Hikvision ColourVu 2MP Fixed Bullet Camera, Smart Dual‑Light, Mic & Siren, 2.8mm DS-2CE12DF3T-LXTS

Introduction to the Hikvision ColourVu 2MP Fixed Bullet Camera

The Hikvision DS-2CE12DF3T-LXTS is a 2 MP Turbo-HD (analogue) fixed bullet camera from Hikvisions ColourVu family. Designed to deliver vivid, full-colour imaging around the clock, this camera combines a bright F1.0 lens with a Smart-Hybrid dual illuminator (white light + IR), a built-in microphone and speaker, flashing LED deterrent lights and a siren. The result is a practical, cost-effective surveillance solution for residential and small commercial sites that need clear identification detail at night as well as active deterrence features.

Key features at a glance

• 2 MP (1080p) Turbo-HD outputfor high-definition analogue video.
• ColourVu low-light imagingwith an F1.0 aperture for full-time colour in dim conditions.
• Smart-Hybrid dual illuminator(white light + IR) providing usable illumination up to ~40 m.
• Integrated audio: built-in microphone with ~5 m pickup radius and a 2 W speaker for two-way voice and alarm playback.
• Active deterrence: flashing red/blue LED lights and audible siren to discourage intruders.
• True WDR (>=120 dB), 3D DNR and other image-enhancement features for clear footage in challenging scenes.
• IP67 weather resistancefor reliable outdoor use.

Detailed specifications and benefits

• Lens:Fixed 2.8 mm with an approximate 105 horizontal field of view. This provides a wide scene coverage ideal for entrances, driveways and shopfronts.
• Aperture:F1.0. The large aperture gathers more light than typical consumer cameras, helping the sensor produce clearer, colour images in near-dark conditions.
• Minimum illumination:0.0005 lux @ F1.0 (AGC ON); 0 lux with white light enabled. In practical terms this means the camera maintains colour detail at very low light levels and can switch on white LEDs for true-colour capture when needed.

• Smart-Hybrid illuminator:Combines IR (up to ~40 m) and white light (up to ~40 m). IR gives covert night vision, while white light enables full-colour capture and can be used as a visible alert.
• Flashing LED & siren:Red/blue flashing lights plus an audible siren deliver an immediate, visible and audible deterrent to suspicious activity. This is particularly useful for retail or residential installations where presence-based deterrence can prevent incidents.

• Resolution & frame rate:2 MP (1920 x 1080) at 25/30 fps, giving smooth, detailed video for identification tasks.
• WDR & noise reduction:True WDR (>=120 dB) plus 3D DNR and BLC/HLC help produce usable footage in scenes with bright backgrounds, headlights or other high-contrast conditions.
• Integrated audio:Built-in microphone (approx 5 m pickup), 2 W speaker with echo cancellation and AI noise reduction. Two-way audio allows staff or homeowners to speak through the camera, while recorded audio can aid investigations.

• Ingress protection:IP67-rated, suitable for exposed outdoor mounting even in wet conditions.
• Operating range:-40C to +60C and up to 90% humidity (non-condensing), making it robust across climates.
• Power:12 V DC supply; typical maximum power ~11.7 W. Use a regulated supply sized for long cable runs and accessories like alarms or additional LEDs.
• Form factor:Metal front cover and plastic body, compact footprint (211 x 83.5 x 80.7 mm, ~455 g) for discreet installations.

Benefits — what this camera brings to your site

• Better night-time identification:ColourVu technology preserves colour information in low light, which can make the difference when identifying clothing colours, vehicle paint or other subtle details.
• Lower total system cost (analogue Turbo-HD):Uses existing coaxial cabling and Turbo-HD recorders for simpler upgrades from older analogue systems compared with switching to IP cameras and PoE networking infrastructure.
• Active deterrence:Built-in flashing lights and siren actively discourage intruders and can reduce false activations by scaring off unwanted behaviour before it escalates.
• Two-way audio:Enables real-time voice warnings, customer engagement at a shopfront, or remote check-ins for delivery drivers.
• All-weather reliability:IP67 and wide operating temperatures allow outdoor mounting in varied climates.

Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels

• Residential perimeter and driveway monitoring:The wide field of view and ColourVu low-light performance make this camera suitable for capturing visitors, deliveries and vehicle details at night.
• Retail shopfronts and small stores:Shop owners benefit from visible deterrence (flashing lights + siren), two-way audio to interact with customers or push away suspicious behaviour, and colour footage to aid post-event review.
• Small commercial offices and service yards:Outdoor loading areas and parking lots can be monitored with clear night-time details and audible deterrence to protect assets.
• Upgrade paths for analogue systems:Installers replacing older CVBS analogue cameras can reuse coax cabling and reduce cost while gaining modern features like ColourVu and active deterrence.

How it compares to similar products

• Standard IR cameras provide monochrome images at night. The ColourVu camera retains colour in low light and adds a white light option for full-colour capture — a major advantage when colour information matters for identification.

• IP cameras can offer higher resolutions (4K) and advanced analytics, but they typically require network infrastructure (PoE switches, more bandwidth and storage). The DS-2CE12DF3T-LXTS offers simpler installation and lower hardware costs for sites that only need 1080p clarity with strong low-light and deterrence features.

• Some competitors provide integrated sirens and lights, but Hikvisions ColourVu optical design (F1.0 lens) and True WDR set it apart for reliably capturing colour detail in difficult lighting. For buyers prioritising night-time colour and analogue system compatibility, this model is particularly well matched.

Customer feedback and testimonials (illustrative)

• Homeowner:"We installed this camera over our driveway and it picks up licence plates and clothing colour at night — much better than our old infrared cameras. The flashing light has already stopped someone from lingering on the property."
• Retail owner:"As a small shop owner, the two-way audio and siren are useful. We can warn loiterers off without staff going outside. The image quality during evening hours is excellent for a 1080p camera."
• Installer:"Customers appreciate getting ColourVu performance without rewiring to IP. This model is easy to mount, has sensible power draw and the active deterrence really adds perceived value for end users."

Note:These comments are representative examples of typical customer experience and are not direct quotes from verified individuals.

Practical considerations before buying and installation tips

• Confirm SKU and lens option:This record describes the 2.8 mm LXTS variant. Hikvision provides other lens options and suffixes — verify the exact model to match field-of-view requirements.
• Power planning:Use a regulated 12 V DC supply sized for cable run and any accessories. For long runs consider voltage drop and use appropriate cabling or local power sourcing.
• Weatherproofing:Ensure cable glands and connections are sealed and mounted on recommended substrates. For tamper-sensitive sites, consider protective housings or tamper screws.
• Recorder compatibility:The camera outputs HD analogue (TVI). Confirm compatibility with your Turbo-HD DVR or consider a new DVR if upgrading from legacy CVBS-only systems.

Price and value

The camera provides an accessible entry point to modern low-light colour imaging and active deterrence. With a suggested retail price of 64.99 (check local currency and distributor pricing), it represents a cost-effective option for homeowners, retailers and installers seeking an upgrade path from legacy analogue. For bulk or trade purchases contact distributors for pricing and warranty details.

Conclusion

The Hikvision DS-2CE12DF3T-LXTS 2.8 mm ColourVu bullet camera is a practical, feature-rich choice for sites that need reliable, full-colour imaging at night combined with active deterrence and simple analogue compatibility. Its F1.0 lens and Smart-Hybrid illuminator deliver visible colour in low light, while built-in microphone, speaker, flashing LEDs and siren enhance prevention and remote interaction options. For residential drives, shopfronts, small commercial yards and installers upgrading analogue systems, the ColourVu bullet balances performance, ease of installation and value. Verify the exact SKU, power requirements and recorder compatibility for your project, and consider professional installation for complex systems or long cable runs.