Introduction to the Hikvision 4MP ColorVu Bullet Camera (DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY)
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY is a purpose-built outdoor IP camera that brings 24/7 colour imaging and modern AI analytics to perimeter and entrance surveillance. Marketed as a 4MP Colour Bullet Camera with a fixed 4 mm, F1.0 lens, this model combines HikvisionColourVutechnology with Smart Hybrid Light (integrated IR and warm white LEDs), Power over Ethernet (PoE) convenience, and onboard microSD storage up to 512 GB. Geared toward both professional integrators and informed DIY users, the camera aims to deliver clear daytime-quality colour at night and reduce nuisance alarms through deep-learning analytics. With a suggested retail price of $179.99 (cost price listed at $144.37), it sits in the mainstream professional IP camera segment for outdoor security solutions.
- 4 MP (2688 )resolution, up to 30 fps
- ColourVu with F1.0 lensfor vivid low-light colour and excellent light gathering
- Smart Hybrid Light: integrated IR + warm white LEDs with selectable modes and a manufacturer-stated supplement range up to ~60 m
- Deep-learning analytics: person & vehicle classification, face capture, perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion, region enter/exit)
- Flexible power & storage: PoE (802.3af) or 12 V DC; microSD up to 512 GB; NAS & ANR support
- Rugged outdoor build: metal housing, IP67 and NEMA 4X ratings, operating down to 60 while offering ONVIF compatibility
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY pairs a 1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS sensor with a bright fixed 4 mm F1.0 lens. This optical combination enables a wide horizontal field of view (approximately 95.2) while improving photon collection in low-light environments. The cameras ColourVu system is engineered to produce full-colour images in very low lighting; when additional illumination is required the Smart Hybrid Light gives you the option to use warm white LEDs for colour scenes or IR for covert monochrome imaging.
- Resolution & frame rate:Native 2688 ) at up to 30 fps
- Low-light performance:Minimum illumination as low as 0.0001 Lux (F1.0, AGC on); with active warm white illumination the camera can operate at 0 Lux while maintaining full colour
- DORI guidance:Detect 75 m / Observe 30 m / Recognise 15 m / Identify 7 m, making it suitable for medium-to-long-range perimeter tasks
- Encoding:H.265/H.264 with support for H.264+/H.265+ variants to reduce bandwidth and storage needs
- Streaming:Multiple streams available; main stream supports full 4MP
- Local & remote storage:microSD up to 512 GB, NAS (NFS/SMB/CIFS), and ANR for network outage resilience
- AI analytics:Deep-learning-based person and vehicle classification to cut down false alarms and enable better event filtering; face capture and perimeter rules (line crossing, intrusion, region enter/exit)
- Network & security:RJ45 10/100 Mbps, ONVIF Profile S/T/G for VMS compatibility; TLS/HTTPS and multiple authentication methods for secure connections
- Power:PoE IEEE 802.3af (Class 3) or 12 V DC, with maximum power draw around manufacturer-stated 12.5 W (PoE) or 10 W (12 V DC)
- Rugged housing:Metal body rated to IP67 and NEMA 4X for weather and corrosion resistance, and an operating temperature range approximately 60 to 60C for harsh climates
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY is optimized for applications where night-time colour makes a meaningful difference to identification and situational awareness. Typical deployments include:
- Perimeter and fence-line surveillance:Colour detail at night helps identify clothing, vehicle colours and other forensically useful attributes that IR-only cameras may miss.
- Car parks and driveways:Wide horizontal field of view and long supplement range (manufacturer-stated ~60 m) support coverage of parking areas and access lanes.
- Retail and storefront exteriors:Colour imaging improves incident verification and can aid customer dispute resolution or loss prevention after hours.
- Building entrances & pedestrian approaches:AI person/vehicle classification reduces false alarms from shadows, small animals or leaves while highlighting genuine events for rapid review.
- Transport hubs & logistics yards:Robust environmental rating and analytics make it suitable for busy outdoor sites requiring continuous monitoring.
How it compares with similar products
When placed next to other 4 MP outdoor IP cameras, the DS-2CD2T47G3-LIYs strengths are its ColourVu technology and hybrid lighting. Heres how it stacks up in practical terms:
- Colour at night vs conventional IR:Traditional IR cameras switch to monochrome at night and lose colour cues. ColourVu plus warm white lighting preserves colour information, which can be decisive for identifying vehicles and clothing.
- Hybrid lighting vs fixed IR-only designs:The integrated IR and warm white LEDs give installers flexibility: use IR for covert monitoring or warm white when colour or deterrence is preferred. Competing models that lack warm white LEDs may not capture colour at zero lux.
- AI analytics:Competitor cameras in the same price bracket may offer motion detection and basic analytics, but the deep-learning person/vehicle classification and face capture on this model help reduce false positives and improve event relevance.
- Value and ecosystem:Hikvisions ecosystem (Hik-Connect, Hik-Central) and ONVIF compatibility make integration straightforward with many VMS platforms. Alternatives from other vendors (eg. Dahua, Axis) may match image quality or analytics in specific areas, but choice often comes down to ecosystem preference, VMS compatibility and local support.
Customer feedback and reviews
Publicly available user reviews for specific models vary by market and integrator experience. While no individual testimonials are supplied here, typical feedback themes for Hikvision ColourVu models include:
- Positives:Excellent low-light colour and clarity; useful analytics that reduce false alarms; flexible PoE powering and easy integration with mainstream VMS platforms.
- Constructive points:Proper configuration is important to get the best balance between LED use and exposure; installers often recommend surge protection and careful cable routing for long-term reliability in exposed sites.
If you are evaluating this camera for a purchase, ask your supplier for site photos or demo footage where possible, and request firmware and datasheet references. Integrators can often provide real-world examples from prior installations that illustrate the cameras capabilities in similar environments.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY offers a compelling blend of low-light colour imaging, flexible hybrid lighting, and smart analytics in a robust outdoor package. For applications where colour detail at night improves identification and incident resolution—car parks, perimeters, retail frontages and building entrances—this camera delivers practical benefits over IR-only alternatives. Its PoE capability, ONVIF support, and multiple storage options make it straightforward to integrate into existing systems, while the deep-learning analytics help reduce nuisance alarms and focus attention on relevant events.
At its suggested price point, the camera represents a strong value for organizations seeking improved night-time situational awareness without stepping up to higher-resolution or more complex multi-sensor solutions. As with any security purchase, successful outcomes depend on proper placement, configuration, and adherence to installation best practices (surge protection, weatherproofing, and correct power provisioning). For final specification details, compliance marks and firmware updates, refer to the official Hikvision product page and datasheet.
- Compatibility:Works with Hik-Connect, Hik-Central and many mainstream VMS platforms via ONVIF.
- Documentation:Consult the manufacturer datasheet and user manual for climate ratings, mechanical dimensions and certification details prior to installation.
