Introduction: Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE at a glance
The Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE 3K ColorVu turret camera is a purpose-built analogue CCTV camera that brings high-resolution daytime and night-time colour imaging to traditional coax installations. With a 3K (2960 × 1665) sensor, an F1.0 lens for exceptional low-light sensitivity, Smart‑Hybrid illumination (white light + IR), Power over Coax (PoC) and a built-in microphone, this turret camera is designed to close the gap between cost-effective analogue systems and modern performance expectations. It is ruggedised for outdoor use (IP67, NEMA 4X) and targets residential and commercial installers who want reliable, around‑the‑clock colour footage without migrating fully to IP video.
Key features summary
- 3K resolution (2960 × 1665)— more detail than 1080p for clearer identification of faces, licence plates and fine scene elements.
- F1.0 aperture— excellent low‑light sensitivity enabling continuous colour imaging in dim conditions.
- Smart‑Hybrid illuminator— integrated white light and IR illumination (each ~40 m) to provide colour at night when needed and IR fallback where appropriate.
- PoC (Power over Coax)— simplifies cable runs and reduces the need for separate power supplies in retrofit and new installations.
- Built‑in microphone— audio over coax adds context to footage and supports incident verification.
- Rugged outdoor rating— IP67 and NEMA 4X corrosion resistance for harsh environments, operating from −40 °C to 60 °C.
- Advanced image processing— true WDR (~130 dB), 3D DNR, BLC/HLC and other enhancement features for challenging lighting conditions.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The camera uses a 3K CMOS sensor paired with a fixed 3.6 mm lens (M12 mount) and a bright F1.0 aperture. The higher resolution (2960 × 1665) delivers noticeably more detail than 1080p cameras, making it easier to resolve small or distant objects. The fast aperture and sensitive sensor reduce reliance on artificial lighting, supporting continuous colour capture in low ambient light conditions down to approximately 0.0005 Lux (with AGC enabled) and full‑colour at 0 Lux when the camera’s white light illuminator is active.
Hikvision’s Smart‑Hybrid illuminator combines white light and IR illumination, each effective to around 40 m. White light provides true colour images at night (useful for identifying clothing colours, vehicle paint or other colour cues) while IR offers covert illumination when colour is not necessary. The ability to switch between or combine these modes gives installers flexibility to balance visibility, deterrence and discretion.
A built‑in microphone delivers audio over coax, with a pickup radius of roughly 5 m — useful for adding context to recorded events and for investigations. While not a substitute for dedicated audio systems in very large or noisy areas, the integrated mic adds practical value for perimeter monitoring, doorway coverage and small‑scale retail environments.
PoC support (power over coax) simplifies upgrades and new installations by allowing a single coaxial cable to carry both video and power. The camera also accepts 12 VDC input as a conventional option. Maximum power consumption is approximately 6 W, keeping operating costs and power requirements modest. These features translate to faster deployments, fewer on‑site power modifications and lower material costs compared with solutions requiring separate power cabling.
Built for outdoor use, the DS‑2CE72KF3T‑LSYE carries an IP67 ingress protection rating and NEMA 4X corrosion resistance, making it capable of operating in wet, dusty or corrosive coastal environments. With an operational temperature range from −40 °C to 60 °C, it suits installations across a wide climate envelope.
True WDR (~130 dB) helps the camera manage scenes with strong backlighting (for example, entrances with bright daylight behind a subject), while 3D DNR reduces noise at low light, improving clarity and compression efficiency. Additional exposure controls such as BLC (backlight compensation) and HLC (highlight compensation) allow fine tuning for specific scenes.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS‑2CE72KF3T‑LSYE is particularly well suited to any analogue CCTV application that requires improved detail and reliable colour information during both day and night. Typical scenarios include:
- Residential perimeter and driveway monitoring— clear colour imagery helps identify visitors, vehicles and packages even after dark.
- Retail shopfronts and small businesses— doorways, cash registers and storefronts benefit from combined video and audio capture to support loss prevention and incident review.
- Car parks and driveways— 3K resolution makes it easier to capture licence plates at distance; the camera’s illumination supports identification even at night.
- Building entrances and access control points— continuous colour helps security teams distinguish clothing colours and other identifying features for fast verification.
- Schools, community centres and public spaces— robust environmental resistance and vandal‑resistant turret form make it a practical choice for outdoor coverage.
Comparisons with similar products
Compared with legacy 1080p analogue CCTV cameras, the DS‑2CE72KF3T‑LSYE offers higher resolution (3K vs 2MP), improved low‑light colour imaging thanks to its F1.0 aperture and Smart‑Hybrid illumination, and enhanced image processing (true WDR, 3D DNR). The practical outcome is clearer identification at greater distances and reliable evidence capture at night without necessarily moving to an IP architecture.
Hikvision’s IP ColorVu models typically provide higher resolutions (2–8MP) and advanced analytics, and they integrate easily with network VMS platforms. However, IP systems often require network infrastructure upgrades and PoE switches or separate power design. The DS‑2CE72KF3T‑LSYE is a strong choice where customers want ColorVu‑style night colour on existing coax networks or where budget constraints make a full IP migration impractical. It offers a balance of performance and lower system upgrade cost.
Other manufacturers offer hybrid or analogue cameras with night‑colour capabilities, but Hikvision’s combination of 3K resolution, F1.0 optics, Smart‑Hybrid illumination and PoC support makes this model competitive on clarity, night performance and ease of installation. When comparing, evaluate real‑world factors such as datasheet illumination ranges, supported frame rates, PoC compatibility with existing DVRs and environmental ratings.
Customer feedback and typical reviewer insights
While specific published testimonials vary by channel, installer and end‑user feedback commonly highlights the following points about the DS‑2CE72KF3T‑LSYE:
- Installers appreciate PoC support because it reduces the need to provide separate power runs and speeds up retrofits on legacy coax systems.
- End users note the visible improvement in night‑time evidence — colour footage can make a critical difference when identifying garments, vehicle colours or other details that IR‑only cameras lose.
- Reviewers often mention the camera’s effective balance of image quality and price, offering near‑IP performance for many common surveillance needs without the higher system cost of a full network solution.
- Some notes for prospective buyers include checking PoC compatibility with DVRs, confirming frame‑rate requirements for specific installations, and planning cable runs to stay within recommended illumination and audio pickup ranges.
Compliance, installation notes and pricing considerations
Check product packaging and the manufacturer datasheet for CE/UKCA marking and other local regulatory compliance. Electrical installation should follow local wiring regulations; when integrating PoC or mains‑powered equipment, it is advisable to use a qualified installer or electrician. The suggested retail price for this listing is approximately 69.99, with a cost price example of 47.82 — remember to account for taxes, shipping and channel margins when setting final sale pricing.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE?
The Hikvision DS‑2CE72KF3T‑LSYE 3K ColorVu turret camera is a practical, cost‑conscious option for anyone wanting modern, continuous colour night imaging on analogue infrastructure. Its combination of 3K resolution, a bright F1.0 aperture, Smart‑Hybrid illumination and PoC support delivers tangible benefits: clearer identification, simplified installation and robust outdoor performance. For residential properties, small businesses and retrofit projects that need reliable colour imaging without the disruption and cost of a full IP migration, this camera represents a strong value proposition. Evaluate compatibility with your existing DVR/PoC systems and scene requirements, and you can deploy a surveillance solution that brings many advantages of newer camera technology to traditional coaxial CCTV installations.
