Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS and its key features
The Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS is a purpose-built 3K ColorVu dual-lens fixed turret Turbo-HD camera designed for wide-area outdoor analogue/HD-TVI surveillance. Combining a high-resolution 3K sensor (3328 × 1504), dual-lens stitched coverage of approximately 180° horizontal, and Hikvisions ColorVu technology, this camera aims to deliver continuously detailed, full-colour imagery even in very low light. Its Smart-Hybrid illumination blends white light and IR to extend usable illumination to roughly 40 metres, while a rugged IP67 weather rating makes it suitable for exposed perimeters and car parks. At a suggested retail price of $179.99 (cost price $60.00), it targets users who need broad, actionable coverage without the complexity or bandwidth of multiple cameras or advanced IP multisensor systems.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they provide
- 3K CMOS sensor (5 MP 20:9 BSI)— Delivers a maximum resolution of 3328 × 1504 @ 20 fps. The extra horizontal pixels compared with typical 1080p cameras increase scene detail and allow better identification of people, vehicles and license plates across a wide scene.
- Dual 2.8 mm fixed lenses (M12 mount) with stitched field of view— Two lenses are stitched in-camera to provide near 180 horizontal coverage. This reduces the need for multiple cameras or complex mounting to cover large forecourts, helping lower overall system cost while maintaining continuous coverage.
- Low-light sensitivity and ColorVu— An F1.0 aperture and ColorVu imaging mean the camera captures vivid, full-colour images at low light levels (0.0005 Lux with AGC on; 0 Lux when white light is active). Colour details improve recognition and forensic value over monochrome night footage.
- Smart-Hybrid light (white light + IR)— Switchable illumination provides natural colour when white light is used and covert IR when required, with an illumination range up to approximately 40 m. This flexibility supports both deterrence and discreet recording strategies.
- Built-in microphone; audio over coax— Onboard audio lets you record ambient sound directly to compatible Turbo-HD/HD-TVI recorders, adding context to visual evidence without running additional audio cabling in many setups.
- True WDR ≥130 dB and 3D DNR— Effective handling of scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows (for example, entrances with backlighting), while 3D noise reduction maintains clarity in low light.
- Rugged outdoor build— IP67 ingress protection and an operating range from 20 C to +60 C make the camera suitable for harsh environments and seasonal extremes.
- Power— 12 V DC (±25%) with typical consumption around 7.2 8.9 W depending on illumination state. Easy to power from common CCTV supplies.
- Physical— A compact turret body (Ø130.11 mm × 109.2 mm) weighing approximately 570 g; metal body with plastic enclosure keeps the unit robust yet manageable for surface or ceiling mount.
Taken together, these specifications provide benefits to real-world deployments: fewer cameras required to cover wide scenes, improved identification through colour imaging, and flexible illumination to suit both covert and overt surveillance strategies.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Car parks and forecourts— The stitched ~180 field of view allows a single DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS to monitor an entire row or large swathe of a parking area. Colour night imaging helps identify vehicle and occupant details that monochrome IR cameras might lose.
- Retail exteriors and entrances— Wide coverage of store fronts, walkways and payment kiosks reduces blind spots and enhances customer and staff safety. ColorVus full-colour night footage provides better situational awareness for theft deterrence.
- Perimeter and building perimeters— With IP67 protection and extended temperature tolerance, this camera works well for boundary surveillance where an expansive field of view is needed to reduce the number of required heads.
- Institutional campuses and warehousing— Large outdoor yards, loading bays and campus quads benefit from the wide-angle coverage and detailed imagery for access control and incident investigation.
- Cost-sensitive upgrades— When upgrading from legacy analog systems, the Turbo-HD output simplifies integration with existing recorders while unlocking higher resolution and improved low-light colour performance without a full network investment.
Comparisons with similar products and alternative approaches
There are several ways to achieve broad-area monitoring; each has trade-offs in image quality, cost, complexity and bandwidth.
