HiLook THC-B159-MS 5MP TurboHD ColourVu Bullet Camera, 2.8 mm

Introduction: Meet the HiLook THC-B159-MS

The HiLook THC-B159-MS 5MP TurboHD ColourVu bullet camera is a compact analogue CCTV camera designed for dependable, full‑colour surveillance around the clock. With a 2.8 mm fixed lens, a bright F1.0 aperture, integrated white‑light illumination and a built‑in microphone (audio over coax), this camera brings 3K (approximately 5MP) imaging to hybrid and existing analogue systems without the need to rewire. Encased in a metal IP66 housing and supporting switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs, it’s a practical, cost-effective option for outdoor domestic and small commercial installations where colour detail and audio matter.

Key features at a glance

• 3K / 5MP resolution(2960 × 1665) for improved image detail.
• 24/7 colour imagingthanks to a large F1.0 aperture and integrated white‑light (colour night vision to ~20 m).
• Audio— built‑in microphone with audio‑over‑coax simplifies audio capture without extra cabling.
• Hybrid compatibility— switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs for easy integration into mixed analogue networks.
• Rugged design— metal housing with IP66 ingress protection for outdoor durability.

Detailed specifications and their benefits

The THC-B159-MS combines practical imaging hardware with smart, installer‑friendly features. Below is a breakdown of the most important specifications and why they matter to end users.

• 3K CMOS sensor / 2960 × 1665 (approx. 5MP)— Delivers higher pixel density than common 1080p cameras, helping capture finer facial and licence‑plate detail at short to medium distances. This can be especially useful when evidence‑quality imagery is required.
• 2.8 mm fixed lens— Provides a wide horizontal field of view (≈ 113°). Ideal for covering wide areas such as driveways, front gardens, shop fronts and small car parks with a single camera.
• F1.0 aperture— The large aperture gathers more light, improving low‑light performance and complementing the camera’s white‑light for bright, colourful night images.

• 24/7 colour capability— With minimum illumination as low as 0.001 Lux (AGC ON, F1.0) and the integrated white‑light extending colour imaging to around 20 m, the camera provides actionable colour footage at night where monochrome IR cameras might only capture black‑and‑white images.
• White‑light illumination— Because the camera uses white light rather than infrared, colours are retained in night shots, which can make identification (clothing, vehicle colour, sign details) much easier.

• Switchable outputs (TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS)— This flexibility makes the THC‑B159‑MS an excellent retrofit choice for sites with mixed or legacy analogue recorders. Installers can select the appropriate standard during setup.
• Frame rates— 3K at 20 fps, 4MP at 25/30 fps and 1080p at 25/30 fps provide a balance between high resolution and smooth motion depending on the selected format.
• Onboard image processing— Digital WDR, 2D DNR, BLC/HLC and AGC help maintain usable footage in challenging lighting conditions such as backlit entrances or high‑contrast scenes.

• Built‑in microphone (audio over coax)— Adds a layer of context to video without running separate audio cabling. Useful for entryways, small retail spaces and premises where conversations or sound cues matter.
• Single BNC video output— Standard analogue interface that simplifies connection to a broad range of DVRs and hybrid recorders.

• Power— 12 V DC input with modest power consumption (max ≈ 2.9 W), enabling inexpensive power supplies and simple installations.
• Housing & protection— Metal body rated to IP66 keeps the camera weatherproof for outdoor use; operating temperature range of −40°C to 60°C suits many climates.
• Compact form factor— At roughly 161.2 × 70 × 70 mm and about 265 g, it’s unobtrusive yet robust for wall or soffit mounting.

Use cases and scenarios where the THC-B159-MS excels

The THC‑B159‑MS is particularly well suited to situations where colour detail (day and night), ease of retrofit and budget are priorities.

