Axis 02976-004 Q6355-LE 2MP PTZ Camera with 31x Optical Zoom
The Axis 02976-004 is a professional outdoor PTZ engineered for extreme low-light surveillance where conventional zoom cameras reach their limits. Built for critical infrastructure, traffic enforcement, perimeter security, and border monitoring, this unit combines a highly sensitive 2MP sensor, integrated IR illumination to 300 meters, and a 31x optical zoom with laser autofocus—all designed to capture forensic-quality video in near-total darkness without relying on digital gain or post-processing noise.
Key Features
- 31x Optical Zoom with Laser Autofocus: Focal range 6.91–214.64mm (60.6° to 2.0° horizontal FOV) enables rapid target acquisition and identity-grade zoom without digital degradation. Laser autofocus locks on distant targets in under 500ms—critical when tracking moving subjects across sprawling outdoor areas like parking lots, perimeters, or open water.
- Extreme Low-Light Performance: Delivers color video at 0.06 lux and monochrome at 0.001 lux—meaning this camera operates in conditions where the human eye cannot see. Paired with an F1.36 aperture and highly sensitive sensor, you capture clear footage at night without external lighting infrastructure, reducing operational costs on remote or unlit sites.
- IR Illumination to 300 Meters: Built-in 850nm infrared with 30 IRE output extends the surveillance range to 300m in total darkness. Auto-removable IR-cut filter switches seamlessly between day (color) and night (monochrome + IR) modes without manual intervention or frame loss—important for unattended autonomous sites.
- 2MP HDTV 1080p Resolution: 1920×1080 at up to 50/60 fps. Two-megapixel resolution is sufficient for facial identification and license plate recognition at distance when paired with the 31x zoom—especially at the telephoto end where you're cropping digitally into a large scene anyway.
- H.265 and H.264 Compression: H.265 cuts bandwidth and storage requirements roughly 40–60% compared to H.264 on the same scene complexity—a meaningful saving when recording 24/7 across multiple PTZ cameras or in bandwidth-constrained remote sites where transmission capacity is limited.
- Advanced Optical Image Stabilization: Compensates for wind sway, vibration, and mechanical movement in elevated or exposed mounting—especially valuable for rooftop and pole-mounted deployments where pan-tilt repositioning would otherwise degrade telephoto video quality and introduce jitter on recorded playback.
- Deep Learning On-Camera Analytics: Integrated DLPU (Deep Learning Processing Unit) enables object detection, classification, and alerts directly on the camera without external servers or GPU acceleration. Reduces network load and latency for time-critical alarms—essential when response time matters.
- Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): Balances exposure in high-contrast scenes (e.g., backlit perimeter gates, sunlit water against dark shoreline) so you don't lose detail in shadows or blown-out highlights—a real issue with telephoto zoom where scene contrast can be extreme.
- IP66 and IK10 Ratings: IP66 means direct rain, saltwater spray, and dust won't penetrate the housing—suitable for coastal, industrial, and harsh-weather deployments. IK10 resists vandalism and accidental impact. Rated to 74°C (165°F) and certified NEMA 4X and NEMA TS2 for corrosion and temperature extremes in desert or arctic sites.
- PoE++ Power (Class 1): Single Ethernet connection delivers power, video, control, and edge storage—no separate 12VDC supply or power injector box required. Simplifies cabling and reduces installation cost on multi-camera sites; you'll need a PoE++ switch or injector rated for Class 1 power (90W available per port minimum).
- microSD Card Slot: Onboard edge storage backup up to available card capacity ensures critical footage isn't lost if the network fails—useful for mission-critical sites where video loss is unacceptable and redundancy matters.
Integration and Deployment
The 02976-004 is ONVIF-compatible, integrating with network video recorders and third-party VMS solutions that support ONVIF Profile S or G. Configuration is via web browser or Axis Camera Station. Mounting is pendant (threaded 1/4"-20 and M6 studs), suitable for wall, pole, or overhead installation. For PoE planning, verify your switch supplies minimum 90W per port or deploy a Class 1 PoE++ injector in-line. The 02976-004 draws approximately 18–22W depending on zoom position and IR intensity.
When to Choose a Different Model
If you need 4MP or higher resolution for dense facial recognition across large crowds without zoom, consider a higher-megapixel variant in the Axis PTZ family—they trade extreme low-light sensitivity for detail at moderate magnification. If your site has external lighting or is indoors, a lower-cost fixed-lens IP camera with 4–5MP may deliver better resolution-per-dollar. If you require submersion capability (pool monitoring, underwater perimeter), you'll need an IP67 or higher-rated model—IP66 excludes full immersion. If budget is constrained and 31x zoom is unnecessary, Axis offers lower-magnification PTZ options at reduced cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Axis 02976-004 work with Milestone XProtect or other third-party VMS platforms?
