Introduction: Hikvision 5MP TurboHD Outdoor Turret Camera — key features at a glance
The Hikvision DS-2CE78H0T-IT3E/G is a 5MP TurboHD (HD‑TVI) fixed‑turret outdoor camera engineered for straightforward, reliable analogue surveillance. With a 2.8 mm wide‑angle lens, Smart EXIR night illumination up to 40 m and Power‑over‑Coax (PoC.af) support, this model targets installers and end users who want improved image detail without the complexity or bandwidth of IP systems. It’s designed for perimeter, storefront and general outdoor deployments where robust weatherproofing and simple cabling matter.
Key highlights:5 MP resolution (2560 × 1944 at up to 20 fps), ~85° horizontal field of view from a 2.8 mm lens, Smart EXIR up to 40 m for low‑light clarity, PoC.af support to reduce the need for separate power runs, and an IP67 weather rating for reliable outdoor operation.
Detailed specifications and what they mean for real‑world use
The camera uses a 5 MP CMOS sensor capable of producing up to 2560 × 1944 pixels at 20 frames per second in its highest resolution mode. That higher pixel count delivers noticeably more scene detail than typical 2 MP or 4 MP analogue cameras, making it easier to identify faces and signage at medium distances.
The fixed 2.8 mm lens provides an approximately 85° horizontal field of view, suitable for wide coverage such as building facades, entryways and parking areas. The M12 lens mount means the lens is fixed but replaceable by someone comfortable with small‑format optics if a different field of view is later required.
Low‑light sensitivity is rated at 0.01 Lux (F2.0, AGC ON), with effective zero‑lux capture when the infrared illuminators are active. Hikvision’s Smart EXIR illumination provides even IR coverage to reduce hotspots and improve object recognition in darkness; the spec sheet quotes up to 40 m effective range. For many outdoor perimeters and car parks this is sufficient to reliably record people and vehicles at night.
Onboard image enhancements include digital WDR (wide dynamic range), 2D DNR (digital noise reduction), BLC (backlight compensation), HLC (highlight compensation), and ICR day/night switching. These features help maintain usable images across a range of lighting conditions — from bright, backlit entrances to low‑contrast night scenes. Keep in mind that at maximum 5MP resolution the camera records at 20 fps; other common modes (4MP, 1080p) offer higher frame rates (up to 30/25 fps), which can be preferable for scenes with rapid motion.
Power options include 12 V DC or Power‑over‑Coax (PoC.af). PoC simplifies installation by allowing video and power on a single coaxial cable when paired with compatible DVRs or injectors, reducing conduit runs and installation time. Typical maximum power consumption is around 3 W, which is modest and helps keep system power budgeting simple.
The camera is built for outdoor use with an IP67 ingress protection rating and an operating temperature range from −40 °C to 60 °C, making it suitable for year‑round exterior installations in most climates. The housing is described as a metal body with a plastic front cover in a turret form factor; this balances durability with the compact, unobtrusive turret shape many installers prefer.
Physical dimensions are approximately 91 × Ø109.8 mm — compact enough for residential and retail use while large enough to accommodate the IR array and PoC circuitry. Kept documentation links include datasheet, quick start and user manual for installers to consult (links supplied in product spec). Regulatory markings were not fully specified in the provided material, so verify CE/UKCA or local compliance as part of procurement.
Benefits summarised
- Higher detail than many legacy analogue cameras thanks to 5MP sensor — better forensic value for identification.
- PoC support simplifies cabling and reduces installation time and cost when paired with compatible systems.
- Smart EXIR up to 40 m provides useful night coverage for perimeter and car park applications.
- Weatherproof IP67 housing and wide operating temperature range for reliable outdoor service.
- Proven TurboHD/HD‑TVI analogue output keeps compatibility with a wide range of DVRs and hybrid recorders.
