Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL (4 mm) 8MP ColorVu 180° Panoramic Turret
The Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL is an 8MP panoramic turret IP camera engineered to deliver a single, uninterrupted 180° field of view using two 4 mm fixed lenses. Marketed under Hikvisions ColorVu family, this model combines a super-aperture F1.0 optical design with a smart white light supplement and active deterrence features to provide full-colour imaging in extremely low-light conditions. Designed for outdoor deployment with a robust metal IP67 housing and flexible power options (PoE or 12 V DC), this camera targets installers, security managers and advanced DIY users who need wide-area surveillance with rich nighttime colour detail.
Key features at a glance
- 8 MP panoramic coverage:5120 x 1440 resolution from dual 1/1.8" sensors to cover wide scenes with a single device.
- ColourVu low-light performance:F1.0 aperture and ColourVu technology for usable colour at extremely low lux levels (0.0005 Lux with AGC).
- Smart white illuminator:Selectable white light to supplement night scenes up to ~30 m and enable full-colour capture when needed.
- Deep-learning analytics:Human/vehicle classification and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion, region entrance/exit).
- Active deterrence:Built-in speaker, microphone, strobe and audio alarm for on-site deterrence functionality.
- Flexible deployment:PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 V DC power, onboard microSD up to 512 GB, IP67 metal housing for outdoor use.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL uses two 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensors to stitch a single panoramic image at 5120 x 1440 resolution (8 MP). Dual 4 mm fixed lenses provide a true 1806 horizontal field of view and roughly 446 vertical field of view, making the camera ideal for monitoring expansive, flat scenes such as parking lots, retail frontages or building façades. The F1.0 aperture and ColourVu design allow the sensor to collect significantly more light than conventional cameras, producing clear, colourful images at very low light levels (0.0005 Lux with AGC on). When ambient light is insufficient, the cameras smart white light can illuminate the scene up to approximately 30 m while preserving colour information and improving subject identification.
This model supports H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 codecs with ROI and SVC to reduce bandwidth and storage without sacrificing detail in critical regions. It offers up to 20 fps at the full panoramic resolution (WDR off) and supports 130 dB WDR to handle high-contrast scenes with strong backlighting. The camera also achieves a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) ≥ 52 dB for clean, low-noise images.
Built-in deep-learning algorithms classify humans and vehicles and support perimeter protection rules such as line crossing, intrusion detection and region entry/exit. These analytics reduce false alarms and improve situational awareness. For active deterrence, the camera integrates a programmable strobe and audio alarm with a built-in mic and speaker, allowing security teams to warn intruders or trigger pre-recorded messages. These features are particularly valuable in locations where immediate intervention or visible deterrence can prevent incidents.
The camera supports onboard microSD/SDHC/SDXC storage up to 512 GB and can record to NAS solutions with ANR (Automatic Network Replenishment) to maintain recordings during network interruptions. Network protocols include ONVIF (S/G/T), TCP/IP, HTTP, HTTPS and RTSP for broad NVR and VMS compatibility. Security features include HTTPS/TLS encryption, 802.1X network authentication and multi-user access control (up to 32 users), helping protect video streams from unauthorized access.
Power can be supplied via PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 V DC (Ø5.5 mm), with typical power consumption in the 1012.5 W range depending on illumination and active deterrence use. The camera operates from -30 6C to 60 6C and is housed in a metal enclosure with IP67 ingress protection, making it suitable for outdoor installations in a wide range of climates. Physical dimensions are approximately Ø155 × 155.3 mm and it weighs about 1.11 kg.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Parking lots and car parks:The 1806 panoramic view covers long rows of parking spaces with a single camera, reducing blind spots and knockdown costs for multiple cameras. Colour night imaging helps with vehicle identification and license plate context when paired with other cameras.
- Retail frontages and shop strips:Capture entire storefronts and pedestrian walkways to deter theft and vandalism while maintaining clear colour images after dark for better identification of suspects and events.
