DS-2CD2T86G2H-2I (4mm) 8MP Bullet Camera, AcuSense & DarkFighter, IP67, PoE

Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2T86G2H-2I (4mm) and its key features

The Hikvision DS-2CD2T86G2H-2I is an 8MP (3840 × 2160) fixed bullet IP camera that combines two of Hikvisions notable technologies: AcuSense deep-learning analytics and Powered-by-DarkFighter low-light imaging. Built for perimeter and outdoor surveillance, this 4 mm lens model delivers high-resolution coverage, strong night-time performance and a suite of on-board analytic tools designed to reduce false alarms. With an IP67 metal housing and PoE support, its positioned as a practical solution for commercial, retail and higher-end residential deployments.

Key features at a glance

• 8 MP resolution:3840 d7 2160 for detailed scenes and better digital zoom.
• DarkFighter low-light sensor:exceptional low-light sensitivity (Colour: 0.0008 Lux @ F1.0) for colour images in dim conditions.
• AcuSense analytics:human/vehicle classification, line crossing, intrusion detection, region entrance/exit and face capture to cut down false alerts.
• Long-range IR:850 nm illumination up to 80 m with smart IR control.
• Robust imaging chain:120 dB true WDR, 3D-DNR, BLC/HLC for handling backlight and noisy scenes.
• Durable and flexible installation:IP67 metal body, PoE (IEEE 802.3af) and 12 V DC options, microSD support up to 512 GB.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

The camera uses a 1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS sensor and a fixed 4 mm, F1.0 lens (M16 mount). That combination delivers an expansive horizontal field of view (H 90.0b0) and a depth of field from approximately 3.8 m to infinity, making it well-suited to perimeter lanes, entrances and driveways. The DarkFighter technology and F1.0 aperture give the unit excellent sensitivity in low-light environments; colour images remain usable down to 0.0008 Lux (AGC ON), and the IR array provides black-and-white illumination down to 0 Lux when required. For night-time coverage, the 4 mm models IR reaches up to 80 m with smart IR control to prevent overexposure of close objects.

Video is encoded with modern codecs (H.265 / H.265+ / H.264 / H.264+ / MJPEG) to maximise storage efficiency and minimise bandwidth. The camera supports up to 25 fps (50 Hz) or 24 fps (60 Hz) at full 8 MP resolution. In high-contrast scenes it uses 120 dB true WDR to preserve detail in both highlights and shadows, while 3D-DNR (digital noise reduction), BLC and HLC help maintain a clean image despite poor lighting conditions or bright headlights.

AcuSense analytics enable human and vehicle classification, and can trigger intelligent alarms for line crossing, intrusion and region entrance/exit. These analytics reduce false positives from moving foliage, animals or other irrelevant motion, improving the signal-to-noise ratio for security teams. Face capture is also supported for evidence capture and verification workflows. For storage, the camera accepts a microSD card up to 512 GB, supports NAS via NFS or SMB/CIFS and can use ANR (automatic network redundancy) when connected to compatible recorders.

Network compatibility includes TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, RTSP and ONVIF (S/G/T), plus IPv4/IPv6 and 802.1X. The camera supports multiple simultaneous viewers (up to six live-view channels and up to 32 users), making it suitable for multi-user monitoring environments. Power can be supplied via 12 V DC or PoE (IEEE 802.3af), simplifying installation where PoE switches are used. Mechanically, the IP67-rated metal housing protects against water and dust ingress and the unit is rated to operate between -30b0C and 60b0C for outdoor reliability.

Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels

• Perimeter protection:The combination of 8MP detail, wide field of view and AcuSense analytics is ideal for fences, gates and property boundaries where human/vehicle discrimination reduces nuisance alerts and preserves operator focus on genuine incidents.
• Commercial and retail sites:4K resolution helps capture license plates, clothing details or faces at mid-range distances. AcuSense reduces time wasted on false triggers while DarkFighter keeps scenes informative after dusk.
• Parking lots and driveways:Long-range IR and true WDR maintain visibility of vehicles and pedestrians in low light and against glare from headlights or streetlighting.
• SME and multi-site deployments:PoE simplicity, ONVIF compatibility and flexible storage make it straightforward to integrate the camera into existing NVR or VMS solutions without extensive reconfiguration.
• Higher-end residential installs:For homeowners seeking enhanced situational awareness, the 8MP resolution and low-light colour capability provide an upgrade over typical 2–5 MP consumer cameras.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

When evaluating the DS-2CD2T86G2H-2I against competing cameras, consider three main axes: imaging performance, analytics, and deployment flexibility.

Hikvisions DarkFighter sensor competes with other manufacturers "Starlight" or low-light offerings (e.g., Dahua Starlight, Axis Lightfinder). DarkFighter is strong at delivering colour information at very low lux levels thanks to the sensor design and fast F1.0 aperture. Axis and other premium brands often excel in image processing and dynamic range; however, for a balance of price-to-performance in very dim scenes, the DS-2CD2T86G2H-2I is highly competitive.

AcuSense provides robust human/vehicle classification using deep-learning models that significantly reduce false alarms compared with basic motion detection. Competing advanced analytics platforms (e.g., some offerings from Avigilon, Dahuas WizMind line, and VMS vendors) may offer additional capabilities such as more extensive AI models or on-device search. The key advantage of AcuSense is its proven reliability in mainstream deployments and widespread compatibility with Hikvision recorders and VMS ecosystems.

Compared with enterprise-only solutions from brands like Axis or Bosch, the Hikvision bullet offers strong imaging and analytics at a lower entry price point, making it attractive for commercial and SME customers. Against other value-focused brands, the differentiators are the DarkFighter sensor and AcuSense analytics, which together provide a higher baseline of night-time image quality and intelligent alarm filtering.

Customer testimonials and typical feedback

While individual testimonials vary by installer and end-user, common themes reported by system integrators and site managers include:

• "Improved night-time evidence" e2 Installers frequently note that DarkFighter provides usable colour at lighting levels where other cameras switch to black-and-white or produce noisy footage.
• "Fewer false alerts" e2 Security teams appreciate AcuSenses ability to filter out small animals and moving foliage, which reduces alert fatigue and cuts investigation time.
• "Straightforward integration" e2 Customers using Hikvision NVRs or mainstream ONVIF VMSs report that the camera integrates cleanly and benefits from remote configuration tools and firmware updates.
• "Good value for 4K" e2 End-users often highlight the 8MP resolution as a practical upgrade that delivers usable detail without the bandwidth penalties of some poorly optimised 4K cameras, thanks to H.265 compression and H.265+ optimisations.

Note: These points summarise typical feedback commonly observed in the field. For product-specific case studies or verified customer reviews, refer to reseller pages or independent review sites.

Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2T86G2H-2I?

The Hikvision DS-2CD2T86G2H-2I (4 mm) bullet camera is a balanced choice for organisations and installers that need high-resolution imaging, dependable low-light performance and intelligent analytics without stepping into the highest enterprise price tiers. Its 8 MP sensor and DarkFighter technology provide clear, detailed images across a wide field of view, while AcuSense analytics cut down false alarms and improve operational efficiency. Practical deployment features e2 PoE power, microSD local storage up to 512 GB, ONVIF compatibility and an IP67 metal housing e2 make the unit versatile for outdoor and perimeter applications.

For those building perimeter systems, monitoring parking areas, or upgrading retail surveillance, this camera offers a compelling mix of image quality, analytics and weatherproofing. With a suggested retail price of $189.00 (cost price provided as $158.63 for trade reference), it represents a cost-effective way to deploy 4K-capable, AI-assisted surveillance across a variety of sites. As always, verify mounting locations, sight-lines and lighting conditions during a site survey and consult the official Hikvision datasheet and firmware notes to ensure best results and compatibility with your VMS or NVR platform.