ACTi A31 vs Geovision BL34100-001U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A31 and Geovision BL34100-001U are 3MP outdoor fixed bullet IP cameras designed for perimeter and general surveillance applications. This comparison covers the key specification differences a systems integrator or IT buyer would evaluate before selecting one for a project: imaging performance, environmental and installation characteristics, and VMS/analytics integration. The A31 carries a fixed 2.8mm lens while the BL34100-001U features a motorized 3x zoom lens, which is the most consequential hardware difference between these two otherwise similarly classed devices.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 3MP resolution at up to 30fps (30fps is specified for the A31; the BL34100-001U's maximum frame rate is not stated in the provided specifications). The A31 uses a 1/2.8-inch sensor with a fixed 2.8mm lens, a minimum illumination of 0.1 lux color / 0.01 lux B/W at F1.85, and 22 IR LEDs rated to 30 metres at 850nm. The BL34100-001U uses a motorized 3x zoom lens; its sensor size, minimum illumination figure, IR wavelength, and IR range are not specified in the provided data.
For WDR, the A31 specifies Advanced WDR at 120dB — a concrete figure useful for scenes with mixed lighting such as entranceways or loading docks. The BL34100-001U lists 'WDR' without a dB value, so direct comparison of dynamic range performance cannot be made from the available specifications. The A31's motorized-vs-fixed lens distinction is significant: the BL34100-001U's 3x zoom allows remote focal-length adjustment after installation, whereas the A31's 2.8mm fixed lens provides a wide field of view that cannot be changed without a physical lens swap.
What about installation and environment?
The A31 is rated IP66 and IK10 with a metal casing, and holds CE, FCC, NEMA 4X, and IK10 certifications. It operates from -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to 122°F), making it suitable for cold-climate outdoor deployments. The BL34100-001U carries an IP67 rating — one step higher than IP66, meaning it is rated against temporary immersion in addition to high-pressure water jets — but no IK impact rating or operating temperature range is provided in the available specifications.
Both cameras are powered by PoE+. The A31 specifies IEEE 802.3at Class 3 and also accepts DC 12V; the BL34100-001U lists PoE+ without specifying the IEEE class or an alternate DC input. The A31 mounts to pole or rack accessories per its spec sheet; the BL34100-001U is rated for wall and ceiling mounting. The A31's weight is documented at 771g (1.70 lb); the BL34100-001U's dimensions and weight are not provided in the available specifications.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A31 is ONVIF Profile S, Profile T, and Profile Q compliant and includes edge analytics for Video Motion Detection (VMD) and People Counting. It supports H.265, H.264, and MJPEG compression. The BL34100-001U is ONVIF compliant and is explicitly listed as compatible with Geovision GV NVR, Milestone, and Axis Camera Station, but its ONVIF profile levels are not specified. It supports H.264 compression only; H.265 and MJPEG support are not stated in the provided specifications.
Neither camera lists on-board SD card storage or audio input/output in the provided specifications, so those features cannot be confirmed for either model. The A31's ONVIF Profile T compliance adds H.265 streaming, metadata, and two-way audio profile support to integrations that leverage it, which may matter on newer VMS platforms. The BL34100-001U's named VMS compatibility list provides useful confirmation for shops already standardized on Milestone or Axis Camera Station.
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL34100-001U?
Our take: The A31 is the stronger choice when low-light performance, impact resistance, cold-climate operation, and codec flexibility are priorities; the BL34100-001U is the stronger choice when remote lens adjustment after installation is required. Concretely: the A31 documents 120dB Advanced WDR versus an unquantified WDR for the BL34100-001U; the A31 adds IK10 vandal resistance and a -30°C cold-weather floor that the BL34100-001U does not specify; and the A31 supports H.265 compression, reducing bandwidth and storage load, while the BL34100-001U lists H.264 only. The BL34100-001U's motorized 3x zoom is a meaningful differentiator for sites where the ideal focal length cannot be determined at rough-in. Buyers on Milestone or Axis Camera Station platforms will find the BL34100-001U's named compatibility useful, though the A31's ONVIF Profile S/T/Q coverage addresses the same platforms by standard.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A31 | Geovision BL34100-001U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | Fixed 2.8mm | Motorized 3x zoom |
| Min Illumination | Color: 0.1 lux @ F1.85; B/W: 0.01 lux @ F1.85 | — |
| IR Range | 30m | — |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm | — |
| WDR | Advanced WDR (120dB) | WDR (dB not specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP66 / NEMA 4X | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 (metal casing) | — |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +50°C | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3; DC 12V | PoE+ (class not specified) |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S; Profile T; Profile Q | ONVIF (profile level not specified) |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | — |
| Mount Type | Pole; Rack (with accessories) | Wall; Ceiling |
| Weight | 771g (1.70 lb) | — |
| Warranty | 3 Years | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL34100-001U?
The A31 is the stronger choice when low-light performance, impact resistance, cold-climate operation, and codec flexibility are priorities; the BL34100-001U is the stronger choice when remote lens adjustment after installation is required. Concretely: the A31 documents 120dB Advanced WDR versus an unquantified WDR for the BL34100-001U; the A31 adds IK10 vandal resistance and a -30°C cold-weather floor that the BL34100-001U does not specify; and the A31 supports H.265 compression, reducing bandwidth and storage load, while the BL34100-001U lists H.264 only. The BL34100-001U's motorized 3x zoom is a meaningful differentiator for sites where the ideal focal length cannot be determined at rough-in. Buyers on Milestone or Axis Camera Station platforms will find the BL34100-001U's named compatibility useful, though the A31's ONVIF Profile S/T/Q coverage addresses the same platforms by standard.
Is the A31 or BL34100-001U better for low-light performance?
Based on the available specifications, the A31 has documented low-light figures: 0.1 lux color and 0.01 lux B/W at F1.85, with 22 IR LEDs covering up to 30 metres at 850nm. The BL34100-001U lists IR support but does not specify minimum illumination, IR wavelength, or IR range in the provided data, so a direct numerical comparison cannot be made. The A31 is the only model with confirmed low-light metrics from the provided specs.
Can I adjust the field of view after installation without visiting the site?
Only the BL34100-001U offers this capability. Its motorized 3x zoom lens can be adjusted remotely, which is valuable when the ideal coverage angle is uncertain at installation time or changes after deployment. The A31 uses a fixed 2.8mm lens; changing its field of view requires a physical lens replacement on-site.
Which camera is better suited for a site with vandalism risk and extreme cold?
The A31 is the specified choice for those conditions. It carries an IK10 impact rating with a metal casing and is rated for operation down to -30°C (-22°F). The BL34100-001U provides no IK impact rating and no operating temperature range in the available specifications, so its suitability for vandal-prone or cold-weather environments cannot be confirmed from the provided data.
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