Product SKU: DH-SD8A840-HNF-PA
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Product Overview
Wide-area monitoring across large perimeters, industrial sites, and critical infrastructure demands a camera that can identify targets at distance, track movement autonomously, and hold performance through extreme weather. The Dahua SD8A840-HNF-PA is a 4K 40x optical zoom Starlight IR PTZ AI Network Camera built precisely for those requirements. Featuring a 1/1.8″ 8MP STARVIS CMOS sensor, it delivers 3840 x 2160 resolution across a focal range of 5.6 mm to 223 mm, with DORI detection extending to 4,400 m and IR illumination reaching 500 m across 10 IR lights. Equipped with deep-learning-based auto-tracking, perimeter protection with tripwire and intrusion rules, face recognition, and metadata analytics, this PTZ operates well beyond the scope of standard speed domes. It also includes a smart wiper, 6000 V TVS lightning protection, and an operating temperature range of -40 degrees C to +70 degrees C. This makes it suited to border and perimeter security, ports, highways, large campuses, and any site where long-range identification and automated surveillance response are required.
Key Capabilities
4K Resolution with 40x Optical Zoom
The 1/1.8″ 8MP STARVIS CMOS sensor captures 3840 x 2160 footage across a 5.6 mm to 223 mm focal range. Combined with 16x digital zoom, operators can inspect fine detail at distances where standard PTZ cameras simply cannot resolve usable imagery.
500 m IR Illumination
Ten IR lights provide active illumination out to 500 m, enabling 0 lux operation in complete darkness. Minimum illumination of 0.005 lux in colour mode and 0.0005 lux in black and white ensures Starlight low-light performance even before IR engages.
Deep-Learning Auto-Tracking and Perimeter IVS
Autonomous subject tracking keeps moving targets in frame without operator intervention. Perimeter protection rules including tripwire, intrusion, fence climbing, loitering, fast movement, and object abandonment allow the camera to respond to events automatically and classify humans from vehicles.
Face Recognition and Metadata Analytics
Onboard face recognition and metadata capture for human bodies, faces, motor vehicles, and non-motor vehicles give operators a searchable data layer beyond raw video. This supports post-event investigation and integration with VMS platforms handling structured analytics.
Full PTZ Range with 300 Presets
360-degree continuous pan at up to 240 degrees per second, tilt from -30 to +90 degrees with auto-flip, and support for 300 presets, 8 tours, 5 patterns, and 5 scan modes give operators comprehensive automated patrol capability across large sites.
Rugged Outdoor Construction
IP67 sealing, 6000 V TVS lightning and surge protection, a built-in smart wiper, durable metal casing, and an operating temperature range of -40 degrees C to +70 degrees C ensure this PTZ continues to operate reliably in exposed, harsh-weather, or coastal installations.
Best For
- Perimeter and Border Security: DORI detection range up to 4,400 m, combined with perimeter IVS and auto-tracking, supports early detection and continuous subject following across wide open zones and fence lines.
- Critical Infrastructure Sites: Power stations, airports, refineries, and transport terminals benefit from the IP67 rating, extreme temperature tolerance, and lightning protection that keeps this PTZ operational in demanding fixed-post deployments.
- Highways and Traffic Corridors: Vehicle classification, loitering detection, and the 40x zoom allow clear monitoring of multi-lane roads, toll plazas, and intersections from a single camera position covering significant distances.
- Large Campus and Industrial Patrol: Automated patrol tours, fast preset recall, and idle motion support reduce the manual workload on operators monitoring large university, industrial park, or commercial estate footprints.
- Ports and Maritime Environments: The long-range IR capability and rugged weatherproof build support vessel identification and dock monitoring across wide harbour areas with variable lighting and salt-air exposure.
Why Choose the SD8A840-HNF-PA
The SD8A840-HNF-PA sits at a level above standard speed domes by combining 4K resolution, a 40x optical zoom with a 5.6 mm to 223 mm focal range, and 500 m IR range in a single housing rated for extreme outdoor conditions. The deep-learning perimeter protection engine classifies human and vehicle targets, supports face recognition, and drives autonomous auto-tracking, reducing the dependency on active operator control across large monitoring zones. The 120 dB WDR, optical defog, and Starlight low-light performance maintain image quality in challenging environments where basic PTZ cameras produce unusable footage. The DORI identification range of 440 m and recognition range of 880 m give this camera a genuinely forensic capability at distance. Hi-PoE support simplifies cabling infrastructure on sites where conduit runs are long. Available at Security Wholesalers, the DH-SD8A840-HNF-PA is a seriously specified unit for sites that require sustained, automated long-range surveillance rather than a general-purpose PTZ.
