Introduction: Hikvision 4 MP AcuSense Motorised Varifocal Bullet Camera
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G3-2IZY is a 4 MP AcuSense motorised varifocal bullet camera designed for outdoor IP surveillance. Combining Hikvisions DarkFighter low-light imaging with on-board deep-learning classification (AcuSense) and a motorised 2.84.0 mm varifocal lens, this camera targets perimeter entrances, retail frontages and small-to-medium commercial sites where accurate detection and flexible coverage are priorities. With PoE power, weatherproof metal housing and support for local microSD and network storage, it offers a modern balance of image quality, intelligent analytics and practical installation features.
Key features at a glance
- Resolution:4 MP (2688 1520) for clear, usable detail.
- Lens:Motorised varifocal 2.84.0 mm (F1.6) with motorised zoom and positioning for on-site framing without manual focus adjustments.
- Low-light performance:DarkFighter technology delivering colour at extremely low light (0.001 lux) and B/W to 0 lux with IR.
- AcuSense AI:On-board person and vehicle classification and perimeter protection (line crossing, intrusion, enter/exit regions) to reduce false alarms.
- Durability:IP67 ingress protection and anti-corrosion NEMA 4X metal housing for outdoor use.
- Connectivity and storage:PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 V DC power, microSD up to 512 GB, and compatibility with Hik-Connect, iVMS and Hik-Central.
Detailed specifications and benefits
- Image sensor:1/3" progressive-scan CMOS delivering up to 2688 1520 (4 MP). This resolution is well suited to identification at medium distances while keeping file sizes manageable compared with higher-megapixel alternatives.
- Minimum illumination:Colour 0.001 lux @ F1.6 (AGC ON); B/W 0 lux with IR. DarkFighter technology enhances colour performance in dim scenes so you retain meaningful colour information in conditions that would push other cameras to monochrome only.
- IR / supplemental light:Up to 60 m (variants up to 80 m). Smart IR helps balance exposure across the scene so nearer objects are not overexposed while maintaining usable illumination further away.
- Lens and field of view:Motorised varifocal 2.84.0 mm lens with F1.6 aperture. Field of view ranges from approximately H: 99.3 V: 54.8 at 2.8 mm to H: 80.0 V: 44.1 at 4 mm. The motorised lens allows installers or operators to adjust framing remotely, saving time on site and simplifying multi-camera alignment.
- Frame rate:Up to 25/30 fps at 2688 1520 (region dependent), ensuring smooth motion capture for human and vehicle activity.
- Compression:H.265 / H.265+ / H.264 / H.264+. H.265/H.265+ modes reduce bandwidth and storage needs while keeping image quality, which is especially valuable for longer retention or multi-channel deployments.
- Bit rate control:32 Kbps8 Mbps range for flexible network management and storage optimisation.
- AcuSense person & vehicle classification:Deep-learning algorithms on the camera distinguish people and vehicles from other motion sources (animals, foliage, shadows), dramatically reducing false alarms when configured correctly.
- Perimeter protection:Line crossing, intrusion, region enter/exit rules enable automated alerts for meaningful events and streamline review workflows.
- Other intelligent alerts:Face capture, scene change detection, motion detection and tamper alarm broaden the cameras utility beyond raw video capture to proactive security monitoring.
- Network:1 RJ45 10/100/1000 M with IPv4/IPv6 and ONVIF Profiles S/G/T support for integration with third-party recorders and VMS solutions.
- Storage:On-board microSD / microSDHC / microSDXC up to 512 GB plus NAS (NFS/SMB/CIFS) and ANR support to ensure continuous recording during temporary network outages.
- Power:PoE (IEEE 802.3af Class 3) or 12 V DC, with typical power draw around 912.5 W depending on configuration. PoE simplifies installation by delivering power and data over a single cable.
- Ingress protection:IP67 rating for dust-tight and water-resistant operation.
- Corrosion protection:Anti-corrosion design (NEMA 4X) and a metal body for long-term outdoor exposure.
- Operating conditions:Rated from 30C to 60C, suitable for temperate and cold climates. Physical dimensions are approximately 88.7 91.2 287.2 mm, weight about 1.16 kg.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CD2T46G3-2IZY is versatile and particularly effective in scenarios requiring reliable perimeter protection, good low-light performance and flexible field-of-view adjustment.
