Hikvision DS-2CE79H8T-AIT3ZF 5MP Motorised Varifocal Turret Camera with 60m IR

The Hikvision DS-2CE79H8T-AIT3ZF is a 5MP turret camera with a motorised varifocal lens — and that word "motorised" is the reason to choose it over a cheaper fixed-lens camera.

Set the zoom from the ground, not up a ladder

The 2.7–13.5mm lens is adjusted remotely, from the recorder, with auto-focus. On a fixed-lens camera you set the view by physically moving the camera; here you mount it once and dial the framing in from the office. On a gable end or a warehouse wall, that saves the ladder the first time and every time the view needs changing afterwards.

The range is wide: 92.3° at the wide end down to 29.3° zoomed in. One camera covers either a whole forecourt or a single doorway at distance.

Built for genuinely dark sites

Low-light performance is where this model separates from standard 5MP cameras. It produces a usable image down to 0.003 lux — roughly moonlight — before the infrared cuts in. Once it does, Smart IR reaches 60 metres and throttles the illumination so faces at close range don't white out, which is the usual failing of long-range IR.

130dB true WDR handles the harder problem: a subject against bright background light. Without it, anyone standing in a doorway or against a bright sky becomes a silhouette. With it, you get the face.

One thing worth knowing before you order

5MP runs at 20fps, not 25. On HD-TVI and AHD the full 2560 × 1944 resolution records at 20 frames per second; drop to 4MP and you get 25 or 30fps. On HDCVI the camera tops out at 4MP.

For nearly all surveillance 20fps is plenty — it is smooth, and the extra detail matters far more than the frame rate. But if you are recording a fast production line or a till area where hand movements matter, 4MP at 25fps may serve you better. Nobody else mentions this; we would rather you knew.

Works with what you already have

The output is switchable between HD-TVI, AHD, HDCVI and CVBS, so it runs on essentially any coax recorder — including an old analogue DVR while you plan an upgrade. It uses the existing RG59, so no rewiring.

Power is flexible too: 12V DC or 24V AC, drawing a maximum of 10.5W.

Specification

• Sensor: 5MP CMOS, 2560 × 1944
• Lens: 2.7–13.5mm motorised varifocal, auto-focus
• Field of view: 92.3° to 29.3°
• Low light: 0.003 lux (F1.38, AGC on), 0 lux with IR
• IR range: up to 60m with Smart IR
• WDR: ≥130 dB true WDR, plus BLC and HLC
• Frame rate: TVI/AHD 5MP at 20fps, 4MP at 25/30fps · CVI 4MP at 25/30fps
• Output: switchable TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS
• Day/night: ICR true day/night, auto / colour / mono
• Adjustment: pan 0–360°, tilt 0–75°, rotate 0–360°
• Housing: metal, IP67
• Operating range: −40°C to +60°C, humidity ≤90%
• Power: 12V DC ±20% or 24V AC ±20%, max 10.5W
• Dimensions: 123.9 × 134.3 × 110.2 mm
• EAN: 6954273693466

What you'll need with it

• A 5MP-capable recorder. An older 1080p DVR will run the camera but record at its own limit — see our DVR range and the DVR buying guide, which explains the HQHI / HUHI / HTHI tiers.
• Coax and power, or a CCTV power supply. PoC recorders power the camera down the same coax — ask us if that suits the job.
• A bracket if you are wall-mounting onto conduit or a junction box.

Frequently asked questions

What does motorised varifocal actually mean?

You set the zoom and focus remotely from the recorder rather than by hand at the camera. Mount it once, then adjust the framing from the ground whenever you need to.

Will it work with my existing DVR?

Almost certainly. It switches between HD-TVI, AHD, HDCVI and CVBS, so it works with nearly any coax recorder — though the recorder decides what resolution is actually stored.

Is 60m of infrared realistic?

60m is the maximum in open conditions. Expect useful identification well inside that; the figure describes how far the IR throws, not how far you can recognise a face.

Can I use it indoors?

Yes. It is IP67 and rated to −40°C for outdoor use, which makes it more than robust enough indoors.

Is there a colour night-vision version?

This model uses infrared, so night footage is monochrome. For colour after dark, look at Hikvision ColorVu.

Trade prices apply — apply for a trade account or log in to see yours. Stocked at our Wolverhampton trade counter for collection, with UK-wide delivery. Questions? Contact us or call 01902 902251.