Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF 5MP Vandal Dome (2.8mm)
Hikvision DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF (2.8 mm)is a 5 MP ultra-low-light vandal dome camera designed for outdoor, trade-grade analogue CCTV installations. Combining a 5 MP progressive CMOS sensor, EXIR 2.0 Smart IR illumination, wide-angle 2.8 mm lens and robust metal housing rated IP67 and IK10, this camera targets applications where clear daytime detail, strong night-time performance and physical resilience are priorities. It supports switchable 4-in-1 HD-over-coax outputs (TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS), making it a flexible choice for retrofit projects that need modern HD imaging without replacing existing coax infrastructure.
Key features at a glance
- 5 MP resolution (2560 × 1944) for high-definition images and improved forensic detail.
- Ultra-low-light sensitivity: 0.003 Lux in colour (AGC ON) and 0 Lux with IR; EXIR 2.0 Smart IR up to 30 m.
- 2.8 mm fixed wide-angle lens (~98° horizontal field of view) suitable for entrances, car parks and wide corridors.
- Switchable TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS — compatibility with a wide range of HD-over-coax recorders.
- True WDR ≥130 dB and 3D DNR to handle high-contrast scenes and reduce noise.
- Rugged metal housing: IP67 for weather resistance and IK10 for vandal protection.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
The DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF packs a set of practical, installer-friendly specifications that translate directly into real-world benefits.
- Sensor: 5 MP progressive CMOS — provides up to 2560 × 1944 resolution. Benefit: clearer, more usable still frames for identification and evidence capture compared with traditional 720p/1080p analogue cameras.
- Frame rate: Up to 5 MP @20 fps (TVI); different modes affect frame rate. Benefit: smooth motion capture at high resolution in most surveillance scenarios.
- Minimum illumination: 0.003 Lux (colour with AGC ON) and 0 Lux with IR. Benefit: reliable colour imaging in very low ambient light and guaranteed monochrome imaging with IR onboard.
- EXIR 2.0 Smart IR, range up to 30 m. Benefit: even illumination and better detail at night across medium-to-large outdoor areas such as parking lots and property perimeters.
- 2.8 mm fixed lens (≈98° horizontal FoV). Benefit: wide coverage well suited to entranceways, short-range perimeter monitoring and general area surveillance without multiple cameras.
- Switchable video output: TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS. Benefit: straightforward integration with different HD-over-coax DVRs, ideal for upgrades where replacing cabling is impractical.
- True WDR ≥130 dB and 3D DNR. Benefit: improved detail in scenes with strong backlight (doors, windows, mixed indoor/outdoor scenes) and reduced noise in low-light imagery.
- OSD menu with up-the-coax (HIKVISION-C) control. Benefit: remote configuration via compatible recorders saves time on set-up and tweaking.
- Power: 12 VDC (±25%), max consumption 5.8 W. Benefit: low power draw, compatible with common CCTV power supplies.
- Ingress protection IP67 and vandal protection IK10 with metal housing. Benefit: dependable operation in harsh weather and resistance to tampering or impact in exposed or public locations.
- Operating temperature −40 °C to 60 °C; dimensions Ø111 mm × 82–84 mm; approx. 500 g. Benefit: compact, robust unit suitable for outdoor exposure in diverse climates.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF is engineered for scenarios where both image quality and physical resilience matter. Typical deployments include:
- Building entrances and reception areas — the wide 2.8 mm lens captures approach paths and facial detail at short distances while WDR handles indoor/outdoor contrast.
- Car parks and driveways — EXIR 30 m IR and the 5 MP sensor provide good night-time coverage for license plate capture at short to medium ranges (supplementation by dedicated LPR cameras may be required for long-range plate reads).
- Perimeter and property boundaries — IK10 housing resists vandalism and tampering, while IP67 ensures continued operation in rain, snow or dust.
- Access control points and gates — clear imaging for identification, combined with up-the-coax OSD control for remote setup when the camera is mounted in elevated or hard-to-reach locations.
- Retail exteriors and small campuses — balance of price and capability makes it suitable for multi-camera deployments when upgrading legacy analogue systems to HD-over-coax.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing a vandal dome for outdoor use, buyers commonly weigh performance, compatibility and total cost of ownership. The DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF competes in the HD-over-coax segment and compares as follows:
- Against older analogue (CVBS) domes: The 5 MP resolution and improved low-light sensitivity represent a significant step up in forensic value and night-time usability.
- Against other HD-over-coax 2–5 MP domes: Hikvision’s EXIR 2.0 illumination and 130 dB WDR are competitive features; choice among vendors often comes down to brand preference, local support and recorder compatibility.
- Against IP network dome cameras: IP cameras typically offer more advanced analytics, higher frame rates at high resolution and PoE convenience. However, the DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF remains compelling for retrofit projects where existing coax cabling and DVRs are retained — avoiding the cost and disruption of rewiring.
- Against vandal-resistant models from other manufacturers: The IK10 and IP67 ratings put this model on par with many trade-grade options. More expensive models might add features such as varifocal or motorised lenses, integrated analytics, or extended IR range; the Hikvision model focuses on a robust, low-light-capable fixed-lens solution at competitive price points.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Official customer testimonials for this specific SKU are not provided here, but common feedback themes from installers and end users working with Hikvision 5 MP vandal domes mirror the camera’s spec strengths:
- Installers appreciate the 4-in-1 switchable output for easy compatibility with different recorders during upgrades, reducing time on site and simplifying inventory.
- End users mention noticeable improvements in night-time coverage and image detail when moving from 720p analogue cameras to 5 MP HD-over-coax models, especially for entrance and parking applications.
- Maintenance teams value the metal IK10 housing and IP67 rating for peace of mind in exposed locations, with fewer service calls related to weather or vandal damage.
Note: If you require verified customer reviews for purchasing decisions, consult retailer listings, installer references or independent review sites that include hands-on evaluations of this model.
Practical considerations before purchase
- Retrofit compatibility: Confirm your DVR supports the chosen HD format (TVI/AHD/CVI) and resolution; the camera’s switchable output helps, but recorder capability limits overall performance.
- Lens field of view: The 2.8 mm lens gives a wide view ideal for general coverage, but if longer-range detail (e.g., clear license plates at distance) is required, consider a varifocal or telephoto option.
- Power and wiring: Requires 12 VDC; plan power distribution and consider backup power for continuous operation during outages.
- Privacy and regulation: Ensure deployments comply with local data protection and privacy rules, and position cameras to respect legal and ethical boundaries.
Conclusion — why the DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-2CE57H8T-VPITF (2.8 mm) offers a practical blend of modern imaging and robust build quality for outdoor analogue CCTV applications. Its 5 MP sensor and EXIR 30 m IR deliver meaningful improvements in daytime clarity and night-time coverage compared with legacy analogue cameras, while 130 dB true WDR and 3D DNR improve image usability in challenging lighting. The switchable 4-in-1 output makes it an excellent option for upgrades and mixed-system environments, and the IP67/IK10-rated metal housing suits exposed or public locations where vandal resistance is important.
For contractors and organisations seeking an affordable route to higher-resolution surveillance without rewiring to IP, this camera balances performance, resilience and flexibility. As always, match lens, mounting position and recorder capability to your site requirements and consult the manufacturer datasheet and local regulations before deployment.
Suggested retail price:$119.99 (indicative). For exact pricing, warranty and availability, check authorised distributors or your preferred security supplier.
