Hikvision DS-2CD3086G2-IS 8MP AcuSense Mini Bullet IP Camera, 2.8mm, DarkFighter, IP67

Introduction: Hikvision DS-2CD3086G2-IS at a glance

Hikvision DS-2CD3086G2-IS 8MP AcuSense Mini Bullet IP Camera, 2.8mm, DarkFighter, IP67is a compact outdoor 4K (8 MP) mini‑bullet designed to deliver high‑resolution surveillance with advanced on‑device intelligence. Combining Hikvisions DarkFighter low‑light imaging, AcuSense human/vehicle classification, 120 dB true WDR and support for PoE and microSD storage, this camera targets sites where reliable, low‑light, and filtered event detection are priorities. With a suggested retail price of 249.00 (check local pricing and supply) it aims to offer a strong balance of performance and cost for commercial and higher‑end residential applications.

Key features — what makes this camera stand out

• 8 MP (3840d72160) 4K resolutionfor clear detail at distance and better digital zoom for incident review.
• DarkFighter low‑light technologyenabling colour imaging in very low lux (colour: 0.003 Lux @ F1.6) and black & white with IR illumination.
• AcuSense AI human/vehicle classificationto reduce false alarms caused by animals, weather or vegetation.
• 120 dB true WDRfor handling scenes with strong backlighting or mixed bright and dark areas.
• Flexible deploymentvia PoE (802.3af) or 12 VDC, with IP67 weatherproofing and an operating range from about 30C to 60C.
• Onboard processing and storage: HEOP open platform (1.5 TOPS) for third‑party apps and microSD up to 256 GB for local recording.

Detailed specifications and benefits

Beyond the headline features, the DS-2CD3086G2-IS packs several technical strengths that matter in real deployments. Below are the important specification areas summarised with the practical benefits they provide.

• Image sensor: 1/1.8" progressive scan CMOS — larger sensor area helps dynamic range and low‑light sensitivity.
• Maximum resolution: 3840 d7 2160 (8 MP) at up to 25/30 fps — detailed imagery useful for identification and forensic playback.
• Minimum illumination: Colour 0.003 Lux @ F1.6 (AGC ON); B/W 0 Lux with IR — excellent performance under minimal ambient light.
• Shutter speed: 1/3 s to 1/100,000 s — handles both slow and fast motion without excessive blur depending on settings.
• Compression: H.265, H.265+, H.264 — efficient codecs reduce bandwidth and storage without sacrificing image quality.
• Frame rate: Up to 25/30 fps at 4K depending on region — smooth motion capture for most security needs.

• Fixed 2.8 mm lens (F1.6) with M12 mount — wide field of view (approx. horizontal 10811) suitable for entrances, car parks and general perimeter coverage.
• DORI ranges (approx.): Detect 8597 m, Observe 338 m, Recognise 179 m, Identify 8 m — practical guidelines for lens selection and mounting height.

• Smart IR (850 nm) with up to ~40 m range — supports B/W imaging where required with automatic IR control to avoid overexposure.
• 120 dB true WDR — critical for entrances, glass façades and backlit scenes where faces or licence plates may otherwise be lost in shadows.

• AcuSense deep‑learning AI for human/vehicle classification — reduces event noise by filtering out irrelevant triggers like swaying trees or small animals.
• HEOP open platform (1.5 TOPS) with 40 MB system memory and 2 GB eMMC — supports third‑party on‑device apps for integrations or custom analytics.
• microSD/SDHC/SDXC up to 256 GB — useful for standalone edge recording or as failover when network connectivity is interrupted.

• Network: Ethernet with PoE (802.3af) support — simplifies installation by carrying power and data on one cable.
• Power options: 12 VDC or PoE (802.3af) with optional 12 VDC output for small accessories — flexible for different site power arrangements.
• Dimensions and weight: Compact form factor (approx. 78.8 d7 78.6 d7 235.9 mm) and ~830 g weight — easy to mount on walls or soffits.
• Ingress protection: IP67 and operating temperature approx.  30C to 60C — built for outdoor exposure and a wide climate range.

Use cases and scenarios where the camera excels

The DS-2CD3086G2-IS is versatile; its strengths make it particularly effective in several common scenarios:

• Commercial sites, warehouses and logistics yards benefit from the long detection ranges and 4K detail for incident verification and evidence capture.
• AcuSense filtering reduces nuisance alarms triggered by animals, moving vegetation or weather, allowing security teams to focus on meaningful events.

• Wide field of view from the 2.8 mm lens covers lanes and entrances; DarkFighter ensures colour capture in poor lighting which can help with vehicle colour identification and context.
• IR to ~40 m and WDR helps when facing headlights or reflective surfaces.

• Ideal for small standalone installations using microSD card recording or as part of an NVR/VMS solution in larger systems.
• Installers and systems integrators can leverage HEOP for custom or third‑party applications where on‑device processing is needed.

How it compares with similar products on the market

Compared to other 4K mini‑bullet cameras, the DS-2CD3086G2-IS competes strongly on three key fronts: low‑light performance, AI filtering and price-to-feature balance.

• Low‑light:DarkFighter technology sets it apart from many entry-level 4K cameras that revert to monochrome or suffer high noise at low lux levels. While some specialised low‑light models (with larger sensors or specialised lenses) may outperform it, for the price class this camera is among the better performers.
• AI/analytics:AcuSense human/vehicle classification is now common among mid-tier Hikvision models and is comparable to competitor AI offerings; its advantage is efficient on‑device filtering that reduces bandwidth and operator load without requiring cloud processing.
• Build and deployment:IP67 weatherproofing and PoE support make it comparable to other reputable brands. Cameras with motorised varifocal lenses or integrated licence plate recognition (LPR) engines will fit different niches, but for a fixed wide view and balanced feature set this model is a solid choice.
• Cost:At a suggested price around 249, it tends to be more affordable than enterprise models with advanced embedded NPU accelerators, yet carries many of the same functional building blocks useful for professional installations.

Customer feedback and installer observations

There are no verified individual customer testimonials provided here, but feedback patterns commonly reported by installers and site managers for Hikvisions AcuSense mini‑bullet cameras include:

• Positive remarks on image clarity and low‑light colour performance — users often note improved identification capability compared with older 2 MP cameras.
• Appreciation for reduced false alarms — AcuSense filtering is frequently cited by control room operators as lowering nuisance alerts and improving response efficiency.
• Notes on practical installation — PoE power, compact size and IP67 rating are praised for straightforward mounting outdoors and in covered areas.
• Warnings about sourcing and support — some buyers emphasise checking regional compliance (CE/UKCA) and warranty coverage to avoid grey‑market devices that may lack proper firmware or support.

Conclusion: why choose the DS-2CD3086G2-IS?

The Hikvision DS-2CD3086G2-IS 8MP AcuSense mini‑bullet is a capable, well‑rounded camera that offers strong value for many outdoor surveillance needs. Its 4K resolution provides the detail modern security teams require, while DarkFighter low‑light imaging maintains usable colour where many cameras would not. AcuSense human/vehicle classification and efficient H.265+ compression reduce workload and operating costs, and the HEOP platform opens doors for on‑device customization when needed.

For perimeter monitoring, car parks, entrance coverage and mixed commercial/residential sites that demand reliable detection and good nighttime performance without breaking the budget, this camera is an excellent option. As always, ensure correct regional compliance and professional installation practices to maximise performance and maintain warranty/support. If you need long‑term central recording, consider pairing this camera with an appropriate NVR or VMS that supports Hikvision codecs and AcuSense events for best operational results.