Use cases and scenarios where the DS‑2CE78H0T‑IT3E/G excels
This camera is well suited to a number of practical surveillance scenarios:
- Small business storefronts and shopfronts:The wide 2.8 mm view captures window displays, entry doors and sidewalks, while the higher resolution helps read signage and capture facial detail at moderate distances.
- Residential perimeter and driveway monitoring:Compact turret styling and IP67 weatherproofing make it a good choice for home exterior coverage where installers prefer analogue continuity or simpler cabling via PoC.
- Car parks and access lanes:Smart EXIR illumination up to 40 m covers many small to medium car park aisles; 5MP detail assists with plate and vehicle feature recognition under good lighting.
- Retrofit projects:For sites with existing coax infrastructure, the TurboHD output allows upgrades to higher resolution without rewiring to network cabling, and PoC can remove the need to add power cables in some setups.
How it compares with similar products
Compared with lower‑resolution analogue cameras (2MP/1080p), the Hikvision 5MP TurboHD model delivers noticeably more pixels per scene, which improves the ability to crop and inspect distant details. Against 4MP models the difference is smaller but still meaningful for forensic clarity.
Compared with IP cameras, the DS‑2CE78H0T‑IT3E/G occupies a different trade‑off space. Analogue TurboHD systems are often cheaper to deploy in sites with existing coax and are simpler to manage for technicians familiar with DVR‑based systems. However, IP cameras typically offer more advanced on‑camera analytics (motion object classification, advanced VMS features), higher maximum frame rates at high resolutions, and modern PoE standards. Choose TurboHD if you need minimal rewiring, backwards compatibility and lower system complexity; choose IP if you require advanced edge analytics, flexible network topology and higher frame‑rate performance at top resolutions.
Within Hikvision’s own lineup, this turret form factor is comparable to other 5MP TurboHD variants but stands out for PoC support and the specific 2.8 mm wide‑angle lens. Dome or bullet variants with varifocal lenses will offer more zoom flexibility, while this fixed turret is tailored for wide coverage and simplicity.
Customer feedback and typical installer impressions
No direct customer testimonials were provided with this listing. That said, common installer and end‑user feedback for cameras in this class typically highlights a few recurring themes:
- Strengths reported:Installers appreciate PoC for reduced cable runs and faster installs. Many users cite good night‑time performance from Smart EXIR and useful image detail from a 5MP sensor for the price point.
- Limitations noted:At maximum 5MP the frame rate is limited to 20 fps — adequate for many purposes but less ideal for very fast motion capture. Also, being an analogue TurboHD device, it lacks the advanced AI analytics commonly found on modern IP cameras unless the DVR supplies them.
- Value perception:For customers replacing older analogue cameras or expanding coverage without running new network cabling, the camera frequently represents a good balance of improved resolution versus cost.
Pricing and procurement notes
The supplied cost price figure is 34.34 (assumed GBP in the supplied details) with a suggested retail price of 49.99. Verify currency and any local taxes or shipping before purchase. Warranty information was not specified in the source material; confirm manufacturer or reseller warranty coverage and support options at point of sale.
Conclusion: why choose the Hikvision DS‑2CE78H0T‑IT3E/G?
The Hikvision 5MP TurboHD outdoor turret is a practical, cost‑sensitive choice for anyone needing clearer analogue video without transitioning to an IP ecosystem. Its higher resolution sensor provides tangible benefits for identification and evidence capture, while PoC and HD‑TVI compatibility reduce installation time and complexity for sites with existing coax infrastructure. Smart EXIR illumination and IP67 weatherproofing make it dependable for many outdoor applications.
Choose this model when you need a compact, weatherproof camera that raises the bar on analogue image quality, streamlines cabling with PoC and covers medium‑distance night scenes reliably. If you require advanced analytics, higher frame rates at top resolution, or full network flexibility, consider IP alternatives; for straightforward, reliable analogue upgrades, the DS‑2CE78H0T‑IT3E/G is a strong candidate.
