By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
Two answers to the same problem
Ordinary CCTV turns black-and-white at night. Hikvision offers two technologies to get colour after dark: ColorVu, which aims to stay in colour all night, and Smart Hybrid Light, which stays in infrared and switches to colour only when something important happens.
A note for 2026: India now requires security certification for each IP camera model sold (see our STQC guide), and press reports in April 2026 said Chinese makers’ network cameras were in practice not being certified. Analog Turbo HD cameras are exempt. Always confirm the certification status of an exact IP model before buying. SightShield supplies IP cameras only, so we quote only IP models whose certification we can confirm.
How ColorVu works
Hikvision says ColorVu combines a very wide F1.0 aperture lens — which lets in far more light than a typical camera lens — with sensitive sensors and image processing. In low light, such as streetlights or a lit compound, it keeps a colour picture without any extra light. In complete darkness, a built-in white light switches on. Hikvision’s datasheets quote colour sensitivity in the region of 0.0001 lux at F1.0, and "0 lux with light".
The current generation is marketed as ColorVu 3.0. ColorVu is available both in IP cameras and in Turbo HD analog cameras.
How Smart Hybrid Light works
Smart Hybrid Light cameras have both infrared and white-light LEDs and three modes: IR only, white light only, and smart. In smart mode, the camera stays in black-and-white infrared until it detects a person or vehicle, then switches on the white light to record colour, and goes back to infrared when the target leaves. On Turbo HD analog models, the detection-linked switching needs a compatible AcuSense DVR.
ColorVu vs Smart Hybrid Light
| ColorVu | Smart Hybrid Light | |
|---|---|---|
| Night picture | Colour all night (light on in total darkness) | IR black-and-white, colour when a person/vehicle is detected |
| Visible light | On whenever it is too dark | Only during detection (in smart mode) |
| Deterrence | Constant visible light | Light switching on at an intruder is a strong deterrent |
| Neighbours and bedrooms | Light may disturb | Minimal disturbance |
| Best for | Gates, shopfronts, parking and lit areas | Homes, villas and compounds near neighbours |
Choosing between them
- Main gate, driveway or shopfront where colour detail always matters: ColorVu.
- Areas with existing street or yard lighting: ColorVu often works without switching on its own light.
- Near bedrooms or neighbours’ windows: Smart Hybrid Light in smart mode.
- Large dark perimeters: infrared cameras with line-crossing, plus colour at the gates.
Example: a gate and a back lane
A Bangalore villa needed two night views: the main gate, lit by a streetlight, and a dark back lane behind the compound wall. At the gate, a colour night vision camera showed visitors’ clothing, vehicle colours and faces clearly using the streetlight and a gentle warm light. In the back lane, where a constant white light would bother neighbours, a hybrid camera ran on infrared and switched to white light only when a person was detected — giving colour evidence of an intruder without lighting up the lane all night. Before buying any IP model, confirm its certification for sale in India.
Hikvision camera and NVR ranges explained →Similar features from other brands
Most major brands now offer colour night vision and smart dual-light cameras under their own names — for example, CP Plus markets colour night ranges as illumax. The principles are the same; compare the lens aperture, light range and detection features on each datasheet.
Plan night coverage for your site →Quick answers
Does Hikvision ColorVu work in complete darkness?+
Yes, by switching on its built-in white light. In low but not zero light it stays in colour without the light.
Is ColorVu better than infrared?+
It gives colour detail at night, which helps identify clothing and vehicles. Infrared is invisible and works over long dark perimeters. Many sites use both.
How do I know if a Hikvision camera is ColorVu?+
In IP model numbers the sub-series digit 7 indicates ColorVu; in Turbo HD codes, F3 does. The product name and datasheet also say ColorVu.
Does colour night vision need a light on all night?+
Colour cameras use ambient light first and switch on a warm light only when it is too dark. Hybrid models use infrared until motion is detected.
Will the white light disturb neighbours?+
It can. Use hybrid or smart-light modes, aim cameras into your property, and reduce light intensity.