Introduction to the DS-2CE10KF3T-LE 3K ColorVu Turbo‑HD Mini Bullet Camera
The DS-2CE10KF3T-LE 3K ColorVu Turbo‑HD Mini Bullet Camera (2.8 mm) is a compact, rugged surveillance camera designed to deliver high‑resolution, full‑colour imaging around the clock. Built for demanding outdoor environments, this mini bullet combines Hikvisions ColorVu daylight‑style colour performance with Smart Hybrid Light (white light + IR), an ultra‑fast F1.0 aperture, and Turbo‑HD (HD‑over‑coax) compatibility. The result is a camera that produces clearer, more actionable footage in very low light while remaining straightforward to deploy on existing coaxial infrastructure.
Key features at a glance
- High resolution:Up to 3K (2960 65) for improved detail over traditional 1080p cameras.
- ColorVu 24/7 colour imaging:Large F1.0 aperture delivers more light to the sensor, enabling colour images in scenes that would normally be monochrome.
- Smart Hybrid Light:Automatic, intelligent use of white light and IR up to 20 metres for visibility and deterrence.
- Robust outdoor design:Metal housing with IP67 ingress protection for reliable outdoor operation.
- Flexible power options:Supports PoC.af (Power over Coax) and 12 V DC with low power consumption (~5.7 W).
- Advanced imaging:True WDR 130 dB, 3D/2D DNR, BLC/HLC.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE10KF3T-LE packs a surprising array of performance attributes into a small form factor. At its core is a 3K CMOS image sensor capable of producing 2960 65 resolution. That increase in pixel count over 1080p improves the ability to read license plates, identify faces, and capture finer scene detail at moderate distances.
The F1.0 aperture is one of the cameras most important benefits. A larger aperture lets significantly more light reach the sensor, enabling the ColorVu system to produce full‑colour imagery in situations where other cameras would switch to black‑and‑white IR mode. With a quoted minimum illumination of 0.0005 Lux @ F1.0 (AGC ON) and the capability of producing 0 Lux with the white light on, the camera gives operators colour information at night without relying exclusively on IR reflection.
Smart Hybrid Light combines white light and IR in an intelligent way: IR preserves scenes for covert monitoring while white light provides clearly lit, full‑colour evidence and acts as an effective deterrent. The LE variant offers up to 20 metres of effective white and IR illumination, covering most typical entrance, driveway, or shopfront distances.
For scenes with complex lighting, the camera includes True WDR ≥130 dB, 3D/2D DNR for noise suppression, and BLC/HLC to cope with backlit or high‑contrast situations. Video outputs are provided via a single HD analog (TurboHD) port, compatible with Turbo‑HD recorders and many hybrid systems.
The cameras mechanical and environmental design suits outdoor deployments: a sturdy metal housing rated IP67, dimensions of approximately 161.1 × 68.4 × 65.2 mm, and a weight near 440 g. Operating temperature is rated from -40 °C to 60 °C, meaning it will function reliably in most climates. Power options include 12 V DC and PoC.af support, enabling simplified cabling on sites that can supply power over coax. Typical maximum power consumption is low, around 5.7 W, which is useful for power budgeting in large installations.
The fixed 2.8 mm lens offers a wide field of view: approximately 105° horizontal, 59° vertical and 139° diagonal. That makes the camera well suited to covering wide perimeters, alleyways, small parking areas, and storefronts where broad situational awareness is needed rather than extreme long‑range zoom. Frame rates support 3K at 20 fps and 4 MP at up to 25/30 fps, which balance smooth motion capture with higher resolution detail.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Perimeter and property boundaries:Wide field of view and 3K resolution allow coverage of fences, gates, and driveways while maintaining detail for identification.
- Street and public space monitoring:ColorVus 24/7 colour capability improves situational awareness at night—useful for municipalities, small business districts, and residential streets.
- Retail and shopfronts:Colour footage at low light aids loss prevention and improves the value of recorded evidence for law enforcement.
