Introduction: Hikvision Solar 4MP ColorVu 4G IP Camera at a glance
Hikvision's DS-2XS2T47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40is a purpose-built, solar-powered surveillance kit that brings full-colour 24/7 imaging to truly off-grid locations. Combining a 4 MP ColorVu sensor, integrated solar panel and built-in battery, and cellular (4G LTE) connectivity, this product is designed for rapid deployment where mains power and wired networks are not available. It also includes two-way audio, smart white-light deterrence, substantial onboard storage and a rugged IP67-rated housing for exposed outdoor sites.
Key features — what makes this camera stand out
The DS-2XS2T47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40 blends several features that matter for remote surveillance:
- Colour imaging day & night:A 4 MP (2560 × 1440) ColorVu sensor with F1.0 optics delivers vivid colour at very low light levels, and the camera can produce clear colour images even in near-dark conditions with the smart white-light supplement.
- True off-grid operation:An integrated solar panel plus two ternary lithium batteries (8.4 Ah × 2) give multi‑day autonomy depending on settings and conditions.
- 4G LTE connectivity:Built-in Cat 4 cellular lets you place the camera where there’s no wired internet or PoE—just add a micro SIM from a compatible carrier.
- Onboard storage & efficient codecs:50 GB usable eMMC plus microSD support (up to 256 GB) and H.265/H.264 (H.265+ supported) keep storage efficient and reduce bandwidth usage.
- Active deterrence & two-way audio:White-light illumination for deterrence up to ~30 m and a built-in mic and speaker enable two-way communication and voice warnings.
- Rugged, weatherproof build:IP67 ingress protection with typhoon resistance means it’s built to survive harsh outdoor environments.
Detailed specifications and practical benefits
Below are the product’s core specification groups with an explanation of how each translates into real-world benefits.
- Sensor:1/3" progressive scan CMOS — good sensitivity and motion capture for a camera in this class.
- Resolution:4 MP (2560 × 1440) — higher-than-1080p detail improves identification at longer distances.
- Lens:4 mm fixed, F1.0 — fast aperture gathers more light, which improves low-light colour performance and reduces reliance on the white-light supplement.
- Horizontal FOV:≈75° — a practical wide view suitable for perimeter or site-overview monitoring.
- Low light:Minimum illumination 0.0005 lux (colour with AGC) and 0 lux with light — the camera produces usable colour images in very low ambient light, with the white-light providing full-colour clarity when needed.
- DORI range:Detect 82 m; Observe 32 m; Recognise 16 m; Identify 8 m — these ranges help you plan mounting height and placement.
- Compression:H.265/H.264 with H.265+ support — reduces storage needs and cellular data usage without sacrificing image quality.
- Frame rate:Up to 12.5–15 fps at full 4 MP — suitable for typical security monitoring where smooth, high-resolution frames are more important than cinema-smooth motion.
- Storage:50 GB usable eMMC + microSD up to 256 GB — enables continuous local recording and retention strategies that minimise cellular data transfer.
- Bit rate:32 Kbps–8 Mbps — allows bandwidth tuning for constrained cellular links.
- Battery:Built-in ternary lithium 8.4 Ah × 2 — stores energy for multi-day autonomy.
- Solar panel:Integrated and supplied in the kit — supports sustainable, maintenance-light operation when sited correctly.
- Power draw:Typical ≈1.85 W when 4G active — low average consumption helps prolong autonomy during cloudy periods.
- Autonomy:Performance ≈3.6 days; Proactive ≈6 days; Standby up to 30 days — real runtime depends on motion events, illumination usage and cellular signal strength.
- Cellular:4G LTE Cat 4 with regional band variants; Micro SIM slot — choose a carrier and plan that matches local coverage and data requirements.
- Protocols:ONVIF, Hik‑Connect, iVMS‑4200, RTSP — integrates with many VMS platforms and cloud services where supported.
- Audio:Built-in mic and speaker with two‑way audio; codecs include G.711/AAC/MP3 — useful for remote instructions, deterrence and verified events.
