CTC Communications buying guide · Updated 11 October 2026
Choosing a Hikvision bullet camera starts with the area you need to cover and the detail you need to capture. This guide compares the current CTC Communications range by resolution, lens, night lighting, audio and active warnings, with links to each product for current pricing, lens variants and availability.
Which Hikvision Bullet Camera Suits Your Property?
Everyday coverage with audio
6MP DS-2CD2066G2H-IU and 8MP DS-2CD2086G2H-IU pair a compact housing with a microphone, human and vehicle classification and 40m IR. They suit entrances and general outdoor areas where recorded audio is useful.
Visible and audible warnings
6MP AcuSense and 8MP AcuSense mini bullets add speakers, strobes and audio alarms. Their IR footage is black-and-white at night; choose a ColorVu hybrid model if colour with white illumination is a priority.
Colour detail with flexible lighting
8MP G3 ColorVu mini bullet offers 40m IR and white light. For a larger housing and 60m illumination, compare the G3 ColorVu bullet with 2.8mm and 4mm variants.
Extended IR illumination
DS-2CD2T86G2H-4I provides IR illumination up to 80m. Plan around the detail required at the target distance: a wide 2.8mm lens does not guarantee facial or number plate identification throughout that range.
Adjustable lens framing
Compare DarkFighter S with DarkFighter 2.0. Both have motorised 2.7–13.5mm lenses; the latter adds built-in audio and active warnings.
Broad frontages and car parks
6MP panoramic ColorVu provides a 180° view with white-light illumination. The 8MP G3 panoramic adds IR and white-light modes with 182.6° horizontal coverage.
Browse the complete Hikvision bullet camera collection to check current stock and options.
Fixed Infrared & Wi-Fi Bullet Cameras
These models use infrared for black-and-white footage in darkness. The DarkFighter models add low-light imaging and human/vehicle classification; the Wi-Fi camera is a separate 4MP option with different networking and power requirements.
| Model | Resolution | Lens | Night illumination | Audio & warnings | Power | Useful starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-2CV2041G2-IDW | 4MP | 2.8mm | IR 30m | Mic + speaker; two-way audio | 12V DC | Wi-Fi coverage for garages and small premises |
| DS-2CD2066G2H-IU | 6MP | 2.8mm | IR 40m | Microphone | PoE | General outdoor coverage with recorded audio |
| DS-2CD2T66G2H-2I | 6MP | 2.8mm | IR 60m | No built-in audio or warnings | PoE | Driveways and perimeter areas |
| DS-2CD2066G2H-I2U/SL | 6MP | 2.8mm | IR 40m | Dual mics, speaker, strobe + audio alarm | PoE+ | Entrances needing active warnings |
| DS-2CD2086G2H-IU | 8MP / 4K | 2.8mm | IR 40m | Microphone | PoE | Compact 4K surveillance with recorded audio |
| DS-2CD2086G2H-I2U/SL | 8MP / 4K | 2.8mm | IR 40m | Dual mics, speaker, strobe + audio alarm | PoE+ | 4K surveillance with active warnings |
| DS-2CD2T86G2H-4I | 8MP / 4K | 2.8mm | IR 80m | No built-in audio or warnings | PoE | Extended infrared illumination |
Power key: PoE means IEEE 802.3af; PoE+ means IEEE 802.3at. All models shown also support suitable 12V DC power. The Wi-Fi model uses 12V DC only. Check each camera's maximum consumption and your total power budget.
ColorVu & Smart Hybrid Light Bullet Cameras
These cameras combine low-light colour imaging with infrared and white-light illumination. Smart mode can change lighting around configured target events. A white warning strobe is a separate function from the white light that illuminates colour footage.
| Model | Resolution | Lens | Night illumination | Audio & warnings | Power | Useful starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-2CD2T67G2H-LISU/SL | 6MP | Confirm supplied lens | IR + white light 60m | Mic, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE | Larger areas needing colour and warnings |
| DS-2CD2087G2H-LIU/SL | 8MP / 4K | 2.8mm | IR + white light 40m | Mic, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE | Compact ColorVu coverage |
| DS-2CD2T87G2H-LISU/SL | 8MP / 4K | 2.8mm | IR + white light 60m | Mic, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE | 4K ColorVu for driveways and yards |
| DS-2CD2067G3-LI2UY/SL | 6MP | 2.8mm | IR + white light 40m | Dual mics, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE+ | G3 ColorVu in a compact housing |
| DS-2CD2087G3-LI2UY/SL | 8MP / 4K | 2.8mm | IR + white light 40m | Dual mics, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE+ | Compact G3 ColorVu with 4K detail |
| DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL | 8MP / 4K | 2.8mm or 4mm variants | IR + white light 60m | Dual mics, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE+ | G3 ColorVu with a choice of lens |
| DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/S(L)(RB) | 8MP / 4K | Confirm supplied lens | IR + white light 60m | Dual mics + speaker; confirm warning-light version | PoE+ | Sites needing a specific warning-light configuration |
G2H versus G3: compare the exact camera specifications rather than the generation name alone. The G3 models here add HikAI-ISP processing and dual microphones, while power requirements also change. The listed G2H ColorVu models use standard PoE; the G3 models shown require PoE+.
