Hikvision model numbers look cryptic, but they follow a logical pattern. Once you know the basics you can read a model like DS-2CD2366G2H-ISU at a glance — its type, resolution, generation and features. Here is the plain-English decoder, with genuine Hikvision stock from an authorised Hikvision reseller.
Found the model you need? ARC IP Networks supplies genuine Hikvision cameras and NVRs at competitive prices, with the full Australian manufacturer's warranty, Australia-wide delivery and trade pricing.
Start with the prefix — what type of device is it?
| Starts with | What it is |
|---|---|
| DS-2CD… | Network (IP) camera |
| DS-2CE… | Turbo HD (analog) camera |
| iDS-2CD8… | DeepinView AI camera |
| DS-7…NXI | Network Video Recorder (NVR) |
| iDS-7…HUHI | Turbo HD DVR |
The number tells you the resolution
Within the model number there is a digit that reflects the megapixels. As a general rule a 6 means 6MP, an 8 means 8MP and a 4 means 4MP. So a DS-2CD286 is an 8MP camera and a DS-2CD266 is 6MP. (Our product titles always state the resolution outright.)
The suffix letters are the features
| Letter / code | Meaning |
|---|---|
| I | Infrared night vision |
| U | Built-in audio (microphone) |
| S | Alarm input/output |
| /SL | Strobe light (active deterrence) |
| 2.8mm / 4mm | Lens focal length (field of view) |
Worked example
DS-2CD2366G2H-ISU (2.8mm) reads as: an IP camera (DS-2CD), 6MP (the 6), Generation 2 hybrid with AcuSense (G2H), featuring infrared (I), alarm I/O (S) and built-in audio (U), with a 2.8mm wide lens. Easy once you know the pattern.
Hikvision DS-2CD2366G2H-IU 6MP AcuSense Turret
- DS-2CD = IP camera
- 2366 = 6MP
- G2H = Gen 2 AcuSense hybrid
- I/U = infrared and built-in audio
Want help translating a specific model? See the best Hikvision home cameras or just ask our team.
Shop genuine Hikvision at ARC IP Networks
Hand-picked, popular Hikvision models we supply at competitive prices, with the full Australian warranty.
Hikvision DS-2CD2366G2H 6MP 2.8mm Turret IP Camera w/ Mic
6MP turret with a built-in microphone. A popular, easy-to-install all-rounder.
Hikvision DS-2CD2087G3 8MP 2.8mm ColorVu Bullet
8MP (4K) ColorVu bullet that keeps the picture in full colour at night.
Hikvision DS-7608NI-M2/8P 8-Ch PoE 8K NVR
8-channel PoE NVR with 8K output. Plug in up to eight PoE cameras with one cable each.
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Hikvision at ARC IP Networks
AcuSense, ColorVu and DeepinView cameras, NVRs and complete systems. Genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty, competitive prices and price match available.
Frequently asked questions
DS is Hikvision’s product prefix and 2CD indicates a network (IP) camera. By contrast, DS-2CE indicates a Turbo HD (analog) camera, and DS-7 models are recorders.
The model number includes a digit that reflects megapixels — for example a model with a 6 is typically 6MP, an 8 is 8MP and a 4 is 4MP. The product name on our site always states the resolution clearly.
G2 indicates the camera generation (Generation 2). Newer generations add improvements such as better low-light performance and AcuSense detection; a "H" often denotes a hybrid AcuSense/ColorVu model.
Suffix letters describe features — for example I for infrared, U for built-in audio, S for alarm input/output and /SL for a strobe light. The numbers like 2.8mm or 4mm are the lens focal length.
Not at all. Knowing the basics helps you compare models, but our product pages spell out the resolution, features and lens, and our team is happy to translate any model number for you.
Related Hikvision guides
- Best Hikvision Cameras for Home Security
- ColorVu vs AcuSense: Which Do You Need?
- Hikvision AcuSense Explained
- Hikvision DeepinView & AI Cameras Explained
Find the right Hikvision model
ARC IP Networks is an authorised Hikvision reseller — genuine Australian stock and a team happy to decode any model number and recommend the right camera.
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About ARC IP Networks
ARC IP Networks is an Australian supplier of security cameras and CCTV systems, based in Blackburn, Melbourne, Victoria. We work with homeowners, installers, integrators and businesses across Australia, supplying Hikvision, Ubiquiti UniFi Protect, Dahua and Jovision CCTV.
We are an authorised reseller for every brand we sell, and the national distributor of Jovision in Australia, so you get genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty, never grey imports, at competitive prices. Our team can help you choose the right equipment, and trade customers get trade accounts and project pricing on larger jobs.
- Genuine Australian stock with the full manufacturer's warranty
- Competitive prices, price match available
- Trade accounts for installers, integrators and MSPs
- Australia-wide delivery; showroom in Blackburn, Mon–Fri 9–5 (demos by appointment)
Need help choosing?
Tell the ARC IP Networks team what you are trying to achieve and we will recommend the right equipment and quote it as one order.