Buyer Decision Tips
Power Requirements: The SD8A840-HNF-PA draws up to 48 W at maximum load with IR and PTZ active. Standard IEEE 802.3af or 802.3at PoE switches cannot supply this. Confirm your switch or injector supports Hi-PoE (up to 60 W per port) or use the 36 V DC power input. Undersupplying power will cause the camera to reset or limit IR output, which directly affects the 500 m night-time range.
NVR and VMS Compatibility for AI Features: Face recognition, metadata analytics, and perimeter IVS event data from the SD8A840-HNF-PA require a compatible NVR or VMS platform that can receive and act on structured AI metadata. Verify your recorder supports Dahua AI event types and ONVIF Profile T if you want full access to perimeter alerts, face recognition results, and auto-tracking event logs rather than basic motion clips.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Model |
DH-SD8A840-HNF-PA |
| Image Sensor |
1/1.8″ 8MP STARVIS CMOS |
| Resolution |
3840 x 2160 (4K) |
| Optical Zoom |
40x (5.6 mm to 223 mm focal length) |
| Digital Zoom |
16x |
| Minimum Illumination |
Colour 0.005 lux @ F1.4; B/W 0.0005 lux @ F1.4; 0 lux with IR |
| IR Illumination Distance |
Up to 500 m (10 IR lights) |
| DORI Ranges |
Detect 4,400 m / Observe 1,740 m / Recognize 880 m / Identify 440 m |
| Pan Range / Speed |
0 to 360 degrees continuous / 0.1 to 240 degrees per second |
| Tilt Range / Speed |
-30 to +90 degrees (auto flip 180 degrees) / 0.1 to 100 degrees per second |
| Presets / Tours / Patterns |
300 presets / 8 tours (up to 32 presets each) / 5 patterns / 5 scan modes |
| AI Features |
Perimeter protection (IVS), deep-learning auto-tracking, face recognition, metadata analytics (human / face / motor vehicle / non-motor vehicle) |
| Video Compression |
Smart H.265+, H.265, Smart H.264+, H.264, MJPEG (sub-stream) |
| WDR |
120 dB |
| Smart Features |
Smart wiper, optical defog, BLC, HLC, 2D/3D noise reduction, ROI, up to 24 privacy masks |
| Network Protocol |
IPv4/IPv6, HTTPS, RTSP, RTMP, ONVIF Profiles S / G / T, CGI, SNMP v1/v2c/v3, NTP, FTP, SMTP, QoS |
| Local Storage |
Micro SD up to 512 GB; FTP |
| Power Supply |
36 V DC 2.23 A (+-25%) or Hi-PoE |
| Power Consumption |
Typical 30 W; maximum 48 W (with IR and PTZ active) |
| Protection |
IP67; 6000 V TVS lightning, surge and voltage transient protection |
| Operating Temperature |
-40 degrees C to +70 degrees C; humidity up to 95% RH |
| Dimensions / Weight |
415.6 mm x 262 mm (diameter); net 10 kg; gross 12 kg |
Ideal Use Cases
Perimeter and Border Surveillance
The DORI detection range of 4,400 m and perimeter IVS rules including tripwire, intrusion, and fence climbing allow early detection and classification well beyond the camera’s physical position, making it a practical choice for wide open boundary monitoring.
Critical Infrastructure
Power stations, water treatment plants, refineries, and airports require cameras that stay operational under extreme temperature swings, lightning events, and sustained exposure. The -40 to +70 degree C range, IP67 rating, and 6000 V TVS protection directly support fixed post deployments in these environments.
Highway and Traffic Monitoring
Vehicle classification within the perimeter IVS engine, combined with the 40x zoom and 4K resolution, allows operators to monitor multi-lane traffic, detect parking violations, and capture vehicle detail across intersections and toll corridors from a single pole-mounted unit.
Large Campus and Industrial Patrol
Automated tours across 300 presets, idle motion triggers, and power-off memory mean the camera resumes its patrol routine after any interruption. This reduces reliance on continuous operator oversight across large industrial parks, university grounds, or logistics facilities.
