Introduction to the Hikvision DS-2CD2546G3-IZS2UY
The Hikvision DS-2CD2546G3-IZS2UY (marketed as the 4 MP AcuSense Smart Hybrid Light Varifocal Mini Dome) is a compact, weatherproof network camera designed for reliable outdoor and indoor surveillance. Combining 4 MP resolution with Hikvisions DarkFighter low-light technology, hybrid IR and smart white-light illumination, and onboard AcuSense deep-learning analytics, this mini dome targets installers and end users who need accurate detection, clear imaging in low light, and simplified installation via PoE.
Priced as a mid-range professional camera (suggested retail around $349, with trade pricing substantially lower), it balances advanced imaging, analytics, and rugged hardware in a form factor suited to entrances, perimeters, parking areas and retail exteriors.
Key features at a glance
- 4 MP resolution(2688 1520) for detailed images.
- DarkFighter low-light performancedelivering colour imaging down to 0.001 lux and B/W with IR illumination.
- AcuSense analyticsfor person and vehicle classification, perimeter protection and optional face capture.
- Hybrid lighting: IR illumination to ~30 m (850 nm) plus smart supplementary white light for enhanced identification at night.
- Motorised 2.8 mm varifocallens for on-site adjustment between wide and narrower fields of view.
- Robust build: IP67 weatherproofing and IK08 vandal resistance.
- Flexible power and storage: PoE (IEEE 802.3af) or 12 V DC input and local microSD card storage option, plus built-in dual microphone for audio capture.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The cameras 1/3" progressive-scan CMOS sensor captures 4 MP (2688 1520) resolution at up to 25/30 fps depending on region, providing enough pixels for reliable identification and forensic review. The motorised point varifocal 2.8 mm lens offers a horizontal field of view of approximately 99.3 at 2.8 mm and about 80.0 at 4 mm, enabling installers to fine-tune the scene coverage without mechanical lens swaps.
DarkFighter technology significantly improves low-light colour sensitivity, allowing the camera to render colour scenes at illumination levels that would normally produce monochrome images. This is useful where colour detail (clothing, vehicle paint, signage) is important for identification.
Hybrid lighting blends traditional IR (850 nm) illumination with smart white-light supplementation. IR provides covert illumination for long-range viewing up to around 30 m, while white light can be used to illuminate a scene for better colour reproduction and deterrence when required. The camera can be set to switch intelligently between lighting modes based on event triggers or schedules, combining discretion with identification capability.
AcuSense deep-learning analytics are a central highlight. Person and vehicle classification reduces nuisance alarms by differentiating relevant targets from background motion such as tree branches, small animals or weather-related movement. Perimeter protection rules can be tuned to create real-world alert workflows for intrusions, loitering or line-crossing events. Face capture is a further option for environments where capturing facial thumbnails is useful for access control or investigative workflows.
Support for Power over Ethernet (IEEE 802.3af, Class 3) simplifies installations by allowing power and data over a single cable, reducing cost and labor. A 12 V DC option gives flexibility where PoE is unavailable. The cameras modest maximum power consumption (around 6.5 W on 12 VDC and ~8 W on PoE) helps reduce strain on power budgets. On-board storage via a microSD slot provides temporary or standalone recording capability when network connectivity is intermittent (note: card capacity not specified here and should be chosen per project requirements).
With an IP67 rating, the housing is sealed against dust and immersion, making it suitable for outdoor exposure in most climates. IK08 vandal resistance ensures the unit can tolerate moderate impact, which is especially relevant for lower-mounted installations or areas prone to tampering. Operating temperature ranges from -30 C to 60 C, covering most commercial and industrial deployment scenarios.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
- Perimeter and entrance monitoring: AcuSense classification reduces false alarms while hybrid lighting ensures identification at night. The varifocal lens helps focus on gates, doorways or driveways.
- Parking lots and vehicle access control: Vehicle classification and wide field-of-view at 2.8 mm make it effective for vehicle detection, movement analytics and capture of vehicle details in well-lit conditions.
