Introduction: What the DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU brings to modern surveillance
The DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU 8MP ColourVu Smart Hybrid Light Mini Bullet Camera is a compact, weatherproof IP camera designed to deliver high-resolution colour imaging in challenging light conditions. Combining a 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor with Hikvision ColourVu technology and Smart Hybrid Light (white light + IR), this 4K mini bullet camera is aimed at installations where low-light colour detail and reliable smart detection are essential. With built-in deep‑learning human/vehicle classification, PoE power, on‑board storage and IP67 protection, it’s positioned as a versatile option for perimeter, parking and general outdoor surveillance.
Key features at a glance
- 8 MP (3840×2160) 4K resolutionfor improved identification and scene detail.
- ColourVu + Smart Hybrid Lightfor full‑time colour in very low light using a mix of white light and IR illumination.
- Deep‑learning human/vehicle detectionand smart event detection (intrusion, line crossing, etc.).
- Wide dynamic range(130 dB WDR) to handle scenes with bright backlighting and shadows.
- Flexible installation: PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC power, compact metal body with IP67 weatherproofing.
- Edge storage: microSD up to 512 GB plus NAS support and ANR for network resilience.
Detailed specifications and practical benefits
Beyond headline features, the DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU packs a number of technical choices that translate into tangible benefits for installers and end users.
- Sensor: 1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS — a large optical format for a mini bullet that improves light gathering and image quality.
- Max resolution: 3840 × 2160 (4K) — captures more detail across a wide scene, useful for license plate reading at distance and facial detail where appropriate angles exist.
- Lens: Fixed 2.8 mm, F1.0 — offers a wide horizontal field of view (~104–105°), making it suitable for covering wide entrances, parking aisles and perimeter stretches with a single camera.
- Minimum illumination: Colour 0.0005–0.0008 Lux @ F1.0; 0 Lux with supplement light — the ColourVu system combined with Smart Hybrid Light delivers usable colour imagery in near‑dark conditions where traditional cameras would switch to mono IR.
- Illuminator: Smart Hybrid Light (white light + IR), IR 850 nm, supplement range ≈ 40 m — this hybrid approach allows the camera to provide full‑time colour when required and fall back to IR when discreet surveillance is preferred.
- 130 dB WDR — ensures balanced exposure in scenes with strong backlight, such as building entrances or parking lot exits viewed against headlights.
- Video codecs: H.265/H.265+/H.264/H.264+/MJPEG — efficient compression reduces bandwidth and storage while preserving image quality.
- Network: 1 × RJ45 10/100 Mbps with support for TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, RTSP, ONVIF Profile S/T and security features such as 802.1X and IPv6 — integrates with most NVRs and VMS platforms.
- Storage: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC up to 512 GB; NAS (NFS, SMB/CIFS); ANR — offers flexible options to ensure footage retention even if the network is temporarily interrupted.
- Power: PoE (IEEE 802.3af, Class 3) or 12 VDC ±25% — PoE simplifies cabling and installation for new deployments; 12 VDC allows integration into legacy systems.
- Power consumption: Max ~8.5 W (PoE) / ~7 W (12 VDC typical) — modest draw for a camera with active lighting.
- Ingress rating: IP67 with a metal housing and adjustable pan/tilt/rotate — suitable for outdoor use in rain, dust and moderate exposure.
- Physical: Ø74.4 × 179.2 mm, approx. 525 g — compact enough for neat installations while still robust.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU is particularly well suited to situations where colour information in low light is a priority and where intelligent detection reduces false alarms.
In perimeter fence lines and parking areas, identifying vehicle colours and plate-level detail at night can be decisive. The hybrid white‑light/IR illumination lets the camera produce colour evidence when needed, improving post-event investigations and reducing ambiguity in recorded footage.
Retail loss prevention, loading bays and logistics yards benefit from the camera’s wide field of view, high resolution and human/vehicle classification. Smart event triggers (intrusion, line crossing) help prioritise alerts and cut down on nuisance alarms caused by swaying vegetation or small animals.
Industrial sites with mixed lighting and reflective surfaces benefit from 130 dB WDR, while IP67 robustness and PoE simplify deployment in outdoor or semi‑exposed locations. On‑board storage ensures continuous recording even across intermittent network outages.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU, it helps to compare it by feature class rather than brand alone. Key comparison points are low‑light colour capability, AI detection, resolution, and physical/installation flexibility.
- Colour low‑light solutions (ColourVu vs Starlight):ColourVu aims for full‑time colour using active white light, whereas starlight or similar technologies prioritize higher sensitivity sensors and produce improved mono images under IR. If retaining colour for identification in very low light is essential, hybrid white‑light systems like this model typically have the edge.
- AI detection:Many contemporary cameras now include deep‑learning human/vehicle classification. The benefit here is reduced false positives and smarter alarm routing; if you rely on accurate event filtering, choose a camera and management platform that supports the same AI rules end‑to‑end.
- Resolution and optics:4K resolution is increasingly standard for perimeter and large‑area coverage. Competitors may offer similar megapixel counts but differ in lens options and light sensitivity. The DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU’s F1.0 lens improves low‑light throughput compared to slower lenses.
- Installation features:PoE support, IP67 housing and on‑board storage are common in this class. Where the product stands out is the compact mini‑bullet form factor with hybrid lighting—useful when coverage and deterrence need to be combined.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
Publicly available reviews for specific SKUs can vary, but installers and security managers who deploy hybrid ColourVu cameras commonly praise three recurring strengths:
- Improved night-time identification:Customers report that the white‑light supplement delivers usable colour images at night that greatly assist investigations compared with mono IR-only cameras.
- Reduced false alarms:Deep‑learning human/vehicle classification is frequently highlighted for cutting down nuisance alerts from environmental motion.
- Ease of installation:PoE functionality and the compact, adjustable metal body make siting and commissioning straightforward—important for installers who deploy many units across large sites.
Note: For verified customer testimonials, product pages, reseller feedback and independent test reports should be consulted. Expect variable opinions based on scene conditions and configuration choices such as illumination mode, compression settings and AI sensitivity.
Practical considerations and best practices
- Observe local privacy and CCTV regulations (e.g., GDPR or local equivalents). Clear signage and appropriate retention policies help stay compliant.
- Change default passwords, use segmented networks/VLANs and keep firmware up to date to reduce cybersecurity risk.
- Plan lighting modes and deterrence settings carefully—white light can act as a deterrent but may not be desirable in all situations (e.g., residential areas at night).
- Confirm the exact SKU and any variant options (audio, active deterrence) before quoting or ordering.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU?
The DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU mini bullet camera balances high-resolution imaging, intelligent analytics and adaptable lighting to solve common surveillance challenges where low-light colour evidence and smart alarms matter. Its 4K sensor and F1.0 optics capture detail across wide scenes, ColourVu and Smart Hybrid Light deliver actionable colour at night, and deep‑learning human/vehicle detection helps prioritise real events. For perimeter protection, parking, retail and industrial sites that require a compact, weatherproof camera with flexible installation options, this model offers a strong blend of performance and practicality.
Suggested price (as provided): 229.00. For full technical details, datasheets, firmware and verified warranty information, consult the manufacturer’s product page and authorised reseller documentation before purchase and installation.