Introduction: meet the Hikvision DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL
The Hikvision DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SLis an 8 MP (4K) ColorVu Smart Hybrid Light mini‑bullet camera designed for outdoor surveillance where colour detail at night matters. Combining a bright F1.0 lens, a 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor and Hikvisions ColorVu 3.0 imaging, this model captures vivid full‑colour footage in extremely low light. It packs advanced on‑board deep‑learning analytics, hybrid lighting (white + IR), active deterrence and two‑way audio into a rugged IP67/NEMA 4X housing, making it a versatile choice for installers, integrators and anyone who needs reliable, high‑detail night surveillance.
Key features at a glance
- True 4K (3840D72160) resolution at up to 30 fps for detailed scene capture.
- ColorVu 3.0 with an F1.0 super‑aperture lens: colour imaging down to 0.0005 lux (and 0 lux when light is enabled).
- Smart Hybrid Light: integrated white light plus IR (850 nm) with an effective range up to 40 m, plus strobe and audible alarm for active deterrence.
- Deep‑learning analytics: person/vehicle classification, face capture and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion, region entrance/exit).
- Two‑way audio (arrayed dual microphone + speaker), multi‑stream video and onboard storage (microSD up to 512 GB), with NAS/ANR support.
- Rugged outdoor construction: metal body, IP67 ingress protection, NEMA 4X corrosion resistance and an operating range from 30 B0C to 60 B0C.
Detailed specifications and benefits
Understanding the hardware and software that power the DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL helps explain why it performs well in demanding outdoor applications.
- Sensor:1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS — a physically large sensor for the class, delivering improved dynamic range and lower noise than smaller sensors.
- Resolution and frame rate:3840D72160 (4K) up to 30 fps, giving clear, zoomable footage useful for licence plates, faces and fine scene detail.
- Aperture & lens:F1.0 super‑aperture with fixed lens options (2.8 mm or 4 mm). The wide aperture allows more light to reach the sensor, improving low‑light colour performance and enabling shallower depth of field where required.
- Low‑light performance:ColorVu 3.0 achieves colour images at 0.0005 lux (@ F1.0) and can produce full‑colour footage even in near‑darkness when paired with the integrated white light.
- WDR & stabilization:130 dB WDR helps handle high contrast scenes; 3D DNR and EIS reduce noise and motion blur for crisper video at lower bitrates.
- Smart Hybrid Light:The camera uses a combination of white light and IR to maintain colour imaging or fall back to IR as needed. White light range and IR range extend up to 40 m depending on conditions.
- Active deterrence:Built‑in strobe light and an audible alarm can be triggered automatically by analytics or manually via management software to deter intruders in real time.
- Audio:Arrayed dual microphone and speaker support two‑way audio for remote announcements, verification and deterrence workflows.
- Video codecs:H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 — modern compression to reduce bandwidth and storage costs while keeping image quality.
- Edge storage:microSD/SDHC/SDXC up to 512 GB, plus NAS support (NFS/SMB/CIFS) and ANR for resilient recording during network interruptions.
- Smart analytics:Onboard deep‑learning functions include person/vehicle classification (reducing false alarms), face capture and perimeter protection rules such as line crossing and intrusion areas.
- Protocols & compatibility:ONVIF S/G/T and mainstream network protocols ensure interoperability with NVRs and VMS platforms; HTTPS and IPv6 supported for secure connectivity.
- Power:PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at, Class 4, max 18 W) or 12 VDC — PoE+ is recommended where the white lighting and audio are used to ensure sufficient power overhead.
- Durability:IP67 and NEMA 4X ratings, metal body and corrosion‑resistant finish for long service life in harsh outdoor environments.
- Temperature range:30 B0C to 60 B0C, suitable for demanding climates.
- Physical:Compact mini‑bullet form factor (Ø 74.4 mm × 176.3 mm, approx. 530 g) for unobtrusive mounting on walls and eaves.
Where this camera excels: typical use cases
The DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL is engineered for situations where day/night colour fidelity, reliable detection and ruggedness are priorities. Typical deployments include:
- Car parks and vehicle entrances:Colour night imaging aids plate readability and incident verification; vehicle/person classification reduces false alerts from foliage or shadows.
- Retail frontages and storefronts:Colour footage at night helps identify suspects, refine evidence and improve situational awareness for staff and security teams.
- Perimeter and gate protection:Active deterrence (strobe + sound) can stop intruders before they enter the site; perimeter analytics automatically flag crossings and intrusions.
- Warehouse yards and logistics hubs:High resolution and long light range support coverage of loading zones, reducing the need for multiple cameras.
- Residential and gated communities:A compact bullet camera with two‑way audio can be used for access verification and neighbourhood watch applications.
Comparisons with similar products
In its class the DS-2CD2087G3 competes with other manufacturers offerings that prioritise low‑light performance and analytics. A few general comparisons:
- Dahua LightHunter series:Dahua's LightHunter cameras focus on low‑light colour capture as well. Both platforms offer strong low‑lux performance; differences often come down to aperture, lens options, analytics feature sets and integration with each brands VMS. Hikvisions ColorVu 3.0 emphasizes extremely low lux performance combined with a powerful aperture (F1.0) and integrated hybrid lighting for bright colour detail.
- Axis Lightfinder / Forensic Capture:Axis is known for excellent image quality and strong cybersecurity practices. Axis models often command higher prices and are favoured where long‑term support and stringent network security are priorities. Hikvision typically delivers competitive feature density and cost efficiency, especially where integrated active deterrence and deep‑learning analytics are required.
- Uniview / Bosch / Others:Many vendors offer starlight or low‑light technologies that capture greyscale detail at very low light. The main distinction with Hikvision ColorVu products is the emphasis on full‑colour imaging at night and the inclusion of white light for immediate colour capture when needed.
Practical considerations when choosing between brands include: analytics maturity, interoperability with existing VMS/NVRs, power requirements (PoE vs PoE+), and regional support/warranty terms. The DS-2CD2087G3 stands out for balancing high resolution, integrated lighting and onboard deep‑learning analytics at a competitive suggested price point (229.00 as provided).
What customers and installers say (representative feedback)
Below are anonymized and representative comments based on installer and end‑user feedback patterns for similar ColorVu devices. These are illustrative and not quoted from identifiable individuals.
- Installer feedback:"Easy to mount and configure via PoE+. The built‑in white light reduces the number of cameras we needed for the job and the analytics cut down on false alarms caused by small animals."
- Security manager:"Colour footage at night made the difference in a parking lot incident — we could identify clothing colour and other details we wouldn't have from typical IR images."
- Small business owner:"Two‑way audio and active deterrence let us warn off intruders immediately. The camera looks robust and has held up to weather for months of continuous outdoor use."
Note: warranty coverage can vary by reseller and region; confirm warranty and support details with your supplier before purchase.
Conclusion: why choose the DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL combines true 4K resolution, excellent low‑light colour imaging (ColorVu 3.0 and an F1.0 lens), hybrid lighting and deep‑learning analytics in a compact, weatherproof mini‑bullet form. It is particularly well suited to outdoor applications where nighttime colour detail, active deterrence and reliable perimeter detection are important. For integrators and end users seeking a feature‑rich camera that reduces false alarms, supports flexible storage options and simplifies deterrence with integrated lighting and audio, this model represents a practical and cost‑effective choice. As always, match the cameras capabilities to your site requirements (coverage area, power availability — PoE+ recommended when using active lighting — and VMS compatibility) and confirm local approvals and warranty arrangements with your supplier prior to installation.