- Building façades and public spaces:Provide wide-area situational awareness for entrances, plazas and courtyards with reduced installation complexity compared to multi-camera arrays.
- Perimeter security:Use analytic rules for line crossing and intrusion with active deterrence to warn or scare off trespassers before they approach sensitive areas.
- Transport hubs and stations:Monitor broad concourses and pick-up/drop-off areas where a panoramic view simplifies coverage planning and ensures fewer blind spots.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Panoramic cameras fall into a few categories: multi-sensor panoramic units (several separate sensors), single ultra-wide fisheye lenses, and dual-sensor panoramic designs like the DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL. Compared with fisheye cameras, the Hikvision dual-sensor turret avoids the strong barrel distortion that requires de-warping, offering a more natural-looking stitched panoramic image with higher usable detail across the frame. Against multi-sensor (three- or four-module) panoramic cameras, the dual-sensor 1806 approach keeps the form factor compact and often more cost-effective while still delivering sufficient horizontal coverage for many applications.
Compared with other 1806 dual-sensor models from competitors, the stand-out advantage of this Hikvision model is its ColorVu F1.0 design and the integrated smart white light. Many rivals rely on passive low-light amplification or built-in IR, which yields grayscale night images; by contrast, the ColorVu approach preserves colour and improves recognition. Additionally, the active strobe and audio alarm provide built-in deterrence without needing additional peripherals.
Trade-offs to consider: if your priority is ultra-high frame rate for fast-moving scenes, or very long-distance focused coverage (e.g., >100 m), a specialized PTZ or a long-range fixed camera would be more appropriate. For completely unobtrusive designs where visible white light is undesirable, IR-only models remain a better fit, though at the expense of colour information at night.
Customer feedback and typical installer notes
Official customer testimonials for specific SKUs vary by region; however, common themes emerge from installer and end-user feedback for Hikvision ColorVu panoramic models:
- Pros often cited:Excellent nighttime colour for situational awareness; wide coverage with reduced camera count; straightforward PoE installation; robust build quality and reliable analytics that reduce false alarms when configured correctly.
- Common caveats:Stitching quality is good for horizontal panoramas but may require attention during mounting to avoid parallax on complex foregrounds; smart white light is effective but will reveal the camera by design, so its not ideal where covert monitoring is required.
- Installer tips:Verify mounting height and angle to maximise the stitched panorama and avoid objects crossing the seam between sensors; ensure firmware is up to date for the latest analytics improvements and ONVIF interoperability.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL (4 mm) 8MP ColorVu 1806 panoramic turret is a compelling choice when you need wide-area situational awareness with high-resolution, full-colour imaging day and night. Its dual-sensor architecture delivers a single seamless panoramic image at 8 MP, while ColorVu optics and the smart white illuminator preserve colour detail in very low light—an advantage for identification and evidence collection. Deep-learning analytics, onboard storage options, and active deterrence features (strobe and audio) add operational value that can reduce response times and deter incidents on-site.
For applications such as parking areas, retail frontages, building façades and public spaces, this camera can cut hardware and installation complexity by replacing multiple single-view cameras. While not a substitute for specialized long-range or high-frame-rate devices, it strikes an effective balance between coverage, image quality and cost. If your priority is an all-weather, wide-area camera that provides clear colour images at night and integrated deterrence, the DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL is worth strong consideration. Suggested retail price is around 329 (check regional pricing and SKU variations), and it supports common NVR/VMS ecosystems through ONVIF and standard codecs, simplifying integration into existing systems.
Before purchase and installation, confirm regional compliance (CE/UKCA and local approvals), warranty specifics for your SKU, and ensure installers follow Hikvisions guidelines and local electrical codes for PoE and outdoor mounting. With correct siting and configuration, the DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL delivers a robust, versatile solution for modern wide-area surveillance needs.
