Hikvision 5MP ColorVu Turret Camera, 3.6 mm Lens DS-2CE72KF3T-LE

Introduction: Hikvision 5MP ColorVu Turret Camera (DS-2CE72KF3T-LE)

The Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3T-LE is a 5MP (≈3K) ColorVu turret camera designed for analogue HDTVI (Turbo HD) CCTV systems. With a 3.6 mm fixed lens, an F1.0 aperture and hybrid smart illumination (IR + white light), it delivers full-colour imaging around the clock. Built for retrofit and new installations alike, the camera supports Power over Coax (PoC) and comes in an IP67 weatherproof turret housing suitable for indoor and outdoor use. At a suggested price of $64.99, it targets homeowners, small businesses and installers looking for cost-effective analogue cameras with advanced low-light performance.

Key features at a glance

• 5MP / 3K-class imaging— 2960 × 1665 resolution for clearer details than 2MP/1080p cameras.
• ColorVu technology— F1.0 aperture and hybrid illumination deliver colour footage in very low-light conditions.
• Hybrid smart illumination— IR plus white light for colour at night and up to 40 m illumination range.
• True WDR ≥130 dB— handles high contrast scenes with improved detail in shadows and highlights.
• PoC support— simplifies cabling where compatible recorders are used.
• Weatherproof construction— IP67-rated for outdoor reliability, operating from -40 °C to 60 °C.

Detailed specifications and benefits

Understanding the technical makeup of the DS-2CE72KF3T-LE helps clarify where it fits in a CCTV system and what benefits it delivers.

• Sensor and resolution:The camera uses a 3K CMOS sensor giving a maximum output of 2960 × 1665. That extra resolution over 1080p helps when capturing licence plates, faces and scene detail at moderate distances.
• Aperture and low-light sensitivity:With an F1.0 aperture and quoted minimum illumination of 0.0005 Lux (AGC on), the camera is optimised for low-light colour imaging. Where traditional IR-only cameras switch to monochrome at night, the ColorVu approach uses a combination of IR and controlled white light to keep scenes in colour.
• Lens and field of view:The fixed 3.6 mm M12 lens produces an approximate horizontal field of view of 81°, suitable for wide monitoring of driveways, retail counters, entryways and general perimeter surveillance.

• Hybrid illumination (IR + white light):Smart hybrid light allows the camera to use IR for longer-range monochrome illumination and white light when colour is desired at night — both ranges up to roughly 40 m depending on scene conditions.
• True WDR and noise reduction:True WDR ≥130 dB combined with 3D/2D DNR improves visibility in scenes with bright backlight or deep shadows, while AGC, HLC and anti-banding reduce glare and flicker.

• Video output:Single HD analogue HTVI/TVI output for compatibility with Turbo HD recorders.
• Power:12 VDC (max ~7.8 W) and PoC support for simplified cabling with compatible recorders.
• Build and environment:Metal body with a plastic enclosure, IP67 ingress protection and rated for -40 °C to 60 °C operation. Compact turret form factor (Ø109.98 mm × 98.27 mm) and a weight around 360 g make it unobtrusive yet robust.

Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels

The DS-2CE72KF3T-LE is particularly well suited to several common CCTV scenarios where colour at night, retrofitting, or resilient outdoor operation matter.

• For homeowners who want to capture colour detail such as vehicle paint colour, clothing, or other distinguishing features after dark, the ColorVu hybrid illumination is a clear advantage compared with IR-only cameras that provide monochrome night images.
• The 3.6 mm lens balances field of view and detail, covering driveways, front yards and entranceways without strong distortion.

• Retailers and small businesses benefit from colour footage for incident review and customer interaction capture. True WDR helps when cameras face entrances with mixed indoor/outdoor lighting.
• PoC compatibility reduces installation complexity when upgrading existing coax systems — a boon for businesses with legacy recorders or long cable runs.

• With up to 40 m of illumination and a wide field of view, the camera can keep larger areas under visual supervision while maintaining colour fidelity close to the camera.
• IP67 weatherproofing and broad temperature tolerance ensure reliable operation in exposed outdoor locations.

How it compares to similar products

Placement of the DS-2CE72KF3T-LE among camera choices depends on whether you prioritise analogue compatibility, low-light colour, price, or higher-resolution IP features. Here are a few useful comparison points.

• Compared with modern IP cameras offering 5MP–8MP resolution, the DS-2CE72KF3T-LE’s 3K output is modest but remains competitive in analogue environments where upgrading cabling or recorders to IP is impractical or costly.
• IP cameras typically offer more onboard analytics and network flexibility, but analogue Turbo HD solutions like this camera are often simpler to install and cheaper per-camera when reusing coax infrastructure.

• ColorVu-equipped cameras yield colour footage at night in many scenarios where IR-only models would show monochrome images. This can be crucial for investigations where colour is a key identifier.
• IR-only cameras may have longer effective range in pure monochrome mode and can be less conspicuous; the hybrid approach trades some stealth for the benefit of colour imaging.

• Within Hikvision’s line-up, there are turret and bullet ColorVu cameras available in different resolutions and lens options. The DS-2CE72KF3T-LE targets a budget-friendly point with essential features like PoC and strong low-light optics.
• Compared with some competing brands’ analogue offerings, the combination of hybrid light, PoC support and robust WDR makes this model a compelling choice for installers seeking reliable night-time color without moving to full IP systems.

Customer feedback and typical impressions

While individual reviews vary by installation and expectations, common themes from installers and end users of ColorVu Hikvision cameras generally include:

• Positive remarks:Many users highlight the dramatic improvement in night-time colour detail compared with standard IR cameras, noting better recognition of clothing and vehicle colours. Installers appreciate PoC when compatible recorders are available, since it reduces the need for separate power cabling.
• Practical notes:Some installers advise testing PoC compatibility and recorder support before committing, since not all legacy recorders support the feature. Others emphasise tuning the camera’s white-light settings to avoid unnecessary illumination in residential areas.
• Value perception:At a suggested price under $100, buyers often find the DS-2CE72KF3T-LE to offer strong value for homeowners and small businesses wanting better night imaging without a large investment.

Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CE72KF3T-LE?

The Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3T-LE 5MP ColorVu turret camera brings together a number of practical strengths: improved low-light colour imaging through an F1.0 aperture and hybrid illumination, useful 3K-class resolution for extra detail, PoC support to simplify cabling in compatible setups, and IP67 durability for outdoor use. It is particularly attractive for users who need to upgrade analogue CCTV sites, value colour footage at night, and want a compact, cost-effective turret option.

Before purchasing or installing, confirm PoC and signal compatibility with your recorder, check local regulatory markings (CE/UKCA) with your supplier, and engage a qualified installer for mains wiring and placement to get the best results. For many residential and small commercial applications, the DS-2CE72KF3T-LE strikes an effective balance between price, performance and practical features — making it a solid choice for improving nighttime capture and overall situational awareness.