Introduction to the Hikvision 4 MP AcuSense Varifocal Bullet Camera
Model:Hikvision DS-2CD3646G2T-IZSY — a 4 MP AcuSense varifocal outdoor bullet camera designed for perimeter, parking and entrance surveillance. This camera pairs a high-resolution 4 MP sensor and Hikvisions DarkFighter imaging with motorised 2.7.5 mm optics, AcuSense deep-learning analytics for human/vehicle classification, and rugged environmental protection (IP67, IK10). With PoE support (IEEE 802.3at), H.265+ compression and on-board storage up to 512 GB, its engineered to deliver dependable, low-light colour imaging and fewer false alarms for both commercial and industrial deployments.
Key features at a glance
- 4 MP resolution (2688 × 1520) with progressive CMOS and DarkFighter low-light performance.
- Motorised varifocal lens 2.7.5 mm (F1.4) providing a wide horizontal FOV (107.632.9).
- AcuSense human/vehicle classification using deep-learning analytics to reduce false alarms.
- Advanced imaging: 120 dB True WDR, 3D DNR, BLC/HLC, defog; H.265+/H.265/H.264 encoding and multi-streaming.
- Rugged design: IP67 ingress protection, IK10 impact rating; "Y" suffix denotes NEMA 4X anti-corrosion for harsh environments.
- Flexible connectivity: RJ45 (10/100 Mbps), PoE (IEEE 802.3at) or 12 VDC, microSD up to 512 GB, audio I/O and alarm I/O.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD3646G2T-IZSY packs a thoughtful specification set that balances image quality, analytics and environmental resilience. Below is a closer look at what each major area delivers and the practical benefits for installers and end users.
At the heart of the camera is a 1/3" progressive CMOS sensor delivering 4 MP resolution (2688 × 1520). Coupled with Hikvisions DarkFighter technology, the camera produces accurate colour images in very low light (colour at 0.003 Lux with F1.4, and B/W at 0 Lux with IR). For sites where night-time colour identification matterssuch as parking lots or entrancesthis capability improves situational awareness and evidence quality.
The motorised varifocal 2.7.5 mm lens allows installers to remotely adjust focal length and fine tune the horizontal field of view from 107.6 to 32.9. This makes the camera suitable for wide perimeter coverage or more focused scene monitoring without physically changing lenses on site, saving installation time and minimizing ladder work for adjustments.
Advanced image processing features include 120 dB True WDR for high-contrast scenes, 3D DNR for noise reduction, BLC/HLC and defog. The camera supports H.265+/H.265/H.264 codecs with up to four independent streams, allowing integration with VMS, NVR, or cloud services while optimising storage and network utilisation. Bitrate control (32 Kbps Mbps) and H.265+ further reduce long-term storage costs and bandwidth load.
AcuSense human/vehicle classification uses deep-learning models (1.5 TOPS compute) to distinguish people and vehicles from other motion sources such as animals, moving foliage or weather effects. In practice this translates to far fewer nuisance alarms, more actionable alerts and reduced time spent reviewing footage. The camera also supports HEOP 2.0 and an OpenDev SDK for third-party application integration.
Designed for outdoor environments, the camera meets IP67 and IK10 standards. The optional "Y" suffix adds anti-corrosion / NEMA 4X protection for coastal or chemical environments. Power options include PoE (IEEE 802.3at) for simplified cabling or 12 VDC where required. Network protocols include ONVIF profiles and common security protocols (HTTPS, 802.1x), enabling broad compatibility with industry-standard VMS and NVRs.
Local storage via microSD (up to 512 GB) provides edge retention during network outages, while ANR and NAS (NFS/SMB/CIFS) support ensure reliable recording strategies. Audio line in/out and two alarm inputs/outputs allow integration with external microphones, speakers or alarm systems for two-way audio and local event response.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS-2CD3646G2T-IZSY is well suited to a variety of real-world surveillance scenarios where low-light performance, intelligent analytics and flexible optics matter:
- Perimeter and boundary security:Wide-angle coverage with the varifocal lens and AcuSense classification reduces false alarms from animals and environmental movements, focusing operator attention on people and vehicles breaching secure zones.
- Parking facilities and vehicle yards:The cameras ability to capture colour detail at low light improves vehicle identification. Varifocal zooming lets installers frame license plates or cover multiple lanes from one mount point (depending on distance).
- Building entrances and access control points:Accurate human detection combined with low-light colour imaging helps capture facial detail and verify authorised access in evening or dawn conditions.
- Industrial and coastal sites:IP67 and IK10 ruggedness plus the anti-corrosion "Y" option make it suitable for harsh outdoor environments, including chemical plants, ports and exposed industrial yards.
- Retail and mixed-use sites:Multi-streaming allows simultaneous recording at high quality for evidence while sending lower-bandwidth streams to remote monitoring or mobile apps.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the DS-2CD3646G2T-IZSY against alternatives, consider three core axes: analytics capability, low-light imaging and lens flexibility.
- Versus fixed-lens bullet cameras:Fixed lenses are often less expensive but lack the field-of-view flexibility of a varifocal unit. The Hikvision model reduces the need for multiple coverage points and simplifies on-site commissioning thanks to its motorised zoom.
- Versus non-AcuSense cameras:Standard motion-detection cameras generate more false alarms from non-relevant motion. AcuSenses human/vehicle classification materially lowers false positives, saving time and lowering operational costs for monitoring teams.
- Versus competing brands:Many vendors offer low-light-optimised cameras or analytics-enabled devices. Hikvisions DarkFighter and AcuSense combination gives a competitive advantage for sites where colour detail in low light and accurate classification are priorities. Buyers should compare specific WDR performance, low-light lux levels and analytics latency across models, but the DS-2CD3646G2T-IZSY is positioned as a balanced option for performance and cost.
- Cost-effectiveness:With a suggested retail price around $499 and a technical feature set that includes motorised optics, advanced compression and edge analytics, this camera targets mid-market installations that demand robust functionality without escalating to high-end specialist devices.
Customer feedback and reviews (representative)
Public and installer feedback for this camera model typically highlights several recurring themes:
- Positive:Installers appreciate the motorised varifocal lens for quick remote adjustments and reduced on-site tuning time. Many end users report that AcuSense noticeably reduces nuisance alarms, and DarkFighter delivers usable colour images in dim conditions where other cameras switch to monochrome. The units build quality and PoE capability are often praised for reliable outdoor deployments.
- Constructive:Some users recommend ensuring firmware is kept up to date for best integration with third-party VMS and to address occasional usability updates. A few integrators note that very long-range identification (e.g., plate-level capture at extreme distances) may still require specialised ANPR optics or higher resolutions.
Overall, the common sentiment is that the camera provides strong value for perimeter and parking applications where analytics and low-light colour are priorities.
Conclusion: why choose the Hikvision DS-2CD3646G2T-IZSY?
The Hikvision 4 MP AcuSense varifocal bullet camera brings together a practical blend of image quality, intelligent analytics and installation flexibility. Its DarkFighter sensor produces detailed low-light colour images; the motorised 2.7.5 mm lens simplifies site tuning and reduces hardware variation; and AcuSense deep-learning classification cuts through nuisance alarms to surface events that matter. Rugged environmental ratings, PoE convenience and multi-stream encoding make it easy to integrate into most professional surveillance systems.
For organisations specifying outdoor perimeter, parking or entrance monitoring solutions that require reliable detection and clear night-time imaging without overspending on specialist devices, the DS-2CD3646G2T-IZSY represents a balanced and capable choice. As always, pair the camera with a suitable network architecture, storage plan and firmware maintenance regime to maximise longevity and operational effectiveness.