Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G
The Hikvision DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G is a purpose-built outdoor 8MP (4K) fixed bullet IP camera that combines Hikvisions ColorVu technology with integrated 4G cellular connectivity. Tailored for remote or hard-to-wire locations, this model delivers full-colour imaging day and night, on-board deep-learning analytics for human and vehicle classification, and local recording via 64 GB eMMC with microSD expansion. Rugged IP67 construction, extremely low-light sensitivity (F1.0), and support for solar or low-power setups make this camera a compelling option when Ethernet or PoE is not practical.
Key features at a glance
- 4K resolution:3840 × 2160 (8MP) imaging for detailed scene capture.
- ColorVu 24/7 colour:F1.0 aperture plus white supplement light for true-colour night images.
- Integrated 4G/LTE:Cellular connectivity (regional band variants) enables remote deployments without fixed network infrastructure.
- On-board intelligence:Deep-learning human/vehicle classification and common smart event detection.
- Local storage:64 GB eMMC built-in, microSD support up to 256 GB, plus ANR and NAS support for resilient recording.
- Rugged design:Metal housing with IP67 ingress protection and wide operating temperature range.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G packs an array of technical features that translate into practical benefits for installers and end users. Below is a breakdown of the most relevant specifications and why they matter in real-world deployments.
- Sensor & resolution:A 1/1.2" progressive-scan CMOS sensor captures 3840 × 2160 (4K) images. The higher pixel count provides greater clarity for identification, license plate detail at appropriate distances, and improved digital zoom performance.
- Lens:Fixed 2.8 mm lens (H: 101.6 field of view) provides a wide scene coverage ideal for perimeter and area monitoring. A 4 mm variant is available where narrower, longer-range framing is preferred.
- Low-light performance:With an F1.0 aperture and ColourVu technology, the camera produces full-colour images down to extremely low lux levels (0.0005 lux with AGC on) and 0 lux when the built-in white light is active. This preserves useful visual detail at night that monochrome infrared-only systems can miss.
- True WDR:130 dB true wide dynamic range handles scenes with strong backlight or mixed lighting, keeping both bright and dark areas visible.
- Video codecs:Supports H.265/H.265+ for efficient video compression, with H.264/MJPEG available for sub-streams. The H.265 family reduces storage and cellular data consumption compared with legacy codecs.
- Bit rates & frame rate:Bit rates from 32 Kbps to 16 Mbps and up to 15 fps at 4K (regionally 15 fps at 60 Hz, 12.5 fps at 50 Hz). When using cellular links, careful bit-rate planning preserves data allowances without sacrificing critical evidence quality.
- Deep-learning analytics:Human and vehicle classification reduces false alarms from vegetation or animals and improves event prioritisation for remote monitoring.
- Event types:Line crossing, intrusion, region entrance/exit, face detection, motion, tamper and exception alarms provide layered detection options.
- Storage resilience:Built-in 64 GB eMMC with support for microSD cards (up to 256 GB) and ANR (automatic network restoration) ensures continuous recording during temporary network disruptions. Network-attached storage (NFS/SMB) is also supported for archive retention.
- Cellular:Integrated 4G/LTE/WCDMA/GSM (regional SKU variants). This eliminates the need for Ethernet in remote locations but requires selecting the correct regional banding for the intended mobile operator.
- Power:12 VDC input ( 20%), low standby power (53 mW) and average consumption around 2 W (excluding 4G activity). A 12 VDC power output (up to 1 A) can power small external devices; RS-485 is present for auxiliary control.
- Ruggedness:Metal construction, IP67 ingress rating, and an operating temperature range from -30 C to 60 C make it suitable for exposed outdoor conditions.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
This camera is engineered for environments where traditional wired IP infrastructure is infeasible or costly. Typical deployments include:
- Monitoring pipelines, substations, pump stations and cell towers where wired networks do not exist or are vulnerable. Cellular connectivity combined with local storage keeps surveillance continuous even during temporary backhaul interruptions.
