Introduction to the Hikvision 8MP ColorVu Turret IP Camera
The Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU (marketed as the Hikvision 8MP ColorVu Turret IP Camera, 4K F1.0 PoE) is a purpose-built outdoor network camera designed to deliver detailed 4K imagery in very low-light conditions. Combining Hikvisions ColorVu Smart Hybrid Light (white light plus IR), a large 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor, and modern compression and analytics technologies, this turret camera aims to bridge the gap between conventional infrared-only cameras and multi-light, full-colour surveillance solutions.
Key advantages include full-colour imaging at extremely low lux levels (0 Lux when the built-in light is activated), deep-learning based human/vehicle classification, H.265+ compression for efficient storage and bandwidth use, and an IP67-rated metal housing suitable for outdoor installations. At a suggested retail price of about $199, it targets higher-end residential, retail and small to medium commercial projects where low-light colour detail is important.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU brings together a number of hardware and software features that improve both image quality and operational efficiency. Below is a summary of the most important specifications and the practical benefits they provide.
- Sensor:1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS. The physically larger sensor improves light-gathering capability and dynamic range compared with smaller sensors, which translates to cleaner, more detailed images in dim conditions.
- Resolution:8 MP (3840 × 2160, commonly referred to as 4K). Higher resolution provides better forensic detail for identification and evidence capture, and gives more flexibility for digital zoom and multi-zone monitoring.
- Lens:Fixed focal (M16 mount) with options including 2.8 mm and 4 mm. The 4 mm lens (typical for many outdoor installs) provides a good balance of field of view and long-range detail; DORI estimates for the 4 mm lens are: Detect 109 m, Observe 43 m, Recognise 21 m, Identify 10 m.
- Aperture:Bright F1.0. The wide aperture helps capture more light at the sensor, crucial for night-time colour imaging without excessive amplification.
- ColorVu Smart Hybrid Light:Hybrid white light combined with IR (850 nm). This system enables vibrant, full-colour imaging at very low lux levels and can operate at 0 Lux when the built-in white light is active. Colour imagery improves recognition of clothing, vehicle colours and other contextual clues that IR-only black-and-white footage often misses.
- Illumination range:Supplementary light up to ~40 m. Practical for typical perimeter and car park lighting augmentation, while the camera will still fall back to IR for longer ranges in low-light scenes.
- Wide Dynamic Range (WDR):Up to 130 dB. This helps preserve detail in scenes with strong backlight or high contrast, such as entries with bright sky or headlights behind subjects.
- Compression:H.265+, H.265, H.264 and H.264+. H.265+ and H.265 reduce bandwidth and storage needs, enabling 4K streams to be retained longer on the same storage pool or transmitted more easily over limited network links.
- Multi-stream and ROI:Supports multiple simultaneous streams with region-of-interest (ROI) capability, useful for VMS integration and mobile viewing while preserving archive quality where it matters most.
- On-board storage:microSD card support up to 512 GB, plus NAS support and ANR for redundancy. This allows local buffering if network interruptions occur and flexible retention strategies.
- Deep-learning analytics:Human/vehicle classification and smart event triggers (line crossing, intrusion, region entry/exit). These reduce false alarms and help focus operator attention on relevant events.
- Network security:HTTPS/TLS, 802.1X authentication and IP filtering. These features help harden the camera against unauthorized access when properly configured.
- Environmental rating:Metal body, IP67 ingress protection and an operating temperature range of −30 °C to 60 °C. Built for outdoor durability in a variety of climates.
- Power:12 VDC (max 6.5 W) or PoE IEEE 802.3af (max 8 W), enabling flexible installations and simplified cabling when PoE is used.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU is versatile and fits many practical scenarios where daytime-level colour at night is valuable and where robust analytics are desired.
- Driveways, entry gates and communal car parks benefit from colour-at-night imaging to identify vehicle colours, license plate context (when zoomed appropriately) and clothing colour for incident investigations.
- IP67 rating and wide operating temperature make it suitable for diverse climates found in residential projects.
- Storefronts and loading docks require both deterrence and evidence. ColorVu white light acts as a deterrent, while 4K colour recordings provide useful forensic detail for theft or vandalism investigations.
- Deep-learning human/vehicle detection reduces nuisance alerts from foliage or small animals, improving the efficiency of security staff.
- Perimeter stretches and parking bays where identity, vehicle colour and behaviour matter. The hybrid light gives colour information in low-light sectors, improving situational awareness.
- Multi-streaming supports a central VMS plus mobile monitoring without overloading bandwidth.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU, it helps to understand how it differs from both IR-only cameras and competing low-light technologies.
- IR-only cameras deliver monochrome imagery at night and often require strong IR illumination to reveal contrast and shapes. ColorVu hybrids produce full-colour images in very low light by supplementing ambient light with white LEDs. This yields more actionable detail (e.g., clothing and vehicle colour) but does mean scenes are partially lit when the white light is active.
- IR-only systems are less conspicuous but are sometimes preferred where lighting should be unobtrusive. Choose ColorVu where colour detail and deterrence are priorities.
- Starlight and similar low-light sensor approaches emphasize sensitivity and noise reduction to produce cleaner images with minimal artificial illumination. ColorVus bright aperture (F1.0) plus hybrid lighting trades on both sensor sensitivity and supplemental white light to ensure vivid colour. The best choice depends on whether pure passive low-light capture (no white light) or active colour illumination is desired.
- Against other mainstream brands that offer deep-learning analytics and efficient compression, the Hikvision model is competitive on features and price, especially at the suggested price point near $199. Consider integration with existing VMS and ONVIF compatibility when mixing brands.
Customer testimonials and field feedback
Official customer reviews for specific SKUs can vary by region and vendor. Installers and end-users who prefer ColorVu-style cameras commonly report the following benefits in the field:
- Improved identification at night due to colour information — especially useful for retail and parking applications.
- Reduced false alarms when using deep-learning human/vehicle classification versus generic motion detection.
- Easy installation when using PoE and reliable outdoor performance thanks to the metal housing and IP67 rating.
As with all surveillance equipment, results depend on camera placement, mounting height, lens selection (2.8 mm vs 4 mm) and lighting conditions. Prospective buyers should review independent local reseller reviews and, where possible, request sample footage or a demo unit to verify performance in their specific environment.
Conclusion: Why choose the Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU
The Hikvision 8MP ColorVu Turret IP Camera delivers a compelling mix of high-resolution 4K imaging, strong low-light colour performance, efficient compression and practical analytics at an accessible price point. Its bright F1.0 optics and hybrid white/IR illumination make it particularly well suited for installations where colour detail after dark is important for identification and deterrence. Coupled with deep-learning human/vehicle classification, H.265+ efficiency and robust outdoor credentials (IP67, wide temperature range), it is a solid option for higher-end residential, retail and small commercial deployments.
Before purchasing, confirm lens choice (2.8 mm vs 4 mm) to match your coverage needs, verify integration with your VMS or NVR, and consult the official datasheet and installer guidance for mounting, power and grounding best practices. For many deployments where colour-at-night, 4K detail and modern analytics are priorities, the DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU is a practical and capable choice.
