Introduction to the Hikvision 8 MP (4K) ColorVu Bullet Camera
Hikvision 8MP ColourVu Bullet Camera (DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL)is a purpose-built outdoor IP CCTV camera designed for high-resolution daytime and night-time surveillance. Combining an 8 MP (3840 × 2160) sensor, a fast F1.0 2.8 mm lens and Hikvisions ColorVu Smart Hybrid Light system, this bullet-style camera delivers full-colour video in very low light and active deterrence features such as strobe/white light, a siren and two-way audio. With rugged NEMA 4X/IP67 construction and PoE+ support, it targets demanding outdoor installations where detail, reliability and intruder deterrence matter.
Key features at a glance
- 8 MP (4K) resolution for detailed image capture and evidence-quality footage.
- ColourVu Smart Hybrid Light: full-colour imaging to 0.0005 lux and 0 lux with white light.
- Active deterrence: strobe/white light, siren, built-in speaker and dual microphones for two-way audio.
- AI-driven analytics: deep-learning person/vehicle classification and face capture to reduce false alarms.
- Flexible network and storage: H.265/H.264 codecs, multi-streaming, up to 512 GB microSD and ANR/NAS support; ONVIF compatibility.
- Ruggedised outdoor build: corrosion-resistant metal housing rated IP67 and NEMA 4X for harsh environments.
- Power options: PoE IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) or 12 VDC for flexible installation.
Detailed specifications and the benefits they deliver
The DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL packs a number of hardware and software features that together improve detection accuracy, evidence quality and operational reliability.
At its core is a 1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS sensor capable of 3840 × 2160 (8 MP) resolution. The fixed 2.8 mm F1.0 lens provides a wide horizontal field of view (approximately 108.8), making it suitable for broad coverage such as street fronts, car parks and perimeter walls. 4K resolution ensures small details (license plates, signage, clothing textures) remain readable at distance, which is crucial for investigations and identification.
ColourVu combines a highly sensitive imaging pipeline (colour sensitivity to 0.0005 lux) with a Smart Hybrid Light system that mixes white light and IR lighting. In near-dark conditions the camera can produce full-colour images, and when the white light is engaged it provides 0 lux colour capture. The result is more actionable footage at night compared with conventional IR-only cameras where scenes are monochrome.
Built-in deterrence features include strobe/white-light illumination and a configurable siren. The camera also incorporates a speaker and dual-array microphones for two-way audio or recorded situational sound. These capabilities deter intruders in real time and provide contextual audio for events, improving operator response and post-event review.
Deep-learning algorithms classify people and vehicles and support face capture, which reduces false positives from moving foliage, animals or lighting changes. Intelligent alerts help security teams focus on meaningful events and lower the operational cost of monitoring.
Support for H.265/H.264 compression and multi-streaming balances bandwidth and quality: a main 4K stream for recording plus lower-resolution streams for remote monitoring. Storage options include microSD (up to 512 GB), ANR and NAS via NFS/SMB. Network compatibility with ONVIF and standard protocols (HTTPS, 802.1X, IPv6) enables integration with third-party VMS and secure deployments.
The cameras corrosion-resistant metal housing meets IP67 and NEMA 4X ratings, making it suitable for marine, coastal or industrial sites where salt spray and chemical exposure are concerns. Operating temperature from -30 C to 60 C covers most climates. Power over Ethernet (PoE+) simplifies wiring for remote mounts and supplies enough power for the hybrid lighting and active deterrence functions.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
Because of its combination of high resolution, full-colour night imaging and active deterrence, the Hikvision 8 MP ColorVu bullet is well suited to a range of outdoor surveillance tasks:
- Perimeter protection for industrial sites and critical infrastructure — 4K detail aids identification while active deterrence discourages intruders before escalation.
- Car parks and vehicle access points — wide-angle lens covers multiple lanes; AI vehicle/person detection reduces false alarms from moving branches or shadows.
- Retail frontage and urban storefronts — full-colour night footage improves ability to identify suspects and capture license plates or faces after hours.
- Transportation hubs and public spaces — two-way audio and siren enable on-site staff to communicate with or warn individuals; the rugged housing withstands environmental factors.
- Coastal and harsh environments — NEMA 4X corrosion protection suits applications near saltwater or in industrial atmospheres.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When assessing the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL against alternatives, consider three core axes: night-imaging approach, resolution and ruggedisation.
