ACTi A31 vs Geovision BL320-D02U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A31 and Geovision BL320-D02U are 3MP outdoor fixed bullet IP cameras targeting perimeter and general surveillance deployments. This comparison examines how they differ across imaging capability, physical installation requirements, and VMS/analytics integration. The A31 carries a broader published specification set; where Geovision specs are absent, that gap is noted explicitly rather than assumed equivalent.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi A31 specifies a 1/2.8-inch sensor, a 2.8 mm fixed lens, 30 fps maximum frame rate, and Advanced WDR rated at 120 dB — a figure that directly affects usability at entrances or parking lots with mixed sunlight and shadow. Minimum illumination is published as 0.1 lux (color) and 0.01 lux (B/W) at F1.85 with AGC on, and IR illumination is provided by 22 × 850 nm LEDs with a stated 30 m range. Geovision's BL320-D02U published specs do not include sensor size, lens focal length, frame rate, WDR specification, minimum illumination, or IR range, so no direct imaging comparison can be made on those parameters.
On compression, the A31 supports H.265, H.264, and MJPEG, giving installers bandwidth and storage flexibility. The BL320-D02U spec lists only H.264. The absence of H.265 on the Geovision unit is a meaningful storage and bandwidth cost difference at equivalent resolution and frame rate, though buyers should verify against Geovision's current firmware release notes as the published spec may be incomplete.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras carry an IP66 ingress protection rating, qualifying them for direct outdoor exposure including water jets. The ACTi A31 adds an IK10 impact rating (confirmed by CE/FCC/IP66/NEMA 4X/IK10 certifications) and a NEMA 4X listing, making it suitable for high-vandalism or industrial perimeter sites. The BL320-D02U spec does not publish an IK rating, so impact resistance cannot be confirmed from available data.
On power, the A31 accepts DC 12V or PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af/at); the spec header also states PoE+ (802.3at). The BL320-D02U spec lists PoE without a class designation, meaning injector or switch port requirements cannot be confirmed from the published data. The A31 specifies an operating range of -30 °C to +50 °C; no operating temperature range is published for the BL320-D02U. Mounting options listed for the A31 include pole and rack; the BL320-D02U lists wall mount. The A31 weighs 771 g; no weight is published for the BL320-D02U.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The ACTi A31 is ONVIF-compliant to Profile S, Profile T, and Profile Q, covering streaming, metadata/analytics transport, and device discovery respectively. The BL320-D02U lists ONVIF compliance but does not specify which profiles are certified, which may matter on stricter VMS platforms that require Profile T for metadata or Profile Q for zero-configuration discovery.
Edge analytics on the A31 include Video Motion Detection (VMD) and People Counting, both documented in the spec. No edge analytics are listed in the BL320-D02U spec. The BL320-D02U specifies two-way audio; no audio capability is listed for the A31. Neither camera lists on-board edge storage (SD card) in the provided specifications, so that feature cannot be confirmed for either model.
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL320-D02U?
Our take: The A31 is the stronger choice when documented specification depth, environmental hardening, and analytics are decision criteria. Concretely: the A31 publishes a 120 dB WDR rating and 30 m IR range while the BL320-D02U provides neither figure; the A31 carries an IK10 impact rating and a -30 °C to +50 °C operating range while the BL320-D02U does not publish equivalent data; and the A31 supports H.265 compression versus H.264-only on the BL320-D02U, a meaningful difference for NVR storage sizing. The BL320-D02U's documented two-way audio gives it an edge on sites requiring voice-down or intercom capability, where the A31 spec is silent. Buyers should request Geovision's full datasheet before ruling it out — the thin published spec may underrepresent the actual product — but on available evidence the A31 offers more verifiable capability for high-contrast outdoor and vandal-risk deployments.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A31 | Geovision BL320-D02U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8 mm fixed | — |
| Min Illumination | 0.1 lux color; 0.01 lux B/W (F1.85, AGC on) | — |
| IR Range | 30 m (22 × 850 nm LEDs) | — |
| WDR | Advanced WDR, 120 dB | — |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 (metal casing) | — |
| Operating Temperature | -30 °C to +50 °C | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | DC 12V; PoE Class 3 (802.3af/at) | PoE (class not specified) |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S; Profile T; Profile Q | ONVIF (profiles not specified) |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | — |
| Audio | — | Two-way |
| Mount Type | Pole; Rack | Wall |
| Weight | 771 g (1.70 lb) | — |
| Warranty | 3 years | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL320-D02U?
The A31 is the stronger choice when documented specification depth, environmental hardening, and analytics are decision criteria. Concretely: the A31 publishes a 120 dB WDR rating and 30 m IR range while the BL320-D02U provides neither figure; the A31 carries an IK10 impact rating and a -30 °C to +50 °C operating range while the BL320-D02U does not publish equivalent data; and the A31 supports H.265 compression versus H.264-only on the BL320-D02U, a meaningful difference for NVR storage sizing. The BL320-D02U's documented two-way audio gives it an edge on sites requiring voice-down or intercom capability, where the A31 spec is silent. Buyers should request Geovision's full datasheet before ruling it out — the thin published spec may underrepresent the actual product — but on available evidence the A31 offers more verifiable capability for high-contrast outdoor and vandal-risk deployments.
Is the A31 or BL320-D02U better for low-light performance?
Based on published specs, only the ACTi A31 provides low-light data: 0.1 lux color and 0.01 lux B/W at F1.85 with AGC on, plus 22 × 850 nm IR LEDs rated to 30 m. The Geovision BL320-D02U does not publish minimum illumination or IR specifications, so a direct comparison cannot be made from available data.
Can the BL320-D02U handle the same vandalism-prone environments as the A31?
The A31 is rated IK10 (metal casing) and NEMA 4X, certifications it explicitly carries. The BL320-D02U spec does not list an IK impact rating. If vandal resistance is a site requirement, the A31 has documented certification; the BL320-D02U's impact resistance is unconfirmed from the published specification.
Does either camera support two-way audio?
The Geovision BL320-D02U specifies two-way audio. The ACTi A31 spec does not list any audio capability. If on-camera audio — whether for evidence capture or voice-down — is required, the BL320-D02U is the only unit with a documented audio specification between these two models.
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