Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU and its key features
The Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU is a professional-grade 8 MP (4K) turret camera designed for round‑the‑clock outdoor surveillance. Marketed under the Hikvision ColorVu family, this model pairs a large 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor with a fast F1.0 fixed lens (available in 2.8 mm or 4 mm) and an integrated smart supplement light (white light + IR). The result is vivid colour imaging even in very low light or near‑dark conditions, making it an attractive option for sites that need clear colour detail at night.
Key features at a glance:
- 8 MP (3840 × 2160) resolution for high‑definition detail
- ColorVu / Smart Hybrid Light technology: colour imaging down to 0 lux with supplement light
- F1.0 fixed lens (2.8 mm or 4 mm) for wide field of view
- 130 dB WDR and advanced noise reduction for challenging lighting
- Deep‑learning based human/vehicle classification and smart event triggers
- PoE (IEEE 802.3af) and IP67 metal housing for simple outdoor deployment
Detailed specifications and benefits
Beyond the headline features, the DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU packs a number of technical capabilities that improve image quality, system reliability and integration flexibility. These are important whether you are an installer specifying cameras for a commercial site or a homeowner upgrading perimeter surveillance.
- Sensor:1/1.8" progressive‑scan CMOS delivers improved low‑light sensitivity and better detail compared with smaller sensors.
- Resolution:8 MP (3840 × 2160) gives excellent detail for identifying faces, license plates and small objects across a wide scene.
- Lens & aperture:Fixed M16 mount lens in 2.8 mm or 4 mm with a very bright F1.0 aperture — the wide aperture maximises light intake for clearer night images and shallower motion blur.
- Supplement light:White light plus IR (850 nm) built into the camera provides colour imaging down to 0 lux and an effective supplement range of approximately 30–40 m depending on scene conditions.
- WDR:130 dB wide dynamic range to handle scenes with bright and dark areas (for example an entrance with sunlight and shadow).
- Noise reduction:3D DNR reduces motion noise for cleaner images at low bitrates.
- Compression:H.265 / H.264 with H.265+ support optimises bandwidth and storage without sacrificing image fidelity.
- Deep‑learning classification:Built‑in algorithms distinguish humans and vehicles, reducing false alarms from irrelevant motion (animals, foliage).
- Smart events:Line crossing, intrusion, region enter/exit and ROI support help automate alerts and focus recording on important areas.
- Network:ONVIF compatibility and standard protocols (ISAPI, HTTPS) facilitate integration with third‑party VMS and NVRs.
- Storage:On‑board microSD support up to 512 GB and ANR support for buffering when the network is interrupted.
- Security:802.1X, IP filters and user management options help protect the device against unauthorised access.
- Power:PoE (IEEE 802.3af) simplifies installation by carrying power and data over a single cable; 12 VDC is also supported.
- Environmental:IP67 rated metal housing and operating range from -30 °C to 60 °C for reliable outdoor use.
- Form factor:Turret design (Ø138.3 × 115.4 mm, ~770 g) blends robustness with discreet mounting options.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU is aimed at sites that require colour detail at night and reliable analytics during daytime. Typical deployments include:
- Car parks and vehicle entrances:Colour night imaging improves identification of vehicle colours and makes it easier to match incidents to descriptions. The vehicle classification analytics minimise false triggers from moving vegetation.
- Perimeter and campus security:An IP67 rating and PoE support allow straightforward outdoor placement on walls and eaves. Long supplement‑light range helps detect intruders in near‑darkness.
- Retail frontage and storefronts:Colour detail at night assists with investigations that need identification of clothing or object colours, and ROI settings let you prioritise shopfronts or entrances.
- Transportation hubs:4K resolution and smart events help operators monitor busy access points and focus recordings on human or vehicle activity.
For installers, the camera is suitable for both new system builds and upgrades. Its PoE power and ONVIF support make it easy to integrate with many NVRs and network infrastructures.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU, it helps to compare it against a few common alternatives and approaches:
- Hikvision DarkFighter models:DarkFighter cameras focus on luminance sensitivity and perform well in low ambient light without using visible white light. ColorVu differs by using an intelligent supplement light to preserve natural colour — useful where colour identification at night is a priority but the white light can be acceptable or desirable.
- Competitors offering colour‑at‑night:Other manufacturers (for example, some models from Dahua or smaller vendors) offer similar colour‑at‑night solutions. Key differentiators are sensor size, aperture (F1.0 is unusually fast), analytics quality and integration compatibility. The Hikvision unit stands out for its 1/1.8" sensor, 8 MP resolution and mature analytics ecosystem.
- High‑end multi‑sensor or PTZ systems:Multi‑sensor cameras or PTZs deliver broader coverage or flexible zoom but at higher cost and complexity. The DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU is a more cost‑effective fixed camera when you need high resolution, strong low‑light colour and simple integration.
Trade‑offs to consider: the fixed lens limits optical zoom flexibility, and the supplement white light can be intrusive in residential settings. For covert or very low‑light situations where visible illumination is not acceptable, a pure low‑light DarkFighter variant may be preferable.
Customer feedback and reviews
While individual reviews will vary by installation, common themes from installers and users of Hikvision ColorVu cameras reflect a few consistent observations:
- Installers appreciate the simple PoE provisioning, solid metal housing and ONVIF compatibility that eases integration with third‑party NVRs.
- Site operators often highlight the dramatic improvement in night‑time colour detail compared with conventional IR‑only cameras — identification tasks become easier and footage is more useful for investigations.
- Some users note that the built‑in white supplement light is very effective but should be considered during placement; in residential settings it can be visible to passersby and may require aiming or sensitivity tuning.
- Performance in bright/dynamic scenes is generally praised thanks to 130 dB WDR, though as with all cameras extreme backlight conditions can still be challenging and positioning matters.
If you need formal case studies or compliance certificates, Hikvision distributors can provide manufacturer documentation and field reports for specific verticals.
Conclusion: why the DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU is a great choice
The Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU delivers a compelling combination of 4K resolution, a large sensor and an exceptionally fast F1.0 lens to maximise image quality in both day and night conditions. ColorVu technology with a smart supplement light makes full‑colour imaging feasible even in near‑darkness, which is a decisive advantage for sites that rely on colour cues for investigations and monitoring.
Its balance of advanced analytics (human/vehicle classification and smart events), efficient codecs (H.265+), flexible storage options (microSD up to 512 GB, NAS) and practical deployment features (PoE, IP67 metal housing) positions the camera as a versatile choice for commercial and demanding residential applications. Compared to specialist low‑light or PTZ solutions, the DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU offers a strong middle ground: high resolution, reliable analytics and a cost‑effective fixed‑camera form factor.
Whether you are protecting a retail frontage, monitoring a car park or securing a perimeter, the DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU is worth consideration when you need crisp 4K detail plus true colour at night. For best results, pair it with a well‑configured NVR/VMS, professional installation and careful placement to balance lighting, field of view and privacy considerations.
Suggested retail price:$199.00 (manufacturer distributor pricing may vary). For more technical documentation or installation guidance, contact your authorised Hikvision distributor or installer.