A: Yes. The 02976-004 is ONVIF-compliant and integrates with any VMS supporting ONVIF Profile S or G, including Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, and many others. Verify your VMS version supports the specific ONVIF Profile features you need (analytics pass-through, edge storage, two-way audio if applicable).
Q: What's the maximum effective IR range in complete darkness?
A: The integrated 850nm infrared illumination reaches 300 meters (984 feet) in total darkness. Practical range depends on target reflectivity and desired video quality—white or reflective surfaces may be clearly visible at 300m, while dark or matte surfaces may require closer range for useful identification.
Q: Can the 02976-004 be wall-mounted, or does it require ceiling installation?
A: The 02976-004 uses pendant mounting with both 1/4"-20 and M6 threaded studs, allowing wall, pole, or ceiling installation. Orientation is flexible, making it suitable for most outdoor mounting scenarios. Ensure the mounting surface can support the camera weight and withstand wind load calculations for your site's climate.
Q: What PoE switch or injector do I need?
A: The 02976-004 requires PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) Class 1 power—90W available per port. Standard PoE (802.3af, 15W) or PoE+ (802.3at, 30W) will not power this camera. Deploy a Class 1 PoE++ switch (e.g., Axis T8504 or compatible third-party switch) or use a standalone Class 1 injector in-line with your standard switch.
Q: Does H.265 compression reduce storage requirements compared to H.264?
A: Yes, significantly. H.265 typically achieves 40–60% reduction in file size compared to H.264 for the same scene complexity and quality. On 24/7 multi-camera deployments, this translates to lower storage hardware costs and extended retention periods on fixed-capacity recorders.
Q: Is the Axis 02976-004 suitable for coastal environments?
A: Yes. The IP66 rating and NEMA 4X/TS2 certification mean saltwater spray, direct rain, and corrosive salt air won't penetrate the housing. However, periodic cleaning (freshwater rinse) is recommended in high-salt environments to prevent salt residue buildup on optics.
James EverettPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Axis 02976-004 is engineered specifically for the low-light edge case—where conventional cameras fail and external lighting is either impractical or prohibited. The combination of 0.001 lux monochrome sensitivity, 300m IR range, and 31x optical zoom makes this unit a standout choice for border surveillance, maritime perimeter monitoring, and critical infrastructure sites that operate around the clock in near-total darkness.
Technical Highlights:
- 31x Optical Zoom + Laser Autofocus: Sub-500ms focus lock on distant moving targets. At the telephoto end (214.64mm), you can identify a person 300m away without digital interpolation—critical for forensic playback and evidence chain integrity.
- 0.001 Lux Monochrome + 300m IR: The 02976-004 operates in conditions where ambient light is measured in millilux (or zero). IR extends effective range to 300m in complete darkness—no reliance on moonlight, external floods, or post-processing noise reduction that degrades video quality.
- H.265 Codec + Edge Storage: 40–60% bandwidth reduction vs. H.264 means a 24/7 remote PTZ site can transmit and store forensic-grade video over constrained links (e.g., satellite, LTE) or local microSD without overwhelming your NVR.
- DLPU Deep Learning Analytics: On-camera object detection and classification offloads processing to the edge—valuable when your network is metered or you need sub-100ms alert latency.
Deployment Considerations:
- PoE++ is Non-Negotiable: The 02976-004 draws 18–22W and requires IEEE 802.3bt Class 1 (90W per port). Standard PoE or PoE+ will not sustain operation. Budget for a PoE++ switch or in-line injector—this is a hard requirement, not an option.
- 2MP Resolution Trade-off: Two megapixels is not high by 2024 standards, but paired with 31x zoom and a highly sensitive sensor, it's sufficient for identity-grade video at distance. Don't expect pixel-level facial detail on wide-angle or 1:1 crops—this is a telephoto-optimized design.
- Optical Image Stabilization Matters: On exposed mounts (rooftop, pole), wind sway and mechanical vibration degrade telephoto quality. The 02976-004's advanced OIS compensates—but confirm your mounting bracket is rigid and properly installed to minimize secondary sources of jitter.
- IR Effective Range Depends on Target: The 300m spec assumes a reflective target (light-colored clothing, vehicle). Dark clothing or matte surfaces may require 50–100m closer range for useful detail. Factor this into site coverage planning.
Position the 02976-004 for border and critical infrastructure sites where darkness is a given, external lighting is ruled out on cost or policy grounds, and you need forensic-grade video at 300m+ range. It is not a general-purpose outdoor camera—it is purpose-built for the extreme low-light niche, and it owns that niche.
