Introduction: Meet the DS-2CE57H0T-VPITF 5MP Vandal Dome
The DS-2CE57H0T-VPITF is a 5 MP vandal-proof fixed dome analogue (TurboHD) camera designed to deliver clear, reliable surveillance in both indoor and outdoor environments. With a 2.8 mm fixed lens offering an approximately 85° horizontal field of view, EXIR 2.0 infrared for low-light performance up to about 20 m, and a robust metal housing rated IP67 and IK10, this camera blends high-resolution imaging with physical durability. It supports multi-format analogue outputs (TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS), runs on 12 VDC with low power consumption (max ≈ 4.3 W), and is compact enough for retail fronts, entrances, car parks, schools and other public spaces where vandalism or harsh weather are concerns.
Price guide:Suggested retail price around $59.99 (cost price $33.83), making it an economical option for sites needing enhanced protection without a large budget increase.
- 5 MP progressive CMOS sensor with up to 2560 × 1944 resolution (TVI: 5M@20 fps).
- 2.8 mm fixed lens (M12) providing a wide ~85° horizontal field of view.
- EXIR 2.0 IR illumination — night vision up to approximately 20 m.
- Multi-format output: TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS for flexible integration with analogue recorders.
- Durable metal dome enclosure rated IP67 for weather resistance and IK10 for vandal resistance.
- Day/night mechanical ICR, digital WDR and Smart IR to improve image quality in mixed lighting.
Detailed specifications and practical benefits
Understanding the technical specs helps explain what this camera can achieve in real installations. Below are the most relevant specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
- 5 MP progressive CMOS; Maximum resolution 2560 × 1944:captures more detail than standard 2 MP cameras, useful for identification tasks such as reading license plates at medium distances and recognizing faces in public locations.
- 2.8 mm fixed lens, HFOV ≈ 85°:a wide-angle field of view suitable for doorways, corridors and parking areas where you want to capture a broad scene with a single camera.
- EXIR 2.0 IR illumination up to ≈20 m:extended infrared range provides usable monochrome images in low light conditions and helps maintain recognition capability at night in many common outdoor scenarios.
- Minimum illumination:colour 0.01 Lux (F1.2, AGC ON) and 0 Lux with IR — this combination means the camera produces colour images in low light and switches to IR-assisted monochrome when needed.
- Multi-format output (TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS):simplifies upgrades to existing analogue coax infrastructure — you can switch the output to match your recorder.
- Digital WDR and Smart IR:helps balance scenes with backlight or highly contrasting areas and prevents IR overexposure near close objects.
- IP67 rating:dust-tight and protected against immersion up to defined depths, making the camera suitable for most exposed outdoor locations.
- IK10 rating:high level of impact resistance against vandal attempts — ideal for public-facing installations or areas at risk of tampering.
- Operating conditions:−40 °C to 60 °C and up to 90% non‑condensing humidity, enabling use in a wide range of climates.
- Power:12 VDC ±25% with a maximum power draw around 4.3 W — low power consumption helps keep running costs down and simplifies power supply planning.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CE57H0T-VPITF is particularly well suited to installations that require a balance of image quality, robustness and cost-effectiveness. Typical scenarios include:
- Retail storefronts and shop entrances:wide field of view captures customers and queue activity; high resolution helps with loss prevention and incident review.
- Schools and community buildings:vandal-resistant dome housing provides peace of mind in public spaces where cameras may be reachable.
- Parking areas and small car parks:EXIR night illumination and 5 MP detail support vehicle identification and coverage of multiple lanes with fewer cameras.
- Transit stops, pedestrian walkways and public areas:robustness against weather and impact keeps cameras operational in high-traffic environments.
- Upgrades on existing coax infrastructure:multi-format output means you can add higher-resolution cameras without replacing cabling or switching to IP systems immediately.
Comparisons with similar products and other approaches
When choosing a camera, it helps to compare this 5 MP analogue dome against other common choices: lower-resolution analogue domes, IP cameras, and bullet-style housings.
- Higher detail: 5 MP offers substantially more detail than 2 MP models, improving identification at medium ranges. However, it requires a recorder that supports higher-resolution TVI streams.
- Cost trade-off: modestly higher unit cost for significantly better image clarity; suitable where detail matters without moving to full IP systems.
- Infrastructure and cost: analogue TurboHD cameras are a lower-cost upgrade path for existing coax systems and do not require PoE switches or network configuration.
- Scalability and functionality: IP cameras can offer higher resolutions, advanced analytics and PoE convenience. If projects demand advanced analytics or centralised network management, IP may be preferred despite higher cost and complexity.
- Dome form factor: more discreet and harder to aim away or tamper with; domes are often chosen for public-facing spots, while bullets are used where long-range or directional viewing is required.
- Placement flexibility: the dome’s vandal rating and compact footprint make it ideal for under-eave or ceiling-mounted applications.
Customer feedback and installer observations
While specific customer reviews vary by region and installer, common feedback from installers and small business customers typically highlights:
- Positive:clear daytime image quality, strong build and good value for money. Installers appreciate the multi-format output for easy integration and the compact dome that looks professional and discreet.
- Practical notes:customers often comment that providing a stable 12 VDC supply and correct weatherproofing at the cable entry are important to maintain reliability over time.
- Limitations:as with many analogue cameras, advanced analytics and remote management features are limited compared with modern IP cameras. Night vision is reliable for typical small-to-medium sites but not a substitute for dedicated long-range lighting in very large areas.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CE57H0T-VPITF?
The DS-2CE57H0T-VPITF is a well-rounded choice when you need a compact, vandal-resistant dome that delivers more detail than basic analogue cameras while remaining economical to deploy. Its 5 MP sensor, wide-angle 2.8 mm lens, EXIR 2.0 night illumination and rugged IP67/IK10 housing make it suitable for a wide range of practical surveillance tasks, especially where physical tampering or harsh weather are concerns.
For organisations and installers working within existing coax infrastructure, the camera’s multi-format outputs provide a straightforward upgrade path to higher-resolution recording without the complexity of IP systems. For those seeking the highest-end analytics or centralised network management, an IP camera may be preferable; however, for value, durability and solid image performance in everyday commercial or public applications, the DS-2CE57H0T-VPITF stands out as an effective option.
Before installation, plan for an appropriate 12 VDC supply, correct cabling and weatherproof mounting. Consult the manufacturer datasheet for installation requirements and compliance details to ensure reliable long-term operation.
