Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F and its key features
TheHikvision DS-2CE78U1T-IT3Fis an 8.29 MP (commonly marketed as 8MP/4K) turret-style analogue camera built for outdoor HD‑TVI and hybrid CCTV systems. Designed to bring high-resolution detail to coax-based installations, it combines a progressive CMOS sensor, a wide-angle 2.8 mm lens, and Smart EXIR night illumination that reaches up to 60 metres. With switchable video outputs (TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS) the camera offers compatibility across a wide range of recorders and retrofit scenarios, making it a versatile option for upgrades and new analogue deployments.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
This camera’s specification sheet focuses on providing real-world performance for outdoor surveillance. Below are the core technical points and the benefits they translate into:
- Image sensor:8.29 MP progressive‑scan CMOS. Benefit: higher pixel count and progressive scan enable clearer stills and smoother motion capture compared with interlaced sensors, improving identification of faces and licence plates at distance.
- Maximum resolution:3840 × 2160 (4K). Benefit: true 4K detail is useful for wide scenes and areas where post-event zooming and forensic checks are needed without losing clarity.
- Lens:2.8 mm fixed focal length. Benefit: wide-angle coverage (~102.2° horizontal FOV) is ideal for monitoring entrances, corridors, car parks and building perimeters where a broad scene is required without multiple cameras.
- IR illumination:Smart EXIR LEDs with effective range up to 60 m. Benefit: improved low-light performance and even IR light distribution across the scene, reducing hotspots and delivering usable detail after dark for longer ranges than typical low-cost cameras.
- Day/night operation:Mechanical IR cut filter ensures accurate daytime colours and reliable monochrome night images when lighting is insufficient.
- Switchable outputs:TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS. Benefit: flexible compatibility with legacy and contemporary DVRs and hybrid recorders, simplifying upgrades and reducing the need to replace cabling or recorders.
- Frame rate:Up to 8MP at roughly 12.5–15 fps depending on mode. Benefit: still provides smooth-enough motion for many surveillance scenarios; higher detail is prioritised over ultra-high frame rates common in IP cameras.
- Image features:True day/night, IR cut filter, digital wide dynamic range (DWDR), 2D digital noise reduction (DNR), HLC/BLC. Benefit: improved image clarity in scenes with bright backgrounds or variable lighting, and reduced noise in low-light scenes.
- Power:12 VDC, max approx. 5.3 W. Benefit: low power draw simplifies power requirements and allows use with common CCTV power supplies.
- Ingress protection:IP67-rated housing. Benefit: weatherproof for outdoor use—resistant to dust and heavy rain, suitable for exposed locations and temperate extremes.
- Operating range:−40 °C to 60 °C and ≤ 90% non-condensing humidity. Benefit: reliable operation across harsh climates and seasons.
- Dimensions & weight:Ø 109.82 × 91.03 mm, ≈ 320 g. Benefit: compact turret form-factor that is unobtrusive and simple to mount under eaves, on walls or poles.
For installers and system designers, the product documentation including a datasheet and user guides is available; the datasheet can be found here as a PDF: https://cdn.dynamictech.uk/Files/Products/CCTV/Camera/Hikvision_Trade/Datasheet_of_DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F.pdf
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F is best suited to scenarios where wide coverage, high-resolution detail and long-range night vision are important, and where coax or hybrid recorders are preferred. Typical applications include:
- Retail and small commercial premises:A single 4K turret can capture wide shopfronts, car parks and surrounding perimeters, reducing blind spots and the number of cameras required to cover the same area.
- Residential and gated communities:Use for entrances, driveways and perimeter walls where the wide field of view and high resolution help identify people and vehicles entering or leaving properties.
- Parking lots and storage yards:Long-range Smart EXIR illumination up to 60 m helps capture licence plates and activity in low-light conditions, making it suitable for overnight monitoring of larger outdoor spaces.
- Legacy system upgrades:Installers replacing older analogue cameras can use this model with existing coax infrastructure and a compatible hybrid DVR—beneficial for staged technology rollouts where total system replacement is not yet feasible.
- Perimeter security for SMEs:For small and medium enterprises that need reliable 24/7 surveillance without migrating immediately to IP cameras and PoE networks, this turret provides a cost-effective high-resolution option.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When comparing the DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F to alternatives, consider three common trade-offs: resolution vs. frame rate, analogue compatibility vs. IP features, and night-vision range vs. price.
- VS entry-level analogue cameras:Many basic analogue turrets offer 2–5 MP resolution and shorter IR ranges. The Hikvision’s 8.29 MP sensor and 60 m Smart EXIR give superior long-range detail and low-light performance, making it a better choice where forensic image quality matters.
- VS IP 4K cameras:IP cameras often provide higher frame rates, onboard analytics and PoE power delivery, but they require network infrastructure and can be costlier. The DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F is a strong choice where existing coax cabling is preferred and where high resolution is needed without the network upgrade.
- VS other manufacturers’ HD‑TVI 4K models:Competing 4K TVI cameras may vary in build quality, IR implementation and feature sets. Hikvision’s Smart EXIR and broad output compatibility are advantages in many retrofit projects, but buyers should compare real-world image samples and installer feedback to assess detail, colour reproduction and low-light noise handling.
Customer impressions and installer feedback
No formal customer testimonials are embedded with the product record here, but general installer and integrator feedback for cameras in this class tends to focus on the following points:
- Positive: installers appreciate the ease of migration on coax systems—switchable outputs mean a single camera model often works across multiple DVR types.
- Positive: the turret form factor and compact dimensions make positioning and aiming straightforward during installation, saving time on site.
- Constructive: because the camera prioritises resolution and long-range IR over very high frame rates, it’s better suited to static monitoring and perimeter applications than fast-action sports or rapid-motion scenes.
- Practical: some customers recommend professional installation to ensure correct power delivery, grounding and optimal IR performance at installation heights—especially in exposed outdoor locations.
If you require verified customer reviews for procurement decisions, request sample images and reference installations from your supplier, or ask for a demo unit to validate performance in your specific environment.
Conclusion — why choose the DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F?
The Hikvision DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F stands out as a pragmatic, cost-effective 4K turret camera for analogue and hybrid CCTV systems. Its strengths are clear: high-resolution 8.29 MP imaging for detailed forensic capture, a wide 2.8 mm field of view for broad coverage, Smart EXIR night illumination to 60 m for reliable low-light surveillance, and switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs that simplify upgrades and compatibility.
For organisations and homeowners who need to enhance existing coax infrastructure with modern 4K capability—without moving immediately to full IP networks—the DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F provides an excellent balance of image quality, environmental robustness (IP67) and installer-friendly features. As always, assess the camera in the context of your project requirements (scene size, mounting height, lighting, and recorder compatibility), and consult suppliers for datasheets and installation guidance. The published datasheet and manuals are available from the product record to support technical planning: https://cdn.dynamictech.uk/Files/Products/CCTV/Camera/Hikvision_Trade/Datasheet_of_DS-2CE78U1T-IT3F.pdf
Suggested retail pricing is typically positioned to be competitive for analogue 4K models; check with your vendor for current offers, bulk pricing and any warranty or support options that might be available at purchase.
