Hikvision ColorVu 3.0 and Smart Hybrid Light: what the modes mean

The three lighting modes do different jobs

Hikvision describes three Smart Hybrid Light choices. Infrared mode provides discreet night illumination and usually produces a black-and-white image. White-light mode uses visible supplemental light to support colour imaging. Smart mode starts with infrared and changes to colour imaging when a configured event triggers the white light.

That choice affects what neighbours and visitors see, the detail recorded at night and how the camera behaves around ordinary movement. It should be selected for the location rather than left to a broad product promise.

Official source: Hikvision: Value Series cameras and Smart Hybrid Light(opens in a new tab)

Colour in darkness still depends on light

ColorVu uses a large-aperture lens, a light-sensitive sensor and, on relevant models, supplemental lighting to improve colour detail in low light. If a scene has no usable ambient light, colour imaging relies on the camera adding visible light. A blanket claim that every camera sees full colour in total darkness therefore leaves out an important condition.

Infrared can be the calmer choice where visible light would disturb a bedroom, a neighbour or passing traffic. White light can be useful where colour detail matters and the illumination can be aimed responsibly. Smart mode offers a middle ground on supported models, but it still needs careful configuration.

Official source: Hikvision: Network cameras with ColorVu 3.0(opens in a new tab)

Detection features are model-specific

Hikvision's current Value Series information lists person and vehicle detection on applicable Motion Detection 2.0 and 3.0 models. That can help a recorder or app distinguish configured events from general movement, but it does not guarantee that every alert is correct or that every ColorVu camera has the same analytics.

The exact model, firmware, recorder and detection settings should be checked together. Camera position, target size, foliage, headlight glare and the defined detection area can all affect the useful result.

Official source: Hikvision: Value Series feature overview(opens in a new tab)

Choose the mode for each camera position

• Decide whether visible white light is acceptable at the driveway, side path, yard or business entrance.
• Check the manufacturer's stated infrared and white-light distances for the exact model rather than assuming one range-wide figure.
• Aim and configure the camera for the identification area; a wider view does not automatically provide useful facial or vehicle detail.
• Confirm which person, vehicle or other analytics are supported by the camera and recorder combination.
• Set recording quality and retention from the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate and available storage.
• Review the footage after dark at the property, not only from a daytime test image.

What to bring to an upgrade discussion

If this is an upgrade, photograph the existing camera and recorder labels and note which night views are not useful. If it is a new system, identify the areas where colour detail matters and where visible lighting would be unwelcome. NorthTech can then compare the exact camera models, illumination modes, recorder compatibility and storage needs for the property.

The available ColorVu models and their supported features can change. The exact camera, recorder, illumination and analytics included for your property should be named in NorthTech's proposal rather than assumed from the range name.

• CCTV design and installationPlan camera positions, recording and access around the property rather than a headline feature.
• Compare current CCTV choicesReview the retained NorthTech guide to coverage, deterrence and system selection.