Introduction — Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-IU(4mm)(C): 8MP Turret Camera Overview
The Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-IU(4mm)(C) is a compact, fixed turret IP camera that brings 4K (8MP) image quality to indoor and outdoor surveillance applications. Designed for environments that need detailed imaging and reliable all-weather operation, this camera combines a 1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS sensor, a fixed 4 mm lens (≈87° horizontal field of view), integrated IR illumination to 30 m and industry-standard features such as H.265 compression, 120 dB WDR and PoE support. It is an attractive choice for retail, office, perimeter and general-purpose monitoring where image clarity and low-light performance matter.
Key features at a glance:
- 8MP (3840 × 2160) 4K resolution for pixel-dense images
- Excellent low-light performance — colour to 0.003 lux; B/W with IR to 0 lux
- Integrated IR illumination up to 30 m
- H.265/H.264 codecs, 120 dB WDR and 3D DNR
- PoE (802.3af) and 12 VDC power options; IP67-rated weatherproof housing
Note: the supplied cost price is 135.7 and the suggested price is 161.55 — please confirm the currency and the margin definition you want applied so competitor pricing and final RRP can be matched to your market and margin requirements.
Detailed specifications and benefits
At the heart of the DS-2CD2386G2-IU is a 1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS sensor capable of 3840 × 2160 resolution. That 8MP resolution delivers fine detail that is useful for identifying faces, license plates at moderate distances, and other small scene elements that lower-resolution cameras can miss. The progressive-scan design reduces motion artifacts, producing crisper images during activity.
- Resolution:8MP 4K — excellent for analytics, evidence capture and digital zooming.
- Shutter range:1/3 s to 1/100,000 s — allows flexible exposure control across lighting conditions.
This SKU uses a fixed 4 mm M12 lens with an approximate horizontal field of view of 87°. That focal length is a balanced choice: wider than a telephoto for area coverage, while retaining sufficient detail for medium-range identification. A 2.8 mm variant is available if you need a wider 111° view for broader coverage.
Night-time capability is a strong suit. The camera lists a colour minimum illumination of 0.003 lux (F1.6) and switches to black-and-white with IR to achieve effective 0 lux imaging when the IR is active. Built-in 850 nm IR LEDs provide illumination up to 30 m, and the camera supports a "smart supplement light" function to improve detail without causing glare.
- Colour to 0.003 lux:usable colour images in very low ambient light.
- IR range:up to 30 m for reliable night coverage of medium-sized areas.
To keep network bandwidth and storage requirements sensible while preserving image quality, the DS-2CD2386G2-IU supports modern codecs including H.265 and H.264 plus Hikvision-optimized variations. The camera offers up to 120 dB wide dynamic range (WDR) to manage scenes with both bright and dark areas, plus 3D digital noise reduction to reduce grain in low light.
Network compatibility is broad: common TCP/IP protocols, RTSP streaming, ONVIF (Profile S/G/T) for integration with third-party NVRs and VMS systems, and HTTPS/TLS for secure access. On-board microSD storage supports cards up to 256 GB and the camera can use NAS or ANR to improve resilience during network interruptions.
The camera offers both PoE (802.3af) and 12 VDC power supply options (power draw roughly 5.8–6.8 W depending on conditions). Its turret form factor with IP67 ingress protection and an operating temperature range of −30 °C to 60 °C means it can be deployed in most outdoor and indoor environments where dust, moisture and temperature extremes are a concern.
Use cases and scenarios where it excels
The DS-2CD2386G2-IU is versatile. Its combination of high-resolution imaging, robust low-light performance and weatherproof housing makes it suitable for many common security scenarios:
- Retail stores and supermarkets:4K clarity helps with loss prevention, identifying individuals and recording register areas. WDR assists in storefronts with large windows or mixed lighting.
- Office buildings and lobbies:Capture detailed facial images at entrance points and monitor public corridors while retaining a discrete turret profile.
- Perimeter and property monitoring:With IR up to 30 m and IP67 protection, it’s a good fit for property lines, fences and loading yards in moderate climates.
- Parking lots and garages:Useful for recording vehicle details and behavior in low light; placement should account for field-of-view and distance (see DORI guidance).
- Small warehouses and logistics:Balances wide coverage with detail for inventory and activity monitoring.
Reference DORI distances for the 4 mm lens: Detect ~99.4 m, Observe ~39.4 m, Recognize ~19.9 m, Identify ~9.9 m. These are practical guidelines for planning camera locations according to the level of detail required.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When choosing a turret camera, buyers typically compare resolution, low-light performance, analytics compatibility, ingress protection and ease of installation.
- Compared with lower-resolution cameras (2MP/4MP):an 8MP camera offers substantially more pixel density for cropping and identification. Storage and bandwidth needs are higher, but modern H.265 compression helps mitigate that.
- Compared with dome cameras:turret and dome form factors both work well outdoors; turrets can be easier to handle in terms of glare control and aiming due to their adjustable heads, while domes often have a sleeker, vandal-resistant appearance.
- Compared with rival brands:Many manufacturers offer 4K turret cameras with similar specs. Key differentiators are software ecosystem, ONVIF interoperability, support features (e.g., smart illumination, analytics) and local support. Hikvision’s mature firmware set and broad integration make the DS-2CD2386G2-IU competitive for integrators who need consistent ONVIF/RTSP support plus Hikvision feature compatibility.
Customer testimonials and installer feedback
No official customer testimonials were provided with the product data. Typical themes reported by installers and users for cameras in this category include:
- "Clear daytime and night images — the 4K helps with zooming into incidents without losing critical detail."
- "PoE simplifies installation and minimizes cabling in retrofit jobs."
- "Robust weatherproof housing means fewer callouts after storms or in dusty environments."
If you have specific customer reviews or field feedback, those can be incorporated verbatim or paraphrased to provide real-world perspective tailored to your audience.
Conclusion — Why the DS-2CD2386G2-IU is a strong choice
The Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-IU(4mm)(C) is a well-rounded 4K turret camera that balances high-resolution imaging, solid low-light capability and practical installation flexibility. Its integrated IR, wide dynamic range and PoE support make it suitable for a broad set of commercial and perimeter surveillance applications. For projects that demand detailed evidence capture and reliable outdoor performance without moving parts, this camera delivers a cost-effective option.
Before finalising pricing or rollout, confirm your currency and margin expectations for accurate market comparisons and recommended RRP. With its combination of image quality, features and environmental resilience, the DS-2CD2386G2-IU is a compelling choice for businesses and integrators seeking dependable 4K surveillance coverage.