Combined model-family listing: DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/S(L)(RB) covers different warning-light suffixes. /SL uses a white warning light; /SRB uses red and blue warning lights. Confirm the supplied lens and exact suffix before ordering this listing.
Motorised Varifocal Bullet Cameras
A motorised lens allows you to adjust the field of view remotely during setup. It can help frame a gate, access lane or loading zone more closely. These cameras stay pointed in a fixed direction; a motorised lens does not provide PTZ movement.
| Model | Resolution | Lens | Night illumination | Audio & warnings | Power | Useful starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-2CD3686G2HT-LIZSY | 8MP / 4K | Motorised 2.7–13.5mm | IR + white light 60m | External audio input/output; no built-in mic or speaker | PoE+ | Adjustable framing with DarkFighter S |
| DS-2CD3687G3-LIZSUY/SL | 8MP / 4K | Motorised 2.7–13.5mm | IR + white light 60m | Dual mics, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE+ | Adjustable framing with DarkFighter 2.0 and warnings |
The practical difference: DS-2CD3686G2HT-LIZSY provides external audio interfaces and needs separate audio equipment. DS-2CD3687G3-LIZSUY/SL has dual microphones, a speaker and active warnings built in. Both offer 60m IR and white light with 130 dB WDR on the listed models.
180° Panoramic Bullet Cameras
| Model | Resolution | Lens | Night illumination | Audio & warnings | Power | Useful starting point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS-2CD2T67G2P-LSU/SL | 6MP panoramic | Dual 2.8mm; 180° H | White light 40m; no IR | Mic, speaker, strobe + audio alarm | PoE | Broad frontages with 81° vertical coverage |
| DS-2CD2T87G3P-LIS2UY/SL | 8MP panoramic | 2.8mm; 182.6° H | IR + white light 40m | Dual mics, speaker, white strobe + audio alarm | PoE+ | Broad frontages with hybrid illumination |
The 6MP G2P uses dual 2.8mm lenses and produces a stitched panoramic image with 180° horizontal and 81° vertical coverage. It uses white illumination up to 40m and has no IR mode.
The 8MP G3P uses a 2.8mm fixed lens with 182.6° horizontal and 74.6° vertical coverage. It records a 4256 × 1888 panoramic image and offers IR and white light up to 40m. Its wider horizontal view comes with different vertical coverage and a higher power requirement: up to 24W through PoE+.
Panoramic coverage is useful for context across a broad area. Spread across a wider scene, the available pixels may provide less detail on a distant target than a camera framed specifically for that target. A dedicated entrance camera may still be needed.
How to Compare Lenses, Resolution & Night Lighting
2.8mm versus 4mm lenses
A 2.8mm lens generally covers a wider scene; a 4mm lens generally frames a narrower area. Field of view also depends on the sensor and optical design. For example, the G3 DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/SL has a 108.8° horizontal view with its 2.8mm lens and 93.3° with its 4mm lens. Check actual viewing angles rather than comparing focal length alone.
6MP versus 8MP / 4K
Standard 8MP 4K cameras record 3840 × 2160 video, giving more image pixels than 6MP models. This can help with detail in playback, but lighting, movement, lens framing and recording settings still matter. Panoramic 8MP models use a wider aspect ratio. Read our 4K vs 6MP vs 8MP security camera guide for a fuller explanation.
IR, ColorVu and Smart Hybrid Light
- Infrared: supports black-and-white footage in darkness without white scene illumination.
- ColorVu: improves low-light colour imaging. In complete darkness, colour needs supplemental white light or another visible source.
- Smart Hybrid Light: offers IR, white-light and smart modes on supported models.
- Active deterrence: adds configured flashing warnings and/or audio alarms. This is separate from the lighting used to capture video.
