Introduction: Meet the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY 8MP ColorVu Turret Camera
The DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY is an 8 MP (4K) fixed-turret IP CCTV camera built to deliver full‑colour, around‑the‑clock surveillance in demanding outdoor environments. Combining Hikvisions ColorVu technology with Smart Hybrid Light (a combination of white light and IR), on‑device deep‑learning analytics and a corrosion‑resistant NEMA 4X housing, this turret camera is designed for sites that need clear visual evidence, accurate detection and durable performance. Whether protecting a coastal facility, monitoring a car park, or securing an entrance, the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY aims to provide UHD imagery, strong analytics and reliable operation in harsh conditions.
Key features at a glance
- 8 MP (3840 × 2160) 4K resolutionfor crisp image detail and evidence-quality captures.
- ColorVu 3.0for full‑colour low‑light imaging down to 0.0005 lux (and 0 lux with white light).
- Smart Hybrid Light(white light + IR) with supplementary illumination up to ~30 m.
- On‑device deep‑learning analyticsincluding person & vehicle classification, perimeter protection and face capture.
- Robust outdoor build: metal body, NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion rating and IP67 ingress protection.
- Flexible power & storage: PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC input and microSD slot up to 512 GB.
- Built‑in audio: arrayed dual microphone for local sound capture.
Detailed specifications and what they mean for you
Understanding raw specifications is important, but translating them into practical benefits clarifies why this camera may suit your project. Below are the main specification groups and the real‑world advantages they provide.
- Image sensor:1/1.8" progressive CMOS. Larger sensor area and progressive scan produce better image quality, reduced motion blur and improved low‑light performance compared with smaller sensors.
- Max resolution:3840 × 2160 (4K). UHD resolution lets you zoom in on details such as license plates, faces and small objects while maintaining clarity.
- Lens:Fixed 2.8 mm, F1.0; approximately 108.86 horizontal field of view. The wide field of view covers broad scenes such as parking areas and entrance façades without many cameras.
- Minimum illumination:Colour 0.0005 lux @ F1.0; 0 lux with white light. Thanks to ColorVu and a fast F1.0 lens, the camera can capture usable colour images in very low ambient light and switch to full‑colour instantly when the white light is engaged.
- Smart Hybrid Light:Integrates white light and IR. White light delivers full‑colour images and scene deterrence, while IR provides covert illumination when needed. The supplementary range is up to ~30 m, useful for mid‑to‑long distance coverage at night.
- IR wavelength:850 nm, standard for night IR performance.
- Compression:H.265 / H.264 with multiple streams. H.265 reduces bandwidth and storage needs for high‑resolution 4K video while preserving quality.
- WDR:130 dB. Wide dynamic range helps for scenes with strong backlight or mixed lighting, keeping details visible in highlights and shadows.
- Edge storage:microSD up to 512 GB. Local storage can be used for redundancy or when network recording is not available.
- Bitrate control:Adjustable 32 Kbps–16 Mbps to balance image quality with available network capacity.
- On‑device analytics:Deep‑learning person and vehicle classification, perimeter protection and face capture reduce false alarms and help operators focus on relevant events.
- Audio:Built‑in arrayed dual microphone for situational awareness and event verification (be mindful of local privacy laws for audio recording).
- Network & security:Supports ONVIF S/G/T, TLS/HTTPS and 802.1X. Multiple user accounts (up to 32) enable controlled access and integration into third‑party VMS systems.
- Power:PoE IEEE 802.3af (max ~11 W) or 12 VDC (max ~8.5 W). PoE simplifies installation by combining data and power over a single cable.
- Housing & ingress:Metal body with NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion and IP67 rating, making the camera suitable for coastal and corrosive environments where salt, moisture and spray are concerns.
- Operating temperature:−30 °C to 60 °C, covering a wide range of outdoor climates.
- Physical size:Ø138.3 mm × 115.4 mm; weight approx. 750 g. Compact turret form factor eases concealment and mounting on walls or ceilings.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY is designed to solve common real‑world surveillance challenges. Key scenarios include:
- Coastal and industrial sites:NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion housing and IP67 sealing make this camera a top choice for ports, marinas and chemical or coastal installations where salt and corrosive elements shorten the life of lesser products.
