Hikvision Range Review
Hikvision is the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of CCTV systems and security cameras. Established in 2001, they have quickly earned a reputation for developing high quality video compression hardware and supporting software. While Hikvision can be more expensive than other options, they are known for the quality of their software and analytics. Hikvision is therefore our preferred brand for use in business installations.
Jim’s Security Offers the Following Hikvision Packages:
Why choose HIKVISION?
Hikvision is the world’s leading CCTV brand, renowned for its advanced video compression, sophisticated analytics, and integration capabilities. In Australia, Jim’s Security often prefers Hikvision for business-grade systems because of their reliability and smart software features, even though they come at a higher price.
Their platforms, AX Pro, Alarm, and Intercom, can all be managed via the Hik-Connect app, offering seamless system-wide control.
HiLook AcuSense (ENTRY LEVEL)
HiLook AcuSense cameras offer budget-friendly surveillance with basic functionality. They provide essential features like human and vehicle detection, making them a step up from standard cameras but without the full capabilities of Hikvision’s core AcuSense line.
Best For: Home users or small businesses on a tight budget who need better-than-basic analytics but don’t require premium features.
Hikvision AcuSense Series
These cameras incorporate intelligent AI-based detection that differentiates humans and vehicles from general motion, greatly reducing false alarms. Paired with Darkfighter technology, they deliver exceptional low-light image quality for clearer nighttime footage.
Best For: Businesses and homes looking for reliable, smart detection with clear visuals around the clock.
Hikvision DarkFighter Cameras
DarkFighter technology excels in ultra-low light conditions, capturing vibrant colour footage at night without extra lighting. These cameras are designed for environments with poor illumination, delivering crisp, detailed imagery even in near darkness.
Best For: Night-time monitoring in poorly lit areas like backyards, car parks, or warehouses.
Hikvision PTZ & TandemVu Series
PTZ models, including TandemVu dual-sensor variants, allow users to pan, tilt, and zoom across wide areas. With AI tracking, these cameras can automatically follow moving targets. TandemVu adds panorama coverage combined with optical zoom for exceptional flexibility.
Best For: Large properties, stadiums, and perimeters requiring versatile tracking and broad-coverage capabilities.
Hikvision ColorVu & Smart Hybrid Light Cameras
ColorVu cameras provide full-colour imaging 24/7 by combining large-aperture F1.0 lenses, advanced sensors, and warm supplemental LEDs. The Smart Hybrid Light version adds intelligence, automatically switching between three modes: Infrared (for discreet black-and-white monitoring), Warm Light (continuous colour), and Smart Mode (runs in IR until a person/vehicle is detected, then switches to colour).
This hybrid approach gives you the balance of discreet monitoring and full-colour evidence when it matters most.
Best For: Driveways, retail shopfronts, and car parks where colour is critical for identification but you don’t always want visible light on.
Hikvision Ax Pro Alarm Panel
The AX Pro Alarm panel is a recently launched alarm, which provides full integration with the Hivksion ecosystem. It boasts professional grade wireless technology using a specialised 850 Mgz spectrum reserved for security usage. This system can also be integrated with an extensive range of perimeter protection.
Hikvision IP Video Intercom
Fully equipped with two-way communication, video surveillance, access control and Z-wave capabilities, Hikvision’s Gen2 Intercom kit is suitable for home and businesses alike. The ability to isolate zones is another attractive feature of the Bosch Alarm system which enables one or more zones to be manually isolated before the system is armed. Once a zone is isolated, it can be accessed during an armed state without activating the alarm, ensuring that you safer and more secure at home or work.
Hikvision CCTV and Alarm Package
This comprehensive package include 4x 6MP Hikvision White label cameras and the Hikvision Ax Pro alarm, both of which can be remotely monitored and managed in one place through the Hik-Connect mobile App.
Hikvision NVRs (I-Series, M-Series, etc.)
Hikvision’s NVRs support PoE connectivity, 4K recording, and smart H.265+ compression to save storage while maintaining video quality. Integrated AI processing ensures smoother performance for larger camera installations.
*We do not install these
Hikvision Intercoms & AX Pro Alarm Integration
Hikvision intercoms offer desktop or wall-mount indoor stations with outdoor stations in various styles, including retrofitting 2-wire systems. When paired with Hik-Connect, they seamlessly integrate with Hikvision alarms and CCTV for unified control.
Best For: Residential or multi-unit buildings that need integrated access control, alarm, and CCTV within one streamlined app.
Understanding Hikvision’s Product Tiers
- HiLook Series: Entry-level, affordable cameras with basic analytics (e.g. AcuSense Lite), suitable for simple installations.
- AcuSense Series: Core smart detection cameras with AI functions and better image quality.
- ColorVu / Darkfighter: Colour night vision and low-light optimised cameras for environments where detail matters at night.
- PTZ / TandemVu: Flexible, tracking-capable cameras ideal for large coverage areas.
- NVRs: Advanced recording units for PoE deployment, high-resolution management, and AI processing.
- Intercoms & Alarm Systems: Fully integrated alarm, intercom, and CCTV solution connected via Hik-Connect.
ColorVu vs DarkFighter (and Hybrid Light Explained)
| Feature | ColorVu | DarkFighter | ColorVu Hybrid Light |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Technology |
Ultra-bright F1.0 lens and built-in warm LEDs. |
Large sensors and wide apertures for maximum light sensitivity. |
Combines IR mode with motion-activated warm LEDs. |
|
Low-Light Performance |
Guarantees 24/7 full-colour footage. |
Excels with some ambient light, producing bright, low-noise images. May revert to black-and-white in total darkness. |
Operates in IR mode for discreet surveillance, switches to full-colour when motion is detected. |
|
Best For |
Capturing specific details like clothing colours and vehicle paint in completely dark scenes. |
Environments with some existing ambient light. |
Reducing light pollution while ensuring full-colour detail is captured only when needed. |
|
Operating Mode |
Always full-colour. |
Primarily low-light colour, but can switch to black-and-white IR. |
Primarily black-and-white IR, switches to full-colour upon motion detection. |
For low-light surveillance, ColorVu and DarkFighter cameras offer different solutions. ColorVu cameras use a large aperture lens and a built-in LED light to provide 24/7 full-color footage, ideal for capturing details like clothing and vehicle colors. DarkFighter cameras are designed for maximum light sensitivity and perform best in environments with some ambient light, producing bright, clear images. In complete darkness, they typically switch to a black-and-white infrared (IR) mode.
The ColorVu Hybrid Light system combines these two technologies. It operates in discreet IR mode until motion is detected, at which point it switches on the warm LEDs to capture full-color details. This reduces light pollution while still ensuring key details are recorded when needed.
In short:
- Choose ColorVu if you want guaranteed colour recording 24/7.
- Choose DarkFighter if you want discreet, professional low-light performance with minimal extra lighting.
- Choose ColorVu Hybrid Light if you want the flexibility of both, with discreet IR most of the time and colour when events occur.