Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL
The Hikvision 8MP ColorVu varifocal bullet camera (model DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL) is a professional-grade outdoor IP camera designed for projects that demand high-resolution daytime images and true-colour performance in low-light conditions. With an 8 MP 1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS sensor, a motorised 2.8–12 mm F1.2 varifocal lens, hybrid smart illumination and on-board deep-learning analytics, this PoE+ camera delivers versatile coverage, reliable detection and active deterrence features for commercial and critical-site installations.
Key features at a glance
- High-resolution imaging:8 MP (3840 × 2160) at up to 25/30 fps for sharp, detailed images.
- ColorVu low-light technology:Full-colour imaging down to 0.001 Lux with supplemental light to retain colour at night.
- Motorised varifocal lens:Remote-adjustable 2.8–12 mm F1.2 for flexible wide-to-tele coverage and easy setup.
- Hybrid illumination and active deterrence:IR + white light to 60 m, integrated speaker and strobe for audible/warning deterrence.
- On-board AI analytics:Face capture and perimeter protection with person/vehicle classification to reduce false alarms.
- Durable for outdoors:IP67, IK10 and NEMA 4X ratings and wide operating temperature range.
- Flexible connectivity:PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) or 12 VDC power, H.265/H.264 codecs, ONVIF compatibility and microSD storage up to 512 GB.
Detailed specifications and benefits
At the core of the DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL is a 1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS sensor capable of delivering 8 MP (3840 × 2160) resolution. This translates to more pixels for finer detail — essential when you need readable licence plates, facial detail or clear situational awareness across a scene. The camera supports H.265 and H.264 codecs (plus the optimized H.264+/H.265+) for efficient bandwidth and storage use without compromising image fidelity. Multiple streams, ROI and SVC support allow installers to tailor recording and viewing performance to network and storage constraints.
ColorVu technology ensures colour images at extremely low light levels (0.001 Lux @ F1.2) by using a large-aperture lens and auxiliary lighting. When light is insufficient, the camera’s hybrid illumination system (IR and white light) provides either covert night vision or full-colour supplement illumination up to 60 m. The integrated strobe and speaker allow active deterrence — configured to flash and play warnings when an intrusion or suspicious behaviour is detected.
The motorised 2.8–12 mm F1.2 varifocal lens gives installers remote control over focal length and focus, greatly simplifying commissioning and adjustments after mounting. The horizontal field of view spans approximately 112.3° at the wide end down to 41.2° at the tele end. DORI ranges (Detect/Observe/Recognise/Identify) show strong performance for both wide and tele positions, making the camera suitable for medium-to-long-range monitoring.
On-board deep-learning features include face capture and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion) with person/vehicle classification. These analytics help reduce nuisance alarms from foliage, animals or weather, focusing alerts on human or vehicular targets. For integrators, this provides more actionable alerts and less time wasted chasing false events.
The camera supports PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at, Class 4) for simplified cabling and up to approximately 18 W power consumption over PoE. A 12 VDC option is available for sites without PoE. Local storage via microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC (up to 512 GB) with ANR, plus NAS support (NFS, SMB/CIFS), offers redundancy and flexible recording strategies. Standard ONVIF compatibility and RTSP/HTTPS support ensure the camera integrates with a wide variety of NVRs and VMS platforms.
Built to withstand outdoor conditions, the camera carries IP67 ingress protection, IK10 impact resistance and NEMA 4X corrosion protection. It operates across a wide temperature range (−30 °C to 60 °C), allowing deployment in harsh climates. At roughly 1.56 kg, the housing is substantial yet manageable for standard mounting hardware.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Perimeter and site surveillance:The combination of long-range illumination, AI-based perimeter detection and active deterrence makes this camera ideal for securing commercial compounds, industrial sites and critical infrastructure.
- Car parks and vehicle access points:High-resolution imagery plus person/vehicle classification helps monitor parking lots, entry lanes and driveways — useful for incident investigation and operational management.
- Building entrances and façades:ColorVu low-light colour imaging supports identification and forensic evidence capture where accurate colour is beneficial.
- Medium-to-long-range monitoring:The motorised varifocal lens and DORI performance make the unit suitable for roads, access roads and stretches of site where both wide area awareness and tele detail are needed.
- Retail and commercial premises:Two-way audio and integrated active deterrence allow staff to communicate warnings or instructions remotely, while on-board analytics reduce false alarms from non-critical motion.
How it compares to similar products
Compared with standard IR-only bullet cameras, the Hikvision ColorVu model delivers full-colour images in very low light, which can make a material difference for identification and situational awareness at night. Compared with fixed-lens cameras, the motorised 2.8–12 mm varifocal lens offers far greater installation flexibility and remote tuning — saving time during commissioning and reducing the need for rework.
Against competing manufacturers, many high-end cameras offer similar features (8 MP sensors, AI analytics, PoE+), but differences often come down to illumination approach, analytics maturity, ecosystem support and price. Hikvision’s ColorVu line is known for low-light colour fidelity and practical hybrid illumination; rival solutions may prioritise longer IR range or different analytics specialisations. For integrators, the choice typically balances the priority between night-time colour, AI capabilities, long-range optics and overall system compatibility (ONVIF/VMS support).
Installation considerations and pricing
This model supports PoE+ to simplify installations over structured cabling. Remote focus/zoom and motorised lens adjustment reduce the need to access the camera for lens tweaks after mounting, which is particularly advantageous for elevated or hard-to-reach locations. The manufacturer recommends qualified technician installation to meet local regulations and ensure correct aiming, cabling and configuration.
Suggested retail guidance for this unit is approximately 549.99 (currency dependent), with a cost price example of 300.02 — allowing installers and resellers flexibility for margins based on service, warranty and project scope. Note that warranty details are product-specific; check current retailer and regional warranty policies before purchase.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
Official customer testimonials for this exact model may vary by region and distributor. In practical installer feedback across similar ColorVu varifocal cameras, users commonly report the following benefits:
- Consistently strong low-light colour performance that improves identification after dark compared with IR-only units.
- Reduced commissioning time thanks to motorised zoom and focus — especially useful on tall poles or building façades.
- Effective nuisance-alarm reduction when AI perimeter rules are tuned correctly.
- Active deterrence (strobe and audible warning) is appreciated for high-security sites, though it requires thoughtful integration with policies and local regulations.
If you require verified customer reviews, consult distributor review pages, system integrator case studies or independent security forums for deployment-specific feedback.
Conclusion — why choose the Hikvision DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL is a compelling choice for projects that demand high-resolution imaging, robust low-light colour performance and flexible optics. Its hybrid illumination and active deterrence features combined with on-board AI analytics make it well-suited to perimeter protection, car parks, entrances and medium-to-long-range monitoring. Durable environmental ratings and versatile connectivity (PoE+, microSD, NAS, ONVIF) help ensure the camera integrates cleanly into professional systems and stands up to outdoor conditions.
For system designers and installers, the remote motorised lens functionality and advanced analytics reduce on-site adjustments and false alarms — saving time and improving operational efficiency. Given its feature set and suggested price positioning, the DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL is a strong option where night-time colour, reliable detection and deterrence matter.
Datasheet, Quick Start Guide and User Manual are typically available from the product resources. Verify local compliance and certifications before deployment and consult a qualified technician for installation and configuration guidance.
