Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL 8MP Panoramic ColorVu Bullet Camera, 4 mm, IP67

Introduction: What the Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL offers

The Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL is an 8MP panoramic ColorVu bullet camera engineered to deliver ultra-wide, full‑colour surveillance around the clock. With dual 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensors and fixed dual 4 mm, F1.0 lenses, the camera produces a stitched 5120 × 1440 image that covers 180° horizontally. Built for outdoor use, it combines bright low‑light performance, on‑board deterrence (white light, smart strobe and siren), PoE power, deep‑learning analytics and rugged IP67 ingress protection. In short, it’s designed to replace multiple conventional cameras in open areas while improving identification and response capabilities day and night.

Key features at a glance

• High-resolution panoramic imaging:5120 × 1440 (8MP) stitched panorama covering 180° horizontal and 44° vertical.
• ColorVu 24/7 colour:Dual sensors with bright F1.0 lenses and integrated white supplement light enable full‑colour images in very low light (down to 0.0005 lux with color, 0 lux with supplement light).
• Active deterrence:Built‑in white light, smart strobe and speaker/siren can deter intruders up to ~40 m.
• Advanced analytics:Deep‑learning human/vehicle classification, line crossing, intrusion and region entrance/exit support perimeter protection use cases.
• Flexible storage and networking:microSD up to 512 GB, PoE (802.3af), ONVIF compatibility and common secure protocols (HTTPS, TLS 1.2).
• Robust outdoor design:Metal body, IP67 ingress protection and wide operating temperature range (-30 °C to 60 °C).

Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver

The camera uses two 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensors to produce a combined 8MP panoramic image (5120 × 1440). The practical result is a wide, distortion‑managed panorama with more usable pixels across a broad scene than a single fisheye or a low‑resolution panoramic module. Up to 20 fps at full panoramic resolution (subject to WDR/region limits) provides smooth live monitoring while conserving bandwidth with modern H.265+/H.265 compression.

Fixed dual 4 mm F1.0 lenses and an extremely sensitive ColorVu design enable excellent performance in dim conditions. The camera's minimum illumination is 0.0005 lux with colour at F1.0 and AGC on; when the integrated white supplement light is active, the camera can capture full‑colour images at 0 lux. For environments where identification of faces, clothing colours or vehicle features is important at night, this is a clear advantage over IR‑only systems that produce monochrome imagery after dark.

Video compression options include H.265+/H.265 and H.264+/H.264 with bitrates from 32 Kbps to 16 Mbps and CBR/VBR modes. Image functions such as BLC, HLC, privacy masks and ROI let installers optimize image quality for challenging lighting or privacy needs. Deep‑learning analytics provide improved accuracy for human and vehicle classification, reducing false alarms and enabling reliable perimeter protection, line crossing detection and region entry/exit events.

On‑board microSD storage (up to 512 GB) with ANR support allows continued recording during network interruptions. A built‑in microphone and speaker support two‑way audio, local announcements or audible deterrence; audio codecs include G.711, G.722.1, G.726, MP3 and AAC‑LC. Network capabilities include ONVIF S/T for third‑party VMS compatibility, RTSP for streaming, HTTPS/TLS for secure transport and support for up to 32 users with six simultaneous live views.

The camera accepts 12 VDC or PoE (802.3af, Class 3) and typically consumes approximately 9.5–10.5 W depending on light and speaker usage. The metal body, IP67 rating and operating range down to -30 °C make it well suited for exposed outdoor placements. Installers should plan PoE power budgets and surge protection when deploying externally, and ensure local regulatory requirements (including UKCA labelling where applicable) are observed.

Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels

• Parking lots and car parks:The 180° view lets a single camera cover long rows of spaces or entrances, reducing hardware and cabling costs while preserving identifier‑quality colour images at night for license plates, vehicle colour and occupant identification.
• Perimeter and fence lines:Deep‑learning analytics for human/vehicle classification combined with active deterrence (white light/strobe/siren) provide a layered response: detect, verify in colour and deter or notify security personnel.
• Open public spaces:Plazas, parks, campuses and retail courtyards benefit from wide area coverage and the ability to monitor crowd flow and entrances with fewer cameras.
• Commercial building approaches:Wide‑angle monitoring of building fronts, access drives and loading zones reduces blind spots and supports visitor or delivery verification without installing multiple fixed cameras.
• Contractor and retrofit projects:PoE support, ONVIF compatibility and microSD storage make the unit suitable both for new installations and upgrades to legacy systems where installers wish to consolidate camera counts.

How it compares with similar products on the market

When evaluating panoramic cameras, buyers typically compare multi‑sensor panoramic units like the Hikvision DS‑2CD2T87G2P against fisheye cameras, multi‑camera arrays and single high‑zoom PTZs. Each approach has trade‑offs:

• Versus fisheye cameras:Fisheye lenses provide 180° views but often require dewarping and produce lower usable pixel density across a wide scene. The dual‑sensor Hikvision panoramic approach yields higher effective resolution across the panorama and often better clarity at edges.
• Versus arrays of single‑sensor cameras:Multiple fixed cameras can offer redundancy and zoomed detail in critical zones but increase points of failure, cabling and costs. A single panoramic ColorVu camera can reduce hardware and installation complexity while still providing identification‑grade imagery in many open‑area scenarios.
• Versus IR‑based low‑light models:IR cameras provide night visibility but only in monochrome. ColorVu’s white supplement light and ultra‑bright optics deliver colour imagery at night, improving identification for faces, clothing and vehicle colours—important for investigations and rapid verification.
• Versus competing panoramic models:Competing panoramic cameras from other vendors may offer similar megapixel counts or multi‑sensor arrays, but the combination of ColorVu optics (very wide aperture), integrated active deterrence and Hikvision’s deep‑learning analytics makes this model especially compelling where night‑time colour and perimeter response are priorities.

Customer feedback and installer observations

While individual experiences will vary, common themes reported by integrators and end users for panoramic ColorVu cameras like this model include:

• Significant reduction in the number of cameras required to cover wide open areas, resulting in lower installation and maintenance costs.
• Improved night‑time identification thanks to full‑colour images produced by the integrated supplement light compared with IR‑only installations.
• Positive reaction to audible deterrence and strobe features for perimeter protection—often cited as a useful first‑line response before security or police arrival.
• The deep‑learning analytics typically reduce nuisance alerts from weather, shadows and small animals, improving signal‑to‑noise for monitoring teams.

Installers routinely advise planning for PoE budget, surge protection and proper placement to avoid backlighting or direct exposure to heavy glare. They also recommend testing analytics sensitivity and privacy mask settings on site to align detection thresholds with operational needs.

Conclusion: Why this camera is a strong choice

The Hikvision DS‑2CD2T87G2P‑LSU/SL is a practical, feature‑rich solution for organisations seeking wide‑area surveillance with identification‑grade, full‑colour imaging around the clock. It combines high‑resolution panoramic capture, excellent low‑light optics, integrated active deterrence and intelligent analytics in a single IP67‑rated bullet housing. For parking facilities, perimeters, open public spaces and commercial sites where reducing camera counts and improving night‑time identification matter, this camera provides a compelling mix of performance and value.

Before purchase and deployment, consider site‑specific factors such as exact coverage needs, PoE power availability, mounting locations to avoid glare and local compliance requirements. When properly sited and configured, the DS‑2CD2T87G2P‑LSU/SL can lower total installed costs, reduce false alarms and deliver clearer evidence for investigations—helping security teams see more, and act sooner.