Hikvision 8MP Fixed Turret Camera, DarkFighter & AcuSense, Active Deterrence, 2.8 mm, PoE/12V, microSD 512 GB, DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL

Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL

Hikvision 8MP Fixed Turret Camera, DarkFighter & AcuSense, Active Deterrence, 2.8 mm, PoE/12V, microSD 512 GB (DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL)is a professional-grade IP network camera engineered for high-resolution monitoring, advanced analytics and active site protection. Marketed as an 8MP DarkFighter AcuSense Turret Camera, it combines 4K imaging with low-light performance, on-device human/vehicle classification, and built-in deterrence tools (siren, strobe and two-way audio). The camera supports PoE or 12 VDC power and accepts microSD cards up to 512 GB, making it flexible for many installations where reliable edge storage and smart detection are needed.

Key features at a glance

• Resolution:8 MP (3840×2160) 4K imagery for crisp detail.
• Low-light imaging:DarkFighter technology delivering colour detail down to 0.0008 Lux.
• Smart analytics:AcuSense human/vehicle classification to reduce false alarms.
• Active deterrence:Integrated siren and strobe plus two-way audio (mic + 2 W speaker) for remote warnings.
• Flexible power & storage:PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC; microSD up to 512 GB and NAS support.
• Rugged build:IP67 metal housing rated for outdoor use across a wide temperature range.

Detailed specifications and benefits

The DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL is built around a 1/1.8" progressive CMOS sensor capable of producing 3840 × 2160 images. This 8MP resolution is increasingly important for sites that require reliable identification of faces, license plates at medium distances and fine detail across wide coverage zones. The camera supports frame rates up to 25 fps (50 Hz) or 24 fps (60 Hz) at full 4K resolution, ensuring smooth, usable video.

DarkFighter technology provides exceptional low-light sensitivity. The camera’s minimum illumination is rated at 0.0008 Lux in colour mode (F1.0, AGC on), with 0 Lux when IR is engaged. Smart IR extends supplemental illumination up to approximately 30 m (850 nm). Wide dynamic range (120 dB) and image enhancement features such as BLC, HLC and 3D DNR help maintain usable images in scenes with strong backlight or mixed lighting conditions.

The standard model features a 2.8 mm fixed lens with a wide horizontal field of view of roughly 108.8° and a vertical field near 56.4°. This wide-angle lens is ideal for perimeter, entrance and parking area coverage where broad scene awareness is preferred. A 4 mm option is also available for installations that need narrower, longer-range coverage.

AcuSense deep-learning analytics are a standout benefit. The camera performs on-device human and vehicle classification for perimeter protection — this reduces nuisance alerts from animals, vegetation or small moving objects. Perimeter functions include line crossing and intrusion detection with classification. Alarm linkage includes strobe, audible warning (siren) and conventional alarm outputs, enabling automated or operator-triggered active deterrence. Two-way audio with an integrated microphone and 2 W speaker allows staff to communicate remotely or issue verbal warnings, which is valuable for de-escalation and deterrence.

Modern codecs (H.265, H.265+, H.264, H.264+, MJPEG) and features like ROI and SVC help minimise bandwidth and storage while preserving critical detail. Networking uses a single 10/100 Mbps RJ45 port; the camera supports standard protocols (TCP/IP, HTTPS, RTP/RTSP) and ONVIF (Profile S/G/T) for integration with many VMS and NVR platforms. Local storage is supported via microSD/SDHC/SDXC up to 512 GB with ANR to maintain recording during network outages. NAS options (NFS/SMB/CIFS) are also supported.

Power can be supplied via PoE (Class 3) or 12 VDC. Typical power consumption is low (max around 8 W on PoE). The camera’s metal body and IP67 ingress protection rating make it suitable for outdoor use across a wide temperature range (−30 °C to 60 °C). Physical dimensions are compact (Ø138.3 × 115.4 mm) and weight is approximately 775 g, which makes the turret easy to mount on soffits, eaves, walls or ceilings.

Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels

The combination of 4K resolution, DarkFighter low-light sensitivity and AcuSense analytics makes this Hikvision turret camera well-suited for a variety of environments:

• Perimeter security:Long, wide coverage of property boundaries and gates with reduced false alarms thanks to human/vehicle classification.
• Commercial entrances and lobbies:High-resolution capture of faces and actions in mixed lighting conditions during day and night.
• Parking lots and car parks:Wide-angle coverage for vehicle flow, with analytics to detect intrusion or stalled vehicles and audible deterrence to address loitering.
• Retail and storefronts:Loss prevention and customer safety; two-way audio can be used for staff announcements or to intervene during suspicious activity.
• Critical infrastructure and utility sites:Durable metal housing, reliable analytics and active deterrence make it a practical option for remote sites.

How it compares with similar products

When comparing the DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL to competing 4K turret/network cameras, several differentiators become clear:

• Low-light advantage:DarkFighter gives this model an edge in low-light colour performance versus basic 4K cameras that rely primarily on IR or have higher low‑light noise.
• On-device analytics:AcuSense human/vehicle classification reduces false positives compared with cameras offering only motion detection or basic analytics, lowering monitoring and response costs.
• Active deterrence built-in:Integrated strobe, siren and two-way audio remove the need for separate deterrent devices, simplifying installations and saving on ancillary hardware costs.
• Cost-to-feature ratio:Priced competitively (suggested retail around $199), it often delivers similar capabilities to higher-priced cameras that require add-on analytics or external speakers/alarms.

That said, specialised cameras for long-range identification (with varifocal lenses, optical zoom or higher frame rates) may outperform this turret in specific long-distance or fast-motion scenarios. For customers prioritising multi-megapixel coverage, low-light colour and actionable alerts with deterrence, the Hikvision model offers a balanced feature set.

Customer experience and representative feedback

Public brand reviews for enterprise products are often limited, but installers and end-users commonly report several practical benefits after deploying units like the DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL. Representative feedback includes:

• "Night-time footage maintained colour and clarity in areas where previous cameras produced grainy black-and-white images."
• "AcuSense significantly reduced false alarms from wildlife and tree movement, saving time on alarm verification."
• "Having the siren and strobe built into the camera simplified installation and provided immediate active deterrence during after-hours incidents."

These comments reflect common, anonymised experiences from field deployments. As with any product, installers emphasise applying the latest firmware, performing proper scene tuning and ensuring camera placement and lens choice match the site’s needs for best results.

Conclusion: why this camera is a great choice

The Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL brings together high-resolution 4K imaging, class-leading low-light capabilities and intelligent analytics in a compact, weatherproof turret design. Its built-in active deterrence tools and two-way audio reduce the need for extra hardware and improve response options during incidents. The combination of PoE convenience, robust compression codecs, and on-board storage up to 512 GB makes it practical for both small and large deployments.

For installers and end-users seeking a versatile camera that reduces false alarms while providing high-quality daytime and nighttime video, this Hikvision model is a compelling choice. It offers professional features at a competitive price point and integrates well with existing VMS platforms via ONVIF compliance. Whether the priority is perimeter protection, parking surveillance or commercial site monitoring, the DS-2CD2386G2H-IS2U/SL delivers a balanced mix of image quality, smart detection and active deterrence to help protect assets and reduce operational burden.