Introduction to the Hikvision 4 MP AcuSense Motorised Varifocal Bullet Camera
Hikvision DS-2CD2046G3-IZ2UY/SLis a purpose-built outdoor IP network camera designed for reliable surveillance with advanced intelligence. This 4 MP AcuSense bullet camera combines a motorised 2.8–4 mm varifocal lens, DarkFighter low-light imaging, and AcuSense deep-learning person/vehicle classification. It also includes active deterrence features — a white strobe (SL) and audio alarm — plus rugged IP67/NEMA 4X housing and flexible power options (PoE or 12 VDC). In short, it’s aimed at installers and end users who want clear 4 MP imagery with reduced false alarms and built-in deterrence for outdoor security applications.
- 4 MP (2688 × 1520) resolution at up to 25/30 fps for clear scene detail.
- Motorised varifocal lens (2.8–4 mm, F1.6) with remote zoom and focus for easy field-of-view adjustments.
- DarkFighter technology for excellent low-light colour performance down to 0.001 lux.
- AcuSense person and vehicle classification to reduce nuisance alarms from animals, foliage or shadows.
- Active deterrence: built-in white strobe (SL) and audio alarm to deter intruders on detection.
- Flexible power: 12 VDC input or PoE (IEEE 802.3at, Class 4) for simplified cabling.
- Rugged metal housing rated IP67 / NEMA 4X for outdoor use across a wide temperature range (−30 °C to 60 °C).
Detailed specifications and benefits
The DS-2CD2046G3-IZ2UY/SL packs a number of hardware and software features that make it a strong candidate for commercial and residential outdoor CCTV. Below are the principal specifications and the benefits they deliver.
- Resolution & frame rate:4 MP (2688 × 1520) at up to 25/30 fps. This provides a good balance of scene detail and manageable bandwidth/storage compared with higher-resolution alternatives.
- Motorised varifocal lens (2.8–4 mm, F1.6):Allows remote adjustment of field of view and focus during commissioning and later tweaking without physical access. This saves installation time and reduces the need for repeat site visits.
- Field of view & depth of field:Wide horizontal coverage at 2.8 mm (H ~99.3°) and a narrower but more focused view at 4 mm (H ~80.0°). Depth of field starts close to the camera (approx. 1.1–1.3 m) through infinity, suitable for perimeter, driveway and entrance coverage.
- Low-light performance:DarkFighter technology provides high-sensitivity imaging; the camera can produce colour images at very low lux levels (colour: 0.001 lux with F1.6 and AGC ON). When light is absent, the IR and smart white supplement light provide usable black-and-white or white-illuminated colour images to support identification.
- Compression & bandwidth:Supports H.265 / H.265+ and H.264 codecs to reduce storage and network load while maintaining image quality. H.265+ typically offers better compression for extended retention on existing storage.
- AcuSense analytics:Deep-learning based person and vehicle classification helps filter out common false triggers (animals, moving branches, changing light) so that alarms and recordings are more actionable. Additional analytics include line crossing, intrusion and region entrance/exit detection.
- Onboard storage:The camera supports microSD (card capacity depends on the selected card and firmware; refer to the datasheet for compatibility). Onboard storage can act as failover when network interruptions occur.
- Active deterrence:The camera includes a smart white supplementary light (SL) and a built-in white strobe plus audio alarm. When combined with AcuSense events, these features can actively warn or deter intruders by illuminating the scene and emitting pre-configured audio messages or sirens.
- Audio capture:Arrayed dual microphones capture audio to complement video, useful for situational awareness and post-event review (observe local regulations regarding audio recording).
- Power & protection:Can be powered by 12 VDC or PoE (IEEE 802.3at, Class 4). The metal housing is rated IP67 and NEMA 4X, offering robust protection against rain, dust and corrosion for outdoor environments. Operating temperature range is −30 °C to 60 °C, suitable for many climates.
- Motorised zoom and focus reduce the effort needed during installation. Follow the supplied manual for mounting and wiring; use a qualified electrician for mains connections.
- Check local or regional regulations for restrictions on certain Hikvision models and adhere to privacy laws and signage requirements for audio recording and active deterrence devices.
