ACTi A31 vs Geovision BL34000-002U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A31 and Geovision BL34000-002U are 3MP fixed bullet IP cameras designed for outdoor surveillance, placing them squarely in the same resolution class and product category. This comparison examines how their imaging capabilities, environmental ratings, power requirements, mounting options, and VMS integration stack up for installers and IT buyers evaluating either unit for perimeter, entrance, or general outdoor coverage applications.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 3MP resolution at up to 30fps. The ACTi A31 uses a 1/2.8-inch sensor with a fixed 2.8mm lens, minimum illumination of 0.1 lux (color) and 0.01 lux (B/W) at F1.85, and a 30m IR range via 22 × 850nm LEDs. The Geovision BL34000-002U specifies a 3–9mm varifocal lens, which gives the installer field-adjustable coverage from wide to moderate telephoto, but its sensor size, minimum illumination figure, IR wavelength, and IR range are not stated in the provided specifications.
On WDR, the ACTi A31 specifies Advanced WDR at 120dB — a concrete figure useful for high-contrast scenes such as backlit entrances. The Geovision BL34000-002U lists WDR without a decibel rating, so direct dynamic-range comparison cannot be made from the available data. The A31's fixed 2.8mm lens suits wide-area coverage at shorter distances, while the BL34000-002U's varifocal lens allows scene-specific framing without camera repositioning.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi A31 carries IP66, NEMA 4X, and IK10 ratings with a metal casing, covering dust-tight/rain-resistant ingress and resistance to 20-joule impacts — relevant for vandal-prone or publicly accessible mounting points. Its operating range is −30°C to +50°C. The Geovision BL34000-002U is rated IP67, which adds tolerance for temporary water submersion (up to 1m/30min per the IEC standard) compared to IP66, but an IK impact rating is not listed in the provided specifications. Its operating range is −40°C to +60°C, a wider thermal envelope on both ends.
Power and cabling differ meaningfully. The ACTi A31 requires PoE+ (802.3at, Class 3) or DC 12V via a pigtail RJ-45 connector — installers must confirm the switch or injector supports 802.3at. The Geovision BL34000-002U draws under 13W maximum and operates on standard PoE (802.3af), compatible with a broader range of existing switches and injectors without hardware upgrades. Mount options for the A31 are listed as Pole and Rack; the BL34000-002U lists Wall, Eave, and Bracket — both are common outdoor bullet mounting styles.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The ACTi A31 supports ONVIF Profile S, Profile T, and Profile Q, providing the widest standard interoperability tier available under ONVIF for live streaming, recording, and device discovery. It also includes edge analytics: Video Motion Detection (VMD) and People Counting are specified. The Geovision BL34000-002U supports ONVIF Profile S and the native Geovision platform; Profile T and Profile Q compliance are not listed in the provided specifications, which may affect metadata and event-handling compatibility on some VMS platforms.
Neither camera lists on-board storage (SD card) or audio (microphone/speaker) capability in the provided specifications, so those features cannot be confirmed or compared. Buyers requiring edge recording or two-way audio should verify directly with each manufacturer. The A31's three-year warranty is explicitly stated; Geovision's warranty term is absent from the provided specifications.
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL34000-002U?
Our take: The A31 is the stronger choice when vandal resistance, a quantified 120dB WDR rating, and broad ONVIF Profile S/T/Q compatibility are priorities — particularly in high-contrast, publicly accessible, or multi-VMS environments. Key spec deltas: the A31 specifies IK10 impact resistance whereas the BL34000-002U lists none; the A31 states 120dB Advanced WDR versus an unquantified WDR on the BL34000-002U; and the A31 supports ONVIF Profile T and Q in addition to Profile S, which the BL34000-002U does not list. Conversely, the BL34000-002U is the stronger fit when a wider operating temperature range (−40°C to +60°C vs −30°C to +50°C), IP67 submersion tolerance, a varifocal lens for flexible scene framing, or a standard 802.3af PoE budget are the deciding constraints. Choose the BL34000-002U for installations limited to 802.3af infrastructure or requiring field-adjustable zoom; choose the A31 for vandal-hardened, analytics-enabled deployments on PoE+ capable infrastructure.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A31 | Geovision BL34000-002U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8mm fixed | 3–9mm varifocal |
| Min Illumination | 0.1 lux color / 0.01 lux B/W @ F1.85 | — |
| IR Range | 30m | — |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm | — |
| WDR | Advanced WDR (120dB) | WDR (no dB spec listed) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | — |
| Video Compression | H.265 / H.264 / MJPEG | — |
| IP Rating | IP66 / NEMA 4X | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 (metal casing) | — |
| Operating Temperature | −30°C to +50°C | −40°C to +60°C |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ 802.3at Class 3 / DC 12V | PoE 802.3af (under 13W max) |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, Profile T, Profile Q | Profile S |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | — |
| Warranty | 3 Years | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL34000-002U?
The A31 is the stronger choice when vandal resistance, a quantified 120dB WDR rating, and broad ONVIF Profile S/T/Q compatibility are priorities — particularly in high-contrast, publicly accessible, or multi-VMS environments. Key spec deltas: the A31 specifies IK10 impact resistance whereas the BL34000-002U lists none; the A31 states 120dB Advanced WDR versus an unquantified WDR on the BL34000-002U; and the A31 supports ONVIF Profile T and Q in addition to Profile S, which the BL34000-002U does not list. Conversely, the BL34000-002U is the stronger fit when a wider operating temperature range (−40°C to +60°C vs −30°C to +50°C), IP67 submersion tolerance, a varifocal lens for flexible scene framing, or a standard 802.3af PoE budget are the deciding constraints. Choose the BL34000-002U for installations limited to 802.3af infrastructure or requiring field-adjustable zoom; choose the A31 for vandal-hardened, analytics-enabled deployments on PoE+ capable infrastructure.
Is the ACTi A31 or Geovision BL34000-002U better for low-light performance?
Based on available specifications, only the ACTi A31 provides quantified low-light figures: 0.1 lux (color) and 0.01 lux (B/W) at F1.85, with a 30m IR range from 22 × 850nm LEDs. The Geovision BL34000-002U lists IR capability but does not specify minimum illumination, IR wavelength, or IR range in the provided data, so a direct low-light comparison cannot be made from specs alone.
Can I use either camera on a standard 802.3af PoE switch without an upgrade?
The Geovision BL34000-002U draws under 13W and is specified for standard PoE (802.3af), so it will power from most existing 802.3af switches. The ACTi A31 requires PoE+ (802.3at, Class 3), which delivers up to 30W. If your switch supports only 802.3af (max 15.4W), you would need a PoE+ switch or injector to power the A31, or use its DC 12V input instead.
Which camera is better protected against vandalism or physical impact?
The ACTi A31 carries an explicit IK10 rating (the highest standard IEC impact class, covering 20-joule impacts) with a metal casing. The Geovision BL34000-002U's provided specifications do not include an IK impact rating. For installations where physical attack or accidental impact is a concern, the A31 offers a verified, rated level of mechanical protection that the BL34000-002U cannot be confirmed to match based on available data.
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