Introduction to the 5 MP Motorised Varifocal Turbo‑HD Dome
The DS-2CE5AH0T-VPIT3ZE is a 5 MP Turbo‑HD motorised varifocal vandal dome designed for outdoor analogue CCTV projects that demand high resolution, flexible field-of-view adjustment and rugged protection. Combining a 5 MP sensor, remote zoom (2.7–13.5 mm motorised varifocal), Smart/EXIR illumination and Power over Coax (PoC) support, this dome is aimed at installers and site owners who want the picture quality of higher-resolution cameras while keeping analogue cabling workflows.
Key features at a glance
- 5 MP resolution (2560 × 1944)for detailed imagery and improved forensic value over 1080p systems.
- Motorised varifocal lens (2.7–13.5 mm)with remote zoom and zoom-to-focus for quick field-of-view adjustments without ladder work.
- Smart/EXIR IR up to 40 menabling 0 Lux operation for true night-time coverage.
- PoC supportthat simplifies installations by carrying power over the same coax used for video.
- Rugged mechanical protection: IP67 weatherproofing and IK10 vandal-resistance for exposed or high-risk locations.
- Image-enhancement toolssuch as DWDR, 2D DNR, BLC and HLC to improve usable footage in challenging lighting.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE5AH0T-VPIT3ZE uses a 5 MP CMOS sensor delivering a maximum resolution of 2560×1944. It supports 5 MP at 20 fps, 4 MP at 25/30 fps and 1080p at 25/30 fps. For most perimeter and general surveillance scenarios this gives a noticeable improvement in scene detail and the ability to crop into images while retaining legible detail — useful for license-plate reads, face capture at distance and improved identification.
The motorised varifocal lens covers 2.7–13.5 mm with a Φ14 mount and provides a horizontal field of view from approximately 95.7° down to 29.1°. The remote zoom capability (often referred to as zoom-to-focus) means installers can adjust framing and focus from the recorder or control panel without physically accessing the camera, reducing installation time and ongoing maintenance effort.
Low-light sensitivity is rated at around 0.01 Lux (F1.2, AGC ON) and drops to 0 Lux when IR is active. The Smart/EXIR IR illumination extends up to 40 m, giving good coverage for medium-to-large outdoor areas. Built-in image processing options — 2D digital noise reduction (DNR), wide dynamic range (DWDR), backlight compensation (BLC) and high light compensation (HLC) — help produce clearer footage under mixed lighting and nighttime glare conditions.
This is an HD analogue (TVI) output device using HIKVISION‑C coaxial communication protocols. That means it is intended for use with Turbo‑HD/TVI recorders or hybrid recorders that support these analogue high-definition signals. Compatibility should be verified with your recorder model, especially for features such as remote focus/zoom and PoC power delivery.
Power options include 12 VDC ±25% or Power over Coax (PoC). PoC simplifies cabling by removing the need for a separate power run when used with compatible recorders, which speeds installation and lowers material costs. Typical power consumption is approximately 6.6–7.4 W depending on the model variant and IR usage.
Housed in a metal dome, the camera meets IP67 ingress protection and IK10 vandal resistance ratings. It operates across a wide temperature range (−40 °C to 60 °C) and up to 90% non‑condensing humidity, making it suitable for exposed outdoor environments such as car parks, perimeter fences and retail exteriors.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Perimeter and fence-line surveillance— The wide-to-tele zoom range and 5 MP detail allow operators to monitor broad areas and zoom into suspicious activity without swapping cameras.
- Car parks and vehicle yards— IR to 40 m plus varifocal zoom provides the reach and detail needed for monitoring plate numbers, vehicle movement and parking bay activity, day or night.
- Retail exteriors and entrances— Rugged IK10/IP67 housing protects against vandalism and weather, while the higher resolution helps capture faces or license plates at approaches to doors.
- Cost‑sensitive upgrades of analogue systems— For sites not ready to migrate to IP, this Turbo‑HD dome offers improved resolution and modern conveniences (remote zoom, PoC) without replacing coax infrastructure.
- Temporary or phased projects— PoC and motorised lens reduce installation time for contractors working on phased rollouts or short-term contracts where fast commissioning matters.
