Product SKU: DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK
Product Overview
The Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK is an 8 MP / 4K AcuSense turret network camera with built-in microphone, designed to deliver sharp, detailed video and intelligent analytics for modern security systems. With a 1/1.8″ progressive-scan CMOS sensor, 3840 × 2160 resolution and “Powered by Darkfighter” low-light technology, the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK performs exceptionally well in challenging lighting conditions. A 120 dB true WDR engine helps manage strong backlight, while H.265+ compression and smart event recording conserve storage and bandwidth. Available in 2.8 mm and 4 mm fixed-lens options, this rugged IP67 turret is ideal for both residential and commercial deployments where audio, analytics and reliable 4K imaging are important.
Why Choose the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK
The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK stands out by combining Hikvision’s AcuSense deep-learning classification with 8 MP Darkfighter imaging and an integrated microphone in a compact turret form factor. Compared with conventional 4 MP or basic 8 MP cameras, it offers better low-light performance, more accurate human/vehicle detection and cleaner images in high-contrast scenes thanks to its 120 dB WDR. The choice of 2.8 mm or 4 mm lens options lets you tailor the field of view to entrances, perimeters or wider coverage areas, while ONVIF compatibility and PoE make integration straightforward. For installers and end users wanting a versatile 4K turret that can capture high-quality video and audio while reducing false alarms, the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK offers an excellent value and feature balance.
Key Capabilities
8 MP 4K Darkfighter imaging
The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK uses an 8 MP 1/1.8″ progressive-scan CMOS sensor to deliver crisp 3840 × 2160 video, capturing fine detail such as faces, vehicle identifiers and signage. Powered by Darkfighter technology, it maintains usable colour and contrast in very low light where many standard cameras would show heavy noise or lose definition. Combined with true 120 dB WDR, it remains effective in entrances, driveways and mixed shadow/sunlit scenes, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use where image quality is a priority.
AcuSense human and vehicle classification
Built-in AcuSense deep learning allows the camera to distinguish people and vehicles from general motion, focusing event triggers on what matters most. Functions such as intrusion, line crossing and region entrance/exit can be configured to watch critical zones, while the analytics filter out many irrelevant triggers from rain, foliage or small animals. This helps reduce false alerts, simplifies review of recordings and allows monitoring staff or end users to respond more efficiently to genuine events.
Integrated microphone for audio capture
As an “-IU” model, the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK includes a built-in mono microphone for real-time audio alongside video. This enables recording of context such as voices, sounds and impact noises in supported jurisdictions, providing extra evidential detail compared with video alone. It is important to note that only “U”/“IU” variants have a built-in microphone; models without the U suffix do not provide on-board audio. With correct configuration and privacy compliance, audio can significantly enhance incident verification and post-event investigation.
Smart night vision and image enhancements
The camera’s IR illuminator provides up to around 30 m coverage, supported by Smart IR to reduce over-exposure on close subjects. Additional tools such as 3D DNR, BLC, HLC, ROI, privacy masking and mirroring allow fine-tuning of the image for each scene. In practice, this means that the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK can be optimised to handle reflective surfaces, headlights, mixed ambient lighting and privacy zones while still delivering clear and detailed night-time footage for security operators and playback reviews.
Edge storage, ANR and robust network integration
Onboard microSD/SDHC/SDXC card support (up to 512 GB) combined with ANR (Automatic Network Replenishment) allows the camera to buffer recordings locally if the network link is lost, automatically synchronising with the NVR once connectivity is restored. Support for H.265+, H.265, H.264+ and H.264, along with ONVIF, ISAPI and Hikvision integration platforms, ensures broad compatibility with recorders and VMS systems. This makes the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK a solid choice for both new and upgraded systems where continuity of recording and easy integration are important.
Key Features
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8 MP 4K resolution with 1/1.8″ sensor: The camera delivers 3840 × 2160 resolution at up to 25 fps (50 Hz), providing four times the detail of standard 1080p. The larger 1/1.8″ sensor improves light collection and dynamic range compared with smaller sensors, resulting in cleaner, more detailed footage. This is especially valuable when digitally zooming into recorded scenes to identify faces, number plates or small objects at a distance.
