ACTi A23 vs Geovision BX3400V-501U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A23 and Geovision BX3400V-501U are 3MP box-form IP cameras with varifocal lenses and ONVIF compliance, positioned for flexible indoor or transitional deployments where installers need to adjust field of view on-site. This comparison evaluates them across imaging capability, installation requirements, and VMS/analytics integration to help integrators and IT buyers determine which unit better fits their project specifications and infrastructure constraints.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras are rated at 3MP resolution. The ACTi A23 specifies a maximum frame rate of 30 fps at 1080p and supports dual-codec output in H.265 and H.264, which provides meaningful flexibility for bandwidth and storage management. The Geovision BX3400V-501U specifies H.264 compression only; no frame rate figure is provided in the supplied specifications.
On lens range, the A23 offers a 2.8–12 mm varifocal with an aperture of f1.4–2.8, giving installers a 4.3× zoom range for coverage tuning without an optic swap. The BX3400V-501U provides a 2.8–6 mm varifocal, a narrower 2.1× range. The A23 also lists Extreme WDR and a Day/Night IR mode; the BX3400V-501U lists WDR but does not specify a WDR grade, and no IR or low-light illumination figure is provided for either unit.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi A23 is powered exclusively via PoE 802.3af (13W max), meaning a single Cat5e/Cat6 run handles both data and power — no separate power supply or conduit run required. The Geovision BX3400V-501U lists 12V DC as its power input and PoE under connectivity, but no PoE standard (802.3af/at) or wattage is specified in the provided data, so installers cannot confirm budget allocation on a PoE switch without verifying the full datasheet.
Both cameras share a box form factor and support wall and ceiling mounting; the A23 additionally lists corner mounting. No IP ingress-protection rating, IK impact rating, or operating temperature range is provided for either model in the supplied specifications, so suitability for outdoor or harsh-environment enclosure use cannot be confirmed from these specs alone.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras declare ONVIF compliance, ensuring baseline interoperability with any ONVIF-conformant VMS platform. The ACTi A23 includes a built-in microphone, enabling single-device audio capture without an external mic or line input — relevant for lobby, reception, or evidence-grade deployments. No audio capability is listed for the Geovision BX3400V-501U.
For edge storage, the A23 specifies MicroSDHC and MicroSDXC card support, providing on-board buffering or standalone recording capability during network outages. No edge storage option is listed for the BX3400V-501U in the provided specifications. Neither model lists edge analytics features in the supplied data.
Which should you choose: the A23 or the BX3400V-501U?
Our take: The A23 is the stronger choice when codec flexibility, broader lens range, and edge self-sufficiency matter to the deployment. Three concrete spec deltas support this: the A23 adds H.265 alongside H.264 (the BX3400V-501U lists H.264 only), reducing bitrate by roughly 40–50% at equivalent quality — a meaningful saving in multi-camera NVR storage budgets. Its varifocal range extends to 12 mm versus the BX3400V-501U's 6 mm ceiling, doubling scene-reach adjustment without a lens swap. And the A23 includes MicroSD edge storage and a built-in microphone, neither of which appears in the BX3400V-501U's specifications. The BX3400V-501U may suit integrators already standardized on Geovision VMS or needing 12V DC power architecture; however, several key specs — PoE class, WDR grade, frame rate, and environmental ratings — are absent from the provided data and should be confirmed against the full Geovision datasheet before specifying.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A23 | Geovision BX3400V-501U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Lens / Focal Length | Varifocal 2.8–12 mm (f1.4–2.8) | Varifocal 2.8–6 mm |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 1080p | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264 | H.264 |
| WDR | Extreme WDR | WDR (grade not specified) |
| IR / Low-Light Mode | Day/Night | — |
| Power Input | PoE 802.3af | 12V DC; PoE (standard not specified) |
| PoE Wattage | 13W max | — |
| Form Factor | Box | Box |
| Mount Types | Ceiling; Wall; Corner | Wall; Ceiling |
| Edge Storage | MicroSDHC; MicroSDXC | — |
| Audio | Built-in microphone | — |
| VMS Compatibility | ONVIF | ONVIF |
| Connectivity | PoE | PoE; 12V DC |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A23 or the BX3400V-501U?
The A23 is the stronger choice when codec flexibility, broader lens range, and edge self-sufficiency matter to the deployment. Three concrete spec deltas support this: the A23 adds H.265 alongside H.264 (the BX3400V-501U lists H.264 only), reducing bitrate by roughly 40–50% at equivalent quality — a meaningful saving in multi-camera NVR storage budgets. Its varifocal range extends to 12 mm versus the BX3400V-501U's 6 mm ceiling, doubling scene-reach adjustment without a lens swap. And the A23 includes MicroSD edge storage and a built-in microphone, neither of which appears in the BX3400V-501U's specifications. The BX3400V-501U may suit integrators already standardized on Geovision VMS or needing 12V DC power architecture; however, several key specs — PoE class, WDR grade, frame rate, and environmental ratings — are absent from the provided data and should be confirmed against the full Geovision datasheet before specifying.
Is the A23 or BX3400V-501U better for low-light performance?
Based on the provided specifications, the ACTi A23 lists a Day/Night mode and Extreme WDR, indicating designed capability for mixed-light and high-contrast scenes. The Geovision BX3400V-501U lists WDR but does not specify a WDR grade, and no low-light illumination figure or IR mode is listed for either camera. A direct low-light comparison cannot be made from the available specs; consult the full datasheets for minimum illumination values.
Can both cameras run on a standard 802.3af PoE switch?
The ACTi A23 explicitly specifies PoE 802.3af at 13W max, which is within the 15.4W 802.3af budget — confirmed compatible with standard PoE switches. The Geovision BX3400V-501U lists 12V DC as its power input and references PoE under connectivity, but no PoE standard or wattage draw is specified in the provided data. Verify the BX3400V-501U's PoE class against the full datasheet before assuming 802.3af compatibility.
Does either camera support on-board recording if the network goes down?
Yes — the ACTi A23 specifies MicroSDHC and MicroSDXC card support for local edge storage, providing failover recording during network interruptions. No on-board storage option is listed in the provided specifications for the Geovision BX3400V-501U. If edge buffering is a project requirement, the A23 has a confirmed spec advantage on this point.
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.