• Domestic perimeter and entrance monitoring— A single wide‑angle 2.8 mm lens can cover driveways, front gardens and entry points. Colour night imaging makes it easier to identify visitors, vehicles and packages after dark.
• Small retail and hospitality— Stores, cafés and small pubs often benefit from combined video and audio. The built‑in microphone helps capture contextual sound for incident analysis while colour images improve signage and point‑of‑sale visibility.
• Retrofit and hybrid CCTV systems— When owners want improved resolution but don’t want to replace coax cabling or existing DVRs, the THC‑B159‑MS’s switchable outputs make upgrades economical and straightforward.
• Outdoor assets with wide coverage needs— The wide FOV is ideal for monitoring small car parks, loading bays or yard areas where one camera needs to see broad swathes rather than long distant detail.

How it compares with similar products on the market

When evaluating the THC‑B159‑MS, it helps to contrast it against three common alternatives: basic 1080p analogue cameras, IP (network) 4–6MP cameras and other ColourVu‑style models.

• vs. 1080p analogue cameras— The THC‑B159‑MS offers substantially higher resolution (3K) and superior night colour capability. For users seeking more detail without changing infrastructure, it’s a clear upgrade over legacy 2MP analogue cameras.
• vs. IP 4–6MP cameras— IP cameras often provide better compression, higher frame rates and PoE convenience, but they require network cabling, compatible NVRs and sometimes higher budget. The THC‑B159‑MS is often cheaper (suggested price around $59.99 at retail) and easier to drop into existing coax systems—an important advantage for retrofit jobs.
• vs. other ColourVu / full‑colour solutions— Many full‑colour cameras use large apertures and white light like the THC‑B159‑MS. Differences come down to form factor, illumination range, audio support and output flexibility. The built‑in mic and switchable outputs give the HiLook camera a practical edge for hybrid analogue installations.

Tradeoffs to consider: the camera’s white‑light illumination provides valuable colour detail but can be more conspicuous than IR at night. If stealthy night monitoring is required, a traditional IR camera may be preferred. Also, while frame rates for 3K are limited (20 fps), this is generally acceptable for most monitoring and evidence purposes.

Customer testimonials and reviews

Below are representative customer comments based on installer and end‑user feedback patterns for this product class. These are illustrative examples of typical experiences.

• "Great value for money — we swapped three outdated 2MP cameras for these and the difference in night footage is amazing. Colour at night really helps identify vehicle colours." — Local installer.
• "Easy to integrate with our older DVR. The audio over coax was a big win because we didn’t want to run extra cables. Picture quality is very good for the price." — Small retail owner.
• "Installed one for our front entrance and it covers the whole driveway. The white light is bright but we set it to only trigger when needed so it’s not annoying." — Homeowner.

As with any camera purchase, individual results vary depending on mounting location, ambient lighting and recorder configuration. Professional installation often improves final performance.

Installation, compliance and practical considerations

Installation should be performed by a qualified installer or electrician in accordance with local wiring and safety regulations. The camera runs on 12 V DC and consumes very little power (max ≈ 2.9 W), making power supply selection straightforward. Check the product packaging and datasheet for the latest CE / UKCA conformity marks and certification references before installation.

Warranty information is not specified here; purchasers should confirm warranty and after‑sales support with the supplier at the time of purchase.

Conclusion: Why the HiLook THC-B159-MS is a solid choice

The HiLook THC‑B159‑MS 5MP TurboHD ColourVu bullet camera strikes a practical balance between cost, capability and compatibility. Its high (3K) resolution and large F1.0 aperture produce sharper imagery and improved low‑light performance, while integrated white‑light illumination delivers true‑colour night footage to roughly 20 metres. Built‑in audio over coax and switchable TVI/AHD/CVI/CVBS outputs make it an attractive retrofit option for sites that want modern, evidence‑grade footage without replacing cabling or recorders.

For homeowners, small businesses and installers seeking an affordable, weatherproof outdoor camera with clear day/night colour imaging and straightforward integration into hybrid systems, the THC‑B159‑MS is a compelling, cost‑effective choice. As always, match camera placement, mounting height and recorder settings to your specific monitoring goals to get the best possible results.