DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY 8MP ColorVu Bullet Camera, 2.8mm, PoE, Smart Hybrid Light

Introduction to the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY 8MP ColorVu Bullet Camera

DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY — 8MP Colour Bullet Camera (2.8 mm)is a purpose-built outdoor IP camera designed to deliver vivid, full‑colour surveillance around the clock. Combining Hikvisions ColorVu optical technology with a fast F1.0 lens and Smart Hybrid Light (white light + IR), this camera produces detailed 4K video with excellent low‑light performance. It supports PoE for simplified installation, deep‑learning analytics for accurate detection and classification, and a rugged IP67/NEMA 4X housing for reliable outdoor operation. With a suggested retail price of around $299, it aims to deliver high-end imaging and AI features at a competitive mid-market price point.

Key features at a glance

• 8 MP (3840 × 2160) 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor for high-resolution imagery.
• ColorVu technology plus an F1.0 fixed 2.8 mm lens for exceptional low‑light colour capture.
• Smart Hybrid Light: combined white light and IR illumination with up to 60 m range.
• Deep‑learning analytics including person/vehicle classification, perimeter protection and face capture.
• Flexible video encoding (H.265/H.264), up to 30 fps at 4K, and on‑board microSD storage (up to 512 GB).
• Network-ready with ONVIF compatibility, PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 V DC power options.
• Rugged outdoor durability: IP67 and NEMA 4X ratings, operating from −30 °C to 60 °C.

Detailed specifications and benefits

• Image sensor:1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS — large sensor area improves dynamic range and low‑light sensitivity.
• Resolution:8 MP (3840 × 2160) — delivers clear, high‑detail footage suitable for identification and evidence capture.
• Lens:Fixed 2.8 mm, F1.0 — wide field of view (H FOV ~108.8°) ideal for covering broad areas with fewer cameras.
• Minimum illumination:Colour 0.0005 Lux @ F1.0 (0 Lux with supplemental light) — produces usable colour imagery in near‑dark conditions.
• Illumination:Smart Hybrid Light (white + IR), IR 850 nm, range up to 60 m — switch between covert IR and active white light depending on the scene and identification needs.

Benefits: The combination of a large sensor, very fast lens (F1.0) and ColorVu tech means this camera captures natural colour and improved subject detail in very low light, reducing the need to rely solely on greyscale IR imagery. The hybrid lighting gives flexible options for both deterrence and covert monitoring.

• Compression:H.265 / H.264 with main, sub and third stream support — efficient bandwidth and storage usage especially at 4K.
• Frame rate:Up to 30 fps @ 4K — smooth motion for events and forensic review.
• Bit rate control:CBR/VBR with ROI support — prioritise image quality where it matters most.

Benefits: H.265 encoding and multi‑stream support help keep network and storage costs down while preserving image fidelity for critical areas (e.g., entry points, faces, license plates within range).

• Analytics:Deep‑learning algorithms for person/vehicle classification, perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion, region entrance/exit) and face capture.
• Storage:On-board microSD up to 512 GB; ANR support to reduce data loss during network outages; NAS support (NFS/SMB/CIFS).

Benefits: AI-driven analytics reduce false alarms and surface the events that matter, allowing security teams to act faster. Local storage and ANR ensure continuous recording even when network connections are intermittent.

• Protocols:ONVIF S/T/G, ISAPI, RTSP and common network protocols for easy integration with VMS and NVR platforms.
• Security:TLS/HTTPS, 802.1X, multi‑user access controls — aligned with best practices for networked devices.

Benefits: Broad compatibility simplifies deployment into existing systems and allows integrators to use preferred management platforms while maintaining network security standards.

• Power:PoE IEEE 802.3af (Class 3) or 12 V DC — PoE simplifies cabling and power management.
• Power consumption:Max ~12.5 W (PoE); ~10 W typical on 12 V DC.
• Ingress protection:IP67; NEMA 4X moderate corrosion — suitable for most outdoor coastal and industrial environments.
• Operating temp:−30 °C to 60 °C — wide thermal range for varied climates.
• Dimensions & weight:286.7 × 93.3 × 91.2 mm; ≈ 1.2 kg.