- Retail exteriors and storefronts: Rugged weatherproofing, vandal resistance and low-light colour imaging let retailers monitor entrances and display areas with clear footage for incidents occurring after dark.
- SMB and campus deployments: PoE simplifies cabling across campuses, and built-in analytics reduce the need for costly server-based video analytics in many scenarios.
- Remote and temporary sites: Onboard microSD storage and low power draw make the camera useful where constant network connectivity or high-power supplies arent guaranteed.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
Within Hikvisions own lineup, this model sits in the mid-tier AcuSense range, offering more advanced analytics and hybrid illumination than basic fixed-lens dome cameras while being more affordable than high-end multi-sensor or higher-resolution models. Compared with fixed-lens 4 MP mini domes, the motorised varifocal lens adds installation flexibility and a better match to varying scene requirements.
Against competing brands, the camera aligns well with similar offerings from Dahua, Axis and other major vendors that provide 4 MP performance with onboard analytics and PoE. Key differentiators include:
- Analytics:Hikvisions AcuSense is widely adopted and effective at reducing false positives. Competing analytics (from other vendors) may emphasize different capabilities such as advanced behaviour analysis or cloud-based learning, so selection should depend on project needs.
- Low-light capability:DarkFighter gives an edge in low-light colour imaging compared with many mid-range cameras that switch to monochrome earlier. Some competitors offer similarly tuned low-light sensors, so field tests are recommended for critical sites.
- Lighting strategy:Hybrid IR + white-light is a practical compromise between covert IR illumination and active white-light deterrence; other manufacturers may offer stronger white light or different illumination wavelengths depending on model.
- Price and ecosystem:Hikvision models are often competitively priced and integrate strongly with Hikvision NVRs and management platforms. Buyers invested in a particular vendors ecosystem may value the smoother integration and firmware support.
In short, this Hikvision mini dome competes well on price-to-performance for projects prioritising analytics-driven detection, low-light colour, and rugged outdoor readiness. For deployments needing higher resolution, wider coverage, or advanced edge-analytics beyond person/vehicle classification, higher-end or multi-sensor options from Hikvision or other vendors may be appropriate.
Customer feedback and typical reviews
There are no specific customer testimonials provided here, but common feedback themes from installations of similar Hikvision AcuSense cameras typically include:
- Appreciation for accurate person/vehicle classification that reduces nuisance alerts and makes event triage faster for security teams.
- Positive comments on low-light colour performance, particularly when white-light supplements IR to improve identification at night.
- Recognition of the benefits of PoE for simplifying installation and reduced wiring complexity.
- Occasional requests for clearer documentation around firmware updates and local regulatory compliance, which installers resolve by consulting official Hikvision datasheets and manuals.
Prospective buyers should consult independent reviews, installer case studies and hands-on demonstrations where possible. For mission-critical deployments, request demo units or sample footage to confirm imaging and analytics performance in your specific environment.
Conclusion: why choose the DS-2CD2546G3-IZS2UY?
The Hikvision DS-2CD2546G3-IZS2UY 4 MP AcuSense varifocal mini dome represents a strong choice for organisations seeking a balance of high-quality imaging, intelligent analytics and rugged hardware at a mid-range price point. Its combination of DarkFighter low-light performance, hybrid IR/white-light illumination, motorised 2.8 mm varifocal lens and AcuSense classification make it particularly well-suited to perimeter, entrance and parking surveillance where both accurate detection and nighttime identification matter.
Installation flexibility via PoE, compact dome styling, and the resilience of IP67/IK08 construction mean the camera can be deployed in a wide range of commercial and industrial settings. While there are higher-end alternatives for ultra-high-resolution or very specialized analytics, this camera delivers a compelling mix of features for many typical security projects.
Before purchase and deployment, verify firmware and regulatory compliance via Hikvisions official product pages and datasheets, and plan installation by qualified personnel to meet local electrical and data communication regulations. If you need an adaptable, analytics-capable dome camera that performs well in low light and under varied environmental conditions, the DS-2CD2546G3-IZS2UY is worth evaluating.