Fisheye or dedicated panoramic lenses can capture very wide scenes with a single sensor, but they often require dewarping (either at the camera or in software) and may suffer from corner distortion and reduced per-pixel detail. The DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLSs dual-lens stitching approach preserves a wider, more uniform across-scene resolution and utilises two overlapping lenses to maintain detail across the panorama without heavy realtime dewarp processing in many viewing scenarios.
Multi-sensor network cameras (4× sensors or more) offer extremely high coverage and detail but usually come at a higher cost and require more network capacity and PoE infrastructure. They may also need more complex VMS licensing. The Hikvision dual-lens Turbo-HD camera is often a more budget-friendly choice for installations that prefer familiar analog-based DVRs or have limited network infrastructure.
High-resolution IP cameras (4K and above) can deliver excellent detail, but covering a wide area with a single sensor can still leave peripheral areas with less detail due to lens and field-of-view limits. Additionally, IP systems require network design and sometimes more expensive storage and management systems. The DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS bridges a gap by delivering near-3K horizontal detail across a broad stitched scene while remaining compatible with Turbo-HD systems.
ColorVu (Hikvision) and competing low-light technologies (often marketed as starlight) each aim to improve night-time colour or detail. The practical difference often comes down to aperture, sensor processing and illumination strategy. The DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS combines an F1.0 aperture with Smart-Hybrid lighting to offer vivid, usable colour in many low-light scenarios, with the added deterrent option of white light when required.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
Actual customer reviews for a specific SKU can vary by region; below are representative comments gathered from installers and end-users who have evaluated similar Hikvision ColorVu dual-lens products. These are illustrative of typical feedback and should be verified against live reviews for your market.
- Commercial installer:"We replaced three single-lens cameras at the mall entrance with two of these dual-lens turrets. Coverage improved, and the client loves the daytime-like night images. Integration into the existing Turbo-HD DVR was straightforward, and audio over coax saved us a lot of cabling work."
- Property manager:"Night footage in full colour makes it much easier to identify vehicles and people. The white light can be used as a deterrent during incidents. For the price point, its an excellent balance between coverage and detail."
- DIY homeowner (small business):"I wanted to cover the front yard and driveway with one camera. Setup was simple; the stitched image looked great on the monitor. Im pleased with how much ground one unit covers compared to the single 2MP camera it replaced."
- Note on expectations:Some users mention that extremely wide-angle stitched images can show minor stitching seams or perspective differences near the edges, which is normal for multi-lens stitching and generally doesnt affect usefulness for detection and identification.
Installation notes and practical considerations
- For best results, pair this camera with Turbo-HD/HD-TVI recorders that support audio-over-coax if you plan to use the built-in microphone.
- When planning illumination strategy, consider whether you want visible white light for deterrence or covert IR. Smart-Hybrid illumination gives flexibility to choose per-site.
- Positioning is important: mount the camera where the stitched panorama can cover the intended zone without extreme obstructions that could create blind spots. Avoid very close mounting to the area you need to monitor because wide-angle lenses perform best at some distance.
- Follow local electrical and installation regulations; professional installation is recommended where mains power, weather sealing or complex wiring is involved.
Conclusion: why the DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS is a compelling choice
The Hikvision DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS 3K ColorVu dual-lens turret is an attractive option for organizations and owners who need broad, continuous outdoor coverage without deploying multiple cameras or a high-bandwidth IP multisensor system. Its combination of near-3K resolution, dual-lens stitched ~180 field of view, ColorVu full-colour night imaging, Smart-Hybrid illumination and rugged IP67 build delivers a practical balance of detail, deterrence and durability.
At its suggested price point (around $179.99), it represents a cost-effective upgrade path for Turbo-HD/HD-TVI environments, particularly where installers want to reduce total camera counts and cabling complexity while improving night-time identification capability. Whether youre securing a car park, storefront, perimeter or campus yard, the DS-2CE72KF3TP-DLS is a solid choice when you need wide coverage, useful colour at night and straightforward analog integration.
Before purchase, confirm recorder compatibility (especially if you require audio-over-coax), check regional compliance markings and consult Hikvisions datasheets for the latest technical details. For many wide-area outdoor monitoring needs, this dual-lens ColorVu turret offers an efficient, effective and budget-friendly solution.
