Introduction to the 3K ColorVu Turbo‑HD Mini Bullet Camera
The DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE — marketed as the 3K ColorVu Mini Bullet (2.8 mm) — is a compact Turbo‑HD analogue CCTV camera designed to deliver high‑resolution daytime and nighttime colour imaging for outdoor use. Combining a 3K (2960 × 1665) sensor, a fast F1.0 2.8 mm fixed lens and Hikvisions ColorVu Smart‑Hybrid lighting (IR + white light), this mini bullet camera aims to give installers and end users better identification detail around the clock while keeping installation simple and cost effective.
- High resolution:3K (2960 × 1665) for sharper detail than typical 1080p analogue cameras.
- Full‑time colour:ColorVu technology with Smart‑Hybrid lighting provides colour images even in very low light.
- Wide field of view:2.8 mm, F1.0 lens (H ~112) for broader coverage from a single mounting point.
- Rugged outdoor build:Metal body with IP67 and NEMA 4X corrosion resistance for harsh environments.
- Advanced image processing:True WDR 5 dB and 3D DNR for challenging lighting and cleaner low‑light images.
- Audio capability:Built‑in microphone with audio over coax simplifies audio capture without extra cabling.
- Power and compatibility:Works with Turbo‑HD (HDTVI) DVRs; PoC variants available or use standard 12 VDC supply.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the technical specifications helps clarify where this camera adds value. Below are the key specification highlights and the practical benefits they provide.
- Image sensor / Resolution:3K CMOS, up to 2960 × 1665. Benefit: noticeably higher pixel count than 1080p (2MP) cameras, which improves ability to read licence plates, see clothing details and capture facial features at moderate distances.
- Lens / Field of view:2.8 mm fixed, F1.0; H ~112, V ~60, D ~140. Benefit: wide coverage suitable for entrances, driveways and retail aisles; the bright F1.0 aperture improves light gathering for better low‑light colour performance.
- Minimum illumination & shutter:0.0005 Lux @ F1.0 (AGC ON); 0 Lux with white light; shutter up to 1/50,000 s. Benefit: very low light sensitivity with provision for constant white light means readable, colour images at night when white light is activated.
- Frame rates:3K @ 20/25 fps; 4 MP @ 25/30 fps; 1080p @ 25/30 fps. Benefit: smooth video at common resolutions for recorded playback and live monitoring.
- True WDR 5 dB:Effective handling of high contrast scenes (backlit doors, windows) to preserve detail in both shadows and highlights.
- 3D DNR:Noise reduction for cleaner images in low light and reduced bandwidth/storage impact from noise.
- Smart‑Hybrid illuminators:IR up to 30 m; white light up to 20 m. Benefit: the camera can use IR for covert night surveillance or white light for full‑colour identification when required; Smart‑Hybrid manages these modes to balance visibility and deterrence.
- Video & audio outputs:1 × HD analogue (TVI) plus built‑in microphone with audio over coax (pickup radius ~5 m). Benefit: retains simple coax infrastructure while adding audio for richer situational awareness.
- Power:12 VDC ±25% typical; max power ~7 W. PoC supported in PoC variants. Benefit: flexible powering options (standard 12 VDC or PoC) simplify installations and reduce cabling in suitable systems.
- Construction:Metal body, dimensions 179 × 66 × 69.1 mm, approx. 460 g. Benefit: compact, robust housing for wall or soffit mounts.
- Environmental rating:IP67 and NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion; operating range −40 °C to 60 °C, humidity ≤90% non‑condensing. Benefit: designed for outdoor perimeter and coastal sites where corrosion and weather resistance matter.
Together, these specifications make the DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE well suited to applications that demand clear daytime detail and reliable, colour night images without moving to full IP systems. The built‑in mic and TVI output allow integration with existing analogue DVRs while avoiding extra network configuration.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The combination of 3K resolution, wide lens, ColorVu full‑time colour and rugged housing means this mini bullet camera suits a wide range of surveillance tasks. Typical scenarios include:
- Retail storefronts and shopfronts:Wider field of view and colour at night assist in identifying suspects, vehicle colours and incidents in parking areas and entry points.
