Introduction to the DS-2CE12KF3T-LE 3K ColorVu Bullet Camera
The DS-2CE12KF3T-LE (3.6 mm) ColorVu bullet camera brings markedly improved night-time colour imaging and rugged outdoor reliability to analogue/TurboHD surveillance installations. Designed for installers, integrators and DIY users who need a simple, high-performance bullet camera, this model combines a 3K (2960 × 1665) sensor, a fast F1.0 aperture ColorVu lens, and smart hybrid illumination (IR plus white light). It also supports Power over Coax (PoC) for streamlined wiring and is built in a metal IP67-rated housing for true outdoor use.
- 3K resolution(2960 × 1665) for more detail than 1080p.
- 24/7 colourvia ColorVu technology and F1.0 aperture: colour imaging in very low light (0.0005 Lux) and full colour at 0 Lux when white light is active.
- Smart hybrid illumination— combined IR and white light up to 40 m, with automatic or manual control.
- True WDR ≥130 dBplus 3D/2D DNR for strong performance in scenes with mixed lighting and low noise.
- Power over Coax (PoC)support to simplify installations and reduce cabling complexity.
- Rugged metal housing and IP67 ratingfor reliable outdoor performance across a wide temperature range.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE12KF3T-LE packs several hardware and imaging technologies into a straightforward, installer-friendly form factor. Below are the main specification groups and what they mean in practical terms for performance and deployment.
- Model:DS-2CE12KF3T-LE (3.6 mm). Built to work on TurboHD analogue systems while offering high-resolution capture.
- Image sensor:3K CMOS. The larger pixel count compared with 2MP sensors increases detail for identification and evidence capture.
- Max. resolution:2960 × 1665 (3K). Delivers finer image detail useful for licence plates, facial detail and wide-scene monitoring without moving to a full network camera.
- Frame rates:3K at 20 fps; 4 MP/1080p up to 25/30 fps depending on mode. Adequate for typical surveillance where smooth motion is needed but not extremely high frame-rate analytics.
- Lens:3.6 mm fixed — a common choice that balances field of view and subject detail for perimeter, driveway and entrance coverage.
- Aperture:F1.0 — exceptionally wide for a bullet camera, letting more light into the sensor and improving low-light colour performance.
- Horizontal FOV:Typical values are in the wide-to-medium range (refer to the official datasheet for precise numbers) — suitable for many outdoor scenes without the need for multiple cameras.
- Minimum illumination:0.0005 Lux at F1.0 (AGC ON); 0 Lux with white light — this enables usable colour at very low ambient light levels and pure colour capture when the camera’s white light is active.
- Smart hybrid illumination:IR + white light up to 40 m. The camera can rely on IR for covert monochrome illumination or switch on white light to retain colour at night, offering flexibility depending on security and privacy needs.
- WDR ≥130 dB:True wide dynamic range helps balance bright backgrounds and dark foregrounds — important for entrances, windows and other mixed-light scenarios.
- 3D/2D DNR:Digital noise reduction reduces graininess in low-light footage, improving clarity for identification.
- Power supply:12 VDC ±25% and PoC support. PoC lets compatible recorders supply power via the coax cable, reducing the need for separate power runs.
- Power consumption:Max around 7.8 W — modest for this level of illumination and optics.
- Video output:1 HD analogue output (TurboHD) — integrates easily with many existing DVRs and hybrid recorders.
- Housing & ingress protection:Metal housing with IP67 rating — dust-tight and protected against immersion, suitable for exposed outdoor locations and car parks.
- Operating range:-40 °C to 60 °C and ≤90% non-condensing humidity — reliable across harsh climates.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CE12KF3T-LE is tailored to outdoor scenarios where dependable colour at night, straightforward installation and rugged hardware matter. Typical use cases include:
- Residential driveways and entrances:Colour footage at night helps with vehicle and person identification and improves evidence quality compared with monochrome IR video.
- Small retail & shopfronts:Monitor entrances, forecourts and short-range car parks where visibility and recognition are important after dark.
- Perimeter and fence lines:The 3K resolution helps capture more detail across wider stretches of fencing and can reduce the number of cameras required to cover the same area.
- Car parks and loading bays:White-light capability provides strong colour imaging across licence plates and vehicle colours at night while IR can be used for covert monitoring when needed.
- Sites upgrading analogue systems:For facilities with existing coax infrastructure, the PoC feature and TurboHD output make it a practical step up without a complete network overhaul.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When choosing a surveillance camera, buyers often weigh 3K analogue/TurboHD cameras like the DS-2CE12KF3T-LE against standard 1080p analogue cameras, higher-resolution IP cameras, and other low-light solutions. Key comparison points:
- Vs. 1080p analogue cameras:The 3K sensor captures substantially more detail than 1080p sensors, improving recognition distance and reducing the need for multiple cameras. Combined with ColorVu’s F1.0 aperture and white‑light option, it delivers clearer colour images at night where 1080p variants will often be monochrome.
- Vs. IP (network) cameras:IP cameras can offer higher resolutions and advanced features (analytics, PoE, ONVIF interoperability). However, for sites with existing coax infrastructure or where budget and simplicity matter, TurboHD cameras with PoC provide a cost-effective, reliable alternative without replacing cabling.
- Vs. other low-light solutions:Some cameras rely solely on IR for night vision, producing monochrome images. ColorVu technology prioritises colour retention at low illumination, improving situational awareness. If covert, monochrome imaging is critical, IR-only models remain useful; if identification and colour detail matter, ColorVu models are preferable.
- Value for money:With a suggested price around $64 and a cost price near $49.20, this model occupies a competitive position for integrators seeking an affordable step-up in resolution and night-time capability without moving fully into IP ecosystems.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
Official individual customer reviews were not supplied here. Based on typical feedback trends for ColorVu-equipped bullet cameras and PoC-capable TurboHD devices, buyers often report the following strengths and considerations:
- Positive feedback:Improved night-time colour detail is frequently highlighted — customers appreciate being able to distinguish vehicle colours and clothing items at night. Installers value PoC for reducing cabling complexity and installation time. The rugged metal housing and IP67 rating are praised for outdoor reliability.
- Common caveats:Some users note that the white-light mode is effective but visible, so it may not be suitable for applications where stealth is required. As with any analogue/TurboHD camera, users seeking advanced analytics or integration with purely IP-based systems should consider network cameras.
- Sample sentiment (paraphrased):"Great value for upgrading older systems—much better night colour than our old 1080p cameras. PoC saved us time on installation, and the footage is clear enough for plate and face identification at reasonable distances."
Conclusion — why choose the DS-2CE12KF3T-LE
The DS-2CE12KF3T-LE 3K ColorVu bullet camera is a practical, cost-effective option for anyone who needs improved image detail and true colour performance around the clock without ripping out coax cabling. Its combination of a high-resolution 3K sensor, F1.0 ColorVu optics, smart hybrid illumination up to 40 m, and PoC support make it particularly attractive for outdoor residential and small commercial applications such as driveways, shopfronts and perimeter monitoring.
With rugged IP67 metal housing, efficient power consumption and solid imaging features like True WDR ≥130 dB and 3D/2D DNR, this camera balances performance, reliability and value. For sites with existing TurboHD infrastructure or for budget-conscious projects that still require superior low-light colour imaging, the DS-2CE12KF3T-LE is a strong choice. As always, confirm the specific field-of-view, mounting and power requirements from the manufacturer datasheet and your recorder’s PoC compatibility before purchase to ensure an optimal deployment.
