Introduction to the DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS and its key features
The DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS Dual-Lens 3K 180° ColorVu Bullet Camera is a purpose-built Turbo-HD (HD-TVI) camera designed to deliver a single panoramic view with exceptional detail and colour fidelity around the clock. Using two stitched 2.8 mm lenses, the camera produces a wide 180° panorama at a 3K (3328 × 1504) resolution. Its ColorVu low-light optics (F1.0) and Smart Hybrid illumination combine warm white light and infrared to provide clear colour or IR imagery up to 40 m, while built-in audio-over-coax support (integrated microphone) adds contextual sound monitoring. Ruggedized to IP67 and optimised for legacy HD-TVI systems, this model is aimed at sites that need broad coverage with simplified installation and reliable image quality.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS packs a suite of imaging features and environmental credentials into a compact bullet form factor. Below is a breakdown of its core specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
- 3K resolution (3328 × 1504):The higher pixel count gives a clearer panoramic image than standard 1080p or 2MP cameras, improving recognition and forensic detail across the wide field of view.
- Dual 2.8 mm lenses — stitched 180° panorama:Two lenses are computationally combined to create a continuous panoramic image with an approximate 180° horizontal and 75° vertical field of view, reducing blind spots and the need for multiple cameras.
- ColorVu technology and F1.0 aperture:ColorVu optics allow the camera to produce colour images even in very low light. The large F1.0 aperture increases light-gathering capability for richer, more usable images at night.
- Frame rate:Capable of 3K at 20 fps (dual), a practical balance for smooth panoramic video while maintaining high resolution.
- True WDR ≥130 dB & 3D DNR:Wide dynamic range helps preserve detail in scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows (e.g., entrances with backlight). 3D digital noise reduction reduces grain in low-light footage for improved clarity.
- Smart Hybrid Illumination (WL + IR up to 40 m):The camera automatically switches between or combines warm white light and infrared illumination, delivering natural-colour images when white light is used and IR detail when it isn’t. Both illuminators reach up to approximately 40 m depending on environmental conditions.
- Built-in microphone with Audio over Coax:Adds audible context to visual events without the need for separate audio cabling in HD-TVI systems, simplifying retrofits and reducing installation cost.
- IP67 rating:Weatherproofing suitable for outdoor installations, resisting dust ingress and surviving temporary immersion — appropriate for common exterior mounting locations such as facades, eaves and poles.
- Power & consumption:12 V DC (±25%) operation with maximum power around 8.9 W, enabling easy integration into existing DC-powered deployments and low-power designs.
- Operating conditions:Rated for −40 °C to 60 °C and up to 90% non-condensing humidity, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Physical:Compact dimensions (~234 × 104 × 76 mm) and modest weight (~630 g) simplify mounting and reduce visible footprint.
- HD-TVI video output & control:Standard HD analog output (1 × HD-TVI) with on-screen/coax control (HIKVISION-C/Coaxitron) for compatibility with legacy DVRs and simplified system upgrades.
- Installation guidance:Follow local wiring regulations and use a qualified installer. Refer to the official datasheet for detailed mounting, cabling and compliance details (CE/UKCA confirmation should be checked per market).
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS is tailored for locations where broad coverage, continuous colour imaging and cost-effective integration with HD-TVI systems are priorities. Typical deployments include:
- Large driveways, front yards, courtyard areas and gated entrances benefit from a single 180° view that captures activity across an entire frontage without multiple camera angles.
- A single panoramic camera can monitor window displays, pedestrian traffic and adjacent sidewalks, helping retailers reduce blind spots while retaining high-resolution detail for incidents.
- Wide-angle coverage is useful for small-to-medium car parks, loading bays and access roads where a panoramic overview reduces the number of cameras and cables required.
- Where long stretches of perimeter require detection and verification, this camera provides situational awareness with enough detail for follow-up investigation.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS, consider three comparison axes: coverage, low-light colour performance, and system compatibility.
Single-lens cameras with wide-angle optics can cover a similar field but often suffer from edge distortion or lower effective pixel density across a panoramic scene. The dual-lens stitched approach of the DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS preserves higher usable resolution across the panorama, improving identification at a distance compared with many single-lens 1080p fisheye or ultra-wide cameras.
Multisensor cameras (three- or four-sensor heads) offer even broader coverage and higher aggregate resolution, but they are typically larger, more expensive and may require more complex mounting and cabling. The Hikvision dual-lens 3K solution is a balance — offering near-180° coverage at a competitive price and simpler installation for small-to-medium sites.
Full IP panoramic cameras with built-in analytics and PoE are strong alternatives, especially where advanced edge analytics or networked storage is desired. The DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS stands out for installers and end-users who want to leverage existing HD-TVI infrastructure or lower upfront system costs. For greenfield IP installations, an IP panoramic with onboard VMS compatibility may offer more flexibility, but often at higher system cost.
Customer testimonials and feedback (representative)
Actual user reviews for specific models vary by market. Below are representative, anonymised examples of the kind of feedback installers and customers typically report for a camera of this class:
- "We replaced two 1080p cameras on our shop front with this single 3K panoramic unit — coverage improved and our DVR integration was seamless. Night-time colour footage is surprisingly good." — Local retail installer.
- "Great value for sites that still use HD-TVI. The built-in mic is handy for contextual audio without re-running cables, and the Smart Hybrid light gives better evidence capture at night." — Facilities manager, small business park.
- "Installation was straightforward and the IP67 housing stands up well to coastal weather. Stitching across the middle is clean for most scenes, though very close foreground objects can show minor seam effects." — Independent security consultant.
These illustrative comments reflect common strengths (coverage, low-light colour, legacy compatibility) and typical considerations (stitching limits for very close objects) that potential buyers should weigh.
Conclusion — why the DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS is a compelling choice
The DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS delivers an effective combination of high-resolution panoramic coverage, strong low-light colour performance, and legacy HD-TVI compatibility that suits many small-to-medium surveillance projects. Key advantages include the 3K stitched panorama which reduces camera count and installation complexity, ColorVu optics with an F1.0 aperture for superior night-time colour, Smart Hybrid illumination for flexible WL/IR performance up to 40 m, and built-in audio-over-coax to add context without extra cabling.
For sites where a single, high-quality panoramic view replaces multiple cameras — such as storefronts, perimeter walkways, small car parks and residential frontages — this model provides a cost-effective, weatherproof solution. It is particularly attractive for organisations maintaining HD-TVI DVR infrastructure that want to upgrade image quality without migrating to a fully IP-based system.
Before purchase, confirm local compliance requirements and refer to the official datasheet for full technical details and installation guidance. If you need broad, continuous coverage with improved night-time colour and straightforward integration into HD-TVI systems, the DS-2CE12KF3TP-DLS is a strong candidate to consider.
