Product Overview
For outdoor locations where detailed footage, smarter event filtering and audio context all matter at the same camera position, the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU is an 8MP 4K AcuSense turret camera built for eave, soffit and wall-mounted positions across homes, shopfronts, warehouses and commercial perimeters. Featuring a 1/1.8″ progressive scan CMOS sensor with powered-by-DarkFighter technology and 120 dB true WDR, it handles demanding scenes including shaded driveways, backlit entrances and high-contrast outdoor areas. The camera ships in 2.8 mm and 4 mm fixed lens options to suit wider general-area coverage or tighter framing of defined access points. Built-in AcuSense human and vehicle classification helps focus alerts on relevant events, while the integrated microphone records audio alongside video for additional context during incident review. IP67 weather resistance, microSD storage up to 512 GB and PoE support make this model a practical choice for a wide range of fixed-position outdoor installations.
Key Capabilities
8MP 4K Resolution on a Large Sensor
The 3840 x 2160 output from a 1/1.8″ CMOS sensor means this turret captures noticeably more detail than smaller-sensor 8MP models. This is useful for driveways, entrances and building perimeters where playback review and digital zoom matter.
Powered-by-DarkFighter Low-Light Imaging
DarkFighter technology combined with the large sensor improves image usability in dim outdoor scenes. Shaded side paths, unlit driveways, carports and areas with minimal ambient light benefit most from this low-light capability.
AcuSense Human and Vehicle Classification
AcuSense filters motion events to focus on people and vehicles rather than general movement. This helps reduce nuisance triggers from rain, shadows, insects, wind-blown foliage and small animals, making event lists more manageable for reviewers.
Built-In Microphone for Audio Context
The integrated mono microphone records audio alongside video when correctly configured. This adds useful context at front doors, loading zones, access gates and customer entry points where sound can help explain the sequence of events during playback.
120 dB WDR, Smart IR and Night Coverage
True 120 dB WDR handles strongly backlit entrances and high-contrast outdoor scenes. IR illumination up to 30 m with Smart IR provides reliable night-time coverage, while 3D DNR, BLC and HLC help manage mixed and reflective lighting conditions.
Edge Storage, Compression and Integration
microSD support up to 512 GB, ANR, H.265+ compression and ONVIF compatibility make this camera suitable for NVR-based systems, edge recording setups and installations where bandwidth efficiency and recording continuity are priorities.
Best For
- Residential Driveways and Yards: Wide 2.8 mm field of view combined with 4K detail, DarkFighter performance and AcuSense vehicle filtering suits homes where clear coverage across open areas is needed day and night.
- Shopfronts and Customer Entry Points: The built-in microphone and 120 dB WDR make this model useful for monitoring entrances where audio context and strong backlight handling both add value during incident review.
- Warehouse and Commercial Perimeters: IP67 construction, AcuSense filtering and 4K resolution suit roller doors, loading bays, external walls and perimeter zones where outdoor durability and relevant event detection are important.
- Access Gates and Defined Access Paths: The 4 mm lens option provides tighter framing and longer DORI distances suited to gates, narrow pathways and specific entry points where precise coverage is preferred over broad area capture.
- NVR-Based or Edge-Recording Systems: PoE support, H.265+ compression, ONVIF integration and microSD ANR make this camera a practical fit for both managed NVR installations and sites where local fallback recording is part of the design.
Why Choose the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU
The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU occupies a specific position within the AcuSense turret range: it delivers 8MP 4K video, DarkFighter low-light performance, human and vehicle classification and built-in microphone audio capture, without the strobe or siren functions of active deterrence variants. Compared with a standard entry-level 8MP turret, the 1/1.8″ sensor size, 120 dB true WDR and AcuSense filtering represent meaningful practical differences in challenging outdoor scenes. The integrated microphone adds audio evidence capability that basic cameras in this category do not include. Buyers choosing between 8MP turret options available through Security Wholesalers will find this model particularly well suited to installations where the priority is detailed evidence capture, smarter alert management and audio context, rather than visible deterrence or active response at the camera itself.
Buyer Decision Tips
Lens Selection Tip: The 2.8 mm lens covers approximately 108.8 degrees horizontally and suits driveways, front yards, car parks and general open-area positions. The 4 mm lens narrows the horizontal field to approximately 93.3 degrees, giving greater subject size at distance and better DORI performance for entrances, gates and defined access points. Select the lens that matches your specific mounting position and target area rather than defaulting to 2.8 mm for every location.
Audio Capability Tip: The IU suffix confirms a built-in microphone for one-way audio recording. This model does not include a speaker and does not support two-way audio communication or active deterrence functions such as strobe light or siren. If the installation requires audible warnings, voice prompts or visible strobe deterrence at the camera location, select an active deterrence variant of this camera family instead.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Resolution |
8MP 4K, 3840 x 2160 at up to 25 fps (50 Hz). |
| Camera Type |
Fixed turret network camera for indoor and outdoor use. |
| Image Sensor |
1/1.8″ progressive scan CMOS. |
| Lens Options |
2.8 mm or 4 mm fixed focal lens. |
| Field of View – 2.8 mm |
Horizontal approx. 108.8 degrees, vertical approx. 56.4 degrees, diagonal approx. 134.3 degrees. |
| Field of View – 4 mm |
Horizontal approx. 93.3 degrees, vertical approx. 47.2 degrees, diagonal approx. 114.2 degrees. |
| DORI – 2.8 mm |
Detect approx. 89 m, observe approx. 35 m, recognise approx. 17 m, identify approx. 8 m. |
| DORI – 4 mm |
Detect approx. 109 m, observe approx. 43 m, recognise approx. 21 m, identify approx. 10 m. |
| Low-Light Technology |
Powered-by-DarkFighter for improved imaging in low-light outdoor conditions. |
| Night Vision |
IR illumination up to approx. 30 m with Smart IR overexposure control. |
| Wide Dynamic Range |
120 dB true WDR for backlit and high-contrast scenes. |
| AI Detection |
AcuSense human and vehicle classification; supports intrusion, line crossing, region entrance and region exit events. |
| Audio |
Built-in mono microphone (IU variant). |
| Video Compression |
H.265+, H.265, H.264+, H.264. |
| Onboard Storage |
microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC up to 512 GB with ANR support. |
| Integration |
ONVIF and Hikvision protocol compatible. |
| Power |
PoE IEEE 802.3af or 12 V DC. |
| Weather Rating |
IP67 weather-resistant. |
| Operating Temperature |
Approx. -30 degrees C to 60 degrees C, 10% to 90% RH non-condensing. |
| Dimensions and Weight |
Approx. diameter 138.3 mm x 115.4 mm; approx. 775 g. |
Ideal Use Cases
Residential Driveways
The 2.8 mm lens covers a broad field across a driveway or front yard. 4K resolution, DarkFighter low-light performance and AcuSense vehicle classification combine to capture usable footage day and night at a typical home entry.
