the web browser as well (such as Internet Explorer).
The reason why you get this error is that the NVR/DVR or the software is not able to communicate with the camera. They can see the camera, they are connected to the camera, you can even see the camera’s image on the screen, but the devices are not able to communicate with the settings section of the camera.
Another reason is that maybe there is no camera on that channel or the camera has lost connectivity. Sometimes the NVR or iVMS-4200 lets you “do” the settings on the camera but in fact, there’s no camera on that channel. And when you try to save or apply the changes it will say the camera does not support this function.
If you are using a third-party camera it is possible the ONVIF protocol supported by the camera is outdated which does not support OSD configuration. Many ONVIF cameras are limited in their capabilities when hooked up to a third-party NVR.
ONVIF is a protocol used by various manufacturers to make their devices compatible with each other regardless of the brand name.
For example, Hikvision cameras and NVRs are able to be fully compatible with each other. But a Hikvision NVR and (let’s say) and Axis camera are not compatible natively because they can be using the ONVIF protocol.
In many cases, the ONVIF protocol implemented on the camera is just basic, just sending the video feed to the NVR, but it doesn’t allow the NVR to access the rest of the camera’s internal settings. When you do, the software will show the “camera does not support this function” on the screen.
Fix: “Camera does not support this function”
If you want to configure specific settings but you can’t do them through the NVR, then just access the camera directly via the web browser and then perform the required settings. After that, hook it back to the NVR.
For example, you want to rename the camera but you do that via the NVR. Type the IP address of the camera on the web browser, log in with the camera’s credentials, adjust the settings, then hook the camera back to the recorder.
Finding the IP address of the camera depends on the brand name and type of network setup that you have. You may check this detailed article for more information: How to Find the IP Address of Your Security Camera.
To conclude, the error message “Camera does not support this function” shows because:
- You’re connected via ONVIF protocol and the NVR can’t access the camera’s settings.
- The camera has lost connectivity.
- There’s no camera on that channel.
Solutions that can possibly fix this issue:
- Update the firmware on the camera. If it doesn’t work, you need to access the camera directly and adjust the settings from there.
- Ensure that the camera is connected and that the connection is stable.
- Make sure you’re using the latest version of the iVMS-4200 (if the error is showing there).
- If the error shows up on the browser, make sure the plugin is properly installed and use Internet Explorer.
Lastly, you can always access the camera directly and do any necessary settings such as smart features, video settings, renaming the camera. This must be not very convenient but it’s a way to get over this annoying error message.
