Introduction to the Hikvision Solar 4MP ColorVu PT Camera Kit
The Hikvision DS-2XS3Q47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40 is a purpose-built solar-powered security camera kit designed for standalone outdoor surveillance where mains power and wired networks are inconvenient or unavailable. Branded as a 4MP Solar ColorVu 4G PT Kit, it combines a 4 megapixel ColorVu imaging sensor, a 40 W solar panel, twin ternary‑Li battery packs, and 4G cellular connectivity to deliver continuous colour video day and night. With proactive smart white-light supplement, H.265+ compression, and rugged IP65 rating, this kit targets remote sites, temporary installations and perimeter monitoring that demand reliable, full‑colour evidence capture.
Key features at a glance:
- 4 MP ColorVu (2688 × 1520) for high-detail full‑colour imaging
- Solar-powered kit with 40 W panel and dual 8.4 Ah batteries for days of autonomy
- 4G cellular connectivity plus Ethernet (RJ45) for flexible network options
- Smart white‑light supplement and configurable performance modes for night visibility
- Advanced imaging: H.265/H.265+, 120 dB WDR, 3D DNR, BLC/HLC and privacy mask features
- IP65-rated for durable outdoor operation across a wide temperature range
- Suggested retail price around $1,099 (check local suppliers for exact pricing)
The DS-2XS3Q47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40 packs a comprehensive set of specifications engineered for off‑grid surveillance. Below are the most relevant technical details and how they translate to real-world benefits.
- Image sensor:1/3" progressive scan CMOS delivering 4 MP resolution (2688 × 1520). Benefit: clear, detailed images for identification and evidence.
- ColorVu technology:Extremely low-light colour sensitivity (colour 0.0005 lux @ F1.0 with AGC) and zero‑lux with the camera’s light active. Benefit: retains scene colours at night for better recognition than IR-only systems.
- Video enhancements:120 dB WDR, BLC, HLC, 3D DNR, ROI and privacy masks. Benefit: improved image consistency in high-contrast scenes and reduced noise for clearer evidence.
- Lens:Fixed 6 mm, F1.0 (M12 mount). Field of view: horizontal 49°, vertical 27° — suitable for medium-distance monitoring.
- DORI (6 mm):Detect 120 m / Observe 47 m / Recognize 24 m / Identify 12 m. Benefit: clear performance expectations for perimeter and access control monitoring.
- Compression & frame rate:H.265 / H.265+ / H.264; main stream up to 15 fps at full 4 MP. Benefit: efficient bandwidth and storage use while maintaining usable frame quality.
- Storage:eMMC up to 64 GB (about 50 GB available) and microSD support to 256 GB with ANR. Benefit: onboard buffering during network outages and local retention options.
- Network:4G Cat 4 (LTE‑FDD/TDD), WCDMA, GSM (micro SIM), plus RJ45 10/100 Mbps. Benefit: deploy in remote locations without fixed-line internet.
- Audio:Built-in microphone and speaker supporting G.711, AAC and MP3. Benefit: two‑way audio for deterrence and interaction where needed.
- Solar panel:40 W (±2 W) included for continuous charging in sunlight.
- Batteries:Two ternary‑Li 8.4 Ah packs (>500 cycles). Benefit: multi‑day autonomy—estimated battery life varies by mode: Performance ≈ 3.6 days, Proactive ≈ 6 days, Standby ≈ 30 days.
- Power consumption:Typical ≈ 1.85 W with 4G working; max camera consumption 6 W. Benefit: low average draw allows multi‑day operation from modest solar input.
- Ingress protection:IP65—dust tight and protected against low-pressure water jets.
- Operating temperature:−20 °C to 50 °C.
- Dimensions/weight:Kit including panel approx. 686.6 × 442.6 × 760 mm and total package weight ≈ 11.7 kg.
- Regulatory notes:Region-dependent markings (CE, UKCA, RCM, IC) and carrier band compatibility—confirm local approvals and 4G band support before purchase.
This kit is optimized for scenarios that require reliable surveillance without reliance on mains power or fixed network infrastructure. Typical applications include:
- Remote perimeter monitoring:Farms, solar farms, pump stations, and substations where running cable would be costly. The ColorVu sensor provides evidence-quality colour images of vehicles and people at night.
