Introduction to the 3K ColorVu Bullet Camera (DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS)
The DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS 3K ColorVu Bullet Camera is a hybrid‑light analogue surveillance camera designed to deliver clear, full‑time colour images in challenging lighting conditions. Featuring a 3K (2960 × 1665) ColourVu sensor, an ultra‑bright F1.0 lens, smart hybrid illumination (white light + IR) and built‑in audio with Audio‑over‑Coax (AoC), this fixed‑lens bullet camera is built for outdoor perimeter and property monitoring. Housed in a metal, IP67‑rated enclosure and with switchable analogue outputs (TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS), it offers broad compatibility with TurboHD and other analogue recorders.
Key features at a glance
- High‑resolution ColourVu sensor:3K (2960 × 1665) for more detail than typical 2MP analogue cameras.
- Low‑light performance:F1.0 aperture and 0.001 Lux sensitivity enable colour imaging in very low light; 0 Lux with white light active.
- Hybrid illumination:Smart switching between white light and IR with up to 40 m effective range for both modes.
- Audio over coax:Built‑in microphone and AoC eliminate the need for separate audio cables on compatible recorders.
- Flexible compatibility:Switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs for easy integration with many existing analogue systems.
- Rugged outdoor build:Metal housing and IP67 ingress protection for reliable outdoor use.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS packs practical, installer‑friendly features into a compact bullet form factor. Below are the key specification groups and what they mean in real‑world use.
- Sensor & resolution:A 3K CMOS sensor provides 2960 × 1665 pixels, a step up from common 1080p sensors. This extra resolution helps capture finer facial detail, license plates at medium distances and more useful evidence from recorded footage.
- Lens & field of view:Available in fixed 2.8 mm or 3.6 mm M12 lenses. The 2.8 mm option offers a wider view (~105–110°) ideal for close perimeter coverage; the 3.6 mm choice narrows the view (~80–94°) for longer‑range detail.
- Large aperture (F1.0):A wide aperture gathers more light, improving image brightness and lowering reliance on amplification (AGC) that can introduce noise. This is especially beneficial in dawn, dusk and urban night scenes.
- Minimum illumination:Rated 0.001 Lux at F1.0 with AGC enabled, the camera delivers usable colour images in near‑darkness. When white light is activated, illumination is effectively 0 Lux for full‑colour night capture.
- Hybrid lighting system:The smart illumination switches between IR and white light automatically based on scene conditions. White light preserves natural colour for recognition and identification, while IR maintains covert monitoring when colour lighting is undesirable.
- Range:Both white light and IR can reach up to 40 m under ideal conditions, making the camera suitable for medium‑distance perimeter coverage and car park surveillance.
- Built‑in microphone + AoC:Onboard audio capture adds contextual information to video. With Audio‑over‑Coax support, voice or ambient sounds can be carried over existing analogue cabling to compatible DVRs, simplifying retrofits.
- Switchable outputs:TVI, AHD, CVI and CVBS outputs mean the camera can be used with a wide range of analogue and TurboHD recorders, easing upgrades and inventory management for installers.
- Build & weatherproofing:Metal housing and an IP67 rating protect the camera from dust and heavy rain, making it appropriate for exterior walls, soffits and fixed poles.
- Operating conditions:Rated from −40 °C to 60 °C, so it tolerates harsh seasonal extremes.
- Power:12 VDC ±25% with a maximum consumption of 5.2 W. Standard cabling practices and a stable power source are important for long‑term reliability.
- Physical size:Approximately 194.2 × 78 × 74.5 mm and roughly 500 g—compact enough for discrete installations yet substantial enough for secure mounting.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS is a versatile option for a range of outdoor surveillance needs. Typical applications include:
- Perimeter and property monitoring:Its hybrid light system and long illumination range make it ideal for fences, gates and property lines where clear identification is needed at night.
- Car parks and driveways:Colour imaging at night helps with vehicle identification, incident investigation and pedestrian safety. The built‑in mic adds context to events captured on video.
- Storefronts and commercial façades:Retailers benefit from continuous colour monitoring to identify people, signage and merchandise, improving loss prevention and situational awareness.
- Residential security:Homeowners who want improved night‑time colour detail—useful for recognizing visitors or suspicious activity—can deploy this camera as part of a hybrid analogue system.
- Legacy system upgrades:Installers replacing older CVBS cameras can use the switchable outputs to step up resolution and night‑time performance without re‑wiring entire systems.
How it compares with similar products
Understanding where the DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS stands helps determine if it suits a given project. Below are practical comparisons against common alternatives.
Traditional IR cameras switch to monochrome night mode and rely solely on infrared illumination. They can capture detail in darkness, but lose colour information that may be important for recognition. The ColorVu hybrid approach retains full colour at night (when white light is appropriate) and offers a choice of covert IR if colour lighting is not desired. The F1.0 aperture also typically results in brighter, cleaner night images than many IR‑only designs.
Modern IP cameras often offer higher frame rates, advanced analytics and PoE convenience. However, analogue hybrid cameras like the DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS shine in retrofit projects where existing coax infrastructure is in place. They provide a cost‑effective path to improved resolution and night‑time colour without the cost and complexity of rewiring for IP. For greenfield projects requiring analytics, PoE, or centralized IP management, a network camera may be preferable.
Compared with lower‑resolution ColorVu models, the 3K sensor provides more detail—useful when identification at a distance matters. Compared with higher‑end models (if available) that add analytics or higher frame rates, this unit balances performance and cost effectively, targeting standard perimeter and commercial installations rather than specialized forensic deployments.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
No verified, named customer testimonials are provided in the supplied product metadata. Typical feedback from installers and end users familiar with ColorVu hybrid cameras tends to praise:
- Significant improvement in night‑time colour detail compared with older 1080p IR cameras.
- Ease of upgrading existing analogue systems because of switchable outputs and AoC support.
- Good value for the combination of robust build, IP67 rating and hybrid illumination.
If you require verified customer reviews, check reseller pages or independent review forums where installers and purchasers post real‑world experiences for this model.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS?
The DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS 3K ColorVu Bullet Camera is an attractive choice when you need improved night‑time colour imaging, simple integration with existing analogue platforms and a rugged outdoor build. Its F1.0 aperture and hybrid illumination deliver clearer, more useful footage after dark while built‑in audio and Audio‑over‑Coax simplify installations that need sound. Switchable outputs and robust environmental ratings make it a practical option for residential, commercial and retrofit projects where cost, compatibility and nighttime performance are priorities.
For projects that require advanced analytics, PoE convenience or higher frame rates, consider network (IP) alternatives. For straightforward analogue upgrades, perimeter surveillance and locations that benefit from colour at night, the DS-2CE12KF0T-LFS represents a balanced combination of performance and value.
