Introduction to the DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS 3K ColorVu Turret Camera
The DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS (3.6 mm) is a 3K ColorVu 4‑in‑1 analogue turret camera designed to bring high-resolution, all‑day colour imaging to analogue CCTV installations. Combining a 3K (2960 × 1665) sensor, an ultra‑bright F1.0 aperture, Smart‑Hybrid lighting (IR + white light), and a built‑in microphone with audio‑over‑coax support, this turret-style camera is engineered for clear identification and dependable outdoor use. Its switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs make it a flexible choice for retrofit projects and mixed systems, while the IP67 metal housing protects it from the elements.
- 3K resolution:2960 × 1665 for improved detail over standard 2MP sensors.
- ColorVu 24/7 imaging:F1.0 aperture and Smart‑Hybrid (IR + white light) for colour imaging even in very low light.
- Built‑in microphone:Audio‑over‑coax reduces the need for extra audio cabling.
- Switchable outputs:TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS compatibility for integration with most analogue recorders.
- Rugged design:Metal body with IP67 weatherproof rating for outdoor installations.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS packs a number of technical choices that translate into real-world advantages for installers and end users. Below are the most relevant specifications and what they mean in practice.
- Image sensor:3K CMOS — the camera captures a resolution of 2960 × 1665 pixels. This higher-than-2MP resolution yields noticeably more detail for facial recognition, license plate reading at typical distances, and fine object identification within the scene.
- Frame rates:TVI: 3K @ 20 fps; AHD: 5 MP @ 20 fps; supports 4MP/1080p — frame rates are appropriate for most security monitoring applications and balance smooth motion with bandwidth and storage considerations.
- Minimum illumination:0.001 Lux @ F1.0 (AGC ON); 0 Lux with white light — the wide F1.0 aperture and advanced sensor sensitivity mean the camera can produce usable colour images in very low ambient light levels.
- ColorVu & Smart‑Hybrid lighting:The combination of an always-ready colour mode and Smart‑Hybrid supplementary illumination (IR + white light up to 20 m) ensures the camera can capture colour detail at night—white light for colour capture and IR to supplement when covert imaging is required.
- Lens:Fixed 3.6 mm, M12 mount — a common lens format that provides a practical balance of scene coverage and detail for many perimeter and approach applications.
- Aperture:F1.0 — contributes to superior low‑light performance.
- Field of view:Horizontal ≈ 94°, Vertical ≈ 50°, Diagonal ≈ 112° — wide enough for entrances, retail aisles, and yard monitoring without excessive distortion.
- Video output:Switchable TVI / AHD / CVI / CVBS — simplifies integration into existing analogue/Turbo‑HD systems.
- Audio:Built‑in microphone with audio‑over‑coax (pickup ~5 m) — convenient for capturing ambient audio without running separate microphone cabling.
- Image processing:Features like Smart IR, Brightness, Sharpness, Anti‑Banding, AGC and BLC/HLC help produce clearer, more useful footage in challenging lighting situations.
- Power:12 VDC ±25%, max 3.9 W — modest power draw; recommended to use a regulated 12 V adapter per camera for stable operation.
- Operating temp/humidity:−40 °C to 60 °C; ≤ 90% non‑condensing humidity — suited to a wide range of outdoor climates.
- Protection & build:IP67 rated, metal housing; dimensions Ø85.1 × 77.62 mm; weight ≈ 330 g — robust for external mounting and vandal resistance to a degree.
Note on compliance:Certification data for this specific unit is listed as insufficient; installers should verify local regulatory requirements (CE, UKCA, or other approvals) and follow best practice for compliant installations.
Where this camera excels: use cases and real‑world scenarios
The DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS is versatile and particularly useful in situations where colour information around the clock is valuable. Typical use cases include:
- Retail and small business:Colour images at night help identify clothing colours, vehicle colours or other distinguishing traits that black‑and‑white infrared footage can miss. The built‑in microphone can add context to incidents without extra cabling overhead.