- Residential surveillance:Easy integration with existing coax systems and PoC.af support make upgrades straightforward for homeowners and installers.
- Low‑light critical sites:Locations where identifying clothing colour, vehicle colour, or scene context at night is important—parking lots, transit stops, and hospitality entrances.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the DS-2CE10KF3T-LE, several key comparisons arise: traditional IR cameras, IP/PoE 4K cameras, and other ColorVu models.
VS standard IR monochrome night cameras:Traditional infrared cameras produce detailed black‑and‑white imagery at night but lose colour information. The DS-2CE10KF3T-LEs ColorVu and F1.0 aperture retain colour in very low light, providing more actionable information—clothing and vehicle colour, signage, and environmental context—without needing expensive lighting upgrades.
VS IP PoE 4K cameras:Native IP cameras with PoE and 4K sensors can offer higher frame rates and network flexibility, but they often require new cabling, PoE switches, and more complex configuration. The DS-2CE10KF3T-LE supports Turbo‑HD over coax and PoC.af, which reduces installation cost when upgrading legacy analog systems. While it does not match the raw pixel count of some 4K network cameras, its 3K sensor, low‑light aperture, and on‑board illumination make it a compelling, lower‑cost alternative for many practical deployments.
VS other ColorVu variants:Within the ColorVu product range there are different resolutions, lens options and illumination packages. The DS-2CE10KF3T-LEs 3K sensor offers a sweet spot of resolution and cost for operators who want better than 1080p detail without the bandwidth and storage impact of full 4K. The Smart Hybrid Light in the LE variant balances covert IR monitoring with the option of white light when needed for evidence and deterrence.
Customer feedback and representative testimonials
While specific customer reviews vary by installer and site, representative feedback for cameras with this feature set commonly highlights a few themes:
- "Colour at night made a big difference—we could see vehicle colours and clothing that would have been grey in IR footage."
- "PoC.af support let us reuse existing coax and power cameras without running new cabling—saved time and money on the job."
- "The metal housing and IP67 rating gave confidence for an exposed carpark installation; it handled weather extremes without issues."
- "3K resolution hits a good balance between image detail and storage requirements compared with full 4K systems."
These representative comments reflect common advantages reported by installers and end users, particularly around low‑light colour, installation simplicity, and durability.
Choosing this camera: practical considerations
Before specifying the DS-2CE10KF3T-LE for a project, consider a few practical items. If youre upgrading an existing coax system, PoC.af support is an important benefit—verify recorder compatibility for PoC.af and Turbo‑HD. For long ranges or narrow fields of view (for example, long driveways or precise facial capture at distance), a different lens or higher optical zoom may be preferable. Always plan mounting height, angle, and illumination coverage to make the best use of the 2.8 mm wide‑angle lens and Smart Hybrid Light.
Check local regulatory, privacy, and certification requirements for CCTV in your jurisdiction. Manufacturer datasheets and installation manuals should be consulted for full technical guidance, wiring diagrams, and mounting recommendations. Also confirm warranty and support terms with the vendor or reseller; coverage and service options can vary.
Conclusion: Why the DS-2CE10KF3T-LE is a great choice
The DS-2CE10KF3T-LE 3K ColorVu Turbo‑HD Mini Bullet Camera offers a compelling mix of image quality, low‑light performance, and deployment flexibility. Its 3K sensor and F1.0 aperture provide more useful detail and retain colour in conditions that would defeat many conventional cameras. Smart Hybrid Light adds versatile illumination options for both covert monitoring and high‑visibility evidence capture, while True WDR and noise reduction handle challenging lighting scenarios.
For installers and site owners seeking to upgrade legacy coax systems without the expense of rewiring to IP, PoC.af and Turbo‑HD compatibility make this camera a practical choice. Rugged metal construction and IP67 protection mean it can withstand outdoor exposure, and the modest power draw helps keep operating costs low. Taken together, these attributes make the DS-2CE10KF3T-LE an excellent option for perimeter, retail, street, and residential surveillance projects where continuous colour information, reliability, and cost‑effective upgrade paths matter.
