Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE59H8T-AVPIT3ZF and its key features
Hikvision DS-2CE59H8T-AVPIT3ZFis a 5 MP outdoor TurboHD analogue vandal dome designed for installers and site managers who need high-resolution imaging, long-range night vision and rugged mechanical protection. Combining a motorised varifocal lens with ultra-low-light capability, EXIR 2.0 infrared, and a metal housing rated IP67/IK10, this dome camera is purpose-built for exterior perimeters, car parks and other locations where both image fidelity and vandal resistance matter.
Key selling points include 5 MP resolution (2560 × 1944), a motorised 2.7–13.5 mm lens with auto-focus, switchable 4-in-1 analogue outputs (TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS) for broad recorder compatibility, and a night vision range of up to approximately 60 m. The camera also offers true WDR (~130 dB) and multiple image-enhancement features that help in challenging lighting conditions.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
The camera uses a 5 MP progressive-scan CMOS sensor capable of delivering up to 2560 × 1944 resolution (TVI at 20 fps). This higher pixel count means clearer, larger fields of view and more usable detail for identification and evidence capture — useful for license plates, facial detail at medium range, and wide-area monitoring.
A motorised varifocal 2.7–13.5 mm lens with auto-focus gives installers flexible coverage without physically swapping lenses on-site. The horizontal field of view ranges from approximately 92.3° (wide) to 29.3° (tele), allowing a single model to be set up for wide perimeter monitoring or more focused, medium-distance observation. Motorised adjustment streamlines commissioning and remote tweaking where supported by recorders.
EXIR 2.0 infrared LEDs combined with Smart IR deliver effective night vision to roughly 60 m in favourable conditions. The camera’s ultra-low-light sensitivity (colour down to around 0.003 Lux with AGC) allows it to capture useful colour images in dim scenes and revert to IR-assisted monochrome in zero-light situations. Smart IR helps prevent overexposure of close objects, maintaining detail across different distances.
True Wide Dynamic Range (~130 dB), 3D DNR, BLC and AGC provide robust image quality in high-contrast and noisy scenes. True WDR is particularly valuable at entrances, under strong backlight, or where simultaneous bright and dark areas must be balanced. UTC (up-the-coax) OSD control simplifies parameter changes through compatible TurboHD recorders, speeding setup and fine-tuning.
The DS-2CE59H8T-AVPIT3ZF offers switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of analogue recorders and enabling easy upgrades of legacy coaxial installations. Power options include 9.6–14.4 VDC or 19.2–28.8 VAC with maximum power consumption around 8 W. This flexibility helps integrators adapt to existing site infrastructure.
A rugged metal dome housing rated IP67 for dust and water ingress and IK10 for impact resistance ensures the unit survives harsh outdoor conditions and vandal attempts. Compact dimensions (Φ145.2 mm × 124.1 mm) and a weight of about 640 g make mounting straightforward while offering robust protection. Operating temperature range (−40 °C to 60 °C) and ≤90% non‑condensing humidity rating suit most outdoor climates.
- Manufacturer documentation: Datasheet, Quick Start Guide and User Manual are supplied with the product (file links to be provided by the seller).
- Manufacturer page: https://www.hikvision.com/us-en/products/turbo-hd-products/turbo-hd-cameras/pro-series/ds-2ce59h8t-avpit3zf/
- Regulatory certifications (CE/UKCA) should be confirmed with the manufacturer or seller; this data is not provided in the product listing.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The combination of high resolution, long-range night vision and vandal-resistant housing makes this dome especially well-suited to several application types:
- Perimeter surveillance: Wide field-of-view at the short end and tele coverage at the long end let a single camera cover fences, gates and approach lanes effectively.
- Car parks and multi-level parking areas: Long IR range and good low-light colour capture help monitor plate-level detail and activity after dark.
- Building exteriors and entrances: True WDR addresses challenging lighting at doors and canopies where background light may otherwise obscure faces or objects.
- Vandal-prone locations: IK10-rated metal housing reduces camera damage and tampering — important for public spaces, transit hubs and retail exteriors.
- Legacy system upgrades: Sites with existing coax infrastructure can benefit from higher-resolution TurboHD without rewiring to IP, keeping upgrade costs lower.
Comparisons with similar products
Network (IP) cameras provide advantages in flexibility, remote management and advanced analytics, and many modern IP models offer comparable or higher resolutions. However, the DS-2CE59H8T-AVPIT3ZF fills a practical niche: it enables significant image quality upgrades for installations that rely on coaxial cabling. For sites looking to avoid the cost and disruption of rewiring, a TurboHD 5 MP dome can be the most cost-effective route to improved coverage and night performance.
Fixed-lens domes are cheaper and simple to deploy but lack the flexibility of a motorised varifocal lens. The motorised 2.7–13.5 mm with auto-focus offers installers the ability to tune field-of-view precisely during commissioning — either onsite or via up-the-coax control — reducing time and revisits for lens swaps or re-aiming.
Compared to many entry-level vandal domes, this Hikvision model stands out with its 5 MP sensor, EXIR 2.0 IR range and true WDR. Against higher-end IP vandal domes, it may lack advanced AI analytics and PoE convenience, but it wins on affordability and backwards compatibility for analogue systems. For buyers prioritising robust housing, long IR range and cost-effective resolution gains on coax, it’s a strong contender.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
At the time of writing, specific verified customer reviews for this exact model are limited in the public domain. However, common feedback themes from installers and integrators working with Hikvision TurboHD vandal domes typically include:
- Positive: Clear improvement in resolution when upgrading from 720p or 1080p analogue cameras; reliable low-light performance and long IR reach for perimeter sites.
- Positive: Motorised lens and UTC control significantly reduce on-site tuning time, particularly when multiple cameras need alignment from a central recorder interface.
- Constructive: Buyers moving to full IP systems note that the analogue platform lacks some advanced analytics available in newer network cameras.
- Constructive: Certification details (CE/UKCA) and warranty terms are often requested explicitly by enterprise buyers — confirm with seller/manufacturer before procurement.
Practical considerations for purchase and installation
Price-wise, the suggested retail price for this camera is approximately $119.99 (cost price data provided: $77.11). That price point makes it competitive for projects seeking an affordable upgrade path from older analogue cameras. Installers should verify running power options, recorder compatibility and whether up-the-coax OSD control is supported by their chosen DVR to take full advantage of motorised lens features.
Also ensure that local regulations and installation standards are followed and confirm any required certifications. Ask the seller for Datasheet, Quick Start Guide and User Manual to plan cabling, mounting and configuration before arrival on site.
Conclusion: Why this camera is a great choice
TheHikvision DS-2CE59H8T-AVPIT3ZFis a practical, well-rounded option for organisations and installers needing high-resolution analogue imaging with robust outdoor protection. Its combination of 5 MP resolution, motorised 2.7–13.5 mm lens, EXIR 2.0 night vision to about 60 m, and IP67/IK10-rated metal housing makes it especially suited to demanding outdoor and vandal-prone environments. For sites constrained to coaxial cabling or looking for a cost-effective upgrade path from lower-resolution analogue cameras, it provides significant value.
While it does not replace the advanced analytics and network flexibility of contemporary IP camera platforms, it offers a compelling mix of image quality, night performance and mechanical resilience at a modest price point. Before purchase, confirm regulatory certifications and warranty details with the manufacturer or seller, and obtain the product documentation to smooth installation and configuration.