Hikvision Camera Guide Australia: Every Product Type, Series & Model Explained (2025)
• Tommy Tang

Content 

Choosing the right Hikvision security camera can feel overwhelming. With dozens of model numbers, multiple technology series, and several camera form factors, even experienced DIYers can get lost in the product lineup.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down every Hikvision camera type available in Australia, explain the key technology series (AcuSense, ColorVu, DarkFighter, and more), and help you match the right camera to your specific property and scenario.
Whether you are securing a suburban home in Sydney, a rural property in Queensland, or a small retail shop in Melbourne, this guide will give you the knowledge to choose confidently.

Part 1: Camera Form Factors — Turret, Bullet, Dome & PTZ

Before diving into smart technologies and resolution specs, the first decision every buyer faces is the physical shape of the camera. Hikvision offers four main form factors, each designed for different mounting positions and environments.

Turret Cameras (Eyeball Cameras)

Turret cameras are the most popular choice for Australian home installations, and for good reason. The lens sits on a ball joint that can be rotated freely inside its housing, making it extremely easy to aim during installation.
The key advantage of turrets is their night vision performance. Because the infrared LEDs are physically separated from the lens (unlike dome cameras), there is no IR reflection or "bounce" effect. This gives turrets consistently cleaner images in the dark, a difference that becomes especially noticeable in unlit driveways and backyards common across Australian suburban properties.
Turrets also handle rain better than domes. Water runs off their flat face more easily, reducing the chance of droplets blurring your footage during storms.

Best for: Front entrances, driveways, backyards, side gates, carports, and general residential coverage.

👉 Browse Hikvision Turret Cameras at Smarket 

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are the classic cylindrical security camera you see mounted on walls. Their elongated body naturally points in one direction, making them ideal for long-range monitoring along fences, perimeters, and driveways.
Their visible profile serves as a strong deterrent. Anyone approaching your property can see exactly where the camera is pointed. For Australian rural properties, farms, and warehouse exteriors, bullets provide the visual "don't even think about it" factor that turrets lack. 
The trade-off is that bullets are more susceptible to spider webs and insect nesting due to the gap between the camera body and the mounting bracket. In areas with heavy bug activity (much of coastal Australia in summer), this means slightly more maintenance.
Best for: Perimeter fences, long driveways, car parks, warehouse exteriors, rural properties, and anywhere you want visible deterrence.

👉 Browse Hikvision Bullet Cameras at Smarket 

Dome Cameras

Dome cameras sit under a reinforced glass or polycarbonate dome, making them the toughest option against physical tampering. Most Hikvision dome models carry an IK10 vandal-resistance rating, meaning they can withstand a direct hit equivalent to a 5kg weight dropped from 40cm.
The dome design also conceals the direction the camera is pointing, adding psychological uncertainty for would-be intruders. This makes them a go-to choice for retail environments, public-facing locations, and high-vandalism areas.
The downside is that domes can suffer from IR reflection at night, where the infrared LEDs bounce off the inside of the glass dome and create bright spots or haze in the image. They can also collect water droplets on the curved surface, which is a real consideration in high-rainfall regions like Southeast Queensland and Tasmania.
Best for: Indoor ceilings, retail shops, commercial offices, public-facing areas, and vandal-prone locations.

👉 Browse Hikvision Dome Cameras at Smarket

PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) 

PTZ cameras are the premium option. They can rotate horizontally (pan), tilt up and down,and zoom in with powerful optical lenses, often 25x to 32x magnification. Some Hikvision PTZ models now include AI auto-tracking, which means the camera can automatically follow a person or vehicle across its field of view.
PTZ cameras are not a replacement for fixed cameras. Think of them as an "active investigation" tool that complements your static coverage. A common setup for large commercial sites is fixed turrets or bullets for 24/7 recording, plus one PTZ for real-time incident response.
Best for: Large commercial properties, warehouses, car parks, farms, and properties where active monitoring or tracking is required.

👉 Browse Hikvision PTZ Cameras at Smarket 
Quick Comparison: Which Form Factor Should You Choose?

