Introduction to the DS-2CD2347G2-LU 4MP ColorVu Turret IP Camera
The DS-2CD2347G2-LU 4MP ColorVu Turret IP Camera is a purpose-built outdoor surveillance camera that focuses on delivering full-colour images around the clock. Designed for environments where colour detail matters even in very low light, this turret-style IP camera combines a large 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor, an F1.0 fast lens and built-in warm white supplemental lighting to produce vivid, usable colour footage at night. With support for H.265/H.265+/H.264 codecs, deep-learning based human and vehicle detection, PoE and IP67 weather protection, it’s suited to both DIY and professional installations where reliable, detailed monitoring is required.
Key features at a glance
- 4 MP resolution(2688 × 1520) at 25/30 fps for clear, detailed imaging.
- ColourVu technology: F1.0 aperture plus built-in warm white lights enables 0 lux colour imaging with illumination.
- Smart detection: Deep-learning human and vehicle classification, with line crossing, intrusion and face capture capabilities.
- Robust imaging: 130 dB WDR, 3D DNR, BLC/HLC for high-contrast scenes.
- Flexible power and connectivity: PoE (802.3af, Class 3) or 12 VDC input.
- Outdoor-ready: IP67 ingress protection and aluminium body for durability.
- Local & network storage: microSD slot (datasheet: up to 256 GB) and NAS support with ANR.
Detailed specifications and their benefits
The camera uses a 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor and delivers 4 MP (2688 × 1520) video at up to 25/30 fps. That resolution strikes a good balance between scene coverage and fine detail—useful for identifying clothing colours, make and model of vehicles, signage, and faces within reasonable distances. Lens options include 2.8 mm, 4 mm and 6 mm fixed choices, each with an F1.0 aperture. The large aperture gathers significantly more light than typical surveillance lenses, improving low-light sensitivity even before the supplemental lighting activates.
ColourVu is the defining feature of this camera: the F1.0 lens plus warm white supplemental lights allow the sensor to capture colour images down to 0 lux when illumination is provided. Where traditional IR systems switch to monochrome at night, the DS-2CD2347G2-LU aims to preserve colour detail—helpful for distinguishing vehicle colours, clothing hues and other colour-dependent evidence. The illuminator reaches up to around 30 m depending on chosen lens and scene, giving usable colour at typical entrance and car park distances.
High-contrast scenes are handled by 130 dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) while 3D Digital Noise Reduction (3D DNR) reduces image noise for cleaner low-light footage. Built-in BLC/HLC and ROI features support better exposure control and bandwidth efficiency. Video compression supports modern H.265/H.265+ for reduced storage and network load while H.264/MJPEG compatibility helps interoperability with older systems.
Deep-learning algorithms enable human and vehicle classification to reduce false alarms from rain, animals or foliage. Event types include line crossing, intrusion, region entry/exit and face capture, and the camera offers AI-based smart search to filter target events from recorded footage—saving time when reviewing long recordings.
Power options include PoE (802.3af, Class 3) and 12 VDC input, making deployments flexible and often simpler where PoE switches or injectors are available. Network features include ONVIF Profile S/G/T compatibility, common TCP/IP protocols and up to six simultaneous live streams. Local storage is supported via microSD/SDHC/SDXC (datasheet lists up to 256 GB), and network storage (NFS/SMB/CIFS) with ANR helps maintain continuous recording during network interruptions.
Housed in an aluminium turret body and rated IP67, the camera is protected against dust ingress and immersion in water to common environmental standards—suitable for most outdoor deployments. Compact dimensions (Ø138.3 × 125.2 mm) and a turret form factor make it unobtrusive and easy to mount under eaves or on wall brackets.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
- Car parks and forecourts:ColourVu’s ability to capture vehicle colour at night helps investigations into incidents, suspicious movements and identifying getaway vehicles where plate legibility may be limited by distance or angle.
- Retail entrances and forecourts:Maintaining colour information at night helps loss prevention teams determine clothing details and behaviour during after-hours incidents.
