IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 vs. IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3: A Comprehensive Buying Guide

Key Takeaways

• What’s the main difference between the Dahua IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 and IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3?
  The TM-ASE-S3 has a fixed 2.8mm lens for wide-angle coverage, while the T-ZE-S3 offers a motorized 2.7–12mm zoom lens for adjustable viewing.
• Which camera is better for low-light or night-time surveillance?
  Both use Starlight+ technology, but the TM-ASE-S3 has a longer IR range (50m vs. 40m), making it slightly better for larger dark areas.
• Are both models equipped with smart AI features?
  Yes — they both support face detection, people counting, and Smart Motion Detection (SMD 3.0) for intelligent and efficient monitoring.

When it comes to security cameras, it’s easy to get lost in a sea of specs — megapixels, IR distance, sensor size, acronyms that sound like secret codes. But here’s the thing: choosing the right camera isn’t just about numbers. It’s about how your space is seen, monitored, and protected — it’s your lens on the world.

Today, we’re zeroing in on two cameras from Dahua’s WizMind S Series that pack serious punch: the IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 and the IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3. Both boast 8MP power, AI smarts, and rugged builds, but they approach surveillance with different philosophies. One prefers a wide, steady gaze — the other? It zooms in with precision when needed.

So, whether you’re watching over a quiet corridor or a busy car park, this comparison will help you decide which of these two tech-savvy lookouts is the better fit for your setup.

Meet the Duo: IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 vs IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3

In the world of smart surveillance, two names from Dahua’s WizMind S Series stand out: the IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 and the IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3. Both come packed with 8MP resolution, intelligent analytics, and rugged, weatherproof builds — but don’t let their shared specs fool you. These two take very different approaches to watching over your world.

The TM-ASE-S3 is the no-nonsense, fixed-lens pro. Its 2.8mm wide-angle lens gives you a broad, stable view — perfect for covering open areas where every inch matters.

On the flip side, the T-ZE-S3 brings a bit more personality to the table. With a motorized varifocal lens ranging from 2.7mm to 12mm, it’s designed for flexibility. Want to zoom in on a gate or license plate without physically adjusting the camera? This one’s got you.

They’re like siblings raised on the same AI-powered tech — but with very different roles to play.

What They Have in Common (And Why It Matters)

At their core, the IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 and IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3 share the same foundation — both are 8MP cameras from Dahua’s WizMind S Series, built for high-performance surveillance with advanced AI capabilities.

Each features a 1/1.8″ CMOS sensor, delivering crisp 4K resolution at up to 30 frames per second. On the AI front, they support Smart

Motion Detection (SMD 3.0), face detection, and people counting — making them ideal for environments that demand more than just passive recording.

Both models also offer IR night vision, PoE connectivity, IP67 weather protection, and microSD card support up to 512GB. These shared features ensure that whether you’re monitoring indoors or out, day or night, you’re backed by reliable and intelligent performance.
They may differ in how they see the world — but when it comes to core capabilities, they speak the same language.

Zoom or Stay Still? The Real Lens Debate

Here’s where the Dahua IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 and IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3 start to show their true personalities — and the difference lies in the lens.

The IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 comes with a fixed 2.8mm lens, offering a wide-angle view ideal for covering open areas. Think of it as a reliable option for spaces like small lobbies, hallways, or retail zones where consistent coverage is key and the focus doesn’t need to shift.

In contrast, the IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3 is equipped with a motorized 2.7–12mm vari-focal lens, allowing remote zoom and focus adjustment. This flexibility makes it a better fit for monitoring larger spaces like parking lots, warehouses, or gated entrances, where zooming in for more detail can make all the difference.

The field of view isn’t just a number — it shapes how much of the scene is captured and how closely you can track movement. If you need to see everything at once, the fixed lens gets the job done. But if you want the option to zoom in on a face or license plate without touching the camera, the vari-focal model gives you that control.

Need Help Choosing? Browse Our Dahua Camera Collection

Not sure which model suits your setup best? You’re not alone — choosing between a fixed lens and a zoom lens depends on your specific needs. To make things easier, we’ve curated a selection of top-rated Dahua security cameras for every kind of environment.

From wide-angle coverage to precision zoom, you’ll find the right fit in our lineup.

Explore Dahua Cameras — see what’s in stock, check out specs, and discover our current offers!

Lights, Camera… Night Vision!

When the lights go out, these cameras don’t miss a beat. Both the IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 and the IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3 come equipped with Dahua’s Starlight+ technology, designed to deliver clear, detailed footage even in near-total darkness.

That said, there’s a slight edge when it comes to IR range. The TM-ASE-S3 can illuminate up to 50 meters, while the T-ZE-S3 covers up to 40 meters. It’s a subtle difference, but it can matter if you’re monitoring larger outdoor spaces or long corridors.

Think of it this way: both cameras are built to perform at night — but one sees in the dark like a night owl with night-vision goggles, while the other is more like an alert alley cat, still sharp, just a bit closer to home.

In both cases, you’re getting reliable visibility long after sunset — with none of the grainy, ghost-like footage you’d expect from older models.

Build, Brains, and Bonus Features

Beyond resolution and lenses, both cameras are built to last — and think smart. Their IP67-rated housings make them fully weatherproof, ready to take on rain, dust, and the occasional bird visit without breaking a sweat.

Each model also includes audio input and output, plus alarm I/O ports, which make integration with broader security systems seamless.

Whether it’s connecting to a siren, external mic, or speaker, these ports offer flexibility for more interactive setups.

And let’s not forget the intelligence behind the lens. With AI-driven features like face detection, people counting, and smart motion alerts, these aren’t just passive observers. They help you filter out the noise and focus on what actually matters.

Put simply: they’re reliable, adaptable, and well-equipped for demanding environments — indoors or out.

Quick Spec Snapshot: The Tale of the Tape

Here’s a side-by-side look at the key differences between the IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 and IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3 — no tech dictionary required:

Both are solid options — but the right one depends on how much zoom control you need and the environment you’re working with.

Which One’s Right for Your Setup?

Both of these Dahua cameras are built for performance — but how they fit into your setup depends on what you need them to do.

If you want set-it-and-forget-it simplicity, the IPC-HDW5842TM-ASE-S3 might be the better fit. Its fixed wide-angle lens is great for steady, full-scene coverage — no adjustments, no zooming, just consistent surveillance for areas like entrances, reception zones, or open retail spaces.

On the other hand, if zooming in without climbing a ladder sounds great, the IPC-HDW5842T-ZE-S3 offers more control. Its motorized lens lets you fine-tune your view remotely — ideal for dynamic spaces like parking lots, driveways, or anywhere details can shift with distance.

Neither is a bad choice — it really comes down to how much flexibility you want and the type of space you’re monitoring.