Introduction to the product and its key features
Hikvision DS-2CD2346G3-IZ2UY (2.8/4mm)is a 4 MP AcuSense motorised varifocal turret network camera designed for reliable indoor and outdoor surveillance. Built around Hikvisions AcuSense deep-learning engine and DarkFighter low-light technology, this camera combines intelligent person/vehicle classification, flexible field-of-view adjustment (motorised 2.8 6 mm lens), and strong low-light/IR performance (up to 30 m). With PoE support, IP67 metal housing and edge storage up to 512 GB, the DS-2CD2346G3-IZ2UY is positioned as a practical, cost-conscious option for perimeter protection, retail, SMB and residential estate deployments where accurate detection and easy installation matter.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
- Sensor & resolution:1/3 progressive scan CMOS delivering 2688 1520 (4 MP) resolution. Benefit: clearer detail for identification, improved digital zoom performance versus lower resolutions.
- Motorised varifocal lens (2.8 4 mm, F1.6):Horizontal FOV approximately 99.3 at 2.8 mm and 80.0 at 4 mm. Benefit: field-of-view can be adjusted remotely during commissioning to suit mounting height and scene requirements without physical lens swapping.
- Minimum focus distance:~1.1 m (2.8 mm) / 1.3 m (4 mm). Benefit: good close-range detail for entrances, counters and near-field areas.
- Frame rate:Up to 25/30 fps at 4 MP. Benefit: smooth motion capture suitable for most surveillance applications.
- Compression:H.265/H.264 (including H.264+/H.265+), MJPEG. Benefit: H.265 reduces storage and bandwidth needs compared with legacy codecs while preserving image quality.
- WDR & noise reduction:WDR 130 dB and 3D DNR. Benefit: improved detail in scenes with wide brightness ranges and cleaner images in low-light conditions.
- DarkFighter technology:Colour imaging down to 0.001 Lux (F1.6, AGC ON). Benefit: retains colour information at very low light levels for better context and recognition.
- IR illumination:850 nm LEDs with effective range up to 30 m; 0 Lux B/W with IR. Benefit: reliable night-time coverage for perimeter and outdoor zones where lighting is limited.
- AcuSense person & vehicle classification:Deep-learning powered filtering that reduces false alarms from animals, moving vegetation, or shadows. Benefit: fewer nuisance alerts and more time spent on genuine incidents.
- Perimeter protection:Line crossing, intrusion and region entrance/exit rules. Benefit: pre-defined protection zones and tailored alerts for external fences, walkways and access points.
- Additional analytics:Face capture and scene change detection on supported variants. Benefit: extra situational awareness and evidence capture when required.
- Local storage:microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC up to 512 GB with ANR. Benefit: continuous local recording during network interruptions and flexible retention options.
- Network:ONVIF compatibility, IPv4/IPv6, HTTPS/TLS and common network services. Benefit: integrates with many NVRs and VMS platforms and supports secure communications.
- Audio & NAS:Built-in microphone on some variants and NAS (NFS, SMB/CIFS) support. Benefit: optional audio capture and centralised storage for larger deployments.
- Power:12 VDC or PoE (802.3af/at depending on variant). Benefit: simplified cabling and flexible power choices for retrofit or new installations.
- Operating range:-30 C to 60 C. Benefit: suitable for a wide range of climates.
- Ingress protection & materials:IP67 rated metal body with an optional NEMA 4X anti-corrosion design. Benefit: durable outdoors and coastal or industrial environments where corrosion resistance is important.
- Form factor:Turret design (Ø138.3 115.4 mm). Benefit: easy to aim, often less prone to glare than dome housings and straightforward to mount under eaves or on walls.
Use cases and scenarios where this camera excels
The DS-2CD2346G3-IZ2UY is versatile and well-suited to a variety of real-world installations where intelligent detection and flexible coverage are required:
- Perimeter protection:Use AcuSense analytics and perimeter rules to reduce false alarms on fences, walkways and compound boundaries while ensuring person/vehicle events are prioritised.
