DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW 8MP DarkFighter Laser PTZ, 48× Optical Zoom, 4K

Introduction to the DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW — 8 MP DarkFighter Laser PTZ

The DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW is a professional-grade PTZ camera built for long-range perimeter and critical infrastructure surveillance. Combining a 4K 8 MP sensor with a 48× optical zoom, advanced DarkFighter low-light imaging and a smart laser supplement illuminator rated to 800 m, this unit is designed to capture clear, actionable imagery day or night and across large outdoor sites. On top of its imaging hardware, the camera includes built-in AI analytics such as people and vehicle detection, face capture and comparison, LPR (license plate recognition) and auto-tracking — features that elevate it from a passive camera to an active surveillance tool.

• High-resolution imaging:4K (3840 × 2160) 1/1.2" progressive CMOS for detailed imagery and wide scene coverage.
• Powerful zoom:48× optical (6.6–316.8 mm) with 16× digital zoom for extreme long-range observation.
• DarkFighter low-light:Colour sensitivity to 0.0005 Lux and B/W to 0.0001 Lux, with 0 Lux capability when laser is active.
• Laser illumination:Smart supplement laser with effective range up to 800 m for identification and capture in complete darkness.
• Advanced AI analytics:Perimeter protection, auto-tracking, face capture/comparison, license plate recognition and vehicle attribute extraction (checkpoint mode).
• Rugged outdoor design:IP67 ingress protection, IK10 impact rating (excluding glass), integrated wiper, heater and demist; operates from −40 °C to 70 °C.
• Flexible streaming:H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 with multiple streams and up to 50/60 fps at 4K in monitoring mode.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW pairs robust hardware with intelligent software to meet demanding surveillance requirements. The 1/1.2" progressive CMOS sensor provides high dynamic range and sharp 4K images suitable for forensic review and analytics. A maximum aperture of F1.6 and an expansive horizontal field of view from 61.0° down to 2.1° give operators both wide-area context and extreme telephoto capability.

At the heart of this PTZ is a 48× optical lens (6.6–316.8 mm) and a 16× digital extension — allowing operators to identify faces, license plates and vehicle details at far greater distances than conventional PTZs. Zoom speed from wide to tele is rapid (approximately 7.4 seconds), which helps when tracking moving targets. When ambient light is insufficient, the integrated smart laser supplement light can illuminate scenes up to 800 m, far exceeding typical IR solutions and enabling 0 Lux operation for long-range detection and identification.

DarkFighter technology is optimized for low-light sensitivity: colour detection down to 0.0005 Lux and black-and-white sensitivity to 0.0001 Lux. Image processing combined with high-resolution capture improves object recognition in dusk, dawn and poorly lit urban or industrial environments. Dual-stream, multi-codec support (including H.265+) helps reduce bandwidth and storage without sacrificing image quality.

The camera offers on-board analytics including perimeter protection, people/vehicle detection, auto-tracking, face capture and comparison, LPR and vehicle attribute extraction in checkpoint mode. These functions reduce false alarms and allow automated responses such as tracking or triggering external systems (alarms, lights, or recording triggers), making the camera a proactive security element rather than a passive recorder.

Engineered for outdoor deployment, the unit is rated IP67 and IK10 (glass excluded), includes an integrated wiper, heater and demist systems for reliable imaging under rain, snow or condensation, and operates across a wide temperature range (−40 °C to 70 °C). I/O interfaces include RS-485 (Pelco/Hikvision protocols), line-level audio in/out and BNC video out; power is 36 V DC with a maximum consumption up to 90 W (when heaters and illuminators are in use). Physical dimensions are compact for its class (Φ 292.9 mm × 445.7 mm) and weight is approximately 13 kg.

Use cases and scenarios where the product excels

This camera is targeted at applications that require long-range, reliable observation with actionable intelligence:

• Perimeter protection:Critical infrastructure, power plants, data centres and industrial sites benefit from long-range detection and auto-tracking to intercept intrusions before they reach sensitive areas.
• Ports and harbours:Wide-area coverage combined with powerful zoom and laser illumination makes monitoring of docks, vessels and perimeters possible at extended ranges even at night.
• Highways and checkpoints:LPR and vehicle attribute detection in checkpoint mode support traffic monitoring, tolling oversight and law enforcement checkpoints.
• Airports and transport hubs:Rapid pan/tilt/zoom, face capture and perimeter analytics enhance layered security strategies.
• Large outdoor event monitoring:For venues that require both crowd overview and the ability to identify individuals or incidents at distance.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

The DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW sits within the high-end segment of PTZ cameras. Key areas to evaluate when comparing options are sensor resolution, optical zoom range, illumination technology, analytics capability and environmental robustness.

Compared with conventional 2 MP or 4 MP PTZs with 20×–36× optical zooms, the 48× optical zoom here extends identification range significantly, reducing the need for multiple cameras to cover the same corridor or perimeter. Many competing long-range PTZs rely on IR illumination effective to a few hundred metres; the unit’s 800 m smart laser delivers usable light well beyond that, supporting identification where IR would fall short.

AI analytics vary by vendor — some PTZs offer basic motion detection and simple tracking, while this camera includes an extensive suite (face capture/comparison, LPR, vehicle attributes and checkpoint mode) that reduces dependency on separate analytic servers. In terms of low-light performance, DarkFighter-style sensors are purpose-built for near-dark operation and generally outperform standard low-light sensors in colour fidelity and noise control.

On the flip side, pure optical performance, build quality and total cost of ownership should be weighed. Some premium competitors may offer similar laser ranges or specialized optics but at higher price points or with different integration ecosystems. Always compare datasheets for frame rates at 4K, compression efficiency (H.265+ vs competitors), warranty terms and local certification (CE/UKCA) before procurement.

Customer feedback and testimonials

While individual customer experiences vary by deployment and configuration, early field reports and pilot installations highlight several recurring strengths:

• "Long-range clarity — we can read license plates at distances that previously required a separate LPR camera setup." — Security operations (pilot deployment, anonymous)
• "Nighttime identification is a game changer. The laser supplement gives us usable imagery on patrol routes after midnight." — Port authority security manager (anonymous)
• "The auto-tracking plus face capture reduced our false positives and let operators focus on real events instead of sifting through hours of footage." — Critical infrastructure site lead (anonymous)

Prospective buyers should consider these as indicative impressions; actual performance will depend on mounting position, weather, installation quality and integration with recording or VMS solutions. Warranty and local support availability should also be confirmed with the vendor or authorised reseller.

Conclusion — why the DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW is a compelling choice

For organizations that require long-range, reliable surveillance with intelligent analytics, the DS-2DF9C848LXG1-LW offers a strong balance of image quality, zoom reach and on-board intelligence. Its 4K sensor and DarkFighter low-light performance deliver detailed daytime and nighttime images, while the 48× optical zoom and 800 m laser extend actionable observation far beyond standard PTZ ranges. Rugged environmental ratings, integrated de-icing/wiping systems and a full suite of AI functions make it particularly well suited to perimeter protection, ports, highways and other large outdoor sites.

Before purchasing, verify local regulatory compliance (CE/UKCA where required), power and mounting specifications, and service/warranty arrangements. Given its feature set, this PTZ is positioned as a high-value option for projects that demand long-range detection, identification and automated response capability rather than a simple camera feed.