Feature Turret Bullet Dome PTZ
Night Vision Quality ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★
Rain Performance ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★
Vandal Resistance ★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★
Visual Deterrence ★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★ ★★★★★
Ease of Installation ★★★★★ ★★★★ ★★★ ★★
Typical Use Residential Perimeter Retail/Indoor Large Sites
Starting Price (AUD) $110+ $138+ $120+ $330+

Part 2: Hikvision Technology Series Explained 

Hikvision's product naming can be confusing because each camera model can incorporate one or more "technology layers." Understanding these technologies is the key to choosing the right camera.

AcuSense — AI-Powered Human & Vehicle Detection

AcuSense is Hikvision's deep-learning AI engine, and it is the single most impactful feature for reducing false alarms in Australian conditions.
What it does: AcuSense analyses the video feed in real-time and classifies moving objects as either a "human," a "vehicle," or "other" (animals, shadows, wind-blown objects, insects, etc.).
You can set your system to only alert you when a person or vehicle is detected, ignoring everything else.
Why it matters in Australia: Without AcuSense, your phone will buzz every time a possum runs along your fence, a cat crosses your driveway, tree branches sway in the wind, or shadows shift as clouds pass. Most DIYers who try non-AI cameras end up disabling motion notifications entirely within a week because of the constant false alerts. AcuSense solves this problem.
Additional AcuSense features include:
  • Quick Target Search — filter recorded footage by "human" or "vehicle" to find events in seconds instead of scrolling through hours of recordings.
  • Perimeter protection — set virtual tripwires and intrusion zones that only trigger on humans or vehicles.
  • Built-in strobe light and speaker (on compatible models) — the camera can flash a red/blue strobe and play a warning siren when an intrusion is detected.

In the latest G3 generation cameras (2025), AcuSense 3.0 introduces AcuSearch, which allows even faster and more precise filtering of recorded events.

Best for: Every installation. AcuSense is now a baseline feature on all current-generation Hikvision cameras (G2 and G3 models) and is included in the turret, bullet, and dome models available at Smarket. 

ColorVu — Full-Colour Night Vision 24/7 

ColorVu is Hikvision's signature low-light imaging technology. While traditional cameras switch to black-and-white infrared at night, ColorVu cameras deliver vivid, full-colour video around the clock.
How it works: ColorVu achieves colour night vision through two hardware innovations:
  1. F1.0 Super-Aperture Lens — The lens opening is significantly larger than standard cameras (standard cameras use F1.6 or F2.0). This lets in up to four times more light. 
  2. Advanced BSI Sensor — A back-side illuminated sensor with higher sensitivity extracts maximum detail from minimal available light.
  3. Warm Supplemental LED — In near-total darkness, a built-in warm white LED provides supplemental light to maintain colour footage.
Why it matters: Colour footage captures critical details that black-and-white infrared misses entirely, including clothing colour, vehicle paint colour, skin tone, and other identifying features. If you need to provide footage to police, colour video is dramatically more useful than greyscale. 
The practical trade-off: ColorVu cameras work best within 20 metres of the subject. At longer distances, DarkFighter or standard IR cameras perform better. Also, the built-in whiteLED is visible to the human eye, which some homeowners find too bright for residential settings, especially facing neighbours.
ColorVu 3.0 (2025 G3 generation) further improves performance with HikAI-ISP (AI-based image signal processing), which reduces noise and motion blur in low-light conditions.
Best for: Front doors, driveways, shop fronts, car parks, loading docks, and any location where identifying colour details at night is critical. Ideal when the monitoring distance is under 20 metres. 

