Introduction: Hikvision ColorVu 3K Smart‑Hybrid Bullet Camera — an overview
The Hikvision ColorVu 3K Smart‑Hybrid Bullet Camera (model DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE) is a purpose‑built analogue/HD‑TVI surveillance camera designed to deliver brightly coloured video around the clock, even in extremely low light. With a 3K (2960 × 1665) sensor, an F1.0 high‑aperture lens, Smart‑Hybrid illumination (IR plus white light) and a built‑in microphone, this fixed bullet camera is aimed at users and installers who want the simplicity and cabling benefits of analogue/TVI systems while gaining the forensic advantages of full‑colour night footage.
Key features at a glance:
- 3K (2960 × 1665) high‑resolution imaging for improved detail.
- ColorVu F1.0 low‑light colour capability down to 0.0005 Lux; 0 Lux with white light.
- Smart‑Hybrid illumination combining IR and white light up to 40 m.
- True WDR ≥130 dB and image enhancements (3D DNR, BLC, HLC).
- Built‑in microphone with audio‑over‑coax support (pickup radius ~5 m).
- IP67 weatherproof rating and broad operating temperature range for outdoor use.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE’s specifications helps explain why it’s useful in practical deployments. Below are the important technical points and the benefits they deliver in real world settings.
- Sensor and resolution:A 3K CMOS sensor (2960 × 1665) provides a noticeable step up from 1080p and even some 4MP analogue cameras. The higher pixel count improves recognition of faces, license plates and small scene details at typical surveillance distances.
- Aperture and low‑light sensitivity:The F1.0 aperture and ColorVu design yield colour images at extremely low illumination (0.0005 Lux with AGC). When the camera activates its white light mode, it can capture full‑colour footage at 0 Lux. This is critical when accurate colour evidence (vehicle paint, clothing colour) matters.
- Smart‑Hybrid illumination:Combining IR and white light in a single unit gives flexibility: use IR for covert monitoring or white light for visible deterrence and colour evidence. Both modes reach up to ~40 m depending on scene conditions.
- Image optimization:True WDR (≥130 dB) helps balance bright and dark areas in high‑contrast scenes (entrances, windows), while 3D DNR reduces noise for clearer night images. BLC and HLC address backlighting and headlight glare for improved analytics and viewing.
- Lens:Fixed 2.8 mm lens with approximately 112° horizontal field of view (HFOV) is well suited to wide areas such as entrances, parking lanes and yard spaces where broad coverage is needed.
- Form factor and physicals:The camera is a fixed bullet design (211 × 83.5 × 80.7 mm, approx. 410 g) with a metal front cover and plastic body. It is straightforward to mount on walls or soffits and aims easily for typical mounting heights.
- Built‑in microphone & audio‑over‑coax:The integrated mic captures audio within roughly a 5 m radius and supports transmission over coaxial cabling to compatible recorders. This adds an evidential layer (voices, alarms) without running separate audio cabling.
- Power requirements:12 VDC ±25% supply with a maximum power draw of about 7.9 W—low enough to remain energy efficient in larger systems.
- Durability:IP67 ingress protection and an operating temperature range from −40 °C to 60 °C mean the camera is built for outdoor use in most climates and resilient to dust and water exposure.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE is particularly effective in environments where retaining colour information at night improves security outcomes. Typical and recommended deployments include:
- Perimeter and boundary monitoring:Colour night images help identify vehicles, clothing colours and other identifying details that monochrome IR footage often obscures.
- Car parks and driveways:Wide HFOV and Smart‑Hybrid illumination allow a single camera to cover vehicle approaches and parking aisles while capturing plate colours and vehicle characteristics at night.
- Building entrances and reception areas:Colour footage improves recognition of subjects and corroborates witness statements; built‑in audio adds context for incidents.
- Retrofit projects and analogue infrastructures:For sites with existing coax cabling and analogue/TVI recorders, this camera offers an easy upgrade path to modern, high‑quality night colour without rewiring for IP/PoE cameras.
- Retail exteriors and loading bays:Night‑time colour evidence can be decisive in theft, vandalism or hit‑and‑run investigations and can also act as a deterrent when white light mode is used.
How it compares with similar products
When evaluating the DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE, consider three common alternatives: older IR‑only analogue cameras, IP/PoE colour cameras, and other ColorVu family members.
Older analogue cameras rely solely on infrared illumination and switch to monochrome at night. While IR gives useful contrast, colour information is lost. The Hikvision ColorVu camera maintains colour in low light and additionally offers a white light option for clearer evidence and deterrence—advantages that make it superior where colour detail matters.
Modern IP cameras often match or exceed 3K resolution and provide PoE convenience, analytics and centralized management. The DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE’s strength is in environments retaining coaxial cabling or using analogue/TVI recorders; it provides ColourVu performance without the need to upgrade network infrastructure. For greenfield installations where PoE and advanced analytics are priorities, IP cameras may offer a better long‑term feature set.
Within the ColorVu range, you’ll find variants with different resolutions, lens choices and housings. The DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE strikes a balance with a 3K sensor and 2.8 mm wide lens. If you need longer focal length or narrower HFOV, other ColorVu models offer that; conversely, lower‑resolution ColorVu options may be more cost‑effective where extreme detail isn’t required.
Customer feedback and installer notes
There are no official customer testimonials provided here, but common feedback trends from installers and end users who choose ColorVu products generally include:
- Positive comments on night‑time colour — installers report that owners value being able to see clothing and vehicle colours at night versus the black‑and‑white footage of older cameras.
- Appreciation for retrofit simplicity — technicians appreciate that the camera works with existing coaxial infrastructure and TVI recorders, saving time and rewiring costs.
- Notes on white light usage — many users like the visible deterrence effect of white light mode but advise careful configuration to avoid nuisance illumination in residential settings.
- Audio usefulness — integrators find the built‑in mic provides useful supplementary context for incidents, though placement and local regulations about audio recording should be reviewed.
If prospective buyers need verified testimonials or site references, request installer case studies or sample footage from suppliers to confirm performance in conditions similar to your deployment.
Conclusion: why the DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE is a strong choice
The Hikvision ColorVu 3K Smart‑Hybrid Bullet Camera (DS‑2CE12KF3T‑LSYE) represents a practical, cost‑effective way to bring modern low‑light colour capability to analogue/HD‑TVI systems. With a 3K sensor, F1.0 aperture, Smart‑Hybrid IR/white light up to 40 m, and image‑enhancement features like True WDR and 3D DNR, it delivers clear, usable footage for perimeter, parking and entrance surveillance. The built‑in microphone and audio‑over‑coax support provide additional evidential value without extra cabling, while the IP67 rating and wide temperature tolerance make it reliable outdoors.
For sites that already use coaxial cabling or for installers looking to upgrade analogue systems without migrating to IP, this camera offers excellent night‑time colour, deterrent options and straightforward installation. At its suggested price point it presents a strong value proposition for many small to medium‑scale surveillance projects. As always, verify regional certification, warranty and compliance requirements with your supplier and test the camera in situ to ensure it meets the specific needs of your environment.
