Introduction: Meet the Hikvision DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF
The Hikvision DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF is a 4K (8.29 MP / 3840×2160) Turbo HD outdoor bullet camera designed for demanding external surveillance tasks. Combining a motorised varifocal lens (2.7–13.5 mm), long-range EXIR 2.0 night illumination (up to 80 m), and switchable analogue outputs (TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS), this camera is purpose-built for sites that need ultra-high resolution detail but want to retain or upgrade existing HD analogue infrastructure. With an IP67 rating and an operational temperature range from −40 °C to +60 °C, the unit is robust for outdoor use in a wide range of environments.
Key features at a glance:
- Resolution:8.29 MP (3840×2160 4K)
- Lens:Motorised varifocal 2.7–13.5 mm (remote zoom & focus)
- Night Vision:EXIR 2.0 smart IR up to 80 m
- Outputs:Switchable TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS for retrofit flexibility
- Durability:IP67 weatherproof, wide temperature tolerance
- Suggested price:199.99 (retail suggested)
- Cost price (reference):75.04
Detailed specifications and benefits
At the heart of the DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF is an 8.29 MP progressive-scan CMOS sensor capable of 3840×2160 resolution. This 4K resolution provides substantially more detail than 1080p cameras, allowing clearer identification of faces, license plates and distant objects when paired with the correct focal length. Image enhancement features such as digital WDR (wide dynamic range), 2D DNR (digital noise reduction) and backlight compensation (BLC/HLC) help maintain usable images in challenging lighting conditions like mixed sun and shadow or bright headlights.
The motorised 2.7–13.5 mm varifocal lens offers a horizontal field of view from roughly 108° down to 45.6°. This range allows installers to quickly achieve the desired framing without physically adjusting the camera on-site. Remote zoom and focus significantly speed up commissioning and make fine adjustments easier during system optimisation. For large entrances or wide perimeters you can use the wide end; for monitoring gates, cash points or docking bays you can zoom in for more detail.
EXIR 2.0 smart IR provides intelligent supplemental lighting up to approximately 80 metres, delivering usable monochrome images in very low light. EXIR technology improves IR uniformity compared with traditional LEDs, reducing hot spots and enhancing contrast across the scene. Combined with the camera’s low-light sensitivity (colour 0.01 Lux at F2.4 with AGC on), you’ll get usable footage in dim conditions and reliable facial or plate capture when lighting is minimal.
One of the camera’s key strengths is a 4-in-1 analogue output that can be switched between TVI, AHD, CVI and CVBS. This makes the DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF ideal for mixed-technology sites and staged upgrades where an existing DVR infrastructure is reused. Note that at full 8MP resolution, analogue frame rates are typically lower (manufacturer lists around 12.5–15 fps depending on standard), so while the image detail is excellent, motion fluidity at the absolute highest resolution is a compromise compared with some IP cameras that offer higher frame rates and more modern H.265 compression.
The camera accepts 9.6–14.4 VDC or 19.2–28.8 VAC and draws approximately up to 10.8 W. Mechanically, it combines a metal front cover with a plastic body for a balance of durability and weight—measuring about 84.5 × 92 × 255.1 mm and weighing roughly 695 g. With IP67 ingress protection and a wide operating temperature range, it is suited to exposed outdoor sites including coastal locations (note: follow regional installation guidance for corrosion-prone environments).
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Perimeter and car park surveillance:4K detail and long-range IR make this camera well-suited to monitoring large external areas where identifying vehicle details and people at a distance is important.
- Entrances and checkpoints:Motorised zoom allows installers to frame gates, loading bays or building entrances precisely from a remote console after mounting, reducing installation time and returns.
- Retrofit upgrades on analogue sites:For organisations with existing analogue DVRs, the switchable outputs mean you can introduce 4K-capable cameras without replacing the entire recorder estate immediately.
- Retail and mixed-light environments:Digital WDR and strong low-light sensitivity help maintain image usability in scenes with bright windows and shaded aisles near entrances.
- Budget-conscious external CCTV deployments:The camera offers 4K imaging at a price point that is often lower than many full-IP 4K alternatives, giving a balance of performance and cost.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Compared with modern IP 4K cameras, the Hikvision Turbo HD bullet delivers comparable resolution but using analogue transmission. Advantages include simpler compatibility with legacy DVRs and often lower upfront cost for cable-run sites without PoE infrastructure. However, IP cameras commonly offer higher frame rates at 4K, more advanced codecs (H.265), and feature sets like onboard analytics, edge recording and easier integration with network VMS platforms. If you need advanced analytics, cloud-connected workflows, or multi-megapixel at 25–30 fps, a network camera may be preferable.
Within the Turbo HD category, this DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF stands out for its motorised varifocal lens and long-range EXIR 2.0. Lower-cost fixed-lens analogue cameras may deliver 4K sensors but lack the motorised lens convenience and long-range IR. Comparatively, some competing models from other vendors (e.g., Dahua or Uniview analogue lines) offer similar feature sets—evaluate specific differences such as IR range, frame rates at 4K, weatherproofing and warranty terms when choosing.
With a suggested retail price around 199.99 and a reference cost of 75.04, this unit sits in a value-driven segment: high-resolution imaging and installation flexibility at a moderate retail price. The real-world ROI is strongest where existing analogue infrastructure can be reused or where the motorised lens reduces installation labour and re-visits.
Customer feedback and installer notes
Public, attributable customer testimonials for specific models may vary by distributor and region. Commonly reported installer and user observations for this class of Hikvision Turbo HD bullets include:
- Installers appreciate the motorised zoom and remote focus because it minimizes ladder time and post-install tweaks.
- Users upgrading from 1080p frequently note a clear improvement in identification capability (faces/license plates) at longer distances.
- Some system integrators highlight that analogue 4K can have lower frame rates at the highest resolution, so they select resolution/codec settings to balance detail and motion smoothness.
- Weatherproofing and cold-weather operation are generally reported as reliable when cameras are installed with appropriate mounting and sealing best-practices.
If you require verified customer reviews, check reseller pages, installer forums and the official Hikvision product page for region-specific feedback and case studies.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF?
The Hikvision DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF is a compelling option for organisations that want 4K image detail without immediately moving to a full IP infrastructure. Its motorised varifocal lens and long-range EXIR night illumination make it versatile for diverse outdoor roles—perimeters, car parks, entrances and retrofit projects. The switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs are a practical advantage during technology transitions, and its IP67 rating plus wide operating temperature range mean it can be trusted in most external environments.
Like all product choices, it’s important to match the camera capabilities to your system priorities: if you need the absolute highest frame rates and IP analytics, a network camera might suit better. If you need cost-effective 4K detail, straightforward compatibility with analogue recorders, and fast commissioning via remote motorised zoom/focus, the DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF represents strong value for money. For full technical compatibility, installation guidance and regional approvals, consult the Hikvision datasheet and deploy through qualified installers in accordance with local regulations.
Quick summary:High-resolution 4K imaging, motorised remote lens, long-range EXIR night vision and analogue output flexibility make the DS-2CE19U1T-AIT3ZF an excellent choice for outdoor surveillance and analogue retrofit projects where image detail and practical installation features matter.
