ACTi A213 vs i-PRO S1550L: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A213 and i-PRO WV-S1550L are 5MP fixed box cameras designed for professional IP security deployments. They occupy the same resolution class and form factor, making them genuine cross-shop candidates for integrators specifying outdoor-capable, lens-interchangeable box cameras. The comparison covers imaging performance (sensor, WDR, low-light, IR), physical installation requirements (IP/IK rating, PoE class, temperature range, mounting), and ecosystem fit (ONVIF profiles, analytics depth, audio, edge storage, cybersecurity).
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 5MP at 30 fps. The ACTi A213 uses an unspecified sensor size but achieves a minimum illumination of 0.018 lux (color, 30 IRE) and 0.001 lux (B/W) with IR active, and provides Extreme WDR rated at 150 dB. The i-PRO WV-S1550L uses a 1/2.8-inch High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor, achieves 0.0044 lux (color) and 0.003 lux (B/W) with IR active, and provides Super Dynamic WDR rated at 120 dB. On paper, the A213 claims a 30 dB WDR advantage and a lower absolute lux floor in B/W mode (0.001 vs 0.003), while the S1550L has a specified larger sensor and a lower color lux floor (0.0044 vs 0.018).
On the lens side, the A213 ships with a CS-mount interchangeable system and includes a 2.8mm fixed f/2.8 lens, with a stated varifocal range of 2.8–12mm available via CS-mount optics. The S1550L features a built-in motorized 2.9–9mm varifocal lens providing 3.1x optical zoom, which allows remote zoom and focus adjustment without physical access. The A213 also supports 60 fps at 1920×1080 when WDR is disabled; no equivalent high-frame-rate mode is listed in the S1550L specs. The S1550L specifies a 40-meter IR range; the A213 does not specify an IR throw distance.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras are rated IP66 for dust-tight and jet-water resistance. The i-PRO WV-S1550L additionally carries an IK10 vandal-resistance rating, which the A213 does not list—a meaningful difference for exposed or public-facing installations subject to physical tampering. The S1550L is explicitly specified as outdoor-ready with IR, while the A213 is rated for indoor/outdoor application per its specs.
On power, the A213 accepts DC 12V or PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3at/af, up to ~15.4W). The S1550L is powered by PoE 802.3af Class 0, drawing an unspecified amount up to the Class 0 ceiling of 15.4W. The A213 specifies an operating temperature range of -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F); the S1550L's operating temperature range is not provided in the supplied specifications. Both are listed as box-form-factor cameras supporting wall, ceiling, pole, and corner mounting.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The ACTi A213 is ONVIF-compliant across Profiles S, G, T, and M—the broadest set listed, including Profile T (H.265 streaming) and Profile M (metadata/analytics). The i-PRO WV-S1550L is listed as ONVIF-compliant with Profile S only in the supplied specifications; broader profile support is not confirmed. On analytics, the A213 carries a dedicated on-camera Deep Learning Processing Unit (DLPU) supporting deep learning analytics (face, people, vehicle detection) plus VMD, offloading inference from the VMS server. The S1550L lists VMD and 'intelligent analytics for security monitoring' but does not specify a DLPU or deep learning capability in the supplied specs.
For audio, the A213 provides audio input, a built-in microphone, mic-in, line-in, and line-out. The S1550L provides audio input/output (AAC-LC at 64/96/128 kbps) but does not list a built-in microphone. On edge storage, the S1550L specifies a microSD card slot with full encryption and FIPS 140-2 Level 1 certification—a significant cybersecurity differentiator for government or compliance-sensitive deployments. The A213's specifications do not mention onboard SD storage or FIPS certification.
Which should you choose: the A213 or the S1550L?