- Perimeter and entrance monitoring:Mounted over gates, driveways and yard entrances where recognising clothing, vehicle details and colours is important for investigations.
- Small commercial sites:Offices, warehouses and small campuses that want higher than 1080p detail without migrating to an IP camera backbone.
- Residential and multi‑dwelling installations:Homeowners and small HOAs can benefit from mountable outdoor coverage with deterrent white light and clear night colour imaging.
- Transport and logistics hubs:For checkpoint lanes and loading bays where wide coverage and readable detail support operational monitoring.
Because it supports PoC variants, installers can run single coax cables that carry both video and power in compatible DVR systems, simplifying retrofits of legacy cabling runs.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing surveillance cameras, users commonly compare three axes: image quality, night performance and total system cost. Heres how the DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE stacks up against typical alternatives:
- The 3K sensor provides higher resolution than 1080p models, offering more detail for identification at the same viewing distance.
- ColorVu full‑time colour and Smart‑Hybrid lighting give superior night‑time colour detail compared with IR‑only 1080p cameras, which usually switch to monochrome and rely solely on IR illumination.
- Cost will be higher than the cheapest 1080p cameras, but the compromised cost is often justified by better night evidence value and fewer missed details.
- IP cameras can offer higher resolutions, onboard analytics and PoE convenience; however, they require network infrastructure and more complex configuration.
- The DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE is often cheaper to deploy in locations that already have coax DVRs; it provides an upgrade path for analogue systems without replacing the entire recording platform.
- For users prioritising simplicity and a lower cost of ownership on existing Turbo‑HD systems, this camera is a practical choice; for advanced analytics or cloud integration, IP cameras may be more suitable.
Within ColorVu series, there are a range of turret, mini dome and bullet form factors with varied lenses and illumination ranges. The DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE is aimed at installations that want a compact bullet with a wide 2.8 mm view and balanced white light/IR reach. If longer detection distances or varifocal zoom are required, other ColorVu models with telephoto lenses or varifocal options may be better choices.
Customer feedback and typical impressions
Official third‑party reviews and broad market feedback for this family of ColorVu cameras commonly highlight a few recurring themes. Below are representative impressions based on early adopter and installer commentary (paraphrased):
- "Night colour makes investigations easier": Installers report that scenes with white light engaged provide colour reference that helps identify vehicle colours and clothing, which IR alone could not reveal.
- "Good value upgrade for analogue systems": Many users appreciate gaining higher resolution and colour night images while retaining their TVI DVRs, avoiding a full IP migration.
- "Solid outdoor build": Positive notes on the metal housing, IP67 and NEMA 4X rating for coastal or industrial locations where corrosion can be an issue.
- "Audio over coax is handy": The built‑in microphone is cited as a useful addition for capturing ambient audio without needing extra cabling.
If you require verified, named testimonials or a case study, consult the manufacturers product page and reseller listings where certified installations and detailed user reviews may be available.
Conclusion: Why the DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE is a strong choice
For those running Turbo‑HD analogue systems or seeking a straightforward, budget‑minded way to upgrade surveillance quality, the 3K ColorVu Mini Bullet DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE makes a compelling case. It combines higher than 1080p resolution with ColorVus full‑time colour capability and a bright, wide F1.0 2.8 mm lens. The Smart‑Hybrid lighting enables operators to choose between covert IR or visible white‑light colour capture, and robust environmental ratings mean the camera can handle demanding outdoor locations.
Key practical advantages include better identification detail day and night, simplified integration into existing HDTVI infrastructures (including PoC options), and a compact, durable form factor for common mounting scenarios. For retailers, small businesses, residential properties and sites seeking improved nighttime evidence without the added complexity of an IP ecosystem, this camera offers a balanced mix of performance and value.
Before purchasing or installing, verify compatibility with your existing DVR, confirm power options (12 VDC or PoC variant), and consult the manufacturers datasheet and installation instructions for mounting details and regulatory markings. When these checks are complete, the DS-2CE10KF3T-LSYE is an excellent, cost‑effective step up from legacy analogue cameras and a practical solution for anyone prioritising colour detail and reliable outdoor operation.
