Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2-IU (6 mm)
Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2-IU 4MP AcuSense Turret IP Camera (6 mm)is a compact, feature-rich fixed turret (mini-dome) network camera designed for reliable indoor and outdoor surveillance. With a 4 MP (2688 × 1520) sensor, advanced AcuSense human and vehicle classification, strong low-light performance and true 120 dB WDR, this camera is built to capture clear, actionable video in challenging lighting and busy environments. It supports efficient H.265+ compression, flexible power options including PoE (802.3af), and an IP67-rated body suitable for exposed locations.
Key features at a glance
- 4 MP resolution (2688 × 1520) for clear detail and identification.
- AcuSense human & vehicle classification to reduce false alarms.
- True 120 dB Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and 3D-DNR for high-contrast and low-noise images.
- Fixed 6 mm, F1.4 lens with approximately 53° horizontal field of view.
- Low-light colour performance down to ~0.003 lux and up to 30 m IR for night operation.
- On-board microSD storage, PoE (802.3af) and 12 VDC power support.
- Weatherproof IP67 turret housing with three-axis adjustment for flexible mounting.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2346G2-IU combines a modern imaging platform with practical installation and analytics capabilities. Key specification highlights and the benefits they provide include:
Equipped with a 1/3" progressive-scan CMOS sensor, the camera delivers 2688 × 1520 resolution. The 4 MP image captures finer detail than 2 MP units, improving the ability to read licence plates at moderate distances, identify faces in many conditions and provide higher quality evidence for forensic review.
The camera offers exceptional low-light sensitivity: colour images down to about 0.003 lux at F1.4 and black-and-white video with IR assistance at 0 lux. Built-in IR illumination reaches up to 30 m using smart supplement IR. This combination means round-the-clock visibility for entrances, parking areas and perimeters where lighting varies through the day.
True 120 dB WDR helps the camera cope with high-contrast scenes such as bright backgrounds with shadowed foregrounds (entrances facing sunlight or backlit corridors). Image enhancements including 3D digital noise reduction (3D-DNR), BLC/HLC reduce noise and glare for clearer video, especially where artificial lighting or vehicle headlights are present.
AcuSense human and vehicle classification is one of the camera's most practical features. By distinguishing people and vehicles from other motion (animals, foliage, small moving objects), AcuSense reduces false alarms and focuses alerts on events that matter. Supported event types typically include line crossing, intrusion and region entry/exit. This improves operational efficiency for security teams and reduces time wasted on false positives.
Support for H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 and MJPEG allows users to balance image quality against bandwidth and storage costs. H.265+ especially helps reduce bitrate for typical surveillance scenes. The camera includes a microSD slot for local recording (capacity depends on firmware, typically up to 256–512 GB), and it integrates with NVRs and VMS platforms via ONVIF/Profile S.
The turret body measures approximately Ø 138.3 mm × 126.3 mm and weighs ~730 g. It supports PoE (802.3af) — simplifying installation by combining power and data on one cable — and 12 VDC as an alternative. Typical power draw over PoE is around 6.8 W. Rated IP67 for ingress protection and operating from –30 °C to 60 °C, the camera suits exposed outdoor mounting and indoor ceiling or wall installations.
Fixed 6 mm focal length with an F1.4 aperture gives a roughly 53° horizontal field of view — a balanced angle for medium-range monitoring such as retail aisles, entrances or small parking aisles. The turret design provides three-axis adjustment, making aiming and leveling straightforward during installation.
Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels
The DS-2CD2346G2-IU is versatile across multiple environments. Typical scenarios include:
- Retail and shopfronts: The 4 MP resolution and AcuSense analytics help security teams detect shoplifting, monitor till areas and reduce false alarms caused by lighting changes or non-relevant motion.
- Office entrances and lobbies: Clear daytime and low-light performance capture visitors and employees while WDR helps with backlit doorways.
- Car parks and driveways: Up to 30 m IR and vehicle classification enable reliable vehicle detection and event filtering in multi-lane or small parking areas.
- Perimeter and general surveillance: IP67 weatherproofing and wide operating temperature range make the camera suitable for building perimeter monitoring where occasional environmental exposure is expected.
- Cost-conscious multi-camera deployments: PoE and H.265+ help reduce cabling complexity and bandwidth/storage costs, which matters for projects with dozens of cameras.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating the DS-2CD2346G2-IU, it helps to compare it to other cameras in the same class from Hikvision and competitors.
Within Hikvision’s line-up, the AcuSense-equipped DS-2CD2346G2-IU sits between basic 2 MP dome cameras and higher-end turret models with larger sensors or integrated PTZ. Advantages over lower-tier models include higher resolution, AcuSense analytics and better low-light capability. Compared to higher-end Hikvision cameras (e.g., those with 4K sensors or advanced optics), the DS-2CD2346G2-IU is a more cost-effective choice for many commercial applications while still offering advanced analytics.
Axis Communications typically emphasizes premium components and robust cybersecurity features; Axis equivalents may offer similar image quality and analytics but often at a higher price. Dahua offers comparable AcuSense-like analytics and competitive pricing, and Uniview provides similar mid-market feature sets. The Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2-IU is competitive on price-to-feature ratio, especially for installations that prioritise human/vehicle filtering, PoE simplicity and strong low-light capability. Buyers should compare specific analytics accuracy, support for cybersecurity standards, warranty and firmware update policies when deciding between brands.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
No specific customer reviews were provided with the product brief. However, feedback commonly reported for Hikvision AcuSense turret cameras includes:
- Positive: Significant reduction in false alarms once AcuSense is tuned, good image clarity at 4 MP for identification tasks, and easy installation using PoE.
- Positive: Strong value for money compared to higher-priced enterprise models while retaining many professional features (WDR, IR, on-board storage).
- Constructive: Some installers request clearer documentation on microSD limits and firmware variations; integrators may compare cybersecurity and firmware update cadence across brands.
For project-specific decisions it’s advisable to review independent user reviews, verified installer feedback and to test the camera in the intended environment where possible.
Conclusion — why choose the DS-2CD2346G2-IU?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2-IU (6 mm) is a pragmatic and capable 4 MP turret camera that balances image quality, analytics and affordability. Key reasons to consider it include the AcuSense human/vehicle classification that reduces false alarms and saves operator time; robust low-light and WDR performance for challenging lighting; flexible PoE power and network integration; and an IP67-rated body for outdoor use. For small-to-medium commercial installations such as retail, office entrances, car parks and general perimeter coverage, it offers a strong set of features for the price point.
Before purchasing, confirm compatibility with your NVR or VMS (ONVIF/Profile S support is provided), check the specific firmware variant for features like microSD capacity, and ensure installation follows local electrical and safety regulations. If you need a suggested retail price or an estimated cost in a particular currency and market, please confirm the currency and whether the provided cost-price figure includes import, shipping and taxes — that information is required to provide an accurate RRP recommendation.