Our take: The A213 is the stronger choice when analytics depth, broader ONVIF profile coverage, and higher WDR headroom are the primary criteria; the S1550L is the stronger choice when physical security hardening, encrypted edge storage, and FIPS 140-2 compliance are required. Concretely: the A213 claims 150 dB WDR vs. the S1550L's 120 dB (30 dB delta), supports ONVIF Profiles S/G/T/M vs. the S1550L's Profile S alone, and includes a DLPU for on-camera deep learning analytics not listed for the S1550L. Conversely, the S1550L adds IK10 vandal resistance absent on the A213, provides microSD edge recording with FIPS 140-2 encryption not listed on the A213, and specifies a 40-meter IR throw distance the A213 does not document. Specify the A213 for analytics-heavy, VMS-integrated deployments where WDR performance is critical; specify the S1550L for hardened outdoor sites requiring vandal resistance, encrypted edge storage, or compliance with FIPS 140-2 security standards.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A213 | i-PRO S1550L |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Image Sensor | Not specified | 1/2.8-inch High-Sensitivity CMOS |
| Lens / Focal Length | CS-mount interchangeable; 2.8–12mm (2.8mm f/2.8 included) | Motorized varifocal 2.9–9mm (3.1x optical zoom, built-in) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.018 lux (30 IRE) | 0.0044 lux |
| Min Illumination (B/W) | 0.001 lux | 0.003 lux |
| IR Range | Not specified | 40 m |
| Wide Dynamic Range | Extreme WDR 150 dB | Super Dynamic WDR 120 dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 5MP; 60 fps @ 1080p (WDR off) | 30 fps |
| Video Compression | H.265 Adaptive Stream; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264; MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| IK / Impact Rating | — | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F) | Not specified |
| Power Input / PoE Class | DC 12V or PoE Class 3 (802.3at/af) | PoE 802.3af Class 0 |
| Edge Storage | — | microSD (encrypted, FIPS 140-2 Level 1) |
| Audio | Audio input; built-in mic; mic-in; line-in; line-out | Audio input/output (AAC-LC 64/96/128 kbps); no built-in mic listed |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, T, M | S (others not specified) |
| On-Camera Analytics | DLPU deep learning (face, people, vehicle); VMD | VMD; intelligent analytics (DLPU not specified) |
| Cybersecurity / Encryption | Not specified | FIPS 140-2 Level 1; full encryption; SD card encryption |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A213 or the S1550L?
The A213 is the stronger choice when analytics depth, broader ONVIF profile coverage, and higher WDR headroom are the primary criteria; the S1550L is the stronger choice when physical security hardening, encrypted edge storage, and FIPS 140-2 compliance are required. Concretely: the A213 claims 150 dB WDR vs. the S1550L's 120 dB (30 dB delta), supports ONVIF Profiles S/G/T/M vs. the S1550L's Profile S alone, and includes a DLPU for on-camera deep learning analytics not listed for the S1550L. Conversely, the S1550L adds IK10 vandal resistance absent on the A213, provides microSD edge recording with FIPS 140-2 encryption not listed on the A213, and specifies a 40-meter IR throw distance the A213 does not document. Specify the A213 for analytics-heavy, VMS-integrated deployments where WDR performance is critical; specify the S1550L for hardened outdoor sites requiring vandal resistance, encrypted edge storage, or compliance with FIPS 140-2 security standards.
Is the ACTi A213 or i-PRO S1550L better for low-light performance?
It depends on the lighting mode. The A213 reaches a lower B/W lux floor (0.001 lux vs. 0.003 lux on the S1550L), suggesting an advantage in near-dark IR conditions. However, the S1550L reaches 0.0044 lux in color mode vs. the A213's 0.018 lux color floor, indicating better color low-light sensitivity. The S1550L also specifies a 40-meter IR throw distance; the A213 does not list an IR range. Neither figure can be directly compared without controlled testing under identical conditions.
Which camera is better for vandal-prone or outdoor public-area installations?
The i-PRO WV-S1550L holds an IK10 impact-resistance rating in addition to IP66 weatherproofing. The ACTi A213 is rated IP66 but does not carry an IK rating per the supplied specifications. For installations exposed to deliberate physical interference—parking structures, transit stations, building exteriors—the S1550L's IK10 rating provides a documented level of mechanical protection the A213 does not specify.
Does either camera support on-board recording without a VMS server?
Yes, but only the i-PRO WV-S1550L specifies a microSD card slot for edge recording, with full SD card encryption and FIPS 140-2 Level 1 compliance. This allows local footage retention independent of a network recorder. The ACTi A213's specifications do not mention a microSD slot or local storage capability. If edge recording or offline resilience is a project requirement, the S1550L is the only confirmed option between the two.
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