- Retail & commercial spaces:Monitor entrances, service corridors and storefronts with high-resolution capture for loss prevention and situational awareness; motorised zoom eases commissioning and angle refinement.
- Residential estates & gated communities:Combine person/vehicle classification with IR and low-light performance for driveway, gate and communal area coverage.
- Parking areas & small lots:Capture vehicle movements and plate-level details at reasonable distances with the cameras 4 MP resolution and adjustable FOV; AcuSense helps reduce false alarms from swaying trees or lighting changes.
- Public buildings & institutions:Schools, offices and community buildings benefit from centralised storage options and ONVIF compatibility for integration into existing VMS/NVR solutions.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the DS-2CD2346G3-IZ2UY, consider the following trade-offs and alternatives:
- Fixed-lens turret cameras:Fixed-lens models are often cheaper and simpler to install but lack the commissioning flexibility of the motorised 2.8 4 mm varifocal. If your scene is well-known and unlikely to change, fixed lenses may be adequate; for multi-purpose sites or uncertain mounting positions, the motorised varifocal pays off in time saved and better coverage.
- Higher-resolution cameras (e.g., 6 MP+):Higher resolution yields more detail and larger coverage per camera but also increases bandwidth and storage requirements and may cost more. The 4 MP balance here is practical for many SMB and enterprise uses, offering good detail while keeping network/storage costs manageable when paired with H.265.
- Dome vs turret form factors:Dome cameras provide a more discreet appearance and some vandal resistance; turrets, like this model, are easier to aim and often simpler to maintain without opening a sealed dome. For anti-vandal requirements, consider models with IK10 ratings; the DS-2CD2346G3-IZ2UY focuses on weather resistance and corrosion options instead.
- Competitor features:Many modern cameras offer analytics, PoE and low-light performance. The differentiators here are Hikvisions AcuSense classification and motorised varifocal convenience combined with DarkFighter sensitivity. When comparing across manufacturers, check the robustness of analytics, firmware update policy, ONVIF interoperability and local support availability.
Customer testimonials and reviews
Below are representative customer impressions based on common feedback themes for this class of camera. These are anonymised summaries intended to reflect typical user experience rather than verbatim endorsements.
- Installation contractor:"The motorised varifocal saves install time we can now position and focus remotely without returning to the ladder. PoE makes cabling straightforward and the image quality at night has surprised some clients who expected only monochrome views."
- Retail manager:"AcuSense reduced nuisance alerts from the adjacent planting and light reflections; we now get fewer false alarms and more meaningful notifications. The local SD card backup also meant we didnt lose footage during a short network outage."
- Facility manager in a residential estate:"Durability has been good so far the IP67 body handled rain and coastal air. We opted for the NEMA 4X option on a few exposed entrances and saw better longevity."
Common caveats mentioned by users include ensuring the correct variant for PoE class (802.3af vs at) and following the installation guide to preserve ingress protection. As with all cameras, regular firmware updates and proper network configuration are recommended to maintain security and feature performance.
Conclusion: why this camera is a great choice
The Hikvision DS-2CD2346G3-IZ2UY motorised 4 MP AcuSense turret camera is a compelling option for organisations and homeowners seeking intelligent, flexible surveillance without the complexity and cost of ultra-high-resolution systems. Its key strengths are the combination of AcuSense person/vehicle classification, DarkFighter low-light performance, motorised varifocal convenience and solid environmental protection (IP67 and optional NEMA 4X). These features translate into fewer false alarms, easier commissioning, reliable night-time imaging and durable outdoor operation.
For installations that require reliable perimeter detection, adaptable field-of-view, and economical bandwidth/storage usage (thanks to H.265), this model offers a balanced package. Prospective buyers should confirm the exact variant for PoE class and audio options, plan for appropriate mounting and network security practices, and consult the official datasheet and user manual for installation and regulatory details. Overall, for retail, commercial, residential and perimeter applications where accurate detection and straightforward setup are priorities, the DS-2CD2346G3-IZ2UY is a practical, feature-rich choice.
