Hikvision IP cameras run over a single network cable that carries both power and video, recording to an NVR. This page covers the current range — the G2H and G3 generations, from 4MP up to 16MP, in turret, bullet and dome bodies, and in white, black and grey.
Our Hikvision IP camera buying guide goes further on series, suffixes and pixels-per-metre. The short version is below.
Start with what you need to see
Resolution matters less than most people expect. A 4K camera on a wide lens still won't identify a face across a car park — what decides that is pixels per metre at the distance involved, which depends on lens and mounting position as much as megapixels.
Browse by resolution once you know what you need: 4MP · 6MP · 8MP / 4K · 12MP
One thing worth knowing: more pixels on the same sensor can mean worse low-light performance. In this range the 4MP ColorVu cameras reach 0.0001 lux while their 8MP equivalents reach 0.0005 lux — same sensor, same lens, split across twice as many pixels. For a genuinely dark yard, 4MP is often the better camera.
ColorVu, AcuSense or both
ColorVu records in full colour after dark using a white supplement light, rather than switching to monochrome infrared. Where identifying a vehicle colour or clothing matters, this is the range to look at. Check the light range against the lens — a camera that detects to 89 m but lights to 30 m won't give you colour at the far end of its own view.
AcuSense classifies people and vehicles, filtering out the foliage, shadows, rain and animals that cause most false alerts. It also feeds AcuSearch and AcuSeek on a compatible recorder — and those only work with AcuSense cameras, which is the most expensive mismatch we see.
Active Deterrence models add a strobe and siren that fire on the camera's own event rules, so they work on a standalone install. Two things to check: the strobe is white light on /SL models regardless of housing colour, and deterrence models draw considerably more power — see below.
Turret, bullet or dome
Shape affects mounting, vandal resistance and how the camera reads on a building more than it affects image quality. Our guide turret vs bullet vs dome covers the trade-offs.
- Turret — the default for most installs; easy to aim, no dome reflection
- Bullet — longest illuminator ranges, visibly a camera
- Dome and Vandal Dome — discreet, and the vandal-rated models carry IK10 where the camera is within public reach
- PTZ — where one camera must cover a large area under operator control
Check the PoE before you order
This catches people out. Most plain cameras run on standard 802.3af — some as low as 6.5 W. Add a strobe and siren and the same camera needs 802.3at, typically 16 to 18 W.
The DS-2CD2047G3-LI2UY draws 6.5 W; the /SL version of the identical camera draws 16 W. On a recorder with a fixed PoE budget that's the difference between filling every port and running out halfway. Send us the camera list and switch or NVR model and we'll confirm it.
You'll also need an NVR with enough channels, and a surveillance hard drive sized with the storage calculator.
White, black or grey
Most models here come in all three at the same specification. Black disappears against dark brickwork, steelwork or a slate soffit; grey suits galvanised steel, render and concrete; white is the right choice where the camera is meant to be seen as a deterrent.
Why Hikvision
The range is wide enough that you can usually match the camera to the job rather than compromise, the analytics are mature, and the ecosystem is consistent — cameras, recorders and the Hik-Connect app are designed together, which is not always true of mixed-brand systems. For coax rather than network cable, see HD analogue cameras and a DVR.
Buying from us
Genuine UK-spec stock, dispatched within three working days, or collect from the trade counter at Unit 3, Park View Centre, Dudley Road, Wolverhampton — often the same day, Monday to Friday 9am–4:30pm and Saturday 10am–4pm.
Installers and regular buyers can apply for a trade account; you don't need to be NSI or SSAIB approved. Advice before you buy is free either way — call 01902 902251 with a rough idea of the site and what you need to see.
Hikvision IP Cameras
Hikvision IP cameras run over a single network cable that carries both power and video, recording to an NVR. This page covers the current range — the G2H and G3 generations, from 4MP up to 16MP, in turret, bullet and dome bodies, and in white, black and grey.
Our Hikvision IP camera buying guide goes further on series, suffixes and pixels-per-metre. The short version is below.
Start with what you need to see
Resolution matters less than most people expect. A 4K camera on a wide lens still won't identify a face across a car park — what decides that is pixels per metre at the distance involved, which depends on lens and mounting position as much as megapixels.
Browse by resolution once you know what you need: 4MP · 6MP · 8MP / 4K · 12MP
One thing worth knowing: more pixels on the same sensor can mean worse low-light performance. In this range the 4MP ColorVu cameras reach 0.0001 lux while their 8MP equivalents reach 0.0005 lux — same sensor, same lens, split across twice as many pixels. For a genuinely dark yard, 4MP is often the better camera.
ColorVu, AcuSense or both
ColorVu records in full colour after dark using a white supplement light, rather than switching to monochrome infrared. Where identifying a vehicle colour or clothing matters, this is the range to look at. Check the light range against the lens — a camera that detects to 89 m but lights to 30 m won't give you colour at the far end of its own view.
AcuSense classifies people and vehicles, filtering out the foliage, shadows, rain and animals that cause most false alerts. It also feeds AcuSearch and AcuSeek on a compatible recorder — and those only work with AcuSense cameras, which is the most expensive mismatch we see.
Active Deterrence models add a strobe and siren that fire on the camera's own event rules, so they work on a standalone install. Two things to check: the strobe is white light on /SL models regardless of housing colour, and deterrence models draw considerably more power — see below.
Turret, bullet or dome
Shape affects mounting, vandal resistance and how the camera reads on a building more than it affects image quality. Our guide turret vs bullet vs dome covers the trade-offs.
- Turret — the default for most installs; easy to aim, no dome reflection
- Bullet — longest illuminator ranges, visibly a camera
- Dome and Vandal Dome — discreet, and the vandal-rated models carry IK10 where the camera is within public reach
- PTZ — where one camera must cover a large area under operator control
Check the PoE before you order
This catches people out. Most plain cameras run on standard 802.3af — some as low as 6.5 W. Add a strobe and siren and the same camera needs 802.3at, typically 16 to 18 W.
The DS-2CD2047G3-LI2UY draws 6.5 W; the /SL version of the identical camera draws 16 W. On a recorder with a fixed PoE budget that's the difference between filling every port and running out halfway. Send us the camera list and switch or NVR model and we'll confirm it.
You'll also need an NVR with enough channels, and a surveillance hard drive sized with the storage calculator.
White, black or grey
Most models here come in all three at the same specification. Black disappears against dark brickwork, steelwork or a slate soffit; grey suits galvanised steel, render and concrete; white is the right choice where the camera is meant to be seen as a deterrent.
Why Hikvision
The range is wide enough that you can usually match the camera to the job rather than compromise, the analytics are mature, and the ecosystem is consistent — cameras, recorders and the Hik-Connect app are designed together, which is not always true of mixed-brand systems. For coax rather than network cable, see HD analogue cameras and a DVR.
Buying from us
Genuine UK-spec stock, dispatched within three working days, or collect from the trade counter at Unit 3, Park View Centre, Dudley Road, Wolverhampton — often the same day, Monday to Friday 9am–4:30pm and Saturday 10am–4pm.
Installers and regular buyers can apply for a trade account; you don't need to be NSI or SSAIB approved. Advice before you buy is free either way — call 01902 902251 with a rough idea of the site and what you need to see.
