Hikvision ColorVu Explained: From 4K ColorVu to Smart Hybrid Light and ColorVu 3.0

Hikvision ColorVu cameras record full-colour video at night instead of grainy black and white, and the technology has moved on a long way: 4K and varifocal models in 2021, Super Confocal lenses and Smart Hybrid Light in 2023, and ColorVu 3.0 with AI image processing in 2025. This guide explains how ColorVu works, what changed at each step, and how to choose the right ColorVu camera.

Why colour at night matters

Standard cameras switch to infrared (IR) after dark and record in black and white. That's fine for seeing that someone was there, but useless for describing them: the colour of a coat, a car or a van disappears. ColorVu keeps the picture in colour, so the footage is far more useful as evidence.

How ColorVu works

• F1.0 large aperture: the lens lets in far more light than a typical camera.
• High-sensitivity sensors that turn that light into a bright, clean picture.
• Soft warm supplementary light for scenes with no light at all.
• 3D noise reduction to keep detail clear at distance.

How ColorVu has developed

2021: 4K and varifocal ColorVu

Hikvision expanded the range with 4K (8MP) cameras for wider scenes such as car parks, and varifocal models for longer views, plus AcuSense on many models so alarms are triggered only by people and vehicles, not leaves, rain or animals.

2023: Super Confocal and Smart Hybrid Light

• Super Confocal: infrared and visible light focus at slightly different points, which can blur the picture on large-aperture lenses at night. Hikvision's lens design brings both to the same focal point, keeping the image sharp in colour and in IR mode. Hikvision says achieving this at F1.0 was an industry first.
• Smart Hybrid Light: three night modes. IR mode records discreetly in black and white with no light pollution; white light mode records in colour; and smart mode stays in IR until a person or vehicle is detected, then switches the white light on to capture colour detail and startle the intruder.

2025: ColorVu 3.0 on the Pro Series

• HikAI-ISP: AI image processing trained on large datasets for AI noise reduction and less motion blur on moving subjects.
• 3D LUT colour correction for more accurate, natural colours, not just a brighter picture.
• AI WDR, which balances bright and dark areas and switches on automatically when needed.
• AcuSense 3.0 with AcuSearch (one-click image-based search) and improved perimeter and motion detection that cuts false alarms from headlights hitting parked cars.
• Audio 2.0: dual microphones with noise reduction and a smart amplified speaker for louder warnings and clearer two-way talk.
• Better anti-corrosion protection and greener packaging.

Which ColorVu camera should you choose?

• Discreet but colour on demand: a Smart Hybrid Light model, such as the DS-2CD2347G3-LI(2U)Y 4MP ColorVu 3.0 turret or the DS-2CD2147G3-LIS2UY 4MP dome.
• Deterrence: models with strobe and siren, such as the DS-2CD2387G3-LIS2UY/SL 8MP ColorVu 3.0 turret.
• Compact bullets: the DS-2CD2047G3-LI2UY 4MP or DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY 8MP mini bullets.
• Wide areas: the DS-2CD2387G2P-LSU/SL 8MP panoramic ColorVu turret.
• Adjustable view: the DS-2CD2747G2H-LIPTRZS2U/SL 4MP motorised PTRZ ColorVu dome.
• Budget-friendly: HiLook ColorVu 3.0 cameras such as the IPC-T249HAA-LU 4MP turret.

Browse all Hikvision Smart Hybrid Light cameras, or read our Hikvision IP camera buying guide.

Our take

ColorVu has gone from a clever night-vision trick to the standard we'd suggest for most outdoor cameras. Smart Hybrid Light is the sweet spot for homes and businesses that don't want a light glaring all night, but do want colour detail and a deterrent when something actually happens.

Need help picking a ColorVu camera? Call 01902 902251. As an authorised Hikvision partner, we ship nationally to England, Scotland and Wales.

Quick questions

What is Hikvision ColorVu?
Hikvision's technology for full-colour video in low light, using F1.0 lenses, sensitive sensors and soft supplementary light.

What is the difference between ColorVu and ColorVu 3.0?
ColorVu 3.0 adds HikAI-ISP AI image processing, 3D LUT colour correction and AI WDR for clearer, more accurate colour and less motion blur.

What is Smart Hybrid Light?
A camera that stays in discreet infrared mode and switches to white light and colour when it detects a person or vehicle.

Will a ColorVu light annoy neighbours?
Choose a Smart Hybrid Light model in smart or IR mode; the white light then only comes on when an event is detected.

Sources: Hikvision UK newsroom, 10 August 2021, 17 April 2023 and 13 February 2025.