- Building perimeters and access points:Deep-learning classification reduces nuisance alarms while line-crossing or intrusion rules alert staff to genuine breaches with better accuracy.
- Residential or small-business perimeter security:Compact turret style and PoE convenience support quick installations for owners seeking upgraded night-time situational awareness.
- Municipal or campus monitoring:Where round-the-clock colour imaging can assist investigations and provide clearer visual records for incident review.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
Within the market, the DS-2CD2347G2-LU competes against other 4 MP outdoor turret cameras and alternative low-light solutions such as IR-based cameras or sensors using back-illuminated technologies (e.g., STARVIS-type sensors). Compared with typical IR cameras, ColorVu preserves colour information at night when supplemental white light is acceptable; IR cameras produce crisp monochrome images but lose colour context, which can be crucial for identifying clothing or vehicle colours.
Against similar ColorVu or “full-colour” models from other manufacturers, the DS-2CD2347G2-LU’s strengths are the F1.0 lens (improved light capture), a choice of lens focal lengths for flexible field-of-view options, and a comprehensive feature set including 130 dB WDR and AI-based detection. Some competitors may offer higher-rated microSD capacities, onboard analytics variants, or slightly different environmental ratings; others might prioritize ultra-low power consumption or alternative form factors (dome, bullet, PTZ). When choosing, weigh whether colour night imaging, PoE convenience, and ruggedness are priorities versus extended storage capacity or niche features like very long-range IR or integrated analytics bundles from different vendors.
Typical customer feedback and reviews
Publicly available, verified reviews for specific SKUs can vary by reseller and region; if you are evaluating this camera, consider reading reseller reviews and tech forums for hands-on impressions. Common, representative feedback themes from users of ColorVu-style cameras include:
- Appreciation for colour detail at night: customers often report that the warm white illuminator produces usable colour imagery where IR cameras would be monochrome.
- Good value-for-money: buyers selecting 4 MP ColorVu cameras commonly cite the balance of image quality, smart features and PoE convenience as a strong feature mix for mid-range budgets.
- Reduced false alarms: the deep-learning human/vehicle classification typically helps lower nuisance alerts versus simple motion detection.
- Installation ease: PoE and turret form allow relatively straightforward mounting and cabling for installers and capable DIY users.
Note: specific comments about storage capacity or warranty can differ between SKUs and resellers—datasheets indicate microSD support up to 256 GB, though some reseller listings mention 512 GB for certain batches. Always confirm exact specifications and warranty terms with the vendor before purchase.
Comparing cost and value
With a suggested retail price near the mid-range for feature-rich IP cameras, the DS-2CD2347G2-LU provides a competitive combination of daytime detail, night-time colour operation and AI-driven event filtering. Buyers should consider total system costs—switches for PoE, NVR or cloud subscriptions, storage, and installation—when assessing value. For projects where colour recognition at night can materially affect outcomes (e.g., retail loss prevention, vehicle identification), the incremental cost of ColorVu-style cameras is often justified.
Conclusion: why this camera is a great choice
The DS-2CD2347G2-LU 4MP ColorVu Turret IP Camera is a versatile, well-rounded option for 24/7 outdoor surveillance needs where colour detail matters. Its F1.0 lens and warm white supplemental lighting deliver meaningful colour images in very low light, while AI-based human and vehicle detection helps reduce false alarms and streamline post-event review. With robust image enhancement (130 dB WDR, 3D DNR), flexible power and network options (PoE or 12 VDC, ONVIF support), and a rugged IP67 aluminium body, it suits a wide range of real-world deployments from car parks and retail forecourts to building perimeters.
Before purchasing, verify microSD capacity limits and warranty details with your reseller, and plan for supporting equipment such as PoE switches or NVRs where required. For organisations or individuals prioritising round-the-clock situational awareness with colour context and reliable detection, the DS-2CD2347G2-LU represents a compelling balance of performance, features and cost.
