Introduction: Meet the Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2H-IU
The Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2H-IU is a compact, weatherproof 4 MP turret IP camera designed for reliable outdoor surveillance. Combining Hikvisions Powered-by-DarkFighter low-light imaging with AcuSense AI-based human and vehicle classification, this model aims to deliver clear evidence-quality images around the clock while reducing nuisance alarms. With flexible power options (PoE or 12 V DC), on-board storage up to 512 GB, a built-in microphone (the -IU variant) and an IP67 metal housing, its positioned as a practical choice for perimeter protection, retail sites, entries/exits and general outdoor applications where both image quality and intelligent alarm filtering matter.
Key features at a glance
- 4 MP resolution(2688 × 1520) for sharp, detailed images.
- DarkFighter low-light technologyfor superior color performance in dim conditions.
- AcuSense AIfor human and vehicle classification to reduce false alarms.
- Wide dynamic range(120 dB WDR) and noise reduction (3D DNR) for challenging lighting.
- Fixed 2.8 mm lensoffering a wide horizontal field of view (~10002).
- Infrared illuminationup to 30 m for night coverage.
- Flexible power & storage: PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 V DC; microSD up to 512 GB.
- Rugged design: metal turret housing with IP67 ingress protection.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2346G2H-IU packs a broad set of imaging, network and physical capabilities into a compact turret body. Below are the most relevant specifications and what they mean in practical terms.
- Sensor: 1/3" progressive-scan CMOS. Benefit: a balance of sensitivity and detail for general-purpose surveillance.
- Max resolution: 2688 × 1520 (4 MP). Benefit: enough resolution to identify faces and license plates at moderate distances while keeping file sizes manageable.
- Frame rate: Up to 30 fps (60 Hz) / 25 fps (50 Hz). Benefit: smooth video for accurate motion capture in busy scenes.
- WDR: 120 dB. Benefit: handles high-contrast scenes (backlighting, bright windows) without losing foreground detail.
- Minimum illumination: Colour 0.001 lux (F1.0, AGC ON); B/W 0 lux with IR. Benefit: retains usable color imaging in very low light and full black & white view with IR support at night.
- Fixed 2.8 mm lens (M12 mount), F1.0. Benefit: wide field of view (horizontal ~100.202) to cover broad areas such as shop fronts or yard entrances with one camera, and a fast aperture for improved low-light capture.
- Depth of field: approximately 1.9 m to . Benefit: optimal for medium-to-long-range scene coverage; closer details may be less large-scale but remain discernible.
- Compression: H.265 / H.264 / H.265+ / H.264+ (plus MJPEG for sub‑streams). Benefit: efficient bandwidth and storage usage with modern codecs while retaining compatibility with legacy systems.
- Image enhancement: 3D DNR, BLC, HLC. Benefit: cleaner images in low light and improved handling of glare or headlights.
- IR illumination: Smart IR up to 30 m (850 nm). Benefit: consistent night imaging without overexposure of close objects.
- AcuSense AI: human and vehicle classification. Benefit: reduces false alarms triggered by animals, foliage or light changes by distinguishing people and vehicles from other motion sources; this cuts down on unnecessary notifications and streamlines incident review.
- Built-in microphone (mono); supports G.711/G.726/MP3/AAC-LC. Benefit: adds contextual audio to recordings and live view where legally permitted—useful for retail or entrance monitoring.
- Network: 1 × RJ45 10/100 Mbps; protocols include TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, RTSP, ONVIF S/G/T, IPv6. Benefit: straightforward integration into most NVRs, VMS platforms and third-party systems that support ONVIF.
- Simultaneous live view: up to 6 channels. Benefit: allows multiple remote users or monitoring devices to view feeds concurrently without added hardware complexity.
- Storage: microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC up to 512 GB; NAS (NFS, SMB/CIFS); ANR. Benefit: local buffering during network outages and flexible recording strategies.
- Power: 12 V DC (max ~7.2 W) or PoE (IEEE 802.3af, max ~9 W). Benefit: easy installation with PoE over a single Ethernet cable or traditional DC wiring.
