Hikvision DS-2DE3A400BW-DE(F1)(T5) 4MP ColorVu Mini PTZ, 4 mm F1.0, PoE, IP66

Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2DE3A400BW-DE(F1)(T5)

The Hikvision DS-2DE3A400BW-DE(F1)(T5) is a compact 4 MP ColorVu mini PTZ dome camera designed to deliver reliable, full‑colour imaging around the clock. Engineered for low‑light environments, it combines a large‑aperture F1.0 4 mm lens with built‑in white supplementary illumination (effective to roughly 30 m) and PTZ mechanics suited to perimeter and site surveillance. With PoE (802.3at) support, IP66 ingress protection and a small footprint, this mini PTZ is positioned as a versatile choice for organisations that need wide coverage and dependable night‑time colour detail without the footprint or cost of a full‑size optical PTZ.

Key features at a glance

• 4 MP resolution:2560 × 1440 at up to 30 fps for clear, detailed images.
• ColorVu technology:F1.0 aperture plus built‑in white light for colour imaging even in near‑zero lux conditions.
• Mini PTZ mechanics:350° pan and 0°–90° tilt with configurable speeds and 300 presets for flexible coverage.
• PoE support:802.3at simplifies cabling and installation.
• Robust outdoor design:IP66 rating, wide operating temperature range and 6,000 V surge protection for harsh environments.

Detailed specifications and benefits

• Sensor & resolution:1/1.8" progressive‑scan CMOS delivering 4 MP (2560 × 1440). The sensor and resolution provide a good balance between field coverage and subject detail, making the camera suitable for identification tasks across medium distances.
• Lens & aperture:Fixed 4 mm focal length with a large F1.0 aperture. The wide field of view (≈ 88.7° horizontal) captures broad scenes, while the F1.0 aperture admits significantly more light than typical surveillance lenses—critical for low‑light colour imaging without heavy reliance on electronic gain.
• Frame rate & shutter:Up to 30 fps with a shutter range to 1/30,000 s supports smooth motion capture and good performance under varying lighting conditions.
• WDR & SNR:120 dB WDR and >52 dB signal‑to‑noise ratio help preserve detail in scenes with both bright and dark regions (for example, near building entrances facing direct sunlight or vehicle headlights).

• Built‑in white light:On‑board white supplementary lighting extends useful colour imaging to roughly 30 m and allows identification of clothing and vehicle colours at night.
• Minimum illumination:Colour imaging at 0.0005 Lux (F1.0) and 0 Lux with the white light active. This makes it practical for 24/7 colour capture in urban and suburban deployments where visual context at night is important.

• Pan & tilt:350° pan and 0°–90° tilt provide near‑full horizontal coverage and full vertical sweep for monitoring perimeters, building facades and car parks.
• Speed & presets:Configurable pan/tilt speeds, up to 60°/s pan and 50°/s tilt, plus 300 presets and 3D positioning make automated patrols and quick recall of key positions straightforward.

• Multi‑streaming & codecs:Main/sub/third streams with support for H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 reduce bandwidth and storage costs while preserving image quality where it matters.
• Advanced analytics:Deep‑learning capabilities include face capture (up to five faces) and perimeter protection features such as line crossing and intrusion detection—useful for event‑based alerts and reducing false positives.
• Audio:Built‑in mic and speaker with line in/out support and multiple codecs enable two‑way audio for announcements, deterrence or verification.

• Integration:ONVIF Profile S/G/T support, Hikvision SDK/ISAPI and common network protocols (IPv4/IPv6, HTTPS, RTSP) ensure interoperability with VMS platforms and NVRs.
• Local storage:microSD card slot supporting up to 512 GB for edge recording and redundancy when network storage is unavailable.
• Power:12 VDC or PoE (802.3at; 42.5–57 VDC). PoE simplifies installations by combining data and power on a single cable—especially useful for ceiling or pole mounts where an additional power feed would be costly.

• Durability:IP66 ingress protection, operating temperatures from −30°C to 65°C and 6,000 V surge protection make the camera suitable for exposed outdoor locations.
• Power budget:Maximum power ≈ 14 W (including ~4 W for white light) helps installers plan PoE budgets and UPS sizing for continuous operation.

