Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF
Hikvision DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF 5MP Vandal Motorised Varifocal Domeis a purpose-built analogue dome camera designed for demanding outdoor and public-facing installations. Combining a 5 MP sensor with a motorised varifocal 2.7–13.5 mm lens, Smart IR night illumination up to 40 m, and a rugged IP67/IK10 metal housing, this model targets users who need high-resolution imaging, flexible field-of-view adjustment, and robust durability — all while maintaining compatibility with a wide range of analogue DVRs through switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs.
- 5 MP resolution(2560 × 1944) for enhanced detail capture.
- Motorised varifocal lens(2.7–13.5 mm) for remote zoom and field-of-view adjustment.
- Smart IR (EXIR)for night vision up to 40 m.
- 4-in-1 analogue outputs(TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS) for broad DVR compatibility.
- Rugged construction— metal housing with IP67 weatherproofing and IK10 vandal resistance.
- Wide operating rangefrom -40 °C to 60 °C for harsh climates.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF brings together hardware and practical features that matter on real-world sites. Below is a breakdown of the camera's technical highlights and how each one benefits users.
- Image sensor:5 MP CMOS delivering up to 2560 × 1944 resolution. Benefit: higher pixel density lets you capture more detail for identification and evidence, especially when monitoring entrances, license plates, or faces at medium range.
- Minimum illumination:0.01 Lux (colour, AGC ON); 0 Lux with IR. Benefit: retains usable colour detail in very low-light conditions and switches to IR when needed to preserve image clarity at night.
- Frame rates:TVI/AHD: 5 MP @ 20 fps; CVI: up to 4 MP @ 30 fps; CVBS: PAL/NTSC. Benefit: adequate frame rates for typical surveillance scenarios; note the difference in frame rates across analogue modes when designing a solution.
- Motorised varifocal 2.7–13.5 mm lens. Benefit: remote zoom and focus adjustment from the DVR or local control interface avoids repeat physical adjustments post-installation — saving time and ensuring precise framing.
- Horizontal FOV:Approx. 95°–26°. Benefit: wide-angle to narrow-telephoto range covers broad areas like retail floors or entrances and can zoom in on distant details when required.
- EXIR / Smart IRup to 40 m. Benefit: reliable night performance and evenly distributed IR illumination to reduce overexposure of close objects while revealing farther details.
- Digital WDR (DWDR), BLC, HLC, 2D DNR. Benefit: helps maintain usable images in scenes with strong backlight, glare, or low light by balancing exposure and reducing noise.
- Switchable TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS. Benefit: works with a wide variety of analogue DVRs — useful for retrofits or projects where a specific DVR format is preferred.
- Metal housing, IP67, IK10. Benefit: weatherproof and impact-resistant design suited to outdoor, semi-exposed and high-traffic environments where vandalism or harsh weather is a risk.
- Operating temperature:-40 °C to 60 °C. Benefit: stable operation across extreme climates.
- Power:12 VDC ±15% or 24 VAC ±15% with typical consumption ≈ 5.9 W. Note: the camera does not offer PoE; plan power provision accordingly.
- Dimensions & weight:Ø145 mm × 111.3 mm, ≈ 837 g. Benefit: compact dome footprint while still providing robust construction.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The combination of high resolution, a motorised varifocal lens, strong low-light performance and rugged construction makes the DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF a versatile choice for many applications. Typical use cases include:
- Perimeter security:Ideal for fences, gates and property boundaries where long-range IR and zoom capability help identify movement and subjects approaching from a distance.
- Retail and storefronts:Useful for monitoring entrances, checkout areas and exterior storefronts where flexible framing and vandal resistance protect investment.
- Transport hubs and stations:Durable design and wide operating temperature range suit bus and rail stations, park-and-ride facilities, and other public transport areas that need robust cameras.
- Car parks and outdoor lots:Long-range IR and motorised zoom let operators cover wide areas and focus in on suspicious activity or incidents on demand.
- Schools and public buildings:Vandal-resistant dome housing and tamper protection are well-suited to semi-public environments where cameras may be within reach.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF, it helps to compare it along several dimensions: analogue vs IP, motorised vs fixed lens, dome vs bullet format, and cost vs features.
- Analogue 4-in-1 cameras like this model are excellent for installers and sites that already have analogue DVR infrastructure or prefer simpler cabling. They avoid network configuration and can be less costly to maintain.
- IP cameras offer more advanced analytics, higher frame rates at equivalent resolutions, PoE power delivery and flexible network management. If deep analytics (people counting, facial recognition) or centralized IP-based systems are a priority, an IP camera might be a better fit.
- Motorised varifocal lenses provide remote framing and focus control, reducing commissioning time and future adjustments. Fixed lens cameras are typically cheaper and simpler but lack that flexibility.
- Domes are generally more discreet and vandal-resistant; bullets often offer slightly longer IR throw and are easier to point at a single target. The DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF combines the protective form factor of a dome with a tele-capable varifocal lens.
- Strong blend of 5 MP resolution and motorised zoom at a modest price point compared with many IP equivalents.
- 4-in-1 output flexibility makes it a pragmatic choice for upgrades and mixed-system sites.
- Rugged IP67/IK10 design ensures suitability for exposed installations where vandalism and environment are concerns.
Customer feedback and reviews
While individual reviews for this exact model vary by installer and deployment, common themes in user feedback for cameras with this feature set include:
- Positive:Installers praise the motorised lens for ease of commissioning and the versatility of 4-in-1 outputs when integrating with different DVR types. Many buyers highlight the solid build and peace of mind provided by IP67/IK10 ratings.
- Constructive:Some users note the lack of PoE as a planning consideration and that advanced analytics are limited compared with modern IP cameras. Frame-rate differences across analogue modes are also called out when smooth motion for specific applications is needed.
If you’re considering the camera, ask your supplier for demonstration footage in the analogue mode you plan to use and confirm compatibility with your DVR. For larger or mission-critical installations, a pilot installation to verify performance is advisable.
Conclusion — why choose the Hikvision DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF
The Hikvision DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF delivers a compelling mix of features for projects that require high-resolution analogue imaging, remote optical flexibility and rugged, weatherproof construction. Its 5 MP sensor and motorised 2.7–13.5 mm lens let you capture wide areas and zoom in on critical detail without a physical revisit to the site. Smart IR ensures useful night imagery up to 40 m, while the metal housing with IP67 and IK10 ratings provides durability in public and external environments.
For integrators and site operators working with analogue DVRs or migrating incrementally from analogue to newer systems, the camera’s switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs simplify compatibility. The trade-offs — primarily the analogue platform (no PoE, fewer onboard analytics) — are balanced by lower complexity and often lower overall project cost compared with IP solutions.
In summary, the DS-2CE5AH0T-AVPIT3ZF is a strong choice where resilient, high-detail surveillance is needed in outdoor or semi-exposed locations and where compatibility with existing analogue infrastructure is important. Consider it when you want robust hardware, flexible optical control and reliable night performance without moving to a fully IP-based system.