- Farm perimeter and equipment monitoring benefit from 24/7 colour imaging. Detecting people and vehicles accurately reduces false alarms and helps protect livestock, machinery, and crops.
- Outdoor events, construction sites, or pop-up facilities can be secured quickly without trenching or deploying temporary network cables. The cameras wide field of view and high resolution capture crowd movement and incident detail.
- Low-power characteristics and compatibility with Hikvision solar kits (sold separately) make off-grid security feasible when combined with appropriate battery and solar sizing.
Comparisons with similar products
Many manufacturers offer 4G-capable outdoor cameras, but the DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G stands out for a few reasons:
- Resolution and image quality:Where many cellular cameras prioritise battery life or cost and therefore use lower-resolution sensors (2MP or 5MP), this Hikvision model offers true 4K imaging. That extra resolution is valuable for identification and evidence collection.
- Colour night vision:ColorVus full-colour night imaging delivers context and detail (clothing colour, vehicle colour) that IR-only systems typically cannot. Competing models with IR illumination may give better contrast at extreme distances but at the cost of monochrome night footage.
- On-board analytics:Deep-learning human/vehicle classification provides smarter alerts than basic motion detection found in many budget 4G cameras, reducing false positives from animals or foliage.
- Enterprise features:The combination of true WDR, H.265+ compression, integrated eMMC and NAS support positions the camera between consumer 4G devices (which prioritise simplicity and battery life) and full enterprise fixed-network cameras that lack cellular out of the box.
That said, some competitors focus on battery-powered flexibility (e.g., battery-operated 4G cameras) and may offer months of operation between charges — useful where power is extremely limited. The Hikvision device is optimised for always-on scenarios, solar-battery installations, or where a continuous power source is available and higher video fidelity is required.
Customer feedback and representative testimonials
Official customer reviews for specific SKUs may vary by region and reseller. Below are representative comments typical of installers and end users who choose a 4K ColorVu 4G bullet camera for remote projects:
- "The colour night images made a surprising difference during night inspections — we could see vehicle colours and clothing details that IR cameras missed."
- "Using cellular connectivity saved us weeks of trenching work. The integrated SIM slot and on-board storage kept footage local when the link was intermittent."
- "Deep-learning analytics cut down false alarms from wildlife by a huge margin, which meant fewer drive-outs and faster response to real incidents."
If you require verified customer testimonials or region-specific case studies, consult your authorised reseller or Hikvision regional pages for installation references and end-user success stories.
Practical considerations before purchase and installation
- Choose the correct regional SKU:Cellular banding differs by market. Confirm the SKU matches your mobile operators supported LTE/WCDMA/GSM bands.
- Data plan sizing:4K video over cellular consumes substantially more data than lower resolutions. Use H.265+/scheduling and event-based recording to manage data usage, and pick an appropriate mobile plan.
- Power & solar:For off-grid use, pair the camera with a correctly sized solar kit and battery (Hikvision solar accessories are available). Check average and maximum power figures when planning system capacity.
- Mounting & environment:Follow the Hikvision installation manual for optimal mounting, cable routing and sealing. IP67 protects against dust and heavy rain but does not eliminate the need for good mounting and weatherproofing practices.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G?
The Hikvision DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G is a strong choice for projects that demand high-resolution, always-on colour imaging combined with the flexibility of cellular connectivity. Its 4K sensor, ColorVu night capability, robust on-board analytics, and built-in storage deliver a balanced solution for remote infrastructure, agricultural properties, temporary sites, and solar-powered installations. While its more feature-rich than many entry-level 4G cameras, the higher video fidelity and intelligent analytics justify the investment where situational awareness and evidence quality matter.
Before buying, confirm the regional cellular SKU and plan your power and data budgets. When specified and installed correctly, this Hikvision 4K ColorVu 4G bullet camera provides a reliable, high-performance option for securing locations where wired networks simply arent an option.