Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE76H0T-ITMFS and its key features
Hikvision DS-2CE76H0T-ITMFSis a 5 MP analogue HD‑TVI turret (eyeball) surveillance camera designed to deliver high-resolution video and simple integration into existing coax-based CCTV systems. Combining a 5 MP CMOS sensor, switchable 4-in-1 video output (TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS) and a built-in microphone for Audio over Coax (AoC), this camera offers installers and end users an economical way to upgrade image quality without replacing cabling infrastructure. Housed in a metal IP67-rated enclosure and equipped with Smart IR for night vision up to 30 m, the unit is aimed at both domestic and light commercial outdoor monitoring roles.
- 5 MP resolution:2560 × 1944 for clearer, more detailed images than traditional 2 MP analogue cameras.
- Audio over Coax (AoC):Built-in microphone allows audio capture without extra audio cabling when used with a compatible DVR.
- Switchable 4-in-1 output:TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS compatibility makes the camera flexible for different DVR brands and systems.
- Smart IR & low-light performance:IR illumination up to 30 m and 2D noise reduction for better night images.
- Weatherproof metal housing:IP67-rated for outdoor use, durable against dust and water ingress.
- Multiple lens options:Fixed 2.8 mm (wide), 3.6 mm or 6 mm M12 mount variants to suit different fields of view.
- Affordable price point:Suggested retail price around $44.99, making it an attractive upgrade option for many installations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the specification set clarifies where this camera excels and what trade-offs to expect. Below are the primary technical attributes followed by practical benefits they deliver in real deployments.
- Image sensor:5 MP CMOS, delivering a maximum resolution of 2560 × 1944. Benefit: finer detail for identification and evidence capture compared with lower-resolution analogue models.
- Minimum illumination and night capability:0.01 Lux (F1.2, AGC ON); 0 Lux with IR. Benefit: the camera captures usable colour images in very low light and switches to IR for full night coverage up to 30 m using Smart IR to avoid overexposure of close objects.
- Dynamic range & noise reduction:Digital WDR and 2D DNR reduce issues in high-contrast scenes and improve clarity in low-light/noisy environments. Benefit: faces and license plates remain more readable in mixed lighting.
- Frame rates:TVI 5MP at 20 fps (4MP at 25/30 fps depending on mode). Benefit: smooth enough motion for general surveillance and event review while balancing bandwidth and recording requirements.
- Switchable 4-in-1 video output:TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS for broad compatibility with many DVRs. Benefit: installers can adapt the camera on-site to match the existing recorder without changing hardware.
- Audio over Coax (AoC):Built-in microphone enables audio capture over the same coax cable used for video, provided the DVR supports AoC. Benefit: reduces installation complexity and cost by avoiding a separate audio cable.
- Housing & ingress protection:Metal body with IP67 rating. Benefit: suitable for outdoor mounting in most climates, resisting rain and dust.
- Operating range & power:12 VDC nominal, maximum power around 3.7 W, operating temperature −40 °C to 60 °C. Benefit: low power draw and robust temperature tolerance for varied environments.
- Mounting flexibility:Pan 360° and tilt 0–75° range in a turret form factor with M12 lenses available. Benefit: easy to aim during installation and unobtrusive appearance for wall or ceiling mounting.
- High-resolution capture improves identification and evidence value while staying within analogue system ecosystems.
- AoC simplifies installations where audio is desired without rewiring.
- 4-in-1 switchability protects investment by ensuring compatibility with multiple DVR brands.
- Weatherproof metal housing and wide operating temperatures make it suitable for outdoor perimeter and building monitoring.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
TheHikvision DS-2CE76H0T-ITMFSis well suited to a range of scenarios where straightforward, affordable, high-resolution analogue video is required. Typical deployments include:
- Residential perimeter monitoring:Front and back yards, driveways and gate areas benefit from the higher resolution and wide field of view of the 2.8 mm lens option, enabling clearer capture of faces and vehicle details.
- Small business storefronts and entry points:Retailers and service businesses can use the camera for door, till or corridor coverage. AoC can capture customer-staff interactions (subject to local laws) without extra cables.
- Multi-site upgrades:Sites with existing coax infrastructure that want to upgrade from 2 MP to 5 MP image quality without transitioning to IP or running new cabling.
- Perimeter and carpark surveillance:With Smart IR and IP67 housing, it provides overnight and outdoor coverage for lighting-challenged areas.
- Cost-conscious installations:Projects where budget and simplicity matter—this camera supplies many benefits of higher-end cameras at a modest price point.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When selecting an analogue turret camera, buyers typically weigh image quality, features (like AoC), environmental robustness and cost. Here is how this Hikvision model compares to common alternatives:
- Versus older 2 MP analogue cameras:The DS-2CE76H0T-ITMFS offers notably higher resolution (5 MP vs 2 MP), improving identification and allowing more flexible cropping in playback. It is a clear upgrade for sites still using legacy 2 MP hardware.
- Versus entry-level IP cameras:IP cameras often provide more advanced analytics, remote configuration and PoE convenience. However, they require Ethernet cabling and usually cost more. The Hikvision turret is a strong choice for sites that prefer to keep coax infrastructure and want a lower total system cost while improving image quality.
- Versus other analogue 5 MP options:Many rival brands offer 5 MP HD-TVI cameras, but the combination of AoC, switchable 4-in-1 output and IP67 metal housing makes this Hikvision model particularly flexible. Value-wise, with a suggested retail price around $44.99, it competes strongly on cost for small-scale projects.
- Limitations compared to premium models:Unlike higher-tier cameras, this unit does not provide advanced onboard analytics (e.g., people counting, tripwire or deep-learning-based detection), and it lacks PoE. For projects requiring sophisticated edge analytics or centralized IP infrastructure, a higher-spec IP camera would be preferable.
Customer feedback and typical installer notes
While individual experiences vary and warranty/return policies should be checked with sellers, common themes seen in installer and end-user feedback for cameras of this class include:
- Installers appreciate the 4-in-1 switchability and AoC feature because they reduce the need for extra wiring or having multiple camera models on-site.
- Users upgrading from older analogue cameras report a noticeable improvement in daytime detail and usable night-time images thanks to Smart IR and a higher-resolution sensor.
- Comments frequently urge buyers to verify that their DVR supports Audio over Coax to capture the microphone audio; otherwise the mic will not be recorded.
- Some buyers note that product warranty information is not always explicit in lower-cost listings—it's recommended to confirm warranty and support with the seller prior to purchase.
Conclusion: why this camera is a great choice
TheHikvision DS-2CE76H0T-ITMFSrepresents a practical, budget-friendly upgrade path for users who want improved image quality and audio capability while keeping existing coax cabling. Its 5 MP sensor, Smart IR, Digital WDR and 4-in-1 output provide a balanced mix of image performance and installation flexibility. The built-in microphone with AoC support is a valuable addition for locations where audio is needed but rewiring is impractical. Housed in a metal IP67-rated body and operating across a wide temperature range, it is versatile for outdoor and indoor placements.
For homeowners, small businesses and installers managing retrofit projects, this camera is an effective way to raise surveillance capability without the complexity and cost of a full IP conversion. Prospective buyers should confirm DVR compatibility (especially AoC support), lens choice for the desired field of view, and warranty terms before purchase to ensure the camera meets their operational and regulatory needs.