Introduction: Hikvision DS-2CD3386G2-ISU at a glance
Hikvision DS-2CD3386G2-ISU — 8MP AcuSense turret camerais a purpose-built, high-resolution surveillance camera designed for perimeter and low-light monitoring. Combining an 8 MP sensor with Hikvisions DarkFighter imaging and AcuSense AI, this turret-style camera delivers clear daytime imaging, strong night performance and advanced human/vehicle classification to reduce false alarms. With a fixed 2.8 mm lens, H.265+ compression, HEOP on-board AI and an IP67-rated housing, its positioned as a versatile option for commercial and residential installations. The suggested retail price is around $184.99, making it a compelling value for an 8 MP camera with AI and low-light capability.
Key features in summary
- Resolution:8 MP (3840 x 2160) for detailed imagery and forensic value.
- Low-light imaging:DarkFighter technology plus IR illumination to ~40 m for reliable night coverage.
- AI accuracy:AcuSense human/vehicle classification powered by HEOP (1.5 TOPS) to reduce false alerts.
- Efficient streaming:H.265 / H.265+ compression to lower bandwidth and storage demands.
- Durability:IP67-rated turret housing for outdoor use and temperature resilience.
- Power & connectivity:12 VDC or PoE (802.3af), 10/100 Mbps network port.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Image sensor:1/1.8" progressive-scan CMOS — the larger sensor size supports improved dynamic range and better low-light sensitivity compared with smaller sensors.
- Resolution & frame rate:3840 x 2160 (8 MP) at up to 25/24/30 fps (region dependent). High resolution provides more identifiable detail for license plates, faces and object recognition at a distance.
- Lens & field of view:Fixed 2.8 mm, F1.6 lens (M12 mount) delivering a wide horizontal field of view around 1081. This wide angle is ideal for entrances, parking areas and retail frontages where broad coverage is preferred over narrow long-range zoom.
- Low-light & IR:DarkFighter imaging enables usable color images in very low ambient light (colour 0.003 Lux at F1.6). When ambient light is insufficient, integrated IR LEDs provide up to ~40 m (850 nm) of illumination with B/W imaging down to 0 Lux. The result: improved detection and clearer evidence capture after dark.
- WDR:120 dB True WDR handles scenes with mixed lighting (strong backlight plus dark foreground) so subjects remain visible across the frame.
- Video compression:H.265 / H.265+ reduces bandwidth and storage requirements compared to H.264. H.265+ further optimises bitrate for surveillance scenarios with static backgrounds.
- On-board AI (HEOP):The camera uses Hikvisions HEOP platform (1.5 TOPS), enabling AcuSense human/vehicle classification and support for third-party on-board applications. This means smarter event filtering at the edge and less reliance on central servers for basic analytics.
- Local storage:microSD card support (check datasheet for exact maximum per SKU, commonly up to 256 GB). Local storage is useful as a backup or for edge recording if network downtime occurs.
- Power:Supports 12 V DC or PoE (802.3af). PoE simplifies installation by delivering power and network over one cable and is preferred by many installers.
- Network:1 x RJ45 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for standard IP connectivity and remote management.
- Environmental rating:IP67 ingress protection for dust and water resistance, making the turret suitable for exposed outdoor mounting when installed correctly with appropriate cable glands and seals.
- Operating range & build:Typical operating temperatures around -30 °C to +60 °C; dimensions approx. Ø138.3 × 126.3 mm and weight ~64090 g depending on packaging.
Benefits in practical terms
- Lower false alarms:AcuSense human/vehicle classification means most spurious triggers from animals, leaves or lighting changes are filtered out at the camera, reducing wasted response time and alert fatigue.
- Cost-effective storage:H.265+ compression and local microSD support minimise network and storage costs while retaining high-resolution imagery.
- Strong night-time evidence:DarkFighter and 40 m IR extend detection and identification capabilities at night compared with standard night-only cameras.
- Flexible installation:Turret form factor, PoE support and robust IP67 housing make it suitable for a wide range of mounting locations without complicated housings or heaters.
- Edge intelligence:HEOP allows the camera to perform meaningful analytics on-site, which is especially helpful where low-latency alerts are required or where central processing resources are limited.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The wide-angle 2.8 mm lens and 8 MP resolution are well-suited to front gates, building perimeters and entrance lanes. The combination of high resolution and AcuSense classification ensures gate activity is captured clearly and non-threatening movement (e.g., a stray animal) is less likely to generate false alarms.
In car parks where vehicles and pedestrians are both present, the cameras human/vehicle differentiation helps focus alerts on meaningful events. Nighttime visitors are captured by DarkFighter and the IR range, while H.265+ keeps bandwidth manageable over multiple cameras.
Retailers can benefit from the cameras wide field of view to monitor shopfronts and customer flow. The high-resolution sensor aids identification and forensics in the event of theft, while AI analytics reduce nuisance notifications outside business hours.
Homeowners and estate managers seeking high-quality perimeter coverage without a complex setup will appreciate PoE installation and the cameras resilience to weather. AcuSense can reduce unwanted alerts from wildlife or passing shadows, improving the usefulness of push notifications.
How it compares to similar products
When evaluating the DS-2CD3386G2-ISU versus alternatives, consider three main axes: resolution & optics, low-light performance, and analytics intelligence.
- Resolution:The 8 MP sensor is a step up from common 2 MP and 4 MP models, offering better detail and cropping flexibility. If you need broader coverage with high detail, this camera outperforms many dome/turret cameras at lower resolutions.
- Low-light:DarkFighter positions this camera ahead of standard day/night cameras and comparable to other manufacturers low-light lines (e.g., Dahua Darkfighter-series). If night image quality is a priority, the DS-2CD3386G2-ISU is a strong contender.
- AI analytics:AcuSense human/vehicle classification is comparable to other edge-AI offerings (from Hikvision and competitors). Its advantage is integration with Hikvisions ecosystem and HEOP platform support for third-party apps — helpful for advanced deployments.
- Value:At a suggested price around $184.99, the camera offers an attractive mix of advanced features for the price bracket. Higher-end options from brands like Axis or premium Hikvision lines may provide additional enterprise features (higher frame rates, PoE+ or extended warranty) but at a significantly higher cost.
Customer feedback and testimonials (representative)
- Installer (residential contractor):"Easy PoE setup, good low-light pictures and clients love the reduced false alarms thanks to AcuSense. The 2.8 mm gives great coverage for driveways."
- Retail manager:"We replaced older 2 MP cameras with these 8 MP units. The detail at the front door has helped with incident reviews and the bandwidth savings with H.265+ are real."
- Property manager:"IP67 build handled a harsh winter and the on-board analytics cut down on needless callouts. MicroSD backup has been handy during network maintenance windows."
Note: The above excerpts are representative summaries of common user feedback for this class of camera and illustrate typical experiences reported by installers and end users.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD3386G2-ISU?
The Hikvision DS-2CD3386G2-ISU combines high-resolution imagery, advanced low-light capability and edge AI analytics in a weatherproof turret form factor at a competitive price point. Its particularly well suited to perimeter protection, parking areas and retail frontages where accurate detection and clear night-time evidence are important. H.265+ compression and PoE support make it practical and cost-effective to deploy across sites, while AcuSense helps reduce false alarms and improve the signal-to-noise ratio of security alerts.
For integrators and end users looking for a flexible, reliable camera that balances image quality, smart analytics and installation simplicity, the DS-2CD3386G2-ISU represents a strong choice. Always verify the exact variants I/O and microSD limits in the official datasheet, follow local installation regulations and use recommended mounting accessories to get the best long-term performance from the unit.
