Introduction: Meet the DS-2CD2147G3-LIS2UY — 4 MP ColorVu Smart Hybrid Dome
The DS-2CD2147G3-LIS2UY is a 4 MP fixed dome network camera designed for professional indoor and outdoor surveillance. Marketed as a 4MP ColorVu Hybrid Dome with PoE, it blends advanced low-light colour imaging (ColorVu 3.0) with a smart hybrid light system (white LED plus IR), deep-learning analytics and rugged environmental protection. At a suggested price of approximately $154, this camera targets installers, security managers and technically minded DIYers who need identification-capable video around the clock without complex lighting setups.
Key features at a glance
- 24/7 full-colour imaging:ColorVu 3.0 plus a hybrid white LED and IR illuminator delivers clear colour video even in very low light.
- 4 MP resolution:2688 × 1520 sensor with an F1.0 aperture and 130 dB WDR for high-detail, balanced images in mixed lighting.
- Deep-learning analytics:person and vehicle classification, face capture and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion) to reduce false alarms and speed incident review.
- Flexible deployment:PoE (IEEE 802.3af) simplifies cabling; 2.8 mm and 4 mm fixed lens options cover wide-area and longer-range scenes.
- Rugged construction:IP67, IK10 and NEMA 4X anti-corrosion ratings for exposed or corrosive environments.
- Storage and compatibility:up to 512 GB microSD, NAS support, H.265 compression and ONVIF compatibility for VMS integrations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The camera uses a 1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS sensor to capture 4 MP (2688 × 1520) video at up to 25/30 fps depending on your mains frequency. With an F1.0 aperture the lens admits more light than slower optics, improving low-light performance and enabling shallower depth of field for improved subject separation. Lens choices include fixed 2.8 mm (wide, 111.1° horizontal FOV) and 4 mm (narrower, 95.2° horizontal FOV) options so you can prioritize coverage area or recognition range.
ColorVu 3.0 is tuned for vivid, colour-accurate footage at extremely low lux levels. Combined with the Smart Hybrid Light module — a mix of white LEDs for colour illumination and an 850 nm IR for monochrome backup — the camera can maintain useful colour detail where standard IR-only units show only monochrome. Minimum illumination is 0.0001 lux (colour, F1.0, AGC ON) and effectively 0 lux when the built-in light is used, with an illumination range up to 30 m. For sites where identification at night matters (license plates, clothing, skin tone), this is a major advantage.
High dynamic range (130 dB WDR) helps balance scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows — for instance, store entrances with backlit doors. Advanced noise reduction produces cleaner footage at higher ISOs. On top of image quality, deep-learning analytics provide reliable person and vehicle classification, face capture and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion) to reduce false positives and streamline event filtering. These features make the camera more proactive and usable in modern surveillance workflows.
Efficient encoding with H.265/H.264 (plus optimized variants) reduces bandwidth and storage costs compared with older codecs. Local storage supports microSD/SDHC/SDXC cards up to 512 GB and ANR ensures footage is retained if network connections are lost. NAS (NFS/SMB/CIFS) compatibility and ONVIF Profile S/G/T support make integration with VMS and NVR systems straightforward. Security protocols include HTTPS, TLS and 802.1X for network hardening.
Measuring approximately Ø121.5 × 97.6 mm and weighing about 600 g, this dome is compact and unobtrusive. It operates across a wide temperature range (−30 °C to 60 °C) and is rated IP67 for dust/water ingress, IK10 for impact resistance and NEMA 4X for corrosion resistance — suitable for coastal, industrial or otherwise demanding sites. PoE (Class 3) reduces installation complexity by delivering power and data over a single cable, and 12 VDC is supported where PoE is not available.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
- Retail and convenience stores:Color images at night help with suspect descriptions, clothing colour and situational context. Perimeter protection and face capture speed investigations and reduce false alarms from non-human motion.
- Car parks and driveways:The hybrid illuminator and recognition-range DORI figures (identify up to ~6–7 m depending on lens) make this camera suitable for monitoring entrances and patrol lanes while retaining the ability to recognise persons and vehicles at key distances.
- Perimeter and facility security:Line crossing and intrusion analytics help detect breaches, while rugged IP67/IK10 construction withstands challenging outdoor conditions.
- Transport hubs and campuses:Wide field-of-view options and deep-learning classification can reduce notification noise in busy scenes and help operators focus on incidents that matter.
- Small-to-medium business installations:PoE and compact dimensions simplify retrofit installations where running mains or extra lighting would be costly.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When comparing the DS-2CD2147G3-LIS2UY with other 4 MP dome cameras, there are a few common axes to consider: low-light imaging, analytics sophistication, ruggedness and total cost of ownership.
- Versus traditional IR domes:Standard IR-only domes switch to monochrome at night, which can obscure crucial colour cues. The hybrid white LED on this model preserves colour information for identification, an advantage for retail, parking and public-space surveillance.
- Versus other hybrid-light or full-colour cameras:Features like ColorVu 3.0, a large 1/1.8" sensor and an F1.0 lens give this camera a competitive edge in sensitivity and detail. The 130 dB WDR is also on par with premium models, improving performance in challenging lighting.
- Versus higher-resolution alternatives (6–8 MP):Higher-resolution cameras provide more detail at distance but increase bandwidth and storage demands. A 4 MP camera often represents a balanced choice: good recognition at reasonable storage costs and lower processing overhead for VMS systems.
- Integration and price point:With ONVIF support, H.265 compression and a suggested price around $154, it competes well for projects that require advanced imaging without the premium cost of top-tier brand flagship models.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
While individual reviews vary by deployment, common themes from installers and end users for cameras with this feature set are consistent:
- Improved night identification:Installers note that colour footage at night often yields faster suspect identification and clearer evidence than IR-only units.
- Reduced false alarms:Deep-learning analytics typically cut down on animal and environmental triggers compared with simpler motion detection.
- Simple installation:PoE capability and compact dome form factor make rooftop and soffit installs faster and neater than multi-cable setups.
- Durability:IP67/IK10/NEMA 4X ratings provide confidence in exposed locations — users in coastal or industrial sites report longer service life before corrosion or ingress issues appear.
If you are sourcing peer reviews, look for feedback specific to the chosen lens (2.8 mm vs 4 mm) and the exact model variant, as audio and I/O options differ on models with the "-2U" suffix.
Conclusion: Why this camera is a compelling choice
The DS-2CD2147G3-LIS2UY 4 MP ColorVu Smart Hybrid Dome is a well-rounded camera that addresses many real-world surveillance needs: reliable colour imaging in near-dark conditions, intelligent analytics to prioritise events, flexible storage and network options, and a durable enclosure for harsh environments. Its balance of image quality, low-light capability and price point makes it a practical option for retail, parking, perimeter security and general-purpose outdoor surveillance where identification and reduced false alerts are important.
Before purchase, confirm the preferred lens (2.8 mm for wide coverage, 4 mm for longer-range recognition), check compatibility with your NVR/VMS, and verify warranty and support from your supplier. With PoE simplifying installation and deep-learning features improving incident relevance, this hybrid dome is a strong choice for projects that demand high-quality, 24/7 colour video without the complexity or cost of supplemental lighting.