Smart Hybrid Light — The Best of Both Worlds 

Smart Hybrid Light cameras combine infrared (IR) and warm white LED illumination in a single camera, and they are the model we recommend most often for Australian home installations. 
How it works: Smart Hybrid Light offers three operating modes:
  1. IR Mode — The camera uses invisible infrared light, producing black-and-white footage. Completely covert; no visible light emitted.
  2. White Light Mode — Continuous warm white LED for 24/7 full-colour footage (same as ColorVu).
  3. Smart Mode (recommended) — The camera runs in covert IR mode by default. When AcuSense detects a human or vehicle, it automatically switches to white light and records in full colour. After the event, it returns to IR mode.
Why Smart Mode is ideal for Australian homes: You get the stealth of infrared most of the time (no bright lights annoying neighbours or lighting up your backyard all night), but the moment someone walks onto your property, the camera captures them in full colour AND the sudden white light acts as a visual deterrent.
This solves the biggest complaint DIYers on forums like Whirlpool, Reddit, and IP Cam Talk
have about pure ColorVu cameras: the white light being on all night.
Best for: Residential properties, driveways, backyards, side passages, and anywhere you want covert monitoring with colour evidence on demand. 

DarkFighter — Ultra Low-Light Performance 

DarkFighter is Hikvision's premium low-light technology, designed for environments where capturing clear footage at extreme distances in near-darkness is critical.
How it works: DarkFighter cameras use oversized image sensors (close to 1/1.8" or larger), combined with larger aperture lenses and advanced noise reduction algorithms. This hardware combination allows the camera to remain in full colour down to approximately 0.002 lux (roughly equivalent to starlight with no moon) before switching to black-and-white IR.
DarkFighter vs ColorVu: The key distinction is range. ColorVu uses supplemental white light to achieve colour in darkness, which is effective up to approximately 20 metres. DarkFighter relies on the sensor's natural light-gathering ability without supplemental light, making it effective at much longer distances (30 metres and beyond). However, DarkFighter eventually switches to black-and-white in complete darkness, while ColorVu stays in colour thanks to its LED.
Tiers within DarkFighter:
  • Powered by DarkFighter — Budget tier with improved lens algorithms but standard sensor size. A modest improvement over non-DarkFighter cameras.
  • DarkFighter — Full-size sensor and lens upgrade. Excellent low-light colour performance.
  • DarkFighter X — Dual-sensor design combining visible light and IR sensors. The premium tier for critical infrastructure and high-security environments.
Best for: Long-range perimeter monitoring (30m+), rural properties, industrial sites, critical infrastructure, and areas where supplemental white light is not practical.

DeepinView — Advanced AI Analytics 

DeepinView is Hikvision's most advanced analytics platform, typically found in their professional/enterprise camera range. It goes beyond the human/vehicle detection of
AcuSense to include:
  • Facial recognition
  • People counting and heat mapping
  • Hard hat and PPE detection
  • License plate recognition (ANPR/LPR)
  • Queue management and crowd density analysis
Best for: Commercial businesses, retail analytics, high-security facilities, and traffic monitoring. Not typically needed for residential DIY installations.
Technology Summary Table 
Technology Key Benefit Night Vision Best Range Ideal Scenario
AcuSense Al false alarm reduction Standard IR Any Every installation
ColorVu 24/7 full-colour video Full colour (LED) Under 20m Doors, driveways, shopfronts
Smart Hybrid Light Covert IR + colour on demand IR + colour on event Under 30m Residential homes
DarkFighter Ultra low-light sensitivity Colour to 0.002 lux 30m+ Rural, perimeter, long range
DarkFighter X Dual-sensor extreme low-light Colour to 0.001 lux 50m+ Critical infrastructure
DeepinView Advanced analytics & recognition Varies by model Any Commercial/enterprise

Part 3: Hikvision Product Tiers — Value, Pro & Enterprise

Beyond the technology layers, Hikvision organises its cameras into product tiers that reflect the overall build quality, feature set, and intended use case.

Value Series / ExpressIP (Model numbers: DS-2CD2xx3)

The entry-level range for users who need reliable IP surveillance without advanced features. 
Value Series cameras offer:
  • Up to 8MP resolution
  • H.265+ video compression
  • Fixed iris (best for consistent lighting)
  • Basic motion detection
  • IP67 weatherproofing
Best for: Budget-conscious installations, indoor cameras, and supplementary coverage points.

