Introduction to the Hikvision 8MP ColourVu Bullet Camera
The Hikvision DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL is an outdoor mini bullet IP camera that brings 8 MP (3840×2160) 4K resolution together with Hikvision's ColourVu low-light imaging and Smart Hybrid lighting. Designed for round-the-clock colour surveillance, this camera pairs a fast F1.0 aperture sensor with hybrid IR and white light, integrated audio and active deterrence, and on-board deep-learning analytics. Rugged metal housing with IP67 and NEMA 4X anti-corrosion protection, Power over Ethernet (PoE) support (IEEE 802.3at), and flexible storage options make it a practical choice for commercial and residential external security applications.
Key features at a glance
- 4K resolution:8 MP (3840×2160) at up to 30 fps for detailed identification and forensic review.
- ColourVu low-light imaging:F1.0 aperture and advanced sensor performance deliver colour images at very low lux levels (colour 0.0005 Lux; 0 Lux with supplement light).
- Smart Hybrid Light:Combined IR (850 nm) and white light up to ~40 m with active strobe and audible alarm via built-in speaker.
- Integrated audio:Dual-array microphones and a speaker allow two-way audio and a loud deterrent siren (speaker output ~2 W, up to ~110 dB at 10 cm).
- Deep-learning analytics:Person/vehicle classification, face capture, perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion) and reduced false alarms.
- Rugged and flexible:Metal housing, IP67/NEMA 4X protection, operating range -30 °C to 60 °C, PoE (802.3at) or 12 VDC power.
- Multiple storage & integration:microSD up to 512 GB, NAS (NFS/SMB), ANR, ONVIF support for VMS integration.
Detailed specifications and benefits
At the heart of this model is a 1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS sensor and an F1.0 lens that prioritises low-light sensitivity. Available lens options (2.8 mm or 4 mm fixed) cover wide fields of view for perimeter and area monitoring. The camera produces true 4K resolution (3840×2160), giving sharper detail and greater pixel density for license plates, faces and scene context. Wide Dynamic Range (130 dB) and 3D Digital Noise Reduction (3D DNR) help maintain usable images in scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows.
ColourVu technology is designed to retain colour information in very low light conditions. With an F1.0 aperture and sensitive sensor, the camera can capture colour imagery where many conventional CCTV cameras would only provide monochrome. The Smart Hybrid Light system combines IR illumination and a controllable white-light source (approx. 40 m range) plus active strobe. This gives flexibility: use IR for covert night monitoring, white light for recorded colour evidence, or strobe and siren for active deterrence when suspicious activity is detected.
The DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL includes built-in dual-array microphones and a speaker. Two-way audio lets operators talk to people on site, and the speaker can play a configurable siren or pre-set message for active deterrence. On-device deep-learning analytics improve event accuracy by classifying persons vs vehicles and supporting functions such as face capture and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion). These analytics reduce false positives from foliage, animals or lighting changes, making alarm workflows more actionable.
Efficient video codecs (H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 with MJPEG on a sub-stream) reduce bandwidth and storage demands. Storage is flexible: local microSD up to 512 GB, NAS (NFS/SMB), FTP, and ANR support for temporary recording if the network is interrupted. ONVIF compatibility and common network security protocols (HTTPS, TLS, 802.1X, SRTP) make the camera suitable for modern VMS environments and secure deployments.
The camera's metal housing with IP67 and NEMA 4X anti-corrosion protection is built for exposed sites. It operates from -30 °C to 60 °C and weighs about 530 g (815 g packaged). Power options include PoE (IEEE 802.3at, Class 4) or 12 VDC; typical maximum power draw is approx. 15–18 W depending on illumination and speaker use. For reliable outdoor operation use PoE switches rated for 802.3at or a suitably rated 12 VDC power supply and observe correct grounding and cable-entry best practice.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
- Retail exteriors and storefronts:Colour night images help identify vehicle colours and clothing in after-hours incidents, while the strobe and siren deter vandals or would-be thieves.
- Car parks and transport hubs:4K resolution aids license plate and occupant recognition at distance; deep-learning filters reduce nuisance alarms from swaying trees or shadows.
- Logistics yards and gated premises:Rugged housing and anti-corrosion protection suit industrial sites; analytics can be used to monitor vehicle flow and unauthorised entry.
- Residential and gated communities:Easy PoE installation and integrated deterrence make it a strong option for high-value domestic sites that require visible, capable cameras.
- Hybrid covert/coercive deployments:Use IR for discreet monitoring and white light plus audible warning for escalation—useful for security guards or remote monitoring centres that want graduated responses.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Within the same segment, this Hikvision model competes with other manufacturers offering colour low-light cameras and hybrid lighting. Key points of comparison include low-light performance, analytics capability, audio features, build quality and integration options.
Hikvision’s ColourVu lineup includes dome and bullet variants with different sensors and feature sets. The DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL stands out for combining 8 MP 4K resolution with an F1.0 aperture and integrated active deterrence. If you prioritise the highest possible pixel count and long-range hybrid lighting, this mini bullet is a strong choice; other ColourVu models may trade resolution for wider field of view, motorised zoom, or a lower price.
Dahua and Axis offer low-light and colour-capable cameras, and some competitors include active deterrence and analytics. Axis tends to lead on software ecosystem and long-term reliability at a premium price; Dahua often competes on price and feature parity. The Hikvision DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL is competitive when you balance 4K resolution, ColourVu low-light colour imaging, integrated audio deterrence and deep-learning analytics. Always compare specific analytics, ONVIF/third-party VMS compatibility, warranty and regional certification before selecting a camera for a large deployment.
Customer feedback and reviews
Publicly available professional installer feedback and user comments about Hikvision ColourVu cameras commonly highlight the clarity of colour night images, strong image detail at 4K, and the utility of active deterrence (white light + siren) for reducing nuisance behaviour. Installers often note that PoE simplifies deployment and that deep-learning analytics reduce false alarms compared with older rule-based motion detection.
Potential concerns mentioned by some integrators include verifying regional certification and firmware feature availability, ensuring compatible PoE switches (802.3at for full functionality), and checking privacy/data protection compliance when storing high-resolution images. As with any surveillance product, ensure firmware is current and follow vendor guidance for secure network configuration.
Conclusion: why this camera is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL mini bullet camera is a compelling choice for installations that need 4K detail, reliable low-light colour imaging, active on-site deterrence and modern AI-enabled analytics. It pairs rugged outdoor construction with flexible power and storage options, making it suitable for retail, parking, industrial and residential perimeter applications. The built-in microphone and speaker extend functionality beyond passive monitoring to active response, and efficient codecs plus multiple storage paths reduce total cost of ownership.
For buyers, consider the suggested retail price and factor in PoE infrastructure if you want full feature availability. Also confirm region-specific compliance and firmware features with your distributor. If your priority is clear, colour-identifiable evidence at night plus on-device intelligence and audible deterrence, this Hikvision 8MP ColourVu bullet camera is a practical, feature-rich solution.
- Model: DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL
- Key strengths: 8 MP 4K, ColourVu low-light, Smart Hybrid Light, on-board analytics, PoE
- Typical suggested price: USD 229 (confirm with supplier)
- Recommended for: perimeter, parking, retail exteriors, logistics and gated premises