An advertised 40m, 60m or 80m illumination distance describes lighting reach. It is not a promise of face recognition, licence plate readability or identification at that distance. For those tasks, plan a camera position and lens around the target.
Audio and outdoor protection
A microphone records sound; a speaker and compatible software are needed for two-way communication. External audio interfaces do not mean a camera has a built-in microphone or speaker. Likewise, IP67 water/dust resistance, IK10 impact resistance and NEMA 4X protection describe different properties. The Wi-Fi model is IP66; selected motorised models have IK10. Assess corrosion exposure against the exact camera rating.
Build a Compatible Recording System
Match your camera selection with a compatible Hikvision NVR, sufficient surveillance storage and the correct network power capacity. Check camera resolution, bitrate, available channels and per-port PoE support before choosing a recorder.
- Allow enough PoE or PoE+ capacity for each camera and for the complete system.
- Choose storage capacity around recording quality, schedules and the retention period you need.
- Check recorder and software support for analytics, audio and active-warning features.
- Use suitable junction boxes and mounts, and protect outdoor cable connections.
- Test camera framing, night exposure and detection zones during commissioning.
The tables link directly to the current product pages. Check those pages for live prices, lens and colour variants, availability, included items and full specifications.
Related Hikvision & CCTV Buying Guides
Hikvision CCTV Features Explained: ColorVu, AcuSense AI & Smart Deterrence
Understand ColorVu, AcuSense, DarkFighter, Smart Hybrid Light and active warnings.
4K vs 6MP vs 8MP Security Cameras: Which Resolution Do You Need?
Compare resolution, useful image detail and recording requirements.
What CCTV Camera Is Best for Night-Time Security?
Choose lighting and camera placement for useful footage after dark.
Choosing the Best Hikvision CCTV System
Plan cameras, recording, storage and remote viewing together.
Hikvision vs Dahua Security Cameras: Which Is Better for Your Property?
Compare the two brands when planning a complete CCTV system.
Hikvision Bullet Camera Comparison FAQs
Which Hikvision bullet camera is best for a driveway?
Start with the driveway width, mounting position and detail required at the entrance. A 2.8mm fixed camera can give broad coverage; a 4mm or motorised lens can concentrate on a smaller area. Choose IR for black-and-white night footage or a ColorVu hybrid model for colour with suitable white illumination.
Does an 80m IR camera identify a person at 80m?
No. The figure describes infrared illumination reach. Identification depends on how many image pixels cover the person, along with lighting, focus, movement and recording settings.
Do all /SL bullet cameras have the same features?
No. Check the exact model. Microphone count, speaker output, warning lights, night illumination and PoE requirements vary. A combined S(L)(RB) family listing also needs confirmation of the supplied suffix.
Do ColorVu cameras need light at night?
Yes. Colour footage needs available visible light. In complete darkness, use supplemental white light or another visible light source. Hybrid models can use IR for black-and-white footage.
Are 8MP panoramic cameras the same as standard 4K cameras?
They have a similar total pixel count but a different image shape. The 8MP G3 panoramic model here records 4256 × 1888, while standard 4K models record 3840 × 2160.
Can I power every model from a standard PoE recorder?
No. Several G3, active-warning and motorised models need IEEE 802.3at PoE+. Check the port specification and total power budget. The Wi-Fi bullet requires a suitable 12V DC supply.
Which cameras support two-way audio?
Choose a model with both a microphone and speaker and confirm support in the recorder or viewing software. Microphone-only cameras record audio but do not provide two-way conversation. The DarkFighter S motorised model requires external audio equipment.
Can CTC Communications help choose and install the system?
Yes. CTC Communications can help plan coverage, select lenses, recording equipment and storage, and install Hikvision CCTV systems across Sydney.
Specification & Variant Notes
This guide covers the models currently listed in the CTC Communications Hikvision bullet collection. Specifications were checked during the product updates against model-specific Hikvision documentation. Features and lens availability vary by suffix; the linked product pages include the relevant datasheet links.
Confirm the supplied lens for DS-2CD2T67G2H-LISU/SL and the lens/warning-light suffix for DS-2CD2T87G3-LIS2UY/S(L)(RB). The DS-2CD2T86G2H-4I listing is shown with the 2.8mm lens confirmed by CTC. Discontinued DS-2CD2T87G2P-LSU/SL is excluded from the current-range comparison.
Need Your Hikvision CCTV System Professionally Installed?
CTC Communications can design and install a complete Hikvision CCTV system for your home or business across Sydney.
View CCTV Installation ServicesFor camera selection advice, call 1300 552 282.
