Hikvision IP PTZ Camera Review DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL)

Long range IR, powerful 23x optical zoom, plus true WDR feature - today we are going to introduce you the DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) IP PTZ camera from Hikvision's Darkfighter product portfolio. This PTZ cam is ideal security camera for outdoor video surveillance, it adopts robust and nice appearance design. “The Darkfighter PTZ has the full range of smart features – the IVA, intrusion detection, face recognition and smart tracking,” Lagan says. “There’s also line crossing detection and audio exception, as well as an IR distance of up to 200 metres, defog ability and electronic image stabilization. It’s a very heavily featured product." - Tony Lagan, Hikvision Australia

• 1/1.9” High performance CMOS sensor
• 1920*1080P Full HD, 23X Optical Zoom
• Ultra-low illumination
• 120db True WDR
• Smart Tracking
• Smart Detection
• EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization)
• Defog
• Up to 200m IR distance
• High-PoE / 24VAC power supply
• Vandal-proof (IK10)
• DS-2DF8223I-A, 24VAC, outdoor
• DS-2DF8223I-AEL, High-PoE & 24VAC, outdoor

From the product's description, the DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) is a full high definition 1920x1080 network pan/tilt/zoom camera supports full color images at day & night. This makes DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) rank the top excellent IP cameras in surveillance market. In terms of camera's specifications, Hikvision's DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) adopts a 1.9 inch progressive scan CMOS image sensor (so it’s a huge sensor and I think that’s what gives this camera its low light ability) which delivers 2.0 megapixel resolution. The image sensor supports 120 dB Wide Dynamic Rnage (WDR), allow camera to capture good images even under challenging lighting conditions. Additionally, the camera supports 3D-NV (digital noise reduction), along with a powerful 23x optical zoom. The DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) supports triple streaming technology, adopts MPEG4, MJPEG, H.264 video compression formats.

Thanks to its ultra low light megapixel lens, this enable camera to capture sharp color and monochrome images in extreme, low-light conditions. Comapred with other 1080p camera. Hikvision DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) can capture license plates at distances of hundreds of metres. After we test it, the camera resolving license plates effortlessly at 200 meters.

According to Hikvision, the Darkfighter can get colour images down to 0.0005 Lux. We can't confirm this, but in our test we can confirm the DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) can give face recognition to about 5 meters at 7Lux. In order to measure the low light performance, we make the camera target to not very well lit scenes such as street lights at sub 20 lux and adjacent to street lights at sub 10 lux. Darkfighter exaggerates available light so much to improve its low illumination performance. The DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) can automatically switch between color and B/W mode, the infrared illuminators will turn on when environment becomes extremely dark. For working outdoor environment, Hikvision's DS-2DF8223I-A(AEL) adopts IP66 rating weatherproof design to withstand rain and dust, also supports up to 1K10 vandalism.

As a result, Hikvision's DarkFighter PTZ camera has been nominated as "CCTV camera equipment of the year" in IFSEC's Security & Fire Excellence Awards. According to Keen Yao, International Marketing Director at Hikvision, “We are very pleased to see the DarkFighter camera’s ultra-low-light sensitivity and unique Smart detection technologies rewarded with this nomination.