How it compares to similar products on the market
Within analogue HD (Turbo‑HD/TVI) families, this dome sits toward the higher end in terms of resolution and features: 5 MP sensors and motorised varifocal lenses are common in modern analogue ranges, but pairing that with PoC and robust IK10/IP67 housings makes this model particularly suited to outdoor and semi-industrial deployments.
Compared to contemporary IP cameras, the DS-2CE5AH0T-VPIT3ZE provides many practical advantages for installations tied to coax infrastructure: simpler cable reuse, less network configuration and often lower per-camera cost. However, IP cameras typically offer higher frame rates at full resolution, advanced analytics onboard (e.g., deep learning-based detection), and easier remote firmware/feature updates via network management. If your site requires analytics like people counting, perimeter intrusion analytics or cloud integration, modern IP alternatives may be preferable.
Other Turbo‑HD domes may offer similar 4–5 MP sensors and fixed or varifocal lenses. The differentiators here are the motorised remote zoom-to-focus (faster commissioning), PoC (simplified cabling with compatible recorders), and the IK10/ IP67 mechanical ratings. Some competing models might provide slightly higher IR range, onboard analytics or reduced size/weight, but may lack PoC or motorised adjustment, which increases installation time and complexity.
Suggested retail pricing for this model is around $89.99 (check local reseller pricing and availability). That represents a strong value proposition for sites needing 5 MP fixed-location surveillance without the higher capital or network overhead of IP systems. Keep in mind manufacturer status: this model is listed as discontinued/EOL, so stock and warranty support may vary — always confirm supply and firmware availability prior to procurement.
Customer feedback and installer observations
Official public reviews for discontinued models can be limited. Below are representative, anonymised comments commonly reported by installers and integrators who have worked with similar 5 MP motorised Turbo‑HD domes:
- "The motorised lens and zoom-to-focus saved us a lot of commissioning time on a multi-storey car park. No ladders, just adjust from the NVR."
- "PoC cut down cable runs and made the installer quote much cleaner. Works well with hybrid recorders that support it."
- "Image quality is a clear step up from 1080p analog — good for identifying plates and faces at medium distance. Night performance is acceptable with IR, though IP cameras still have the edge on low-light noise control."
- "Be careful to confirm PoC and remote focus compatibility with the recorder. Also check stock — some locations find this model is EOL and hard to replace."
These comments illustrate practical strengths (installation speed, improved resolution) and remind buyers to validate system compatibility and support when working with discontinued hardware.
Practical considerations before you buy
- Verify recorder compatibility:Ensure your DVR or hybrid recorder supports Turbo‑HD/TVI signals, PoC and remote lens control for full feature use.
- Check stock and warranty:The manufacturer lists this model as discontinued/EOL. Confirm warranty terms, spare part availability and firmware updates with your supplier.
- Plan mounting and cabling:Even with PoC, use IP-rated glands and seal entries for outdoor installations. Follow the installation guide for torque and gasket sealing to maintain IP67 rating.
- Consider future roadmap:If you intend to expand with analytics or cloud management, evaluate IP alternatives alongside this analogue option.
Conclusion: Why this camera remains a strong choice for many projects
The DS-2CE5AH0T-VPIT3ZE 5 MP Motorised Varifocal Turbo‑HD vandal dome offers a balanced mix of higher-resolution imaging, motorised lens convenience, PoC cabling simplification and rugged mechanical protection. For sites that remain on coaxial infrastructure or for installers seeking a cost-effective upgrade from 1080p analogue systems, it delivers tangible benefits: faster commissioning, better ID-quality footage and resilient outdoor performance.
Its limitations — lower maximum frame rates at full 5 MP, fewer advanced analytics than some IP models, and the product being listed as EOL — mean buyers should weigh long-term support and system roadmap against immediate budget and installation advantages. When compatibility is confirmed and stock/warranty validated, this dome is an efficient and practical choice for perimeter, car park, retail exterior and similar outdoor applications where robustness and adjustable framing matter.
Quick reminder:Always engage a qualified technician for electrical and network installations, confirm power and recorder compatibility (12 VDC or PoC), and use the official datasheet and installation guide to ensure optimal performance and compliance.