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Powered by Darkfighter with 120 dB WDR: Darkfighter low-light optimisation enables colour imaging at extremely low lux levels, while 120 dB true WDR balances very bright and very dark areas in the same frame. This combination makes the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK ideal for entrances, lobbies, loading bays and outdoor scenes where strong backlight, shadows or artificial lighting can otherwise cause over-exposed highlights or lost detail in darker areas.
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Lens options for 2.8 mm and 4 mm fixed focal lengths: The camera is available in 2.8 mm and 4 mm fixed focal variants. The 2.8 mm option offers a very wide horizontal field of view of around 108.8°, suited to general area coverage such as driveways, yards and building façades. The 4 mm lens narrows the field to around 93.3° for slightly tighter framing, making it suitable for entrances, gates and zones where more detail over a smaller area is preferred.
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AcuSense analytics and face capture: AcuSense deep learning focuses on human and vehicle targets for intrusion, line crossing and region entrance/exit events, helping reduce nuisance alarms from motion that is not security-relevant. The camera also supports face capture mode (mutually exclusive with AcuSense or Motion Detection 2.0 when enabled), allowing it to grab face snapshots in supported scenarios. These capabilities make it a strong fit for systems that rely on accurate alerts and efficient event searching.
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Built-in microphone with edge storage and ANR: The “IU-BLK” variant includes an integrated mono microphone, allowing high-quality audio to accompany video without extra wiring or separate audio modules. Local microSD/SDHC/SDXC storage up to 512 GB, together with ANR, ensures that critical footage can be recorded even if the network drops temporarily. This architecture enhances resilience, particularly where remote sites or wireless links may experience intermittent connectivity.
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Rugged IP67 metal turret design with PoE: The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK features an all-metal housing, IP67 weather resistance and an operating temperature range of approximately –30 °C to 60 °C. Power is supplied via PoE (IEEE 802.3af, max. around 8 W) or optional 12 V DC, simplifying cabling and enabling longer runs using standard network infrastructure. Its compact turret form factor offers discrete appearance, flexible aiming and robust protection for demanding outdoor and indoor locations, with the black finish providing a lower-visibility aesthetic for night-time or architectural installations.
Specifications Summary
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Image Sensor | 1/1.8″ progressive-scan CMOS |
| Maximum Resolution | 8 MP, 3840 × 2160 up to 25 fps (50 Hz) |
| Lens Options | 2.8 mm or 4 mm fixed focal (M16 mount) |
| Field of View (2.8 mm) | Horizontal ~108.8°, vertical ~56.4°, diagonal ~134.3° |
| Field of View (4 mm) | Horizontal ~93.3°, vertical ~47.2°, diagonal ~114.2° |
| DORI Distances 2.8 mm (D/O/R/I) | Detect ~89 m, Observe ~35 m, Recognise ~17 m, Identify ~8 m |
| DORI Distances 4 mm (D/O/R/I) | Detect ~109 m, Observe ~43 m, Recognise ~21 m, Identify ~10 m |
| Night Vision | IR illuminator up to approx. 30 m with Smart IR |
| Wide Dynamic Range | 120 dB true WDR |
| Compression | H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264 with CBR/VBR, SVC, ROI, target cropping |
| Audio | Built-in mono microphone (-IU-BLK variant) |
| Onboard Storage | microSD/SDHC/SDXC slot, up to 512 GB; supports ANR |
| Smart Functions | AcuSense human/vehicle classification, intrusion, line crossing, region entrance/exit, face capture |
| Protection Rating | IP67 weather resistant |
| Power | PoE (IEEE 802.3af, max. ~8 W) or 12 V DC |
| Operating Conditions | –30 °C to 60 °C, humidity 10%–90% RH, non-condensing |
| Dimensions & Weight | Approx. Ø 138.3 × 115.4 mm; ~775 g |
Choosing Between the 2.8mm and 4mm Lens
The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK offers two fixed lens choices—2.8 mm and 4 mm—allowing you to customise coverage and detail for different scenes. The 2.8 mm option is ideal when you need a very wide view across open spaces, while the 4 mm version tightens the framing for more emphasis on mid-range detail such as entrances and gate lines.
| Lens | Field of View | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.8 mm | Approx. 108.8° (H) / 56.4° (V) | Wide coverage | Excellent for driveways, yards, car parks and general area coverage where seeing “the whole scene” is more important than fine detail at longer range. |
| 4 mm | Approx. 93.3° (H) / 47.2° (V) | Narrower view | Ideal for entrances, gates, walkways and choke points where you want tighter framing and slightly increased identification distance. |
Tip:
Choose 2.8 mm when you need the broadest coverage and want to see as much of the area as possible.
