Hikvision 8MP Fixed Dome IP Camera, 2.8 mm, DarkFighter, AcuSense, PoE, DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU

Introduction: Hikvision DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU at a glance

The Hikvision 8MP Fixed Dome IP Camera (DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU) is a 4K outdoor dome designed to deliver high-resolution imaging, advanced low-light performance and reliable analytics for perimeter and site surveillance. Combining HikvisionDarkFighter technology for ultra-low-light colour capture, AcuSense deep-learning classification to reduce false alarms, and flexible powering via PoE or 12 VDC, this camera targets installers and organisations that need crisp detail and dependable detection in challenging environments.

• Model:Hikvision DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU
• Key selling points:8 MP (4K) resolution, DarkFighter low-light imaging, AcuSense human/vehicle classification, PoE support, IP67 and IK10 outdoor rating
• Form factor:Fixed dome (2.8 mm lens standard; 4 mm option available)

• 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution for detailed identification and wide coverage.
• DarkFighter technology: colour capture at very low light levels (min. illumination 0.0008 Lux) and B/W with IR.
• AcuSense deep-learning analytics: human/vehicle classification and perimeter protection to reduce false positives.
• Smart IR up to ~30 m and 130 dB WDR to handle mixed lighting and backlight situations.
• H.265+/H.265/H.264+/H.264 compression to minimise bandwidth and storage costs.
• Flexible power: PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 VDC; low power consumption (PoE .5 W).

Detailed specifications and benefits

The DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU brings a balanced mix of optics, sensor performance and network features that make it suitable for demanding outdoor deployments. Below are the core specifications and what they mean in practice.

• Image sensor:1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS
• Max resolution:3840 x 2160 (8 MP) – useful for capturing license plates, faces and wide scenes without needing multiple cameras.
• Lens & field of view:Fixed 2.8 mm, F1.0, M16 mount. Field of view (2.8 mm): H 105.1, V 54.8, D 128.2

• Minimum illumination:Colour 0.0008 Lux (F1.0, AGC ON); B/W 0 Lux with IR. This level of sensitivity means colour detail is retained at very low lighting levels where many cameras switch to monochrome.
• IR illumination:Smart IR up to 30 m (850 nm) helps maintain recognition ranges in complete darkness.
• WDR:130 dB wide dynamic range to cope with scenes that include bright backgrounds and dark foregrounds.
• Frame rate:Up to 25/30 fps for smooth motion capture in most applications.

• AcuSense deep learning:Human/vehicle classification reduces nuisance alerts from animals, leaves, shadows or rain. Also supports face capture and perimeter protection rules for smarter event filtering.
• Audio:-U variant includes a built-in microphone and codecs (G.711/AAC-LC/MP3); two-way audio supported on models with audio I/O. Useful for deterrence or gate/entry announcements.
• Storage:On-board microSD up to 512 GB; supports NAS (NFS/SMB/CIFS) and ANR to preserve footage during network outages.

• Network:1 x RJ45 10/100 Mbps; standard protocols (TCP/IP, HTTP/HTTPS, IPv6, 802.1X, ONVIF) for easy integration with NVRs, VMS and cloud services.
• Power:12 VDC (max 8 W) or PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 3; max 9.5 W). Low power draw simplifies PoE switch selection and reduces running costs.
• Environmental:IP67 weatherproof and IK10 vandal resistance; operating temperature -30 C to +60 C. Dimensions Ø 121.5 x 97.6 mm; weight approx. 525 g.

Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels

The combination of 4K detail, superior low-light imaging and intelligent analytics makes this model well suited to a range of real-world applications:

• Perimeter and site security:Large industrial sites, warehouses and estates benefit from wide coverage and AcuSense human/vehicle filtering to focus operator attention on meaningful events.
• Car parks and entrances:4K resolution helps with license plate legibility and facial detail at typical approach distances; Smart IR extends performance after dark.
• Retail and storefront exteriors:High detail supports investigative review and loss prevention while analytics cut down on false alarms triggered by pedestrians or animals outside business hours.
• Residential and multi-dwelling installations:For apartment blocks and gated communities where a rugged, vandal-resistant dome and accurate detection are priorities.
• Transport hubs and access control points:Where clear capture of moving people and vehicles under mixed lighting is needed for safety and incident investigation.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

When compared to other 4K outdoor fixed domes, the DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU stands out for three practical reasons: low-light colour performance, integrated deep-learning analytics, and overall value.

• Low-light capability:DarkFighter's ability to retain colour at 0.0008 Lux is stronger than many standard sensors that switch to monochrome earlier. For sites where colour at night matters (e.g. uniforms, vehicle colours), this is a significant advantage.
• Analytics:AcuSense human/vehicle classification is comparable with other manufacturer AI offerings; its strength is in reducing false positives for perimeter and line-crossing rules without requiring cloud processing.
• Integration & cost:H.265+ compression and PoE support reduce storage and infrastructure costs versus older H.264 cameras. When priced against market alternatives, this model's suggested minimum retail (RRP) of 168.34 (calculated from cost_price 141.40 with a 16% gross margin) positions it competitively; some UK listings for similar-spec cameras sit in a higher bracket (~194~194~211).
• Where rivals may be stronger:Some premium models offer onboard deep AI with broader object classification sets or higher frame rates at 4K; others include built-in analytics suites tied to manufacturer cloud services. If your project requires those specific capabilities, evaluate feature sets closely.

Customer feedback and real-world impressions

While direct customer testimonials for a specific SKU vary by deployment and region, commonly reported observations from installers, security managers and systems integrators include:

• Installers appreciate the compact dome form, PoE simplicity and robust ingress/vandal ratings for outdoor mounting.
• Security teams report fewer nuisance alerts after enabling AcuSense rules, which reduces time spent reviewing irrelevant events and improves operational efficiency.
• In low-light trials, operators note improved colour retention at dusk and in poorly lit corridors compared with standard cameras, aiding identification tasks.
• Some integrators highlight the value of on-board storage and multiple recording options (microSD, NAS) for resilient recording strategies without immediate NVR upgrades.

If you would like, I can compile anonymised quotes or gather summarized feedback from published reviews and field reports specific to installations in retail, parking or municipal environments.

Conclusion: why choose the Hikvision DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU?

The Hikvision DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU is a strong choice when you need high-resolution coverage, exceptional low-light colour performance and practical AI analytics at the edge. Its rugged outdoor build (IP67/IK10), flexible power options, and efficient compression make it cost-effective to deploy across medium and large sites. For perimeter protection, car parks, storefronts and residential complexes that demand fewer false alarms and clearer night-time detail, this camera offers a balanced mix of performance and value.

Pricing-wise, the record provided uses a cost price of 141.40 and a calculated minimum retail (RRP) of 168.34 based on a 16% gross margin (cost / 0.84). Competitor UK listings for similar-spec 4K outdoor domes are often higher (roughly 194~211), so it can be positioned competitively in the market. If you want tiered RRP recommendations (minimum, market, premium), or a VAT-inclusive price, confirm the currency and I will provide tailored pricing options.

In short: choose the DS-2CD2186G2H-ISU when you need 4K detail, superior night-time colour, pragmatic AI filtering and a robust outdoor package that keeps installation and operating costs under control.