Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE and its key features
The Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE is a purpose-built analogue turret camera that brings modern low-light colour imaging and flexible night-time illumination to traditional CCTV installations. Marketed as a 3K ColorVu Smart‑Hybrid turret with a 2.8 mm lens option, this unit targets users who need reliable, round‑the‑clock colour footage, rugged weatherproofing and simple integration with Turbo‑HD analogue systems. Key features include the large F1.0 aperture ColorVu sensor for vivid night‑time colour, Smart‑Hybrid white‑light + IR illumination (effective to 40 m), true WDR (~130 dB) and audio‑over‑coax from a built‑in microphone. With PoC compatibility and low power draw (≈6 W max), it’s designed to be a cost‑effective upgrade path for sites that want better image quality without moving to a full IP ecosystem.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE combines a high‑resolution 3K sensor with practical optics and illumination to deliver clearer, more useful video than legacy 1080p analogue cameras. Below are the most relevant specifications and what they mean in real use.
- 3K sensor (2960 × 1665)— Offers roughly 1.5–2× the pixel count of 1080p, producing sharper images and improved recognition of faces, licence plates and scene detail at a distance.
- Minimum illumination— 0.0005 Lux at F1.0 with AGC enabled, and 0 Lux when white light is active. The large F1.0 aperture lets significantly more light reach the sensor, enabling full‑colour images in conditions where ordinary cameras would switch to monochrome or appear noisy.
- Frame rates— 3K at 20/25 fps; supports lower resolutions at standard analogue frame rates for compatibility and bandwidth control.
- Lens— Supplied with a 2.8 mm fixed lens (≈105° horizontal FOV). A 3.6 mm option (≈80° FOV) is available for installers who need a narrower, longer‑range view.
- Mount— M12 lens mount for straightforward servicing or lens swaps by trained technicians.
- Smart‑Hybrid illumination— A selectable combination of white light and IR illumination lets the camera provide full‑colour imagery when white light is used, and stealthy monochrome IR imaging when preferred. Both have a practical reach of up to 40 m, giving flexibility across different night‑time scenarios.
- ICR day/night switchingand advanced image modes — Combined with True WDR (~130 dB), 3D DNR and BLC/HLC features, the camera maintains detail in scenes with high contrast, bright backlighting or varying lighting conditions.
- Audio‑over‑coax— The built‑in microphone provides local audio capture with an approximate pickup radius of 5 m; audio is transmitted via the same coax link, simplifying cabling where audio is required.
- Video output and protocol— 1 × HD analogue output (Turbo‑HD) using HIKVISION‑C protocol for reliable link‑up with Hikvision DVRs and many third‑party Turbo‑HD recorders.
- Power— 12 VDC (±25%) with PoC compatibility. Low maximum power consumption (~6 W) reduces supply and heat concerns and lets installers use PoC‑capable DVRs when available.
- Build— Compact turret form (Ø110 × 102.7 mm, ≈395 g) that is easy to mount on ceilings or walls.
- Ingress protection— IP67 rating for dust and water resistance, and NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion protection, making it suitable for exposed outdoor environments and coastal locations.
- Operating range— −40 °C to 60 °C and up to 90% RH (non‑condensing), allowing reliable operation across a wide range of climates.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE is versatile and performs well in applications where reliable, always‑on colour imaging is valuable. Typical use cases include:
- Retail and shops— Colour detail at night helps with identifying clothing colour or item detail during incidents, and built‑in audio can assist in disputed incidents or for deterrence when paired with white light.
- Perimeter and car parks— The 40 m illumination and 3K resolution make the camera suitable for monitoring large outdoor areas, vehicle movement and plate/face detail at medium distances.
- Commercial and industrial sites— Rugged IP67 / NEMA 4X construction protects against harsh environmental conditions, making it a robust choice for warehouses, yards and remote facilities.
- Residential and SMB installations— PoC capability, low power draw and analogue compatibility make it an economical upgrade for homes and small businesses that want better night‑time colour without the complexity of IP systems.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Positioning the DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE against alternatives helps clarify strengths and trade‑offs.
- Resolution & detail— The 3K sensor delivers noticeably more detail than 1080p models, enhancing identification at distance and when digitally zooming on recorded footage.
- Low‑light performance— With an F1.0 aperture and ColorVu technology, this Hikvision model produces colour images in very low light where typical 1080p turrets would be noisy or monochrome.
- Cost— Suggested retail price (US$59.99) positions it attractively against higher‑end IP cameras while offering a meaningful upgrade over older analogue devices.
Hikvision ColorVu variants span from small domes to larger bullet cameras and IP models. The DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE is tailored for analogue/Turbo‑HD environments and balances high resolution, compact turret form, and hybrid illumination. Compared to higher‑end IP ColorVu models, it is generally cheaper, simpler to install on existing coax runs, and uses less network overhead, though it won’t offer the advanced analytics or higher frame rates some IP models provide.
- Integration— Analogue Turbo‑HD cameras are a strong choice for installations that already have coax infrastructure or DVRs; upgrading to IP often requires new cabling and switches.
- Analytics & features— IP cameras may provide more on‑camera analytics (deep learning features, higher frame rates, onboard VCA), which some users need. The Hikvision analogue 3K turret focuses on superior imagery and straightforward capture rather than advanced onboard analytics.
- Bandwidth and storage— Analogue streams avoid network congestion and simplify storage when paired with DVRs, while IP cameras require network design and potentially more storage or capacity management.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While individual reviews vary by site and installer preference, common themes from installers and integrators who have worked with Hikvision ColorVu analogue units are consistent:
- Positive— Many installers praise the visible improvement in night‑time colour detail compared with conventional turrets, the easy PoC power delivery, and the compact turret design that mounts cleanly on walls and soffits. The robust IP67/NEMA4X rating gets favourable comments for coastal and outdoor sites.
- Constructive— Some integrators note that white‑light illumination is necessarily visible and can be intrusive for certain applications (residential windows, sensitive public areas), so selection of hybrid mode and placement is important. Others point out that while audio‑over‑coax is useful, the microphone range (≈5 m) limits its effectiveness for large spaces.
- Value— At the suggested price point, many see the camera as a cost‑effective way to get noticeably better imagery without moving to IP systems, especially for retrofits.
Conclusion: why the DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE 3K ColorVu Smart‑Hybrid turret camera is an excellent option for customers who want significant improvements in night‑time colour fidelity, higher resolution detail and robust weatherproofing while retaining the simplicity of analogue Turbo‑HD systems. Its large F1.0 aperture, hybrid white/IR illumination to 40 m, true WDR and low power draw make it a practical, flexible choice across retail, perimeter, residential and commercial use cases. For installers, PoC compatibility and familiar Turbo‑HD integration reduce installation time and cost. While advanced IP analytics remain the domain of some IP cameras, the DS-2CE72KF3T-LSYE offers an attractive balance of performance, durability and value — particularly for sites upgrading from 1080p analogue systems or seeking reliable colour evidence capture after dark.
Quick reference— Resolution: 3K (2960×1665); Low light: F1.0 ColorVu; Illumination: Hybrid IR + white light to 40 m; Power: 12 VDC or PoC (~6 W max); Weatherproof: IP67, NEMA 4X. Suggested retail price: US$59.99.