Use cases and scenarios where the mini PTZ excels

• Perimeter surveillance:The wide pan range and preset capability let a single camera cover long fences, gates and yard entrances. ColorVu keeps useful colour detail at night—crucial for identifying vehicle colours or clothing.
• Car parks and loading yards:Wide FOV plus PTZ repositioning help monitor vehicle movement across multiple lanes. The built‑in white light increases visibility for plate and occupant identification when needed.
• Building entrances and access control:Face capture and clear colour images aid access verification and post‑event investigation. Two‑way audio can deter suspicious activity or facilitate contactless interaction.
• Retail perimeter and external storefronts:The combination of analytics and night‑time colour detail improves detection accuracy and provides clear evidence for incidents outside normal store hours.
• City and campus deployments:Compact size and POE make the camera easy to deploy across campuses, parks and campuses where covert or minimally intrusive installation is preferred.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

When assessing the DS-2DE3A400BW‑DE against alternatives, three broad comparisons are useful: fixed ColorVu cameras, full‑size optical PTZs, and competing mini PTZs without ColorVu-style colour optimisation.

Fixed ColorVu cameras with similar sensors deliver excellent low‑light colour because of wide apertures and sensitive sensors, but they lack the mechanical coverage of a PTZ. The DS-2DE3A400BW‑DE adds 350° pan/tilt capability and presets, allowing one device to cover multiple regions that would otherwise require several fixed cameras—saving on hardware and installation labour for many sites.

High‑end optical PTZs offer long optical zoom (e.g., 20×–30×) for detailed long‑range identification; however, they are heavier, more expensive and often require higher power and more substantial mounts. The mini PTZ trades optical zoom for a compact form factor, lower cost and simpler installation. It is ideal where wide area coverage and near‑to‑mid range identification are primary goals rather than very long‑range zoom.

Many PTZs rely on IR illumination and produce monochrome night images. The ColorVu mini PTZ retains colour information in near darkness using white light and a bright aperture—particularly valuable for investigations where colour is an identifying feature (car colour, clothing, signage). If colour identification at night is important, the Hikvision model has a clear advantage.

Trade‑offs to consider: the DS-2DE3A400BW‑DE uses a fixed 4 mm optical lens with 16× digital zoom. If your use case demands optical zoom for distant targets, a larger PTZ with motorised zoom would be more appropriate. Also consider local procurement policies and any market restrictions related to product suppliers.

Customer feedback and installer observations

While there are no direct customer quotes included here, installers and end users who choose mini ColorVu PTZs commonly report the following themes:

• Positive:Compact size and unobtrusive appearance make rooftop and pole mounting easier; PoE support simplifies cabling; the F1.0 aperture and white light produce surprisingly usable colour images at night, improving incident clarity and evidence value.
• Operational:Presets and patrol scheduling are highlighted as time‑savers for routine coverage. Deep‑learning analytics reduce nuisance alarms when tuned correctly, and local microSD backup is appreciated during network outages.
• Constructive:Some customers note the lack of optical zoom as a limitation for long‑range tasks and point out the importance of planning PoE class and cable runs so the white light and PTZ operations remain supported under maximum load.

Conclusion: Why the DS-2DE3A400BW-DE is a strong choice

The Hikvision DS-2DE3A400BW‑DE(F1)(T5) mini PTZ is an effective, practical solution for organisations that require wide, flexible area coverage combined with reliable night‑time colour imaging. Its 4 MP sensor, F1.0 aperture and built‑in white light deliver usable colour detail in situations where IR‑only systems would produce monochrome footage. The PTZ mechanics, presets and analytics add automation and investigative value, while PoE and a compact footprint simplify installation and reduce infrastructure cost.

It is particularly well suited to car parks, perimeters, building entrances and campuses where mid‑range identification and broad situational awareness are priorities. Buyers should weigh the trade‑off between fixed focal length (and digital zoom) and optical zoom needs; for many deployments the combination of daytime detail, 24/7 colour and PTZ flexibility will represent a clear net advantage.

Finally, consider site‑specific installation best practice: verify PoE class and cable distances, use appropriate mounting and surge protection for exposed locations, and confirm local compliance and procurement rules regarding equipment sourcing. When deployed and configured correctly, the DS-2DE3A400BW‑DE offers a compelling balance of performance, usability and cost for modern outdoor surveillance needs.