Introduction to the DS-2TD1217-3/QA and its key features
The DS-2TD1217-3/QA Bi-Spectrum Turret Cameracombines an uncooled thermal sensor with a 4 MP optical module to deliver continuous, around-the-clock situational awareness for perimeter and facility monitoring. Designed for outdoor installations, this bi-spectrum camera pairs a 160 × 120 VOx thermal detector with a 4 mm, 4 MP visible-light turret camera. Key capabilities include temperature measurement and exception alarms, behavioural video content analysis (VCA), onboard recording, PoE power options, and rugged IP67 construction suitable for harsh environments.
With a suggested retail price of 599.00 (cost price noted as 271.51), this model seeks to balance performance and affordability for organisations looking to add thermal detection to their security stack without moving to high-end, high-resolution thermal systems. Its combination of thermal detection and traditional optical imaging makes it a practical choice for early detection of trespassers, hotspots, or other anomalies that are harder to see with visible-light cameras alone.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The DS-2TD1217-3/QA is built around two complementary imaging channels. Each channel brings specific strengths that, when combined, expand detection, verification and response capabilities.
- Detector:VOx uncooled FPA with 160 × 120 resolution. Uncooled VOx sensors are reliable, low-power and well suited to continuous outdoor operation.
- Pixel pitch:17 μm andNETD < 40 mK(at 25 °C, F#=1.1). A NETD below 40 mK means the sensor can resolve fine temperature differences, improving detection of warm objects against a cooler background.
- Optics and field of view:3.1 mm focal length, IFOV 5.48 mrad, field of view 50.0° × 37.2°. This gives a reasonably wide thermal scene useful for short- to medium-range perimeter monitoring.
- Spectral range:8–14 μm. Standard thermal IR band for detecting heat signatures day or night.
- Temperature measurement and alarms:Range of −20 °C to 150 °C with configurable temperature-exception rules for points, areas or lines. This enables automated alerts for overheating equipment, developing hotspots or human intrusions detected as thermal anomalies.
Benefits: Thermal imaging adds detection capability where visible light fails — total darkness, smoke, glare, or challenging lighting. The built-in temperature measurement and alarm rules make the camera useful for both security and industrial monitoring applications where thermal anomalies indicate risk.
- Sensor:1/2.7" progressive CMOS;resolution:2688 × 1520 (4 MP).
- Lens:4 mm fixed, giving a field of view of 84.0° × 44.8°. Wide-angle coverage helps visually verify thermal events and capture contextual scene detail.
- Low-light performance:Minimum illumination 0.0089 Lux (F1.6, AGC ON) and optical IR up to ~15 m.
- WDR:120 dB to handle high-contrast scenes.
Benefits: The optical camera provides the visual confirmation needed after a thermal event is detected — you can see clothing, faces (at close range), vehicle details, signage and other contextual cues that thermal alone cannot provide.
- Compression:H.265/H.264 with dual/multiple streams for efficient recording and streaming to NVRs or VMS platforms.
- Frame rates:Thermal up to 25 fps; optical up to 25/30 fps — smooth enough for most monitoring tasks.
- Protocols:ONVIF Profile S/G/T and vendor SDK/ISAPI, easing integration with third-party recorders and monitoring platforms.
- Onboard storage:MicroSD support up to 256 GB and ANR support to reduce data loss during network interruptions.
Benefits: Flexible recording and streaming options let organisations adopt centralised or edge-recording strategies. ONVIF support gives integrators choices in NVR/VMS selection.
- Power:12 VDC or PoE (802.3af, class 3). Approx. power consumption 6–6.5 W.
- Build:Compact turret dimensions (138.3 × 138.3 × 123.1 mm) and weight ≈ 940 g.
- Protection:IP67 ingress rating, operating temp −40 °C to 65 °C, TVS 6000 V lightning protection and built-in surge protection (model dependent).
Benefits: These physical attributes make the camera suitable for exposed outdoor locations, from cold climates to hot industrial yards, and resilient to occasional electrical transients when properly grounded.
- Behavioural VCA:Deep-learning based analysis including line crossing, intrusion, region enter/exit — up to 8 VCA rules configurable.
- Temperature rules:Up to 21 measurement rules (points/areas/line) and configurable exception behaviors.
- Deterrence:Configurable strobe white light and voice alarms for active deterrence.
Benefits: On-device analytics reduce false alarms and focus operator attention on meaningful events. The ability to combine thermal triggers with visual verification and automated deterrence can shorten response times and improve outcomes.
