Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CE72UF3T-E 4K ColorVu Turret Camera
TheHikvision DS-2CE72UF3T-Eis an 8MP (3840 × 2160) 4K analogue turret camera that brings full‑colour imaging to day and night surveillance. Built around Hikvisions ColorVu technology and an integrated white‑light illuminator, it delivers vivid colour footage even in low‑light conditions. Designed for ease of installation and retrofit projects, this turret camera supports Power over Coax (PoC) and outputs a single HD analogue (TVI) signal, combining modern image quality with straightforward cabling for many CCTV systems.
Key Features at a Glance
- 4K 8MP Resolution:3840 × 2160 sensor for fine detail capture.
- ColorVu Colour Night Vision:Integrated solid white light for colour imaging up to 40 m in darkness.
- PoC Support:Power and video over coax simplifies wiring and retrofits.
- True WDR & Noise Reduction:True WDR ≥130 dB plus 3D/2D DNR for clear imagery in high‑contrast and noisy scenes.
- Rugged Build:IP67 weatherproof housing and wide operating temperature range (−40°C to +50°C) for outdoor use.
- Compact Turret Form:Fixed 2.8 mm lens with ≈110° horizontal field of view for broad coverage.
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The DS-2CE72UF3T-E is built around an 8MP CMOS image sensor capable of delivering 4K resolution. While many traditional analogue systems still operate at 1080p or lower, this camera elevates analogue TVI setups by providing substantially higher resolution, making it easier to identify faces, read registration plates, and capture fine scene detail.
The cameras ColorVu capability is the headline feature: an integrated solid white‑light illuminator provides true colour footage down to 0 Lux when active and enables usable colour imagery at very low illumination levels (0.0005 Lux with F1.0 and AGC). The white light has an effective range of up to 40 m, making it suitable for perimeter lighting, car parks and entrances where identifying colours is important for evidence.
True WDR ≥130 dB helps the camera handle scenes with strong contrast, such as bright backgrounds and dark foregrounds, ensuring balanced exposure where details in both bright and dark areas are preserved. Combined with 3D and 2D digital noise reduction (DNR), the DS-2CE72UF3T-E reduces grain and improves clarity in low‑light or high‑noise environments.
The fixed 2.8 mm lens offers an approximately 110° horizontal field of view, ideal for wide scene coverage like shopfronts, walkways or building perimeters. A 3.6 mm variant is available for narrower, longer‑range coverage. The turret design makes aiming straightforward and the compact form factor is unobtrusive for both residential and commercial settings.
Power options include 12 VDC or PoC (Power over Coax), which can simplify installations by carrying power and HD‑TVI video on a single coaxial cable. Maximum power consumption is modest at around 5.1 W. The camera is housed in a metal body with a plastic enclosure, weighs approximately 350 g and is rated IP67, so it withstands rain and dust. Operating temperatures range from −40°C to +50°C, suitable for most outdoor climates.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where This Camera Excels
The DS-2CE72UF3T-E is well suited to a broad range of environments where reliable, colour imagery and simple installation are priorities. Typical applications include:
- Perimeter Security:Colour night vision helps distinguish vehicle colours and clothing, improving incident verification and forensics.
- Car Parks and Driveways:Long‑range white light coverage can capture plate numbers and vehicle details in low light.
- Retail Frontages and Shopfronts:Wide field of view and 4K detail help track incidents and capture evidence without multiple cameras.
- Building Entrances and Lobbies:Colour footage aids identification and reduces ambiguity in low‑light footage.
- DIY and Retrofit Projects:PoC support and HD‑TVI output make this camera a practical upgrade for existing analogue systems seeking higher resolution without re‑cabling to IP.
Comparisons with Similar Products
There are two common upgrade paths for those evaluating the DS-2CE72UF3T-E: upgrading within analogue TVI platforms to higher‑resolution TVI models, or moving to IP cameras. Compared with legacy 1080p analogue cameras, the 4K ColorVu unit delivers substantially more detail and colour continuity at night, making it a clear choice where better evidence capture is needed but full rewiring to network cameras is impractical.
Against similar analogue 4K turret cameras from other vendors, the Hikvision model stands out for ColorVus integrated white light and proven WDR performance. Competing models may offer IR night vision, which produces monochrome images in darkness; ColorVus advantage is retaining colour, which can be decisive for identifying clothing or vehicle colours. When compared with IP 4K cameras, the tradeoffs are clearer: IP units can offer advanced analytics, onboard storage, and higher frame rates, but they typically require Ethernet infrastructure or PoE switches. The DS-2CE72UF3T-Es PoC over coax solution lowers migration cost for sites with existing coax cabling.
In short, choose this Hikvision turret if you need high‑resolution colour evidence with minimal cabling changes. Consider IP alternatives if you need higher frame rates, advanced VMS features, or PoE infrastructure is already in place.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
There are no specific customer testimonials supplied with this product brief. However, installers and end users evaluating Hikvision ColorVu cameras commonly report the following themes based on industry feedback:
- Positive:Noticeably better colour detail at night compared with IR‑only cameras; easier retrofits thanks to PoC; reliable weatherproofing for outdoor installs.
- Constructive:White light activation can be a concern for near‑range applications where light spill is undesirable; integration and feature sets depend on the recorder or DVR used with analogue output.
For a purchase decision, ask your supplier for sample footage or a demo, and check compatibility with your recorder/DVR. Also confirm compliance markings (CE/UKCA) and warranty terms, since these were not specified in the provided data.
Pricing and Practical Considerations
The supplied pricing information lists a cost price of 61.82 and a suggested price of 109.99, but the currency was not specified. When comparing value, factor in the labor savings from PoC cabling, potential need for a compatible HD‑TVI DVR, and any mounting or conduit work. The cameras low power draw and solid build make it cost‑effective for multi‑camera deployments.
Conclusion: Why Choose the DS-2CE72UF3T-E?
The Hikvision DS-2CE72UF3T-E 4K ColorVu turret camera is a practical and powerful choice for users who want high‑resolution, colour‑accurate surveillance without the complexity of switching to full IP systems. Its ColorVu white‑light illumination, True WDR ≥130 dB, and PoC support address three common installer and end‑user needs: clear night‑time evidence, reliable performance in high‑contrast scenes, and simplified cabling for retrofits. With IP67 protection and a wide operating temperature range, it is well suited to outdoor perimeter, parking, and entrance monitoring.
Before purchasing, confirm the exact currency and compliance/warranty terms with your supplier, verify DVR compatibility, and consider whether the fixed 2.8 mm field of view meets your coverage needs or whether the 3.6 mm variant is preferable. For sites that value colour evidence after dark and practical installation workflows, the DS-2CE72UF3T-E represents a compelling balance of price, performance, and installation simplicity.
