Introduction: Meet the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY 8MP ColourVu 4K Turret Camera
The DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY is an 8 MP (3840 × 2160) fixed turret network camera engineered for demanding outdoor surveillance applications. Combining Hikvision's ColourVu 3.0 imaging technology with a Smart Hybrid light module (white light + IR), this turret delivers full‑colour, high‑detail video around the clock — even in extremely low light. Add to that embedded deep‑learning analytics, PoE power, robust on‑camera storage options and a corrosion‑resistant IP67 / NEMA 4X metal housing, and you have a flexible 4K camera suited to retail, parking, campus and perimeter installations.
Key features at a glance
- 8 MP 4K resolution– crisp 3840 × 2160 imaging for wide coverage and detailed identification.
- ColourVu 3.0 + Smart Hybrid Light– constant full‑colour imaging at ultra‑low light, with white light for true colour and IR for covert scenes; vendor states illumination up to ~30 m.
- Onboard AI analytics– person/vehicle classification, perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion) and face capture to reduce false alarms and prioritise events.
- Flexible storage & power– microSD up to 512 GB, NAS support, ANR; PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC power.
- Durable outdoor build– metal, corrosion‑resistant housing rated IP67 / NEMA 4X for exposure to weather and harsh environments.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The camera uses a 1/1.8" progressive‑scan CMOS sensor capable of delivering 8 MP (3840 × 2160) video. Two lens options are commonly available (fixed 2.8 mm or 4 mm), offering wide horizontal fields of view up to approximately 108.8° (2.8 mm) for broad coverage or a narrower 93.3° view with the 4 mm lens if you need more scene detail on mid‑range subjects. High resolution is especially beneficial for large areas where a single camera must capture readable detail at a distance.
ColourVu 3.0 is designed to preserve colour detail at very low light levels (down to around 0.0005 Lux in colour at F1.0). Where natural ambient light is insufficient, the Smart Hybrid light module provides selectable white light (for true‑colour illumination) and IR (850 nm) for less conspicuous night monitoring. The hybrid approach gives installers flexibility: white light when colour identification is crucial (e.g., license plates, clothing colours), and IR when discreet observation is preferred. Vendor specifications indicate useful illumination up to ~30 m depending on environment.
Efficient H.265/H.264 compression (including vendor variants H.265+/H.264+) reduces bandwidth and storage requirements while preserving image quality. The camera supports multiple streams and region‑of‑interest (ROI) settings so that important areas can be recorded at higher quality. For local backup the camera accepts microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards up to 512 GB; networked storage via NAS (NFS/SMB/CIFS) and ANR (Automatic Network Replenishment) support help prevent data loss during network interruptions.
Embedded deep‑learning analytics include person and vehicle classification, perimeter protection tools such as line crossing and intrusion detection, and face capture. These capabilities filter irrelevant movement (e.g., animals, foliage) and reduce false alarms, allowing security teams to focus on relevant events. When used with a VMS or NVR that supports metadata, these analytics speed searching and forensic review.
Some variants include a built‑in dual‑microphone array (marked −2U), enabling audio monitoring and two‑way audio when paired with the correct wired speaker setup. Network compatibility includes ONVIF Profiles S/G/T and common streaming protocols, while security features such as HTTPS, 802.1X and TLS help protect video streams and device access. Always ensure firmware is current and follow best practices for network segmentation and access control.
The metal housing rated IP67 / NEMA 4X provides resistance to dust, moisture and corrosion — a significant advantage in coastal or industrial environments. Operating temperature is broad (−30 °C to 60 °C), and the camera supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af, Class 3) for simplified installation or 12 VDC if PoE is not available. Power consumption is modest: around 8.5 W on 12 VDC and up to 11 W via PoE depending on illumination mode.
Use cases and scenarios where the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY excels
- 24/7 perimeter surveillance– ColourVu 3.0 gives colour information for night events that would otherwise appear monochrome, improving identification of clothing, vehicle colours and signage.
- Retail security– high resolution and AI analytics reduce false alarms and help identify suspicious behaviour, while the hybrid light provides clear night‑time recordings for loss prevention and incident review.
- Parking areas and lots– wide field of view, 4K detail, and the option to illuminate scenes with white light make this camera suitable for monitoring vehicle movement, parking violations and potential criminal activity.
- Campus & critical infrastructure– the corrosion‑resistant housing and robust analytics are well suited to outdoor installations that require continuous operation and reliable event filtering.
- Standalone PoE installations– PoE support simplifies deployment in sites with limited power access and makes integration with modern NVRs straightforward.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When comparing the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY to other 4K turret cameras, consider several axes: low‑light performance, analytics, mechanical durability and total cost of ownership.
Traditional IR cameras switch to monochrome when light falls below a threshold; detail such as clothing and vehicle colour is lost. Cameras with ColourVu‑style technology (or other manufacturers' "full‑colour"/"starlight" solutions) retain colour, which can be crucial for investigations. The DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY's Smart Hybrid light adds flexibility by combining both illumination methods.
Many modern 4K turrets offer onboard analytics. What differentiates this model is the specific pairing of ColourVu 3.0 with hybrid lighting and the inclusion of person/vehicle classification and face capture in a single device. Competing models may match resolution but differ in illumination approach, housing robustness or analytics maturity — consider the precise analytics definitions and vendor verification when comparing.
The IP67 / NEMA 4X metal housing here is a notable plus for coastal or corrosive environments where some plastic‑bodied cameras can degrade. If your project is in a harsh environment, compare ingress ratings and corrosion resistance closely.
Suggested pricing for this model is 225.00 (suggested price) with a cost price indicated as 170.04. Total cost of ownership should factor in installation, possible additional illumination, storage needs and maintenance. Cameras with more advanced analytics or wider warranty terms may carry a higher upfront price but reduce ongoing labour and monitoring costs.
Customer testimonials & typical feedback
There are no specific customer testimonials supplied here. However, representative user feedback for cameras with this combination of features typically includes the following themes:
- "Night footage is surprisingly colourful and detailed — identifying vehicle colours made a real difference in an incident investigation."
- "PoE made installation quick and tidy, and the local microSD backup saved recordings during a short network outage."
- "AI person/vehicle filtering reduced nuisance alerts from animals and moving foliage, allowing our security team to focus on real events."
- "The metal IP67 housing has held up well in a coastal site where other cameras corroded."
These example comments reflect the typical benefits reported by integrators and end users deploying high‑resolution, full‑colour outdoor cameras with hybrid illumination and onboard analytics.
Conclusion: Why the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY is a compelling choice
The DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY blends 4K resolution, advanced low‑light ColourVu imaging and flexible Smart Hybrid lighting with useful deep‑learning analytics in a rugged, weather‑resistant turret. For projects that require clear, colour‑accurate video both day and night, reliable analytics to reduce false positives, and a durable housing for outdoor use, this camera is a strong contender. Its PoE support and compact turret form factor simplify installation, while local and networked storage options provide resilience against data loss.
As with any security purchase, match the camera's lens, analytics configuration and illumination strategy to your site requirements. Confirm certification, firmware and accessory compatibility from the manufacturer and use a qualified installer for power and network configuration. When specified and deployed correctly, the DS-2CD2387G3-LI2UY offers a capable, modern solution for 24/7 outdoor surveillance where colour detail and intelligent event filtering matter.