Use cases and scenarios where the DS-2TD1217-3/QA excels
This bi-spectrum turret camera is versatile and particularly effective where detection across lighting conditions is essential and where temperature information adds value.
- Perimeter security:Detecting intruders at night or hidden in shadows; thermal triggers can alert security teams earlier than optical cameras alone.
- Industrial site monitoring:Spotting overheating assets, mechanical failures or hot spots on conveyors, transformers and storage tanks before they become incidents.
- Early fire detection:Monitoring areas prone to smouldering fires (e.g., landfill, vegetation, stockpiles) where thermal anomalies precede visible flame.
- Access control and gates:Verifying alarms at entry points with visual imagery while thermal confirms presence in low light.
- Marine, port and yard surveillance:Wide environmental range and surge protection make it suitable for exposed sites.
In short, the camera is ideal when you need continuous, reliable detection and verification across day/night cycles and environmental challenges.
How it compares with similar products on the market
When evaluating thermal-capable security cameras, buyers generally compare three classes: entry-level bi-spectrum units (like the DS-2TD1217-3/QA), higher-resolution thermal cameras, and optical-only cameras.
- Vs optical-only cameras:The DS-2TD1217-3/QA adds thermal detection that works in complete darkness and through some obscurants (smoke, light fog). Optical cameras provide higher detail in good light, but cannot reliably detect heat-based anomalies.
- Vs higher-resolution thermal cameras:Higher-resolution thermal sensors (e.g., 640 × 512) detect smaller or more distant heat sources and provide finer temperature gradients, but at significantly higher cost. The 160 × 120 thermal sensor in this camera represents a cost-effective middle ground for short- to medium-range detection tasks.
- Vs hybrid systems with PTZ:Fixed turret bi-spectrum cameras provide continuous wide-area coverage and thermal verification at a predictable price. PTZ hybrids offer zoom and tracking but add mechanical complexity, higher cost and potentially more maintenance.
At its suggested price point, this camera competes well where organisations need affordable thermal-enabled awareness without the premium of high-resolution thermal systems or the complexity of motorised PTZ setups.
Customer testimonials and reviews
No verified customer reviews or published testimonials for this specific unit were provided in the supplied product record. For purchasers evaluating this camera, common feedback themes to look for from installers and operators include reliability in harsh environments, ease of integration with existing NVR/VMS (ONVIF compatibility), and the practical value of thermal triggers in reducing false alarms during nighttime monitoring.
Example comments you might expect from users (illustrative only):
- "The thermal channel gave us alerts through complete darkness and smoke where our visible cameras missed movement."
- "Integration into our existing VMS was straightforward and PoE simplified cabling for outdoor mounts."
- "Good value — we got temperature alerts that helped prevent equipment overheating incidents."
If you want genuine, third-party reviews, check product listings on distributor sites, installer forums, or ask vendors for reference installations before purchase.
Installation, compliance and final considerations
Installation should be performed by a qualified installer or electrician to meet local regulations. The supplied product record does not confirm specific certifications (CE / UKCA) for this unit — verify required markings and compliance with your market before procurement. Ensure correct wiring (PoE or 12 VDC), appropriate surge protection and earthing for outdoor installations, and follow the manufacturer quick start guide and calibration instructions for temperature measurement.
Warranty information was not provided in the record; confirm warranty and support terms with the supplier. Safety notes: isolate power before installation, do not point the camera into direct intense light sources, and follow all commissioning procedures for temperature-calibration if using thermal alarms for safety-critical applications.
Conclusion — why this camera is a great choice
The DS-2TD1217-3/QA Bi-Spectrum Turret Camera provides a pragmatic blend of thermal detection and 4 MP optical verification at an accessible price point. Its strengths are easy to summarise: effective thermal detection for night and adverse-visibility conditions, visual context from a wide-angle 4 MP sensor, configurable temperature alarms, on-device VCA analytics, and rugged hardware built for outdoor use. For organisations that need improved after-dark awareness, early hotspot detection or an additional layer of automated monitoring without investing in high-end thermal gear, this camera is a compelling option.
Before purchasing, verify certification and warranty details with your supplier, plan for professional installation, and test temperature and analytics settings on site to tune alarms and reduce false positives. When properly deployed, the DS-2TD1217-3/QA can reduce blind spots, speed response and add measurable value to security and industrial monitoring programmes.
