Introduction: Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY — 24/7 colour where it matters
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY is a 4 MP fixed bullet IP camera from Hikvision's Pro / ColorVu family designed to deliver full‑colour imaging around the clock. Combining a large 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor, an F1.0 super‑aperture 2.8 mm lens and Smart Hybrid Light (white light + IR), the camera aims to produce detailed, usable colour images in very low light conditions while offering modern network video capabilities, deep‑learning analytics and rugged outdoor protection.
- 4 MP resolution(2688 × 1520) up to 30 fps for clear detail across scenes.
- ColorVu 24/7 colour imagingwith an F1.0 lens and Smart Hybrid Light for bright colour in very low lux levels.
- Deep‑learning analyticsincluding person/vehicle classification, perimeter protection and face capture.
- Flexible video & networksupport: H.265/H.264 compression, ONVIF compatibility and up to three independent streams.
- Robust outdoor designwith IP67 ingress rating and NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion class.
- Local storage & power options—microSD up to 512 GB, PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Sensor:1/1.8" Progressive Scan CMOS. The larger sensor gathers more light than smaller alternatives, improving low‑light performance and dynamic range for clearer images in challenging scenes.
- Resolution & frame rate:2688 × 1520 (4 MP) at up to 30 fps. This provides a good balance between resolution and smoothness for typical surveillance uses, enabling readable details (faces, licence plates at moderate distances) without excessive bandwidth.
- Lens:Fixed 2.8 mm, F1.0 with a wide field of view (H 111.1°, V 57.6°, D 138.5°). The wide 2.8 mm lens captures more of a scene, ideal for general coverage such as building fronts, retail floors and parking lot approaches.
- Minimum illumination:Colour 0.0001 Lux @ F1.0 (0 Lux with light). With Smart Hybrid Light, the camera can render colour at very low illumination levels and supplement with white or IR light as needed.
- Smart Hybrid Light:A combined white light and IR approach that preserves colour when possible and supplies IR or white fill when needed. Manufacturer lists illumination range to roughly 60 m under ideal conditions—suitable for medium‑to‑long range outdoor scenes.
- Practical benefit:Colour footage at night makes it easier to identify clothing colours, vehicle paint and other contextual clues that grayscale IR footage often loses.
- Compression & streams:H.265/H.264 (including optimized H.265+/H.264+) and up to three independent streams. This allows efficient storage and flexible distribution to recorders, management systems and mobile clients.
- Network & security:ONVIF (S/T/G), HTTPS, 802.1X and TLS up to 1.3—enabling interoperability with third‑party VMS/NVRs and modern network hardening practices.
- Local storage:microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC up to 512 GB for edge recording or ANR (Automatic Network Replenishment) when network links are intermittent.
- Power:PoE (IEEE 802.3af, Class 3) or 12 VDC input. PoE simplifies deployment by carrying power and data over a single cable.
- Environmental:Operating −30 °C to 60 °C and humidity ≤95% non‑condensing, with an IP67 ingress rating and NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion class. The camera is built for exposed outdoor locations and coastal or corrosive environments.
- Deep‑learning analytics:Person/vehicle classification reduces nuisance alarms from irrelevant motion (e.g. foliage or small animals) and improves detection accuracy for perimeter and entry monitoring.
- Perimeter protection:Line crossing, intrusion and region entry/exit rules provide actionable events for security teams and can trigger recording, alerts or automatic responses.
- Face capture:Enables snapshot capture for identification workflows where appropriate and compliant with local laws.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
- Retail and storefronts:ColorVu's continuous colour imaging helps identify suspects and improves the detail of incident footage after hours—useful for investigations and insurance claims.
- Perimeter and campus security:Wide field of view and long illumination range suits campus perimeters, parking areas and building exteriors where early detection and classification of people or vehicles matters.
- Transport hubs and car parks:The 4 MP resolution and wide lens capture vehicle movements and pedestrian interactions across larger bays, while analytics reduce false positives from routine motion.
- Industrial and coastal sites:NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion rating and IP67 make the camera a strong candidate in corrosive or wet environments, such as chemical plants, seaports or outdoor substations.
- Sites with limited network links:Built‑in microSD up to 512 GB and ANR compatibility give resilience when connections drop, allowing continuous recording locally.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating this Hikvision ColorVu camera against alternatives, consider three broad comparisons: conventional IR cameras, competing low‑light colour solutions, and other Hikvision lines.
Traditional IR cameras switch to black‑and‑white mode at night to maximize sensitivity. The DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY's ColorVu approach retains colour by using a large aperture and supplemental white light. The practical result is footage that often shows distinguishable colours and richer context in dim scenes—an advantage for identification and situational awareness.
Other vendors offer similar colour‑at‑night technologies. Key differentiators are sensor size, aperture, illumination method and analytics. The 1/1.8" sensor and F1.0 aperture here are competitive for gathering light; Smart Hybrid Light gives flexibility to balance colour preservation with distance‑oriented IR illumination. Buyers should compare measured low‑light performance, analytics capabilities and integration with existing VMS platforms when choosing between vendors.
Compared with Hikvision models that prioritise extreme low‑light sensitivity (for example, 'Darkfighter' style models), ColorVu cameras prioritise colour fidelity in low light—sometimes at the cost of absolute reach in pure IR illumination. If full‑colour contextual footage is important for your use case (retail, identification, situational awareness), ColorVu can be preferable; for extreme low‑light detection beyond the camera's stated range, a specialized low‑light mono camera or a camera with stronger IR might be more appropriate.
Customer testimonials and typical user feedback
Public, model‑specific customer reviews for professional security cameras can be limited because many deployments are commercial or managed by installers rather than end users posting reviews. However, common themes reported by security integrators and site managers for ColorVu‑type products include:
- "Noticeably better identification at night" — many teams appreciate the ability to see clothing and vehicle colours after hours.
- "Fewer false alarms" — deep‑learning person/vehicle classification reduces time spent reviewing irrelevant events.
- "Easy integration and deployment" — PoE, ONVIF support and local storage options are singled out as installer‑friendly features.
For an individual project, check with your supplier for site‑specific references or ask for demo footage to validate performance in your lighting and distance conditions.
Pricing and value proposition
The suggested price listed for this camera shows it positioned as a mid‑range professional device that balances advanced imaging, analytics and outdoor durability. Its combination of 4 MP resolution, ColorVu low‑light colour, analytics and rugged ratings makes it a compelling value for locations where round‑the‑clock colour imagery and reliable outdoor performance are priorities. When calculating total cost, include installation, potential licensing for VMS, and any storage/NVR infrastructure.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY brings together a large sensor, bright F1.0 glass, flexible Smart Hybrid Light and modern network features to deliver practical, usable colour footage at night and a suite of analytics that reduce nuisance alarms. Its rugged construction (IP67, NEMA 4X), PoE convenience, and local storage options make it suitable for a wide range of outdoor and semi‑industrial deployments.
For organisations that prioritise clear, contextual colour images 24/7—retailers, campuses, parking facilities and perimeter security teams—the DS-2CD2T47G3-LIY is a strong candidate. As always, validate performance with test footage for your exact scene, confirm compatibility with your chosen VMS, and consult installation guides and local regulations when deploying any surveillance equipment.
Note:Verify warranty and support details with your supplier, and ensure installations comply with privacy and local surveillance laws.
