Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY and its key features
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY is a purpose-built 4 MP ColourVu fixed bullet network camera designed to deliver crisp, full‑colour imaging around the clock. With a large F1.0 aperture, a 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor and HikAI‑ISP processing, the camera prioritises low‑light colour performance while offering modern network and edge‑analytics features. Typical deployments include perimeter protection, car parks, retail exteriors and enterprise outdoor sites that require reliable, 24/7 colour video and smart detection.
Key features at a glance:
- 4 MP (2688 × 1520) resolution at up to 25/30 fps for clear, actionable detail
- ColourVu technology with an F1.0 aperture to produce vivid colour images in very low light
- Smart Hybrid Light combining white light and IR illumination with supplement range to 60 m
- Deep‑learning analytics: person/vehicle classification, face capture and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion, region entry/exit)
- Flexible power and storage: PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC and onboard microSD up to 512 GB
- Rugged IP67 metal housing for outdoor use and secure networking via HTTPS/TLS and 802.1X
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY uses a 1/1.8" progressive‑scan CMOS sensor that supports a maximum resolution of 2688 × 1520 (4 MP). The sensor combined with a fixed 2.8 mm lens (a 4 mm option is also available in the model family) provides a wide horizontal field of view (about 111.1° for the 2.8 mm) that is well suited to monitoring wide exterior areas such as parking lots, building fronts and walkways.
Where this model really stands out is the F1.0 aperture. A wider aperture lets more light reach the sensor, which—together with Hikvision's ColourVu technology—enables full‑colour imaging in very low illumination environments. Minimum illumination is listed as colour 0.0001 Lux (with AGC on), and the camera can provide usable colour output even when ambient light is extremely low, eliminating the need for monochrome IR‑only footage in many scenarios.
The Smart Hybrid Light system integrates programmable white light together with IR (850 nm). This allows the camera to supplement ambient light up to roughly 60 m when required, and to selectively trigger white light for deterrence or identification needs. Complementing the illumination system, the camera includes 130 dB wide dynamic range (WDR) and image enhancements like EIS, BLC/HLC, 3D DNR and defog—useful features when scenes contain bright backlighting, fast motion or weather effects.
Deep‑learning analytics are built into the camera to enable person and vehicle classification, face capture and perimeter protection events such as line crossing, intrusion and region enter/exit. These on‑edge analytics reduce false alarms and save bandwidth by focusing attention on objects of interest rather than generic motion.
The camera supports H.265 and H.264 compression and can deliver multiple streams with CBR/VBR options, allowing flexible deployment across constrained network conditions. For local retention, a microSD slot accepts cards up to 512 GB, and NAS support (NFS/SMB) is provided for centralized recording. ONVIF Profiles S/T/G ensure compatibility with many VMS platforms, while Hikvision platforms (Hik‑Connect / Hik‑Central) are natively supported.
Networking features include HTTPS/TLS and 802.1X to help secure camera access and data in transit. The metal IP67 housing protects the camera from dust and water ingress making it suitable for outdoor installations. Operationally the unit tolerates temperatures from −30 °C to 60 °C and up to 95% non‑condensing humidity, and power can be provided via PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC. Typical power draw is in the range of about 10–12.5 W depending on operating mode.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY is designed for applications where both reliable colour identification and intelligent detection are important. Typical use cases include:
- Perimeter security: Wide FOV, strong low‑light colour and perimeter analytics make this model effective for fencelines, gates and building perimeters where distinguishing clothing colours, vehicle colours and person/vehicle activity is essential.
- Car parks and vehicle yards: The combination of wide coverage, person/vehicle classification and optional white light supplement to 60 m helps identify license plates, vehicle makes/colors and occupants during night hours.
- Retail exteriors and storefronts: Colour images can help with incident investigation and customer/customer‑flow analysis, while deterring theft via programmable white light activation.
- Enterprise campuses and critical infrastructure: Rugged IP67 housing, secure networking and edge analytics suit larger multi‑camera deployments where reliability and manageable bandwidth are priorities.
- Professional installations: Installers will find PoE power, ONVIF interoperability and local storage options helpful for flexible system design and retrofit scenarios.
Comparisons with similar products
When choosing outdoor fixed‑bullet cameras, integrators typically compare low‑light performance, analytics capability, build quality and cost. Here is how the DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY stacks up against common alternatives:
- Hikvision ColourVu vs Starlight (competitors): ColourVu emphasises full‑colour imaging by combining a large aperture with sensor and DSP tuning, whereas many competing “Starlight” or low‑light modes produce a brighter monochrome image or rely more heavily on IR. If identifying colours at night matters, ColourVu often provides an advantage.
- Compared with similar models from other vendors (e.g., Dahua, Axis, Uniview): Feature sets are comparable—4 MP resolution, PoE, onboard analytics—but the specific gains for the DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY are the F1.0 aperture and Smart Hybrid Light option. Competitive models may match or exceed analytics sophistication or offer alternative form factors; selection should be driven by priorities like colour fidelity, VMS compatibility and price.
- Edge analytics vs pure VMS analytics: Cameras with built‑in deep‑learning analytics reduce server load and latency for alerts. If you prefer centralized analytics for large camera estates, ensure the chosen VMS fully supports the camera’s event metadata (ONVIF/G‑profile compatibility helps).
- Price positioning: With a suggested price around $249, the DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY sits in the midrange for professional outdoor cameras. It delivers a good balance of optical performance and smart features for the price point—more economical than some high‑end 4K solutions, but offering better low‑light colour than many budget models.
Customer feedback and installer insights
While individual reviews vary by deployment, common positive themes from installers and end users include reliable low‑light colour performance, straightforward PoE installation and effective perimeter analytics. Installers appreciate the metal IP67 housing and PoE convenience, which speed up outdoor deployments and reduce the need for separate power runs.
Some installers note practical considerations: configure white light behaviour to avoid nuisance illumination in residential areas, and pair the camera with surge protection on exposed outdoor runs. Integrators also recommend testing microSD and NVR compatibility in advance when using non‑Hikvision recorders to ensure full metadata and analytics event support.
Conclusion: Why this camera is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY balances advanced low‑light optics, robust image processing and on‑edge deep‑learning analytics in a weatherproof bullet form factor. Its F1.0 aperture and ColourVu technology deliver actionable colour detail in very dim conditions, while Smart Hybrid Light gives integrators control over when and how supplemental illumination is applied. PoE, ONVIF compatibility and local storage options make it flexible to deploy across small‑ to medium‑scale projects, and security features such as HTTPS/TLS and 802.1X support better network hygiene.
For perimeter, car park and commercial exterior surveillance where 24/7 colour imaging and intelligent detection matter, the DS-2CD2T47G3‑LIY is a practical, cost‑effective choice. Its combination of optical performance, analytics and ruggedness offers a compelling option for professional installers and enterprises seeking dependable outdoor surveillance without moving to an enterprise‑tier price point.