AcuSense Series (Model numbers: DS-2CD2xx6G2)

The mainstream range that most Australian DIYers and small businesses should consider.
These cameras include the full AcuSense AI engine, DarkFighter-level low-light performance, and built-in microphones on most models.
Best for: Residential homes, small to medium businesses, retail shops, and most standard security applications.
👉 Shop AcuSense Cameras at Smarket 

ColorVu Series (Model numbers: DS-2CD2xx7G2) 

Cameras built specifically around the ColorVu technology with F1.0 lenses and advanced
sensors. The latest G2 and G3 generation ColorVu cameras also include AcuSense as standard. 
Best for: Locations where colour night evidence is the priority.
👉 Shop Hikvision ColorVu Cameras 

Smart Hybrid Light Series (Model numbers: DS-2CD2xx7G2H)

The latest and most versatile range, combining ColorVu, AcuSense, IR capability, strobe light, speaker, and microphone in a single unit. The "H" suffix in the model number indicates Hybrid Light capability.
Best for: All-round residential and commercial installations. This is our most recommended range for new installations.
👉 Shop Smart Hybrid Light Cameras at Smarket 

Pro Series / DeepinView (Model numbers: DS-2CD7xxx / iDS-2CD7xxx)

Enterprise-grade cameras with advanced analytics, larger sensors, and professional integration options. These cameras support HEOP (Hikvision Embedded Open Platform) for third-party application development.
Best for: Enterprise, government, and large commercial deployments requiring advanced analytics.

Understanding Hikvision Model Numbers

Hikvision model numbers follow a logical pattern. Here is a quick decoder:
Example: DS-2CD2387G2H-LISU/SL
Segment Meaning
DS Digital Series
2CD IP Network Colour Camera 
2 Series
3
Turret(0=bullet, 1= dome, 3= turret)
8 8MP resolution ( 47=4MP, 67=6MP, 87=8MP)
7 7 series(3-AcuSense value, 6=Advanced Acusense, 7=Colorvu)
G2H Generation 2 Hybrid Light ( G2=Gen 2, G3=Gen 3, H=Hybrid)
L Supplemental light ( L=White LED, no L=IR only)
I IR illumination
S Built-in speaker
U Built-in microphone
SL Strobe light

Part 4: Resolution Guide — 2MP, 4MP, 6MP or 8MP?

Resolution determines how much detail your footage captures, which directly impacts your
ability to identify faces, read license plates, and zoom in on recorded footage.

2MP (1080p Full HD)

Adequate for basic monitoring where you only need to know "someone is there" without
needing to identify them. Suitable for wide-angle overview cameras or indoor supplementary cameras.

4MP (2K)

A solid mid-range option that offers noticeably more detail than 2MP. You can digitally zoom into recorded footage and still maintain usable clarity. Good for residential cameras where the subject is typically within 10-15 metres.

6MP

The sweet spot for most Australian residential and small business installations. 6MP provides excellent detail for face identification and license plate recognition at distances up to approximately 15 metres. The file sizes and bandwidth requirements are reasonable for 8- channel NVR systems.
👉 Shop 6MP Hikvision Cameras at Smarket →Hikvision 6MP Cameras

8MP (4K Ultra HD)

Maximum detail for critical areas. 8MP cameras are ideal for commercial properties, wide-area coverage where you need to crop and zoom in post-recording, and long driveways where subjects may be 15-25+ metres away. Be aware that 8MP cameras use significantly more bandwidth and storage. An 8-channel NVR may only handle 4-5 cameras at 8MP with full features enabled.
👉 Shop 8MP Hikvision Cameras at Smarket →Hikvision 8MP Cameras
Scenario Recommended Resolution
Indoor supplementary camera 2MP or 4MP
Front door / entrance 6MP
Driveway (under 15m) 6MP
Driveway (over 15m) 8MP
Car park / wide area 8MP
Retail shop interior 6MP
Warehouse 8MP
Rural property perimeter 8MP

Part 5: Scenario-Based Buying Guide

Scenario 1: Standard Australian 3-Bedroom Home

Your situation: Suburban house with front yard, driveway, backyard, and one or two side
passages.
Recommended setup:

Why this works: Smart Hybrid Light gives you covert IR monitoring with full-colour capture when someone approaches. AcuSense ensures you only get notified for humans and vehicles. 