- Construction and temporary sites:Short-term deployments benefit from simple installation and solar autonomy rather than hiring temporary power or network runs.
- Rural and off-grid properties:Cabins, rural access roads, and private lands where mains power or broadband is absent.
- Events and temporary crowd or traffic control:Rapid deployment for temporary surveillance with cellular uplink for remote monitoring and live view.
- Wildlife and environmental monitoring:When colour detail at dawn/dusk or night is useful; extra caution with proximity to wildlife when using white‑light modes.
Because it supports both 4G and Ethernet, the kit is valuable for hybrid scenarios where a fallback to wired connectivity is available seasonally or for periods of high-bandwidth demand.
When evaluating the Hikvision solar ColorVu kit against other solutions, consider three common alternatives: IR‑based solar cameras, battery-only (non-solar) systems, and wired PoE systems.
- Versus IR-based solar cameras:Many solar kits rely on IR illumination for night vision. IR systems show monochrome images at night, which can obscure critical colour cues (vehicle colour, clothing). The Hikvision ColorVu kit preserves colour at low light thanks to a fast F1.0 lens and smart white light—this can be decisive for identification and investigations.
- Versus battery-only kits:Battery-only camera systems (without a charging source) require frequent manual recharging or battery swaps. The Hikvision kit’s 40 W solar panel and dual battery packs extend deployment durations and reduce maintenance cycles—important for remote sites where visits are costly.
- Versus wired PoE cameras:Wired PoE cameras typically offer higher sustained bandwidth and can cost less per camera when infrastructure exists. However, for sites lacking power or network, PoE requires trenching and ongoing power—making a solar + cellular kit more cost-effective over the project lifetime despite higher upfront hardware cost.
- Against competing brands:Other vendors (including leading CCTV and consumer brands) offer solar camera kits with varying resolution, panel sizing, and night illumination strategies. The Hikvision kit is notable for its enterprise-grade imaging, H.265+ efficiency, and professional battery design compared with many consumer-focused alternatives that prioritize plug-and-play simplicity over long-term autonomy and configuration flexibility.
While individual reviews vary by installer and site conditions, common themes from installers and end-users who have deployed similar Hikvision solar ColorVu systems include:
- Positive:"Colour night images are a game-changer—we can now read vehicle colours and licence plates at closer ranges compared with IR cameras." Installers often praise the solid build quality and the flexibility of 4G plus Ethernet connectivity.
- Practical notes:Customers emphasize the importance of verifying 4G band compatibility for their carrier and of selecting an appropriate data plan—video uplink over cellular can consume significant data depending on settings.
- Installation feedback:Proper solar panel placement with unobstructed sun and a secure mount is repeatedly cited as essential for reliable autonomy. Some users also recommend confirming the lens variant (this listing is the 6 mm lens) to ensure the field of view matches the site’s needs.
- Constructive:A few users note that in areas with prolonged heavy cloud or short winter days, panel sizing or additional battery capacity may be needed to meet extended autonomy goals.
The Hikvision DS-2XS3Q47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40 solar ColorVu PT camera kit is a robust, feature-rich option for off‑grid and remote surveillance. Its standout capability is continuous full‑colour imaging supported by a fast lens and proactive white‑light, which yields better identification evidence than IR-only alternatives. Combined with a substantial 40 W solar panel, dual ternary‑Li batteries, and flexible 4G plus Ethernet connectivity, the kit minimizes site visits and enables deployments in places where power or wired networks are impractical.
For contractors, site managers, and property owners who need reliable, high‑quality surveillance without trenching or mains work, the Hikvision solar ColorVu kit represents a balanced solution between capability and autonomy. As with all cellular solar deployments, verify local 4G band compatibility, secure an appropriate SIM/data plan, and follow manufacturer guidance on solar panel orientation and battery handling to get the best results. Priced around $1,099 suggested retail, it is positioned as a professional kit with enterprise-grade imaging and durability—an excellent choice when reliable, full‑colour evidence capture is a priority.