Use the camera to monitor perimeter fences, gates and car park entries. AcuSenses person/vehicle classification helps reduce nuisance alerts triggered by animals or environmental movement, while perimeter rules (line crossing, intrusion) provide clear event types for faster response or forensic review.
Retail sites benefit from the cameras combination of daytime colour fidelity and low-light capabilities. The motorised varifocal lens lets integrators frame displays or entrances precisely—zooming in for better facial detail or zooming out for broader coverage depending on changing needs.
For sites with moderate camera counts, ease of integration (ONVIF, Hik-Connect) and local recording options (microSD) make the camera useful where centralized storage may not always be practical. PoE reduces cabling complexity which is attractive for retrofits.
Outdoor public spaces, school grounds and municipal facilities need rugged cameras with long IR reach and robust analytics. The IP67/NEMA 4X housing and DarkFighter imaging make this model a good candidate where both environmental resilience and 24/7 visibility are required.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When comparing the DS-2CD2T46G3-2IZY against competing options, focus on three main axes: image/low-light performance, analytics capabilities and total cost of ownership (price, storage efficiency, installation complexity).
Within Hikvisions lineup, fixed-lens models at similar price points may offer simpler installation and lower cost but lack the motorised varifocal flexibility for field adjustments. Higher-end Hikvision models may include larger sensors or more advanced AI features at a higher price. The DS-2CD2T46G3-2IZY sits in the mid-range offering a balanced feature set for many commercial projects.
Dahuas WizSense series provides comparable person/vehicle classification and competitive optics; Axis and Bosch typically position similar models at higher price points with strong reliability and proprietary analytics. The Hikvision model generally competes well on value (features per cost), particularly when H.265+ compression and AcuSense analytics are priorities.
- AI/analytics:AcuSense is effective at reducing false alarms and is comparable to other mainstream AI offerings; some rivals may offer broader analytics suites or more advanced edge features depending on the model.
- Low-light:DarkFighter is a strong performer for colour at low lux levels. Competing low-light technologies vary, and in extreme conditions some cameras with larger sensors may outperform this 1/3" sensor.
- Value:With a suggested price around 229 (currency unspecified), it strikes a competitive mid-market position for installers and integrators seeking modern features without premium pricing.
Customer feedback and typical reviewer impressions
No formal customer testimonials were supplied with this brief. Based on typical market feedback for cameras with similar feature sets, users and installers commonly highlight the following themes:
- Ease of installation and configuration when using PoE and Hikvisions management tools, particularly the benefit of motorised lens adjustments for final framing without ladders.
- Noticeable reduction in nuisance alerts when AcuSense classification is properly trained and configured, improving the signal-to-noise ratio for monitoring teams.
- Positive remarks about low-light colour fidelity due to DarkFighter, with caveats that extreme long-range identification still depends on scene lighting and sensor physics.
- Appreciation for local recording options (microSD) and interoperability via ONVIF for customers integrating with third-party VMS systems.
Prospective buyers should check supplier reviews and seek examples of site installs to confirm performance in comparable lighting and distance conditions.
Installation, compliance and warranty notes
The camera is suitable for outdoor mounting in temperate and cold climates (operating 30C to 60C). Use authorised installers for mains connections and ensure cable entries are sealed to maintain the IP67 rating. Confirm local approvals (CE/UKCA) and warranty terms with your supplier; the warranty status for this listing is not specified and should be clarified before purchase.
Conclusion: Why choose the DS-2CD2T46G3-2IZY?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G3-2IZY delivers a compelling mix of practical features for outdoor surveillance: 4 MP resolution, DarkFighter low-light colour performance, motorised varifocal optics for fast on-site framing, and on-board AcuSense analytics to reduce false alarms. PoE support, robust environmental ratings and flexible storage options make it suitable for many commercial and perimeter applications. For integrators and site owners seeking a mid-market camera that blends intelligent detection, ease of installation and solid imaging in low light, this model represents a strong option. As always, match lens settings, analytic thresholds and mounting location to the target scene, and confirm warranty and compliance details with your supplier to ensure the camera meets your operational requirements.