Choose 4 mm when you want a more focused view on specific entry points or high-priority zones.
Ideal Use Cases
- Perimeter surveillance – Wide-angle coverage around homes, farms and commercial boundaries with accurate human/vehicle alerts thanks to AcuSense, making it easier to detect real intrusions without constant nuisance alarms.
- Entrance or lobby monitoring – High-resolution 4K video and the integrated microphone capture both visual and audio detail at doors, lobbies and reception areas, improving incident verification and customer interaction monitoring.
- Night-time surveillance – Powered by Darkfighter low-light imaging and Smart IR, the camera maintains consistent visibility at night, supporting both IR-only scenes and environments with limited ambient lighting.
- Bandwidth-efficient systems – H.265+ compression, ROI and event-based recording help keep bandwidth and storage usage under control, especially when integrating multiple 8 MP cameras into an existing network and NVR.
Additional Test and Demo Videos
DS-2CD2386G2-ISU/SL 8MP / 4K Night time test (older model – the newer model with spotlight will record in colour)
DS-2CD2386G2-ISU/SL 8MP / 4K Night time test with sensor light on
UNBOXING VIDEO:
Sample 8MP Hikvision Videos (extra examples)
NOTE: If you’d like to experience full 8 MP quality, click the gear icon in YouTube and select 4K (2160p). Otherwise, YouTube may stream at a lower resolution by default.
FAQs
- What is the difference between the 2.8 mm and 4 mm lens options?
Both lenses deliver full 8 MP resolution, but the 2.8 mm lens offers a wider horizontal field of view of around 108.8°, while the 4 mm lens offers around 93.3°. In practice, the 2.8 mm lens is ideal for general area coverage where you want to see as much as possible, such as yards or car parks. The 4 mm lens tightens the framing and slightly extends DORI distances, making it better suited to focused coverage of gates, entrances and key walkways where more detail over a narrower area is desired. - Does the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK always include a microphone?
The “U” in DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK indicates a model with a built-in microphone, so this variant does support real-time audio capture. Other DS-2CD2386G2H models without the U suffix do not include an integrated mic. When planning a system, it is important to confirm that the camera model number ends in “-U” or “-IU” if you require audio, and to configure audio recording and privacy settings in line with local laws and site policies. - Is this camera compatible with third-party NVRs and VMS platforms?
Yes. The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK supports standard network protocols and is compatible with ONVIF as well as Hikvision’s own ISAPI and integration platforms. In most cases it will work with quality third-party NVRs and VMS software that support ONVIF-compliant cameras. For best results, ensure your recorder’s firmware is up to date and add the camera using the recommended protocol and stream settings to take advantage of features such as H.265+, multi-streaming and event triggers. - How well does the camera perform at night and in mixed lighting?
Thanks to its “Powered by Darkfighter” design, large 1/1.8″ sensor and 120 dB WDR, the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU-BLK is engineered for strong performance in low light and high-contrast scenes. At night, Smart IR helps reduce over-exposure of close subjects while preserving detail further out, and the camera’s image processing features can be tuned to match the environment. In many common scenarios, this results in cleaner, more usable footage than standard 4 MP or entry-level 8 MP devices, helping ensure that critical details are still visible when lighting is far from ideal.
Additional Information
| Image | Name | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hikvision DS-1280ZJ-DM21 Junction Box | $20.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| Hikvision DS-1273ZJ-140 Bracket to suit G Series Turret cameras | $35.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support | ||
| Hikvision DS-1271ZJ-140-DM45 Pendant Mount Bracket | $87.00 inc GST +3 Year Warranty & Support |
Product Video Samples
NOTE: For best viewing quality, select 2160p (4K) resolution in YouTube’s settings.


