- Housing: metal turret, IP67 rated; dimensions Ø138.3 mm × 115.4 mm; weight ~550 g; operating temperature -30 °C to 60 °C. Benefit: robust for outdoor environments and a variety of climates.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CD2346G2H-IU is built for versatile outdoor surveillance situations where reliable image quality, simple deployment and intelligent alerts are priorities. Typical scenarios include:
- Perimeter protection:Wide-angle coverage and AI classification help detect and prioritize human or vehicle intrusions along fences or property boundaries while ignoring small animals or tree movement.
- Retail exteriors and entrances:Capture customers approaching entryways with clear facial details and capture audio for contextual information where permitted. AcuSense reduces nuisance alarms from random street activity.
- Parking lots and driveways:The 2.8 mm lens covers broad areas, and the IR reach of up to 30 m supports night-time monitoring of vehicles and pedestrian movement.
- Small to medium-sized business sites:Easy PoE installation and on-board storage make it suitable for businesses that need reliable coverage without complex infrastructure.
- Remote or unattended locations:ANR and microSD storage provide resilience against temporary network failures, ensuring local recording continues until connectivity is restored.
How it compares with similar products
When evaluating the DS-2CD2346G2H-IU, consider how it stacks up against other cameras in the same class:
- Resolution: The 4 MP sensor balances detail and storage; higher-end 4K models offer more pixels but also require more bandwidth and storage. For many outdoor applications, 4 MP is sufficient and more efficient.
- Lens flexibility: Fixed 2.8 mm lens is ideal for broad coverage. If you need zoom or variable framing, a varifocal or PTZ model may be a better choice, at higher cost and installation complexity.
- Value: The DS-2CD2346G2H-IU typically offers a strong price-to-performance ratio for everyday surveillance compared to premium models.
- False alarm reduction: AcuSense is a mature classification system focused on humans and vehicles; many competitors offer similar AI-driven filtering, but performance can vary by model and firmware. Integration and ecosystem (NVR compatibility, management software) can be a deciding factor.
- Integration: Hikvision cameras often integrate seamlessly with Hikvision NVRs and VMS, which can deliver a unified feature set. If you already use a different vendors NVR, confirm ONVIF compatibility and feature parity.
- Cost-conscious buyers will find the DS-2CD2346G2H-IU attractive because it offers modern low-light imaging and AI features at a mid-market price point. The suggested retail price around $129 (depending on region and reseller) positions it below premium cameras while delivering many core functions.
- For enterprise-scale deployments requiring advanced analytics, specialized sensors or ultra-high resolution imaging, consider higher-tier models or additional analytics servers.
Customer feedback and reviews
Public reviews and installer feedback for this class of Hikvision camera commonly highlight the following points:
- Positive:Clear low-light color performance thanks to DarkFighter; noticeable reduction in nuisance alarms with AcuSense; easy PoE installation and compact, robust turret housing for outdoor mounting.
- Considerations:Fixed lens means less flexibility for long narrow corridors or distant detail; full AI feature set is best leveraged when paired with compatible NVRs or updated firmware.
Many installers and end users praise the camera for delivering a strong balance of price and capability. If youre evaluating user reviews, look at recent firmware notes and confirm AcuSense compatibility with your chosen recorder to ensure the best experience.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2346G2H-IU?
For property owners, small businesses and installers seeking a dependable outdoor camera with strong low-light performance and useful AI alarm filtering, the Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2H-IU is a compelling choice. It combines a 4 MP sensor, DarkFighter technology, AcuSense classification, efficient compression, flexible power options and durable IP67 housing in a compact turret form factor. The built-in microphone and on-board storage add practical functionality for real-world deployments, while PoE simplifies wiring and reduces installation cost.
Ultimately, this camera is best suited to scenarios where broad coverage, reliable night imaging and reduced false alarms matter more than ultra-high-resolution capture or motorized zoom. With its competitive pricing and mature feature set, the DS-2CD2346G2H-IU represents solid value for many outdoor surveillance needs—delivering clear images, intelligent alerts and straightforward integration into existing security systems.