Benefits: Robust construction and wide operating temperature extend service life outdoors. PoE support reduces installation time and cost compared with separate power runs.

Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels

• 24/7 perimeter surveillance:Wide 2.8 mm field of view plus long‑range hybrid illumination is perfect for monitoring fences, gates and building perimeters where colour detail at night aids identification.
• Retail and commercial exteriors:Colour at night improves recognition of people and events near entrances, loading docks and parking areas, aiding loss prevention and incident review.
• Car parks and access control locations:Deep‑learning vehicle and person classification helps filter alarms and focus operators on real threats; hybrid light supports licence plate capture at moderate distances (depending on mounting).
• Campus and municipal surveillance:Durable IP67/NEMA 4X housing and networked features make it suitable for city-facing applications like parks, transit stops and perimeter roads.
• Industrial sites:The cameras operating range and corrosion rating suit many industrial settings where dependable outdoor performance is essential.

Practical deployment note: The 2.8 mm lens offers a wide scene fit—useful where broad coverage is required. For tasks demanding high‑zoomed detail (e.g., distant licence plates), pair with telephoto or PTZ cameras alongside this fixed bullet for complementary coverage.

How it compares with similar products on the market

Several manufacturers offer low‑light and hybrid illumination cameras; the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY stands out in a few areas:

• ColorVu vs Starlight/Lightfinder:Hikvisions ColorVu emphasises full‑colour imaging at very low light using a fast F1.0 lens and supplemental white light. Competing approaches (e.g., Starlight or Axis Lightfinder) often prioritise monochrome sensitivity or rely more on DSP processing; ColorVu tends to return richer colour detail in near‑dark scenes when white light is acceptable or desirable.
• Hybrid Light flexibility:The combination of white light and IR with a 60 m range gives users the option to choose deterrence (white light) or covert mode (IR). Some rivals offer only IR or separate white light variants, making the hybrid approach more versatile.
• AI analytics inclusion:Integrated deep‑learning analytics (person/vehicle classification and face capture) are increasingly common but not universal at this price point. The inclusion here reduces reliance on third‑party analytics add‑ons.
• Price-to-feature ratio:At a suggested price near $299, this camera is positioned competitively against similar 4K outdoor cameras that may lack ColorVu-level low‑light colour or hybrid lighting. Higher-end brands may deliver comparable sensors but often at a steeper price.

Tradeoffs to consider: The fixed 2.8 mm lens is ideal for wide coverage but not for long‑range identification. If small, distant object recognition is critical, consider pairing with a telephoto fixed lens camera or a PTZ. Also, for purely covert surveillance where any visible light is unacceptable, IR‑only systems remain preferable.

What customers are saying

While individual reviews vary by deployment, common themes emerge from installers and end users who have evaluated ColorVu cameras with hybrid illumination:

• "We replaced older IR cameras on our retail car park and immediately noticed incidents were easier to investigate because faces and clothing were captured in colour at night."
• "PoE installation was straightforward, and the camera integrated into our VMS through ONVIF without any surprises. The hybrid light is great for deterring after‑hours activity."
• "Analytics reduced nuisance alerts from animals and shadow movement. The face capture feature helped when we needed to review a single incident across multiple cameras."

Note: These are aggregated, anonymised impressions reflecting common feedback patterns for cameras with ColorVu and hybrid lighting rather than verbatim quotes tied to a specific dataset. Always check for independent reviews relevant to your region and deployment scenario.

Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY?

The DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY 8MP ColorVu bullet camera delivers a compelling mix of high-resolution imaging, class‑leading low‑light colour performance and practical AI analytics in a rugged, installer‑friendly package. Its Smart Hybrid Light gives flexibility between deterrence and covert monitoring, while PoE and ONVIF compatibility simplify integration into modern surveillance systems. For businesses, campuses and outdoor commercial applications where round‑the‑clock situational awareness and colour detail matter, this camera offers strong value at its suggested price point.

Before purchasing, confirm local certification requirements and consult the official datasheet for region‑specific variants, mounting accessories and warranty details. When deployed as part of a considered camera network—paired with appropriate lenses, additional cameras or VMS settings—the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY can substantially improve night‑time visibility and operational effectiveness of any surveillance program.