Many competitors use highly sensitive monochrome "Starlight" sensors or IR illumination that produce grayscale nighttime images. ColourVu prioritises full-colour imagery at very low light levels and uses white light when needed. Colour imagery often yields more contextual clues (clothing colours, vehicle colour) which are valuable for investigations. However, continuous white light may be undesirable in some public or residential settings where invisible IR is preferred; the Hikvision cameras hybrid approach allows configuration to meet local requirements.
4K provides finer detail than common 2 MP or 5 MP cameras, improving identification over distance. The trade-offs are higher storage and bandwidth needs, mitigated by H.265 compression and multi-streaming options. For large coverage areas requiring detail (e.g., parking lots, perimeters), 4K is advantageous; for small corridors or indoor halls, lower-resolution cameras may be cost-effective.
Not all bullet cameras are rated NEMA 4X. For coastal, marine or corrosive industrial sites, the Hikvisions NEMA 4X classification offers a distinct advantage versus standard IP67-only metal or plastic housings.
Comparable offerings from other established vendors include Dahuas Starlight and full-colour models, Axis full-colour outdoor cameras, and Wisenets high-sensitivity cameras. Each vendor has strengths: Axis is noted for integration and cybersecurity features, Hanwha/Wisenet for image processing, and Dahua for value-based alternatives. The Hikvision ColorVu 4K bullet stands out where the priority is 4K colour night imaging combined with active deterrence and rugged corrosion protection at a competitive price point (suggested price ' --- suggested retail )".
Customer feedback and typical user impressions
Publicly available reviews and installer feedback for Hikvision ColorVu cameras typically highlight a few recurring themes (note: no individual customer reviews are quoted here):
- Night-time colour imaging is consistently praised for improving situational awareness and identification versus IR-only cameras.
- Active deterrence functions (strobe and siren) are seen as effective in preventing incidents when configured properly.
- Installers appreciate PoE+ compatibility and flexible mounting options, though they advise checking PoE budget and cabling for lights/sirens.
- Some users note the need to tune analytics thresholds to reduce nuisance alerts in busy urban scenes; this is common for AI-enabled cameras and is resolved through configuration and ROI settings.
- Positive remarks on build quality and suitability for corrosive or coastal environments because of the NEMA 4X rating.
Installation, safety and practical considerations
For best results, have the camera installed by a qualified technician. Use a PoE+ (802.3at) switch or injector if you want single-cable power and data; where PoE is not available use a manufacturer-recommended 12 VDC supply. Secure network settings by changing default passwords, enabling HTTPS and 802.1X where possible, and keeping firmware updated. Configure white-light intensity, motion zones and AI thresholds to balance deterrence with neighbour or public comfort and to avoid unnecessary triggers.
Conclusion: why choose the Hikvision 8MP ColorVu Bullet?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL is a compelling option for installations that require high-resolution, colour-accurate surveillance around the clock, combined with active deterrence and a robust outdoor rating. Its 4K sensor captures fine detail, ColourVu Smart Hybrid Light preserves colour information in near-dark conditions, and built-in analytics reduce false alarms while enhancing detection of people and vehicles. The NEMA 4X corrosion protection and PoE+ power option make it flexible for harsh outdoor environments and simplified deployments.
For perimeter protection, car parks, retail fronts and critical infrastructure where evidence quality and prevention matter, this camera offers a strong balance of performance and features. Before purchasing, factor in storage and network design for 4K streams, and plan installation to meet local electrical and data-security regulations. With suggested retail pricing positioned competitively for its feature set, the ColorVu 8MP bullet represents a practical upgrade from lower-resolution or IR-only cameras where nighttime colour and deterrence are priorities.
- Model: DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL
- Resolution: 8 MP (3840 × 2160), up to 25/30 fps
- Lens: Fixed 2.8 mm, F1.0; horizontal FOV ≈ 108.8
- Minimum illumination: 0.0005 lux (colour); 0 lux with white light
- Active deterrence: Strobe/white light, siren, two-way audio
- Storage: microSD up to 512 GB, NAS, ANR
- Network: ONVIF, HTTPS, 802.1X, IPv6; PoE+ (802.3at) or 12 VDC
- Environmental: IP67, NEMA 4X; operating -30 C to 60 C
- Suggested price: 4279.00 (cost price )
Final note:Evaluate the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL against your sites lighting, network and regulatory requirements. When configured and installed correctly, it provides an effective combination of deterrence, evidence-quality imagery and durable construction for demanding outdoor surveillance tasks.