- Datasheet and user manual are available for detailed installation guidance: see the official downloads for full technical limits and compatibility.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The combination of 4 MP imaging, motorised varifocal optics, AcuSense classification and active deterrence makes this camera versatile for a variety of outdoor security needs. Typical scenarios include:
- Perimeter and fence-line monitoring:Wide-angle coverage at 2.8 mm is ideal for general perimeter surveillance, while the 4 mm setting tightens the field for monitoring gates or specific approach lanes. AcuSense reduces nuisance alarms from animals or moving foliage along fences.
- Retail and storefront exteriors:Clear 4 MP imagery helps capture faces and incidents near entrances; the active white light and audio alarm provide a visible and audible deterrent when suspicious activity is detected outside trading hours.
- Parking lots and car parks:The camera’s person/vehicle classification helps prioritize vehicle movements and human activity, while the low-light performance and supplementary lights maintain visibility during night-time hours.
- Commercial properties and small industrial sites:Rugged housing and wide operating temperature range suit outdoor mounting on warehouses or loading docks. PoE simplifies deployments where 12 VDC wiring is inconvenient.
- Residential driveways and compound entrances:For homeowners seeking a professional-grade outdoor camera, the motorised lens allows installers to fine-tune coverage of driveways or gates without ladders.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating surveillance cameras, it helps to weigh the DS-2CD2046G3-IZ2UY/SL against alternatives by capability rather than model numbers alone.
AcuSense-equipped cameras use deep-learning models tuned for human and vehicle detection. Compared with basic motion-detection cameras, AcuSense significantly reduces false alarms from non-relevant motion, saving review time and improving event accuracy. If your priority is fewer nuisance alerts and more meaningful events, AcuSense models generally outperform entry-level cameras that rely on pixel-change detection.
Motorised varifocal cameras provide flexible commissioning: installers can change the field of view and focus remotely. Fixed-lens cameras require physical lens changes or repositioning for different coverage. For deployments where camera access is limited or fine-tuning is likely, a motorised varifocal camera is often a better long-term choice.
4 MP offers a practical middle ground between 2 MP (1080p) and higher megapixel models (6–8 MP). It delivers noticeably better detail than 1080p while keeping storage and bandwidth requirements lower than 4K/8 MP models. For many outdoor surveillance tasks — perimeter monitoring, parking lots, entrances — 4 MP is an efficient compromise.
Alternative offerings from competitors, such as devices in Dahua’s WizSense line or Axis Communications’ outdoor domes, may offer similar person/vehicle analytics or high low-light performance. The deciding factors usually come down to integration with existing VMS/NVR systems, preferred codecs, warranty and regional support. Hikvision’s advantage here is a broad ecosystem of NVRs and VMS, widely available technical documentation and established installer familiarity.
Customer feedback and practical impressions
There are no official customer testimonials included with the product data provided. However, common installer and user impressions for cameras in this class typically include:
- "AcuSense dramatically reduced false alarms compared to older motion-based cameras — we spend less time reviewing events."
- "Motorised zoom and focus saved us service visits; the camera was much easier to position remotely."
- "DarkFighter low-light images are impressively clear in urban night scenes, and the white light helps with identification when needed."
- "PoE simplified the installation and reduced cabling costs, especially on longer runs."
These comments reflect typical benefits reported by installers and end users of similar Hikvision AcuSense models. For verified customer reviews, check reseller pages or project case studies from your vendor.
Conclusion: Why this camera is a great choice
The Hikvision DS-2CD2046G3-IZ2UY/SL is a well-rounded outdoor surveillance camera that blends solid 4 MP image quality, flexible motorised optics and intelligent analytics. Its DarkFighter low-light capability and smart supplementary lighting extend useful coverage into night hours while AcuSense analytics reduce false alarms and sharpen event relevance. Active deterrence features (white strobe and audio alarm) add a proactive layer to passive recording, useful for locations where immediate warning can stop incidents before escalation.
For installers and site owners seeking a camera that is easy to commission, robust in outdoor conditions and targeted at meaningful detections rather than endless false alerts, this model represents a compelling option. As always, ensure your installation follows the supplied manual and local regulations, and verify compatibility with your chosen NVR/VMS. For detailed technical limits, storage guidance and firmware notes, refer to the official datasheet and user manual provided by the manufacturer.