Port and Maritime Security
The combination of 500 m IR reach, smart wiper for lens clarity in rain and sea spray, IP67 sealing, and Starlight low-light sensitivity makes this PTZ effective across wide harbour approaches, dock aprons, and vessel berth areas in variable coastal conditions.
Public Safety and City Surveillance
Face recognition, metadata capture for human bodies and vehicles, loitering detection, and gathering alerts provide the structured data layer that public safety operators and VMS platforms need for event-driven response rather than passive video review.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: Your site requires long-range identification (up to 440 m DORI identify range), automated perimeter protection with human/vehicle classification, face recognition, 500 m IR night coverage, and a housing rated to withstand extreme temperatures and lightning exposure.
- Choose a different model if: Your application is a smaller site such as a shopfront, car park, or residential property where a fixed-lens turret or bullet camera would cover the required field of view without the installation complexity, Hi-PoE power infrastructure, and heavy mounting hardware that this 10 kg PTZ demands.
- Choose a different model if: Your NVR or VMS cannot accept Hi-PoE power delivery and you do not have access to a 36 V DC power supply at the camera location. Standard PoE infrastructure is insufficient for the maximum 48 W power draw of this unit when IR and PTZ are both active.
FAQs
- What power supply does the SD8A840-HNF-PA require?
The camera accepts 36 V DC at 2.23 A or Hi-PoE. Typical consumption is 30 W, rising to 48 W when both the IR illuminator and PTZ drive are fully active. Standard 802.3af (15.4 W) and 802.3at (30 W) PoE switches are insufficient. A Hi-PoE switch or injector rated to 60 W per port, or a dedicated 36 V DC power supply, is required for reliable operation.
- How far can this camera detect and identify targets at night?
The 10 IR lights provide active illumination to 500 m, enabling 0 lux operation in complete darkness. For DORI-based identification (where a person’s face or vehicle plate can be recognised for forensic use), the confirmed range is 440 m. Recognition extends to 880 m and detection to 4,400 m under the DORI standard, with these longer ranges applicable in daytime or well-lit conditions with the 40x optical zoom engaged.
- Does the SD8A840-HNF-PA support two-way audio?
The product specifications confirm audio compression format support (G.711, G.726, AAC, and others), indicating audio input and output capability. However, the product data does not confirm a built-in microphone and built-in speaker are both present in this unit. Two-way audio should not be assumed. Verify with the datasheet or supplier before specifying this camera for applications requiring on-camera voice communication.
- What AI analytics are built into this PTZ?
The SD8A840-HNF-PA includes deep-learning auto-tracking, perimeter protection (IVS) with tripwire, intrusion, fence climbing, loitering, object abandonment, fast movement, parking detection, and gathering detection. It also supports face recognition and metadata analytics capturing attributes for human bodies, faces, motor vehicles, and non-motor vehicles. Human and vehicle classification is built into the perimeter rules.
- What NVR or VMS is needed to access face recognition and perimeter IVS events?
To receive and act on face recognition results, perimeter protection alerts, and structured metadata from the SD8A840-HNF-PA, your NVR or VMS must support Dahua AI event types and ONVIF Profile T. Recorders that only support basic motion detection will not surface these analytics as actionable events. Confirm recorder compatibility before commissioning this camera on a site where AI-driven response is a project requirement.
- How is the smart wiper useful on a PTZ camera at this specification level?
At 500 m IR range and DORI identification distances of 440 m, any moisture film on the front lens window significantly degrades image sharpness and IR penetration. The built-in smart wiper clears rain, condensation, and dust from the lens without operator intervention, maintaining image quality during weather events. This is particularly relevant for port, coastal, and high-humidity outdoor installations.
- How much local storage can the camera hold, and can it record without an NVR?
The SD8A840-HNF-PA supports a Micro SD card up to 512 GB for local edge recording, and FTP-based remote storage. At 4K resolution with Smart H.265+ compression, a 512 GB card provides meaningful on-camera buffer recording. This is useful as a backup recording layer or for standalone deployments where NVR infrastructure is not immediately available, though central management is recommended for sites using AI analytics and multi-camera patrol setups.
- Where can I find the datasheet and installation manual for the SD8A840-HNF-PA?
The datasheet, installation guide, and operational manual are linked in the Additional Information section below. These are supplied by Security Wholesalers and cover mounting options including junction box, ceiling, wall, plane, and pole brackets, as well as full wiring and configuration guidance for the unit.
Product Video Samples
Additional Information
