Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G2-2I 4MP AcuSense DarkFighter Bullet Camera, 4 mm, 60 m IR, IP67

Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G2-2I and its key features

The Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G2-2I is a purpose-built 4 MP fixed‑lens bullet IP camera that blends two of Hikvision's notable technologies: DarkFighter low‑light imaging and AcuSense deep‑learning analytics. With a 4 mm lens (approximately 83° horizontal field of view), smart IR illumination up to 60 m, and an IP67 metal housing, this camera is positioned as a versatile option for both outdoor and indoor surveillance where reliable night performance and accurate alarm filtering are essential.

Key features at a glance:

• Resolution:4 MP (2688 × 1520) for clear, usable detail.
• Low-light performance:DarkFighter technology plus smart IR (2I model) for effective night monitoring up to 60 m.
• Analytics:AcuSense human/vehicle classification to reduce false alarms caused by animals, shadows or foliage.
• Robust imaging:120 dB true WDR, 3D DNR, BLC/HLC for challenging lighting conditions.
• Flexible installation:PoE (802.3af) or 12 VDC power, microSD storage, ANR and NAS support.
• Weather resistance:IP67 rated metal housing for outdoor durability across −30 °C to 60 °C.

Detailed description of specifications and benefits

• Lens and field of view:The fixed 4 mm lens delivers an ≈83° horizontal field of view and ≈45° vertical field of view, striking a practical balance between coverage area and subject detail. This makes the camera suitable for entrances, walkways, driveways and medium‑range perimeter monitoring.
• Resolution and frame rate:The 4 MP sensor (2688 × 1520) provides more detail than common 2 MP cameras, improving identification of faces and license plates in many scenarios. The camera supports up to 25/30 fps (region dependent) for smooth motion capture in busy scenes.
• Low‑light imaging:DarkFighter technology is tuned to capture color and usable detail in very low illumination. Where ambient light is insufficient, the smart IR activates to provide clear monochrome images out to 60 m, with IR intensity managed to prevent overexposure of nearby subjects.
• WDR and noise reduction:True 120 dB WDR handles scenes with strong backlight (for example, a dark subject in front of bright sky or entrance lighting), while 3D DNR reduces noise in low light without sacrificing detail.

• Efficient codecs:Support for H.265+/H.265/H.264 (and MJPEG on substream where supported) reduces bandwidth and storage needs compared with older codecs. H.265+ further optimises bitrates for common surveillance scenes.
• Bitrate control:CBR and VBR options let installers tune quality versus bandwidth based on network capacity and retention targets.
• Local and network storage:microSD card support up to 256 GB (with ANR to restore footage when an NVR is offline) plus NAS compatibility gives flexible retention choices without mandatory on‑site recorders.

• AcuSense classification:Embedded human/vehicle classification significantly reduces nuisance alarms from non‑relevant motion (animals, foliage, light changes). This translates into fewer false notifications and more actionable events for operators or security personnel.
• Integration:AcuSense events can be integrated with NVRs, VMS platforms and smart notification systems to trigger recording, push alerts, or automated workflows (e.g., lights or gates).

• Power options:PoE (802.3af) simplifies installation by providing power and data over a single Ethernet cable. A 12 VDC input is available where PoE is not used. Typical power consumption is ~7.5 W on 12 VDC and ~9 W via PoE.
• Network interfaces:A single RJ45 10/100 Mbps port with ONVIF support (S/G/T) ensures compatibility with a wide range of recording platforms and third‑party systems.
• Build and environmental rating:Rugged metal housing and IP67 ingress protection make the unit suitable for exposed outdoor mounting. The operating temperature range of −30 °C to 60 °C covers most climates for year‑round reliability.

Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels

• Perimeter and entrance monitoring:With 60 m IR and DarkFighter sensitivity, the camera excels at gates, driveways and facility perimeters where long‑range detection and nighttime recognition are important.
• Retail and small‑to‑medium commercial sites:AcuSense reduces false motion alerts from non‑human activity, helping staff and security teams focus on meaningful events — useful for stores, restaurants and offices with limited security resources.
• Residential security:Homeowners who want professional‑grade imaging without complex infrastructure benefit from PoE simplicity and robust weatherproofing.
• Parking lots and access roads:The combination of mid‑range resolution, WDR and smart IR helps capture vehicle details under varying lighting and weather conditions.
• Remote or unmanned sites:ANR plus microSD and NAS compatibility mean that footage is preserved locally even if network connectivity drops, an important feature for remote infrastructure monitoring.

Comparisons with similar products in the market

When evaluating cameras in this class, it helps to consider several axes: resolution and sensor quality, low‑light capability, analytics, ruggedness, and total cost of ownership (including storage and bandwidth).

• Vs. basic 2 MP cameras:The DS-2CD2T46G2-2I offers notably better detail for identification tasks. A 4 MP image can reveal more facial and plate information than 1080p at the same framing, which can reduce the need for multiple cameras to cover the same area.
• Vs. consumer/NVR bundle cameras:Many consumer cameras cut features (no WDR, weaker low‑light sensors, or limited analytics). Hikvision’s DarkFighter sensor and AcuSense analytics provide a performance and accuracy advantage in professional or business contexts.
• Vs. higher‑end 4K/8 MP options:True 4K cameras can deliver more detail at long range, but they require more bandwidth, more storage and often more powerful recording infrastructure. The 4 MP DS-2CD2T46G2-2I is a balanced choice for sites that need improved detail without the full operational overhead of 4K systems.
• Vs. competing brands:Competitors may offer similar feature sets (low‑light sensors, analytics, PoE, IP67 housings). What differentiates offerings is often firmware maturity, analytics accuracy, ecosystem compatibility, and price. At a suggested retail price near $129.32, this Hikvision model positions itself as a cost‑effective option that combines strong imaging, analytics and durability.

Customer feedback and typical reviews

Actual review content for specific installations varies, but common themes reported by users of similar Hikvision AcuSense/DarkFighter cameras include:

• Positive:Excellent night and low‑light performance, clear daytime detail for the price point, effective reduction in false alarms thanks to AcuSense, and easy PoE installation.
• Constructive observations:Initial configuration may require some networking knowledge; firmware updates and ensuring ONVIF compatibility with certain third‑party systems can need attention; advanced analytics settings sometimes require tuning for local scenes.
• Operational notes:Installers and users often praise the metal IP67 housing for withstanding outdoor conditions and the convenience of microSD/ANR when the network is unreliable.

These patterns of feedback reflect expected tradeoffs: strong imaging and analytics at an affordable price, with the usual learning curve for network camera configuration.

Conclusion: Why the DS-2CD2T46G2-2I is a great choice

The Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G2-2I 4 MP AcuSense DarkFighter bullet camera is a well‑rounded option for users who need reliable day/night performance, effective false alarm reduction and a durable outdoor design without stepping up to premium price tiers. Its blend of a quality 4 MP sensor, DarkFighter low‑light capabilities, smart IR, and AcuSense analytics delivers practical benefits: clearer identification, fewer nuisance alerts, and robust performance in mixed lighting.

For installers and system designers, the camera’s PoE support, efficient H.265+ compression, and ONVIF compatibility make integration straightforward while helping manage bandwidth and storage costs. For site owners, the IP67 metal housing and broad operating temperature range mean dependable operation outdoors year‑round.

Priced competitively (suggested price around $129.32), the DS-2CD2T46G2-2I offers strong value for small to medium commercial sites, residential properties and a variety of perimeter security applications where night performance and alarm accuracy matter. If your project requires a balance of image quality, analytics and ruggedness without the complexity or expense of high‑end 4K systems, this Hikvision model deserves serious consideration.