- AI-assisted detection:Human detection / AcuSense capabilities reduce false alarms from vegetation or animals and focus alerts on meaningful events.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The Hikvision solar 4G ColorVu camera is engineered for situations where infrastructure is limited or temporary installations are required. Typical scenarios include:
- Remote sites:Renewable energy sites, telecom towers, rural substations and other locations with no mains power or network access.
- Construction & temporary works:Site surveillance for theft prevention and safety monitoring during phased builds where cabling is impractical.
- Agricultural properties & livestock:Monitoring perimeter fences, gates and critical livestock areas with low-light colour detail to help identify people and vehicles.
- Events & pop-up deployments:Short-term event security or crowd monitoring where rapid deployment and later removal are required.
- Public infrastructure & remote assets:Monitoring of pumps, remote equipment enclosures, and other assets in exposed locations where weather resistance matters.
Because it is delivered as an integrated kit, the camera suits contractors and integrators who need predictable, reproducible deployments with minimal civil or power work.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
The solar 4G camera market contains several competing approaches: purpose-built integrated kits (like this Hikvision model), modular camera-plus-panel solutions and purely battery-powered cameras with optional solar charging. How Hikvision’s kit compares:
- Versus modular or DIY solar + camera setups:The integrated kit reduces compatibility risk—panels, charge controllers and batteries are matched and housed within a single system, simplifying installation and warranty management.
- Versus other integrated 4G solar cameras (e.g., competing brands):Hikvision’s strengths are its 4 MP ColorVu imaging (good low-light colour without heavy reliance on IR), H.265+ codec support and enterprise-grade protocols (ONVIF, iVMS integration). Some consumer-focused competitors emphasise battery simplicity but trade off resolution, storage options or enterprise integrations.
- Versus purely battery cameras with optional solar trickle-charge:Dedicated solar kits with larger integrated panels and batteries typically provide longer autonomy and more predictable performance in low-sun conditions than small battery-first cameras that rely on trickle charging.
In short, for professional or semi-professional security applications that require reliable, long-term off-grid operation and integration with existing VMS or alerting platforms, the Hikvision kit sits at the higher-functionality end of solar 4G cameras.
Customer feedback and installer notes
While individual experiences will vary by site, common themes from installers and early adopters of integrated solar 4G kits include:
- Ease of deployment:Installers appreciate the single integrated unit—fewer parts, predictable mounting and reduced onsite wiring.
- Image quality:Users report noticeably better night-time colour detail compared with IR-only cameras, making identification and event assessment easier.
- Autonomy variability:Real battery life depends on detection settings, illumination usage and cellular signal—a common recommendation is to fine-tune detection zones and illumination schedules to extend runtime.
- Cellular planning:Plan for data usage and check band compatibility and carrier coverage before purchase; poor signal can increase power consumption as the modem works harder to maintain connectivity.
- Integration:Organizations using ONVIF-compliant VMS or Hik-Connect find it straightforward to add the camera to monitoring workflows and alerting systems.
Note:No specific customer names or direct quotes are provided here; this section summarises typical feedback patterns that installers and site owners report for cameras in this category.
Conclusion — why this camera is a strong choice for off-grid surveillance
The Hikvision DS-2XS2T47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40 is a compelling solution when you need reliable, colour-capable surveillance in locations without mains power or wired networking. Its integrated solar and battery system, 4G connectivity, robust storage options and enterprise-friendly protocol support make it suitable for professional deployments across construction, agriculture, utilities and remote asset protection.
Its greatest strengths are the ColorVu low-light colour imaging and the convenience of an integrated kit that reduces installation complexity. As with any cellular solar solution, careful planning around SIM compatibility, data budgets and mounting orientation for optimal solar gain will ensure the best long-term results.
For users and integrators who prioritise durable off-grid performance, clear colour night images, and straightforward deployment with VMS compatibility, this Hikvision solar 4G ColorVu camera is a practical and capable choice.
Retail note:The product is offered as a specialist solar CCTV kit—verify regional certifications (CE, UKCA or local equivalents), SIM band support and installation requirements before purchase and commissioning.
