Introduction: Meet the Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL is an 8MP ColorVu panoramic bullet camera designed to deliver broad, high-quality surveillance coverage with strong low-light performance. Equipped with dual 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensors and dual 4 mm lenses, this camera produces an approximately 180° horizontal field of view at a maximum resolution of 5120 × 1440. ColorVu technology and a smart white supplementary light allow full-colour imaging in extremely low light, while deep-learning analytics reduce false alarms by distinguishing people and vehicles. Built for outdoor use, the metal IP67 housing and flexible power options (PoE or 12 VDC) make it suitable for many commercial and public-space deployments.
Key features at a glance
- 8MP panoramic resolution— 5120 × 1440 at up to 20 fps for wide-area situational awareness.
- 180° coverage— dual 4 mm lenses provide near-seamless panoramic imaging to reduce blind spots and the need for multiple cameras.
- ColorVu low-light imaging— colour video down to 0.0005 Lux (AGC on) and full-colour at 0 Lux with the built-in white light.
- Smart white supplementary light— strobe-capable light with effective range up to 40 m for night-time colour evidence capture and active deterrence.
- Deep-learning analytics— on-board human/vehicle classification and perimeter protection filters to cut false positives.
- Robust outdoor design— IP67 metal housing, PoE (802.3af) or 12 VDC power options for flexible installation.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL uses two 1/1.8" progressive‑scan CMOS sensors paired with dual fixed 4 mm lenses (M16 mount). This configuration delivers a stitched 8MP panoramic image of 5120 × 1440 pixels and an approximate 180° horizontal by 44° vertical field of view. An aperture of F1.0 helps gather more light, while WDR (up to 130 dB) and a signal-to-noise ratio of ≥ 52 dB improve image quality in scenes with strong contrast or noise.
Benefit: For perimeter and wide-area monitoring, the higher resolution across a panoramic scene makes it easier to identify faces, license plates and small details without deploying multiple cameras and stitching video off a VMS.
Hikvision ColorVu technology enables colour imaging at very low light levels — down to 0.0005 Lux with AGC enabled. When ambient light is absent, the camera's smart white supplementary light can be triggered to provide colour illumination up to approximately 40 metres. The white light can be used continuously for night-colour capture or as a strobe to draw attention and deter intruders.
Benefit: Colour imagery at night improves identification accuracy and evidential value. The integrated white light adds a proactive security layer, helping to stop incidents before they escalate.
The camera runs deep-learning-based analytics for perimeter protection — supporting line crossing, intrusion and region enter/exit detection with human and vehicle filtering to reduce nuisance alarms. Video compression supports H.265+/H.265 and H.264+/H.264 for efficient bandwidth and storage usage, with ROI and SVC features for further optimisation. Local storage is supported via a microSD card (datasheet lists up to 256 GB; verify with your supplier if larger capacities are supported on your firmware).
Benefit: Intelligent analytics focus operator attention on relevant events while modern codecs reduce storage and network costs — important for deployments that record continuous panoramic video.
Built-in microphone and speaker enable two-way audio and audible alarm functions, useful for remote warnings or communication. Network compatibility includes ONVIF (S/G/T) for integration with third-party NVRs and VMS platforms, as well as Hikvision's Hik-Connect and HikCentral. The IP67-rated metal housing makes the camera resilient to outdoor weather conditions. Power can be supplied over PoE (802.3af) or 12 VDC, simplifying installation choices.
Benefit: Two-way audio aids in remote interventions, ONVIF support ensures flexible system integration, and IP67 construction reduces maintenance and replacement costs in exposed environments.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Retail exteriors and store fronts— One panoramic camera can cover an entire storefront, sidewalks and adjacent parking areas, providing recognizable colour video at night to support investigations and deter theft.
- Parking lots and car parks— Wide-angle coverage reduces the number of poles and cameras required to monitor aisles. Colour night imaging improves license plate and occupant identification compared with typical IR-only cameras.
- Campus and facility entrances— Campus gates, service yards, and logistics entrances benefit from the broad field of view and analytics to monitor pedestrian and vehicle flows and trigger alerts for unusual activity.
- Perimeter and open areas— Perimeter lines and intrusion detection with human/vehicle classification help cut false alarms caused by animals or vegetation movement in open-field installations.
- Public spaces and transit hubs— Where situational awareness over a wide area is required, a panoramic view provides context and the ability to monitor queues, pedestrian movements and security incidents with colour detail at night.
How it compares with similar products
Panoramic cameras come in several forms — multi-sensor domes, fisheye/plus dewarped single-sensor cameras, and multi-lens panoramic bullets like this Hikvision. Compared to single fisheye cameras, the dual-sensor panoramic bullet typically offers higher usable resolution across the horizontal plane (because it avoids heavy dewarping and preserves detail across the stitched image). Against multi-sensor domes, the DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL is competitive in price and simpler to install for linear panoramas where only a single axis of wide coverage is needed.
Compared to IR-based panoramic models, the Hikvision ColorVu unit provides clearer colour detail at night, which can make a significant difference for identification. Where IR delivers monochrome night images, ColorVu helps capture clothing colours, vehicle paint and other forensic cues without relying solely on artificial scene lighting.
In terms of analytics, Hikvisions deep-learning human/vehicle filtering is on par with other major vendors mid-tier panoramic offerings. The inclusion of built-in two-way audio and an integrated white light strobe is a useful differentiator when active deterrence is desired without adding separate lighting systems.
Customer feedback and installer impressions
Where direct customer testimonials are available, common themes among installers and end users centre on the cameras broad coverage, night-time colour performance and straightforward PoE installation. Installers often note reduced hardware counts and simpler cable runs when replacing multiple fixed cameras with a single panoramic unit. Security managers appreciate the improved night evidence quality delivered by ColorVu when compared with traditional IR panoramic cameras.
Potential considerations raised by users include verifying maximum microSD capacity for local recording with specific firmware versions and ensuring integration compatibility with existing NVR/VMS platforms via ONVIF profiles. As with any IP camera, keeping firmware up to date and following secure installation practices is frequently recommended by installers.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL is a compelling choice when you need wide-area, high-resolution surveillance with excellent low-light colour performance. Its 8MP panoramic imaging reduces the number of cameras required to cover a scene, while ColorVu and the smart white supplementary light improve night-time identification and offer active deterrence. Deep-learning analytics reduce false positives and focus attention on people and vehicles, and versatile power and integration options (PoE, 12 VDC, ONVIF support) simplify deployment into existing systems.
For retailers, parking operators, campuses and facility managers seeking a single-camera solution that balances coverage, image quality and intelligent detection, the DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL represents a practical, cost-effective option. As always, validate microSD compatibility and ONVIF/NVR integration for your environment, and engage a qualified installer to ensure the camera is configured and secured correctly for long-term reliable operation.