- Residential perimeter and entrance monitoring:Wide field of view and strong low‑light colour performance are ideal for driveways, front porches and garden gates where detail at night improves recognition.
- Retrofit and mixed‑technology upgrades:For sites with existing analogue recorders, the camera’s switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs make upgrades straightforward—no wholesale replacement of cabling or recorders is necessary.
- Parking lots and small outdoor areas:Smart‑Hybrid lighting provides flexible night illumination—white light for colour, IR for covert viewing—useful when you need periodic colour evidence without constant floodlighting.
- Installation scenarios requiring audio:Where capturing spoken statements, alarms or contextual audio is useful but running dedicated audio wiring is impractical, the audio‑over‑coax feature is a practical compromise.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Analogue turret cameras and newer HD‑over‑coax solutions are widely available. When comparing the DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS to comparable models, a few differentiators stand out:
- Resolution advantage:Many common analogue cameras are 2MP (1080p). The 3K sensor (2960 × 1665) provides noticeably more detail for identification tasks without moving to full IP systems.
- ColorVu and aperture:The F1.0 aperture paired with ColorVu technology typically outperforms IR‑only alternatives in low light because it preserves colour information rather than switching to monochrome night mode.
- Smart‑Hybrid illumination:Cameras with only IR or only white light lack the flexibility this model offers. The ability to mix IR and white light allows for either covert monitoring or evidentiary colour capture when needed.
- Built‑in audio:Not all turret cameras include a microphone. Built‑in audio and audio‑over‑coax support reduce installation complexity compared with systems that require a separate audio cable or external microphone.
- Durability:The IP67 metal housing is standard for outdoor professional cameras; some budget options use plastic housings with lower ingress protection, which can be less durable over time.
Compared to full IP cameras, the DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS trades off advanced network features (PoE, edge analytics, centralized IP management) for simplicity, compatibility with coaxial infrastructure, and lower system cost—making it a practical choice for upgrades and locations where analogue recorders are preferred.
Customer feedback and reviews
There are no specific customer testimonials provided for this exact model in the supplied data. However, based on the camera’s feature set, installers and end users commonly report the following types of feedback for similar ColourVu 3K turret cameras:
- "Noticeably clearer night footage when white light is activated—better for identifying clothing and vehicle colours than older infrared cameras."
- "Integration into existing Turbo‑HD systems was straightforward thanks to switchable outputs; saved time and cost on retrofits."
- "The built‑in mic is handy for retail counters and small business sites. Pickup is useful for ambient sound and discrete conversations near the camera."
- "Solid build quality and reliable operation outdoors—IP67 rating gives confidence in exposed installations."
When evaluating real customer reviews, look for comments on ease of installation, the usefulness of colour night footage in your specific environment, microphone performance at the distance you need, and any notes about firmware compatibility with existing recorders.
Pricing, value and final considerations
With a suggested price of $54.99 and a cost price of $40.04 (as provided), the DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS positions itself as a strong value proposition in the analogue CCTV segment. For projects that require improved identification capability at night, audio capture without extra wiring, and simple integration into existing coax systems, this camera can deliver meaningful upgrades without the investment needed for a full IP camera migration.
Installation tips and caveats:Ensure each camera has a regulated 12 VDC supply, follow environmental and mounting guidelines for the IP67 housing, and verify local regulatory compliance and certifications prior to deployment. If advanced analytics or PoE power delivery is required, consider IP alternatives or hybrid solutions.
Conclusion: why choose the DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS?
The DS-2CE70KF0T-LMFS 3K ColorVu turret camera is a practical and capable solution for users who want higher-than-2MP detail, reliable low‑light colour imaging, and simplified audio capture while retaining analogue coax compatibility. Its Smart‑Hybrid lighting, wide aperture, and robust metal, IP67-rated housing make it well-suited to retail, residential, and small business installations where evidence-grade colour detail can make a difference. For retrofit projects or deployments on a budget that still demand modern night-time colour performance and flexible recorder compatibility, this camera represents a sensible balance of performance and value.