Shopfronts and Retail Entries
Built-in microphone recording and 120 dB WDR make this turret well suited to customer entry points and shopfront positions where backlight from glazing and audio context both contribute to useful incident records.
Gates and Defined Access Points
The 4 mm lens option provides a tighter frame and longer DORI recognition and identification distances, making it a better fit for pedestrian gates, vehicle access barriers and narrow entry points where subject detail at range matters.
Warehouses and Loading Bays
IP67 construction and 4K detail suit wall-mounted positions at roller doors, loading docks and staff entry points. AcuSense filtering helps keep event alerts relevant in busy environments where vehicle and foot traffic are both present.
Side Paths and Building Perimeters
AcuSense human classification and IP67 weather resistance suit narrow access routes, side gates and external perimeter walls where reliable detection of people rather than environmental movement is the primary monitoring goal.
Sites Requiring Local Recording Fallback
microSD storage up to 512 GB and ANR allow the camera to record locally and later synchronise with an NVR when the network connection is restored, making it a practical option for remote sites or systems with intermittent connectivity.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose the 2.8 mm lens if: Your mounting position covers a wide open area such as a driveway, front yard, car park or shopfront where broad horizontal coverage is the priority.
- Choose the 4 mm lens if: You need tighter framing on a defined access point, gate, walkway or doorway where longer DORI recognition and identification distances are useful.
- Choose this IU model if: Audio recording at the camera position is a confirmed requirement and you want built-in microphone capability alongside 8MP AcuSense detection without any active deterrence functions.
- Choose a different model if: You need strobe light, siren, speaker-based voice warnings, optical zoom, pan and tilt movement, or confirmed two-way audio communication at the camera location.
FAQs
- What does the IU suffix mean on the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU?
The IU suffix confirms this variant includes a built-in microphone for audio recording. It does not include a speaker, strobe light or siren. Buyers who need an active deterrence model with visible light or audio warning capability should select a different variant within the same camera family.
- Does the built-in microphone support two-way audio communication?
No. The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU includes a mono microphone for one-way audio recording only. There is no built-in speaker, so two-way voice communication is not supported by this model. The microphone records audio alongside video when correctly configured through a compatible NVR or VMS platform.
- How does the 2.8 mm lens compare to the 4 mm lens for a typical driveway installation?
The 2.8 mm lens provides a wider horizontal field of approximately 108.8 degrees, covering more of a driveway or yard in a single frame. The 4 mm lens narrows to approximately 93.3 degrees but delivers better DORI recognition and identification at greater distances. For a broad driveway overview, 2.8 mm is generally more suitable. For a focused view of a gate or pedestrian entry, 4 mm is usually the better choice.
- Is the DS-2CD2386G2H-IU rated for exposed outdoor installation?
Yes. The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU carries an IP67 weather-resistant rating, suitable for exposed outdoor positions including eave and soffit mounts, wall-mounted perimeter positions, shopfronts and entry points. Correct installation practices including sealed cable entry points and appropriate mounting hardware remain important for long-term outdoor reliability.
- How does AcuSense classification work and what does it filter out?
AcuSense analyses motion events and classifies detected targets as human or vehicle rather than treating all movement as equally relevant. This means events triggered by rain, shadows, insects, wind-blown trees and small animals are less likely to generate alerts. The result is a more manageable event list and faster footage review. Security Wholesalers customers frequently select AcuSense models for sites where alert fatigue from standard motion detection has been a problem.
- What is DarkFighter technology and why does the sensor size matter?
Powered-by-DarkFighter is Hikvision’s low-light imaging technology designed to produce more usable colour or greyscale images in dim outdoor conditions. The 1/1.8″ CMOS sensor in this model is larger than sensors used in many standard 8MP turret cameras, allowing it to capture more light per pixel. This improves image quality in shaded outdoor areas, unlit driveways and locations with limited ambient light at night, before the camera switches to IR illumination.
- Can this camera record locally without an NVR?
Yes. The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU supports microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 512 GB for edge recording. The ANR function allows the camera to record locally during a network interruption and then synchronise the stored footage with an NVR once the connection is restored. This makes it suitable for remote locations or as a recording fallback within a larger system.
- Will this camera work with a non-Hikvision NVR or VMS?
The DS-2CD2386G2H-IU supports ONVIF, which provides compatibility with many third-party NVR and VMS platforms. However, advanced features such as AcuSense smart event filtering, H.265+ compression, audio recording and multi-stream configuration are most reliably supported when paired with a compatible Hikvision recorder running current firmware. Confirm specific feature support with your chosen platform before finalising the system design.
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