- Parking lots and perimeter monitoring:4K resolution and a wide 108.86 field of view cover large areas while preserving detail. Smart Hybrid Light ensures clear colour evidence at night and acts as a visual deterrent when needed.
- Building entrances and retail exteriors:On‑device person and vehicle classification helps reduce nuisance alerts from animals or foliage, allowing operators to focus on real threats. Face capture can assist investigations and access control correlation.
- Transport hubs and public spaces:High dynamic range and ColorVu keep important visual information visible in mixed lighting (e.g., street lamps and vehicle headlights) and low‑light hours.
- Standalone or distributed deployments:PoE and edge storage make it simple to deploy cameras in locations with limited infrastructure while maintaining redundancy.
How it compares with similar products on the market
When evaluating the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY, its helpful to compare key categories with alternatives from Hikvisions own line and competitors such as Dahua, Axis and Uniview.
Many competitors offer 4K turret cameras, but ColorVus approach (large aperture F1.0 lens plus dedicated white light) provides consistently better colour reproduction in very low light without relying solely on IR. Some competing cameras use only IR or rely on extremely bright sensors that increase noise; ColorVu aims to preserve colour and clarity while keeping noise low.
Smart Hybrid Light (white + IR) is comparable to other vendors hybrid offerings, but the benefit here is the seamless switch between full‑colour white light mode for evidence and visible deterrence and IR for covert monitoring. Axis, Dahua and others have similar mixed‑illumination models, but Hikvisions tuning and integration with ColorVu analytics can make a practical difference in image usability at night.
Deep‑learning person and vehicle classification on the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY reduces false positives compared with older motion‑based systems. Competing higher‑end models from Axis or Bosch offer strong analytics too, and some third‑party analytic modules may provide specialized capabilities. The choice often comes down to integration with existing VMS, licensing costs and specific analytics accuracy on your site conditions.
The NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion housing is a differentiator for coastal and industrial deployments; not all 4K turret cameras specify an anti‑corrosion rating. If your site faces salt spray or chemical exposure, this camera has a clear advantage over standard IP67 housings without NEMA 4X certification.
Customer testimonials and real‑world feedback
There are no verified public testimonials embedded here. However, typical feedback from integrators and site managers using similar Hikvision ColorVu turret models commonly highlights:
- "Excellent night colour—helps with identification and reduces the need for additional lighting."
- "PoE made installation straightforward and edge storage provided reliable redundancy when network links were unreliable."
- "Strong build quality for coastal sites—corrosion resistance mattered more than we expected."
- "Analytics reduced false alarms compared with our old motion‑only cameras, saving operator time."
Note: These reflect common themes reported by installers of ColorVu cameras; prospective buyers should seek out site‑specific references or tests and consult independent reviews for definitive performance comparisons.
Pricing, procurement and installation notes
Suggested retail pricing for professional security hardware varies by region and channel. The DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY is positioned as a premium turret camera: suggested price in many channels is around 249.00 (local currency may apply). The cost of ownership should consider installation (PoE switch or 12 VDC supply), potential mounting accessories, storage or VMS licenses, and any optional extended warranties or service plans.
Installation best practices:
- Follow local electrical and data cabling regulations and use qualified installers for mains wiring and network configuration.
- Configure lighting thresholds and analytics sensitivity to match site conditions; test in both daytime and night scenarios.
- Keep firmware updated per manufacturer guidance and secure network access using strong credentials and encryption (TLS/HTTPS, 802.1X where available).
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY?
The DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY offers a balanced package for outdoor surveillance projects that demand high resolution, strong low‑light colour performance and environmental durability. Its 4K sensor and wide field of view capture fine detail across large scenes, while ColorVu 3.0 and Smart Hybrid Light provide actionable, full‑colour evidence at night. On‑device deep‑learning analytics reduce false alarms and improve operational efficiency, and the NEMA 4X anti‑corrosion housing distinguishes the camera for coastal or industrial sites where longevity matters.
For integrators and site managers seeking a turret camera that bridges image quality, analytics and ruggedness, the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY represents a compelling choice. As always, validate performance against your specific lighting and environmental conditions, factor in installation and integration costs, and test analytics tuning during commissioning to get the best results from the system.