ColorVu Buying Guide
ColorVu Buying Guide
Everything you need to choose the right Hikvision ColorVu camera for your needs.
1. What is ColorVu?
Hikvision’s ColorVu technology enables cameras to capture full-colour video 24/7, even in complete darkness. These cameras use advanced lenses with F1.0 aperture and high-sensitivity sensors, delivering bright and colourful footage when conventional cameras revert to black and white. ColorVu helps improve identification accuracy and offers a stronger visual deterrent to intruders.
2. Key Benefits of ColorVu
- 24/7 Full-Colour Video: Capture important details in colour, even at night.
- Smart Hybrid Light: Automatically switches between IR and white light for optimal lighting.
- Better Evidence: Accurately identify people, vehicles, and objects with colour information.
- Greater Deterrence: Visibility of white light discourages suspicious behaviour.
3. Recommended Use Cases
- Residential driveways and entryways
- Retail stores and indoor environments
- Car parks and laneways
- Warehouses and loading docks
- Public spaces, parks, and campuses
4. Types of ColorVu Cameras
- Turret: Most versatile and popular; ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations.
- Dome: Anti-vandal and compact, great for indoor and semi-exposed locations.
- Bullet: Long-range and highly visible; effective for outdoor deterrence.
- PTZ with ColorVu: Offers pan, tilt, zoom with 24/7 colour coverage.
- Mini Cameras: Discreet models for smaller areas and residential settings.
Also available: models with additional features like AcuSense (AI detection), Live Guard (strobe + speaker), 4K ColorVu (ultra HD clarity), and panoramic dual-lens versions.
5. Choose by Resolution
- 2MP (1080p): Entry-level clarity for smaller areas or budget installations.
- 4MP (2K): Mid-range option offering detailed and clear footage.
- 6MP: Wider coverage for large spaces with high image detail.
- 8MP (4K): Maximum clarity for forensic-level zoom and identification.
6. Choose by Smart Features
- Built-in Microphone: Enables audio recording for enhanced evidence.
- Built-in Speaker: Allows for two-way audio or alarm warnings (Live Guard models).
- Strobe Light + Siren: Actively deters intruders with sound and flashing light.
- Smart Motion Detection: Reduces false alarms by filtering human/vehicle targets.
- AcuSense Technology: Adds deep learning-based classification to ColorVu models.
7. Choosing by Environment
| Location | Recommended Camera Type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Front Door | Turret with Mic | Captures wide angle and audio clearly |
| Driveway | Bullet 4MP or 8MP | Long-range view with deterrent appearance |
| Retail Store | Dome 2MP or 4MP | Low profile and suitable for indoor use |
| Warehouse Loading Dock | Bullet w/ AcuSense | Smart detection plus strong outdoor durability |
| Office Corridor | Mini or Turret | Compact and clean installation for indoor spaces |
8. Installation Tips
- Use PoE (Power over Ethernet) for easier wiring and reliable power.
- Mount cameras away from walls or reflective surfaces to avoid glare from white light.
- Install at eye-level where possible for best facial recognition and deterrence.
- Angle the camera slightly downward to reduce blind spots.
9. Compatible Recorders
- ColorVu cameras work best with Hikvision NVRs that support H.265+ compression.
- Ensure your recorder has the correct number of PoE ports for your cameras (4, 8, 16, 32 channel).
- Enable remote access with the Hik-Connect mobile app for live viewing and playback.
10. ColorVu Comparison Table
| Model | Form Factor | Resolution | Lens | Smart Features | Mic | Speaker | Light Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-2CD2087G3-LI(2U)Y | Mini Bullet | 8MP | 2.8mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2387G3-LIS2UY/SL | Turret | 8MP | 2.8mm / 4mm | Smart Hybrid Light + Live Guard | ✔️ | ✔️ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2187G3-LIS2UY | Dome | 8MP | 2.8mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ✔️ | Up to 60m |
| DS-2CD2687G2HT-LIZS | Bullet (Varifocal) | 8MP | 2.8–12mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 60m |
| DS-2CD2787G2HT-LIZS | Dome (Varifocal) | 8MP | 2.8–12mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU/SL | Mini Bullet | 8MP | 2.8mm / 4mm | Smart Hybrid Light + Live Guard | ✔️ | ✔️ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2367G2H-LIU | Turret | 6MP | 2.8mm / 4mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2367G2H-LISU/SL | Turret | 6MP | 2.8mm | Smart Hybrid Light + Live Guard | ✔️ | ✔️ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2387G2H-LIU | Turret | 8MP | 2.8mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2387G2H-LISU/SL | Turret | 8MP | 2.8mm | Smart Hybrid Light + Live Guard | ✔️ | ✔️ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2187G2H-LISU | Dome | 8MP | 2.8mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ✔️ | Up to 60m |
| DS-2CD2667G2HT-LIZS | Bullet (Varifocal) | 6MP | 2.8–12mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 60m |
| DS-2CD2687G2HT-LIZS | Bullet (Varifocal) | 8MP | 2.8–12mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 60m |
| DS-2CD2767G2HT-LIZS | Dome (Varifocal) | 6MP | 2.8–12mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2787G2HT-LIZS | Dome (Varifocal) | 8MP | 2.8–12mm | Smart Hybrid Light | ✔️ | ❌ | Up to 40m |
| DS-2CD2T87G2H-LISU/SL | Bullet | 8MP | 2.8mm / 4mm | Smart Hybrid Light + Live Guard | ✔️ | ✔️ | Up to 60m |
