Introduction to the Hikvision 8MP ColorVu Varifocal Bullet Camera
The Hikvision DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL is a professional-grade outdoor IP bullet camera that combines 8 MP (4K) imaging with Hikvision's ColorVu hybrid illumination, a motorised 2.8–12 mm varifocal lens, and built-in active deterrence. Designed for demanding perimeter and commercial applications, this camera blends high-resolution, day/night colour capture and on-board deep-learning analytics into a rugged IP67/IK10 enclosure. Whether you need crisp long-range images of license plates and faces, or a visible deterrent to prevent intrusion, this device is engineered to cover both detection and response in one integrated package.
Key features at a glance
- 8 MP (3840 × 2160) resolutionfor detailed, wide-area coverage.
- ColorVu hybrid illumination(white light + IR) for true colour imaging down to 0.001 Lux and up to 60 m supplemental light.
- Motorised 2.8–12 mm varifocal lenswith remote adjustment for flexible field-of-view tuning.
- Active deterrencewith speaker (siren), flashing light and two-way audio (dual microphones + speaker).
- On-board deep-learning analyticsincluding person/vehicle classification, perimeter protection and face capture.
- Rugged buildrated IP67, IK10 and NEMA 4X for outdoor and coastal environments.
- Power optionsvia PoE (IEEE 802.3at) or 12 VDC for flexible deployment.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Image sensor:1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS delivering up to 3840 × 2160 pixels at 25/30 fps. The high-resolution sensor produces sharp images that support forensic review and wide-area monitoring without losing detail.
- Lens:Motorised 2.8–12 mm, F1.2 varifocal lens. Remote motorised adjustment simplifies commissioning and re-purposing — installers can zoom and focus from the network without physical access to the camera.
- Low-light capability:ColorVu hybrid illumination achieves colour capture down to 0.001 Lux and 0 Lux with supplemental light. Compared with traditional IR-only designs, ColorVu keeps scenes in natural colour at night when sufficient white light is available, improving recognition of clothing, vehicle colours and signage.
- Field of view:Wide-to-tele H: 112.3°–41.2°, V: 58.1°–23.1° — suitable for monitoring building facades, driveways and mid-range perimeters.
- Compression:H.265/H.264 (including H.265+/H.264+) to reduce storage and bandwidth while maintaining image fidelity.
- Image enhancements:130 dB WDR (scene-adaptive), 3D DNR, BLC/HLC, defog, distortion correction and EIS. These features keep footage usable in high-contrast or challenging weather conditions.
- Bitrate control:Configurable from 32 Kbps to 16 Mbps to balance quality and network/storage budgets.
- Deep-learning analytics:Person and vehicle classification reduces false alarms by focusing on relevant objects. Perimeter protection and face capture are available on-board for intelligent alerting.
- Active deterrence:Built-in speaker capable of siren and pre-recorded voice warnings, flashing lights and two-way audio via dual microphones. This enables active response — warn intruders, interrogate visitors, or deliver automated messages to deter suspicious behaviour.
- Audio codecs:Support for multiple codecs (G.711, G.722.1, AAC-LC and others) ensures compatibility with modern NVRs and VMS platforms.
- Environmental protection:IP67 rating for dust/water resistance, IK10 impact resistance and NEMA 4X corrosion protection for harsh outdoor or coastal sites.
- Power:PoE IEEE 802.3at (Class 4) simplifies installation by providing power and data over a single cable. 12 VDC is supported where PoE is unavailable. Power consumption is modest (max ~18 W with PoE), supporting efficient deployments.
- Network & security:ONVIF support, HTTPS/TLS, 802.1X and audit logs allow integration with third-party VMS and hardened network environments.
- Storage:microSD up to 512 GB on-board, with NAS/ANR support for resilient recording.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Perimeter security:For manufacturing facilities, logistics yards or campuses that require reliable detection and visible deterrence. The combination of 4K detail and active warning elements helps both detect and reduce trespassing attempts.
- Parking areas and car parks:Colour night imaging improves license plate and vehicle colour identification. Varifocal optics allow fine-tuning to cover broad lots or focus on lane approaches.
- Building exteriors and entrances:Face capture and person classification help generate higher-quality evidence for investigations and access control verification.
- Retail and hospitality perimeters:Use the siren and flashing light as a visible security measure to deter theft, loitering or aggressive behaviour outside trading hours.
- Critical infrastructure and utilities:Rugged ratings (IP67/IK10/NEMA 4X) and robust security features make the camera suitable for coastal, chemical or exposed installations.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
There are several categories to weigh when comparing the Hikvision DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL against competitor cameras: resolution, low-light performance, analytics, deterrence capability and ruggedness.
At 8 MP (4K), this Hikvision camera provides higher spatial detail than standard 2 MP models commonly used in commercial deployments. Competitors such as mid-tier models from other manufacturers (e.g., 2–5 MP fixed cameras) often trade off detail for lower cost. The motorised varifocal lens here gives more flexibility than fixed-lens rivals, meaning fewer cameras may be needed to cover the same area.
Hikvision ColorVu uses visible white light combined with IR to maintain colour at night; many competitors use Starlight or IR-only approaches that prioritise monochrome low-light sensitivity. ColorVu excels where colour reproduction at night matters (vehicle colours, clothing), while starlight devices can be stronger in extreme low-light without any supplemental illumination. The ColorVu hybrid approach offers a practical middle ground for lit or partially lit environments.
Built-in siren, flashing lights and two-way audio are becoming more common, but not universal in 4K bullet form factors. Some rival cameras either lack active deterrence or offer it as an optional add-on. For sites that want an integrated response mechanism, the Hikvision model reduces the need for separate alarm devices.
On-board deep-learning analytics (person/vehicle classification, perimeter protection, face capture) are increasingly expected in professional cameras. While many peers provide rule-based analytics, devices with deep-learning models generally demonstrate lower false alarm rates and better classification. Where advanced analytics are critical, this Hikvision camera competes strongly with other premium offerings from established vendors.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
While we do not quote named customers here, common themes reported by integrators and security managers who choose cameras with this feature set include:
- Reduced false alarms:Many installers note that person/vehicle classification meaningfully cuts down nuisance alerts compared with motion-only triggers.
- Fewer devices needed:The combination of 4K resolution and motorised zoom often allows a single camera to cover zones that previously required multiple fixed cameras.
- Effective deterrence:Sites using the speaker and flashing light report immediate behavioural changes when warnings are triggered, reducing after-hours incidents.
- Easy commissioning:Remote lens adjustment via motorisation saves time on ladders and reduces site visits for reconfiguration.
Conclusion: Why choose the Hikvision DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL?
The Hikvision 8MP ColorVu Varifocal Bullet Camera delivers a compelling balance of high-resolution imaging, low-light colour performance, flexible optics and built-in active deterrence — all within a ruggedised outdoor enclosure. For security teams that need improved identification, versatile coverage and smarter alerts, this camera reduces the need for multiple devices and additional deterrence hardware. Its PoE capability, on-board deep-learning analytics and broad network security features make it suitable for integrated deployments with modern NVRs and VMS solutions.
Whether the priority is perimeter protection, parking lot surveillance, or safeguarding building exteriors, the DS-2CD2687G3-LIZS2UY/SL is designed to provide clearer visuals, more actionable alerts and immediate response options. For organisations seeking a single, future-proof outdoor camera that combines prevention and evidence-grade imaging, this Hikvision ColorVu 4K bullet is a strong candidate.
