Introduction to the 4MP AcuSense Turret IP Camera
DS-2CD3346G2-ISU(2.8mm)(H)is a 4MP AcuSense fixed turret network camera that blends advanced low-light imaging, on-device AI and rugged weatherproof design at a price point attractive to installers and system designers. With 2688 × 1520 resolution, DarkFighter low-light technology, true 120 dB WDR and up to 40 m of smart IR illumination, this turret camera is designed for reliable indoor and outdoor surveillance across retail, office, warehouse and perimeter environments. The camera supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), local microSD storage, and an open embedded platform (HEOP) for on-device analytics and third-party apps—features that make it flexible for a wide range of deployments.
Key features at a glance
- 4 MP resolution(2688×1520) up to 30 fps for clear, detailed images.
- DarkFighter low-lightperformance — colour imaging down to 0.003 Lux and B/W to 0 Lux with IR.
- AcuSense analyticsincluding human/vehicle classification, perimeter protection, face capture and people counting.
- Rugged IP67 metal housingsuitable for outdoor use in temperatures from −30 °C to 60 °C.
- Flexible power and storage— PoE (802.3af) or 12 VDC and microSD up to 512 GB for edge recording.
- HEOP on-device AIwith 1.5 TOPS performance for third-party apps and local analytics.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The camera uses a 1/3" progressive scan CMOS sensor delivering 4 MP resolution (2688 × 1520). Images are captured at up to 30 fps, providing smooth motion for typical surveillance scenarios. The fixed 2.8 mm M12 lens gives an approximate 101° horizontal field of view — a wide perspective suitable for entrances, retail aisles and general-purpose monitoring. Aperture F1.4 helps gather more light, improving image quality in dim conditions.
DarkFighter technology enables colour video in extremely low light — spec'd to about 0.003 Lux — and switches to infrared-assisted B/W imaging to 0 Lux when necessary. The camera’s smart IR operates at 850 nm and reaches up to 40 m, which is useful for perimeter or large-area coverage at night. This combination ensures footage remains usable across day/night transitions and in poorly lit areas.
On the video side, the camera supports modern compression standards (H.265 / H.265+ and H.264 / H.264+) to reduce bandwidth and storage requirements without significant loss of detail. Multiple independent streams (main, sub and additional streams) let you balance resolution and network load across different clients and recording systems. True 120 dB WDR (wide dynamic range) addresses scenes with strong backlight, such as entrances with sunlight behind subjects.
Built-in HEOP (Hikvision Embedded Open Platform) with 1.5 TOPS of AI performance powers the AcuSense feature set: human/vehicle classification to reduce false alarms, perimeter protection rules, face capture and people counting. On-device analytics mean immediate event filtering at the edge, lessening the load on central servers and making alerting more accurate for security teams.
The camera offers RJ45 10/100 Mbps networking with ONVIF Profile S/G/T compatibility and security protocols such as HTTPS/TLS and 802.1X for integration and safe operation on enterprise networks. It supports up to 32 users and multiple simultaneous live views (up to six). For redundancy and edge storage, microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards up to 512 GB are supported. Power options include PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC.
Housed in a metal body with IP67 ingress protection, the turret camera withstands outdoor weather and dust exposure. Compact dimensions (Ø127.3 × 96.3 mm) and roughly 630 g weight make it easy to mount on walls or ceilings. Operating temperature spans −30 °C to 60 °C, covering most climates for standard surveillance installations.
Use cases and ideal deployment scenarios
The DS-2CD3346G2-ISU turret is purpose-built for situations that require good image detail, low-light color capability and intelligent alarm filtering. Typical use cases include:
- Retail stores:Wide-angle coverage of sales floors and entrances; people counting and face capture help with customer analytics, loss prevention and queue management.
- Corporate offices:Reception areas and parking lot monitoring benefit from reliable human/vehicle classification and IR range for after-hours coverage.
- Warehouses and logistics hubs:Monitoring loading bays and storage aisles where varied lighting and high-contrast scenes are common — WDR and DarkFighter both add value here.
- Perimeter and outdoor security:With IP67 housing and long-range IR, the camera can monitor fences, gates and perimeters; AcuSense reduces nuisance alarms from animals or foliage movement.
- Edge-focused deployments:Locations that prefer local recording (microSD) and on-device analytics to reduce reliance on constant uplink to a central VMS.
How it compares to similar cameras on the market
In the mid-market 4 MP turret category, the DS-2CD3346G2-ISU stands out for combining AcuSense AI, DarkFighter low-light color imaging and HEOP for third-party apps. Here are a few points of comparison:
- Vs. standard 4 MP non-AI cameras: Many basic 4 MP cameras deliver similar daytime resolution but lack on-device human/vehicle classification and sophisticated false-alarm filtering. The Hikvision AcuSense model reduces time spent reviewing irrelevant alerts and improves alarm accuracy.
- Vs. Starlight or ColorVu cameras: Some brands (or other Hikvision lines) prioritize ultra-colour night imaging via supplementary lighting (ColorVu) or enhanced low-light sensors (Starlight). DarkFighter focuses on maintaining accurate colour in very low ambient light and pairs with IR for true zero-lux scenes. Choice depends on whether full-colour night footage (with constant lighting) or a balance of colour-to-black-and-white with IR is preferred.
- Vs. competitor AI cameras (Dahua, Axis, etc.): Competitors also offer human/vehicle classification and on-device analytics. Differences often come down to platform openness (HEOP and third-party app support is an advantage), integration with existing VMS via ONVIF, and pricing. This Hikvision model is competitively priced relative to similar-spec offerings while delivering robust analytics and low-light performance.
Customer feedback and installer perspectives
While specific customer reviews vary by deployment, common themes arise from installer and end-user feedback for cameras in this class. Installers frequently praise the DS-2CD3346G2-ISU for straightforward PoE provisioning, compact turret form factor and reliable performance in mixed-light conditions. End users often note the value of AcuSense analytics — fewer false alarms and smarter notifications — and the practical benefit of on-board microSD storage for network outages.
Constructive observations from some deployments include requests for more extended native analytics or higher TOPS AI in extremely complex scenes, and occasional fine-tuning of sensitivity for people-counting at busy retail entrances. These are typical trade-offs for edge devices balancing cost, performance and power consumption.
Conclusion — why this camera is a great choice
The DS-2CD3346G2-ISU(2.8mm)(H) 4MP AcuSense turret camera is a compelling option for organisations that want a balanced combination of image quality, low-light capability and intelligent on-device analytics without the complexity of heavy central processing. Its DarkFighter low-light imaging and 40 m smart IR provide dependable day/night coverage; AcuSense reduces false alarms and focuses attention on real human and vehicle events; and HEOP allows for flexibility with third-party apps and future feature expansion.
For system designers and installers, the camera’s PoE power option, compact turret housing and IP67 metal construction simplify deployment outdoors and indoors. Given its suggested price point and feature set, it represents strong value for retail, corporate, warehouse and perimeter surveillance projects that need dependable imaging and smarter alerting at the edge.
Note:Always review the official datasheet and local regulatory requirements for mounting, wiring and cybersecurity best practices (firmware updates, HTTPS, strong passwords, 802.1X) before deployment. Pricing and warranty information should be confirmed with your supplier.