👉 View Hikvision CCTV Kits at Smarket →Hikvision CCTV Kits

👉 Shop Hikvision NVRs at Smarket →Hikvision NVRs  

Scenario 2: Rural/Acreage Property 

Your situation: Large block, long driveway, sheds, livestock areas, minimal street lighting.
Recommended setup:
Why this works: Bullets provide long-range visibility and visible deterrence. 8MP resolution lets you identify visitors at the end of a long driveway. The optional PTZ allows you to track movement across open paddocks.
👉 Browse Hikvision PTZ Cameras →Hikvision PTZ Cameras 

Scenario 3: Retail Shop or Small Business

Your situation: Shop front, internal floor area, back storeroom, rear car park.
Recommended setup:

Why this works: Domes provide vandal-resistant, discreet indoor monitoring. Smart Hybrid Light turrets capture colour evidence of anyone entering or exiting. AcuSense on all cameras ensures reliable notifications. Scenario 4: Coastal Property

Your situation: Within 5km of the Australian coastline, exposed to salt air, humidity, and UV.
Key consideration: Choose cameras with anti-corrosion rating (NEMA 4X or equivalent) and IP67 weatherproofing. Hikvision's latest G3 models offer improved anti-corrosion materials specifically designed for harsh environments. Mount cameras under eaves where possible, and use turrets over bullets to reduce salt buildup on flat surfaces.
All Hikvision cameras sold through Smarket carry IP67 rating as standard, ensuring protection against Australian coastal conditions. 

Part 6: Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install Hikvision cameras myself (DIY)?
Yes. Hikvision's PoE (Power over Ethernet) system means each camera needs only a single
CAT6 cable run back to the NVR. The NVR provides both power and data through the same cable. No electrician is required for the cameras themselves (though you may need one for the NVR power point). Hikvision's plug-and-play system automatically detects cameras within 30-60 seconds of connection. 
What NVR do I need?
For most home installations, an 8-channel PoE NVR is the best starting point, even if you only plan to run 4 cameras initially. This gives you room to expand.
  • 4-Channel: DS-7604NI-M1/4P — Suitable for small setups (up to 3x 8MP or 4x 4MP cameras)
  • 8-Channel: DS-7608NI-M2/8P — The standard recommendation for homes and small businesses
  • 16-Channel: DS-7616NI-M2/16P — For larger properties and commercial sites
👉 Shop Hikvision NVRs at Smarket →Hikvision NVRs
ColorVu or Smart Hybrid Light — which should I choose?
For most Australian homes, Smart Hybrid Light is the better choice. It gives you colour footage when it matters (during events) without keeping white lights on all night. Pure ColorVu is better for commercial sites where 24/7 colour evidence is a business requirement (retail, hospitality, car parks).
How long does Hikvision footage last on the NVR?
With H.265+ compression at 6MP resolution and motion-based recording:
  • 2TB hard drive: approximately 2-3 weeks with 4 cameras
  • 4TB hard drive: approximately 4-6 weeks with 4 cameras
  • 6TB hard drive: approximately 6-9 weeks with 4 cameras
Continuous 24/7 recording reduces these estimates by roughly 50%. 

Conclusion: How to Choose Your Hikvision Camera

Here is the simplest decision framework:
  1. Pick your form factor — Turrets for most residential, bullets for perimeters, domes for indoor/vandal-risk, PTZ for large sites.
  2. Pick your technology — Smart Hybrid Light for residential, ColorVu for commercial, DarkFighter for long-range.
  3. Pick your resolution — 6MP for most homes, 8MP for long distances or commercial.
  4. Pick your NVR — 8-channel for homes, 16-channel for larger properties.
Still unsure? SMarket offers free consultation to help you design the right system for your
Australian property. Contact us at sales@smarket.com.au.
👉 Browse All Hikvision Cameras at Smarket →Hikvision Security Cameras
👉 View Hikvision CCTV Kits →Hikvision CCTV Kits
👉 Shop Hikvision NVRs →Hikvision NVRs
👉 Browse Hikvision PTZ Cameras →Hikvision PTZ Cameras 
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