If you’ve been on a hunt for a surveillance solution, you know finding the ideal thing can be quite the journey. As for the Hikvision Colorvu 8 MP camera, we’re here to answer the big question: Is it a hit or a miss?
So let’s take a closer look at the camera’s performance and features and find out if it’s the right choice for your surveillance requirements.
Key Features
- 130 dB Wide Dynamic Range
- 24/7 Colored Vision
- Built-in Microphone
- Weather & Dust Resistant
- Smart Supplement Light
- Eyeball/Turret Camera
- 2160p Maximum Resolution
Performance & Footage Quality
The Hikvision Turret camera packs a punch with its 8 MP lens, delivering exceptional visuals with all the details you’d want from a surveillance camera. Whether it’s recognizing faces or capturing license plates of vehicles near your property, this cam has you covered for all critical details.
As opposed to the earlier 4 MP model that rendered a slightly grainy image in some scenarios, this 8 MP upgrade delivers crystal clear footage. The 130dB wide dynamic range is seriously a game changer for this surveillance system.
It serves to dramatically enhance image clarity by minimizing the loss of essential details – a problem which is common with traditional cameras in high contrast situations.
Since this discreet thing nails the exposure game, you can count on it to provide reliable footage without the risk of losing details due to overexposure or underexposure on a bright sunny day or in a shady spot.
In short, we have no complaints so far – this setup is top-notch, providing footage that never ceases to impress.
Motion Detection
Based on deep learning, this camera has the ability to distinguish humans from vehicles and triggers motion alarms accordingly. In addition to triggering alarms for human or vehicle activity, the Hikvision also supports tampering alarms, line crossing detection, intrusion detection, region entrance detection, and region exiting detection, which makes it a super reliable option for surveillance.
Night Vision
While Hikvision does claim to provide 24/7 colored vision and it does live up to its claim, it is absolutely pertinent to mention that the camera still lacks IR vision.
While the Colorvu technology provides an impressive colored night vision and the footage obviously comes out better, be warned that you’ll get subpar, useless footage if there’s no ambient light around. Here’s an IR vs Colorvu comparison:
Hikvision deals with this issue by providing onboard supplementary camera lighting that illuminates the surroundings up to 90 ft. Now you can keep these lights turned on the whole night or set them for automatic function whenever motion is detected. In the latter case, you may end up compromising the shutter speed of the camera i.e. making it slower and then have trouble identifying the details particularly due to motion blur in fast-moving objects.
So since the Hikvision Colorvu 8 MP does not support IR night vision, it’s probably best to leave the onboard lights on or have additional floodlights installed outdoors to get a decent color night vision.
Weather Resistance
The Hikvision Colorvu is an ideal outdoor surveillance camera because it is built to withstand a variety of weather elements. Scorching heat, heavy rainfall, or freezing temperatures, the camera continues an uninterrupted operation no matter what.
Besides weather resistance, the camera is also dust resistant, preventing dust accumulation and keeping the camera from rendering compromised image quality.
Overall, this turret camera is a sturdy and dependable choice for outdoor surveillance purposes.
Audio Support
The built-in microphone in this Hikvision Colorvu camera is a great feature that adds a bonus layer of functionality and appeal to this surveillance system. Having a microphone aid the camera enhances your ability to gather information and simplifies the process of audio capture during surveillance without the need of an external audio system.
The audio system comes equipped with an impressive environmental noise canceling feature. By significantly improving sound clarity, it allows you to really tune into the sounds without unnecessary distraction, making it a good choice for those looking for an audio-visual surveillance camera.
Installation
The Hikvision Colorvu 8 MP is a compact and easy to install device. Using the installation accessories and some DIY skills, you can have the camera up and running within no time.
The configuration is pretty straightforward and simple too, allowing you to fine-tune the camera’s settings, including resolution, motion detection, and recording preferences, to suit your specific surveillance requirements. Once the camera is installed, you can easily access the footage, live feeds, and alerts over the internet.
Price
The 8 MP Colorvu is a tad pricier compared to its predecessor, the 4 MP version. The older one costs around $155 whereas the new 8 MP model comes in at $210. However, I was able to find it for $190 on Amazon. You can click here to check if the discount is still available.
Alternatively, you can click here to buy the 4 MP version, if you’re on a budget.
However, the price difference is obviously due to the major jump from a 4 MP to an 8 MP lens that provides exceptional image quality in all kinds of light conditions, making the camera good enough to justify the slightly higher cost. Here’s a comparison to see what Hikvision’s 8 MP really means:
With that said, spending a bit more and upgrading to the 8 MP model can be a worthwhile choice for those seeking enhanced image clarity, sound support, and better surveillance.
Warranty
Like other Hikvision cameras and surveillance systems, the Colorvu 8 MP Turret camera comes with a 5 year warranty against manufacturing defects. Keeping this generous warranty period in view, it is safe to say that Hikvision stands behind its products.
Conclusion
All in all, the Hikvision Colorvu 8 MP stands out as a reliable choice with its advances; Colorvu technology, remarkable 8MP lens, and a weather resistant design.
While the camera proudly boasts its ability to admirably capture low light scenarios, it could’ve been unbeatable with a mere addition of IR night vision capability.
Nonetheless, it provides excellent image quality and reliable monitoring capabilities, that too at a fair price point, making it a commendable choice for various indoor and outdoor surveillance applications. You can buy it from Amazon for a slight discount as well.
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