Understanding ColorVu Technology

How ColorVu technology works

Hikvision developed ColorVu using two breakthrough hardware technologies:

1. Advanced lenses
2. High-sensitivity sensors

Advanced Lenses

Hikvision manufactures its lenses using industry-leading technology, Accurate Focus Adjustment delivers accuracy within 4 pixels. In addition, ColorVu cameras utilise an F1.0 lens aperture as opposed to most conventional cameras that use an F2.0 aperture. The advanced lens allows more light to enter, resulting in brighter images. As a result, ColorVu lenses pull in up to four times the light of traditional cameras.

In addition, Broad-Band Anti Reflection (BBAR) coating and ED glass prevent image loss due to light flares.

High-sensitivity sensors

CMOS sensors are a highly-precise technology that efficiently converts light into a digital signal through photovoltaic conversion. In addition, the sensors used in ColorVu cameras feature self-adaptive digital noise reduction (DNR) to remove unwanted grain and blur, further improving image quality in low-light situations.

Each camera uses Smart FSI (smart front side illuminated) soft and warm light instead of IR (Infrared). The warm light helps the light-sensitive camera recognise colour and details, even in complete darkness.

Hikvision confirms that the supplementary light enables ColorVu cameras to capture vibrant colour images in darkness up to 40 metres.

ColorVu compared to conventional cameras

When comparing ColorVu to a conventional camera, the superior image output is easy to see. Traditional IR cameras produce low-quality black-and-white blurry images, making it difficult to identify faces and objects. Infrared is known to produce noisy images and can produce white areas that appear ‘blown out’, this is called IR glare. IR glare is typically caused by infrared light reflecting back into the camera lens.

In contrast, the ColorVu camera provides a vivid, sharp and detailed picture making it much easier to recognise faces and objects. You can see ColorVu compared to a 4K IR camera in the video below.

Combining technology

It is essential to know that ColorVu cameras are compatible with other HikVision technologies. For example, AcuSense technology provides real-time intelligent identification of people and vehicles. Therefore, when connecting AcuSense and ColorVu, you can detect and identify people and vehicles in low-light environments. 

A great example is Hikvisions’ 8MP ColorVu Acusense Fixed Bullet. The system provides focusing on human and vehicle classification through deep-learning. Moreover, it features a built-in microphone for real-time audio security whilst providing vivid low-light images.

Applications

ColorVu cameras deliver outstanding monitoring in low-lit conditions. Vivid images allow for better identification, helping you to capture footage that can be used as evidence to prosecute criminals. The additional benefits of colour in images help to identify a person’s clothing or the colour of a vehicle. Furthermore, the supplementary light can illuminate dark areas helping to reduce risks and improve safety for those around.

Because of their advanced functionality, ColorVu cameras are suited to a broad range of applications. Including:

• Local authorities for use around towns, parks and buildings
• Petrol Stations
• Retail Parks
• Car parks
• Construction Site Security

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