ACTi A31 vs Geovision BL3700: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A31 and Geovision GV-BL3700 are 3MP fixed bullet IP cameras aimed at outdoor surveillance deployments, making them direct cross-shop candidates for integrators and IT buyers evaluating perimeter or general-purpose video coverage. The A31 is a fixed 2.8mm lens unit with a fully disclosed specification sheet, while the GV-BL3700 offers a 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal lens with notably sparser published specifications. This comparison evaluates imaging capability, installation suitability, and VMS/analytics integration based strictly on provided spec data.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 3MP resolution, but the ACTi A31 provides substantially more imaging detail in its published specs. The A31 uses a 1/2.8-inch sensor, achieves up to 30 fps, and specifies a minimum illumination of 0.1 lux (color) and 0.01 lux (B/W) at F1.85 with AGC on. Its IR illumination uses 22 × 850nm LEDs rated to 30m range. The WDR is explicitly rated at 120dB Advanced WDR. The GV-BL3700's spec sheet, by contrast, does not disclose sensor size, frame rate, minimum illumination in lux, IR LED count, or IR range — it lists only 'Super Low Lux' and 'WDR' without numerical values.
Lens selection differs meaningfully. The A31 ships with a fixed 2.8mm lens, which provides a wide field of view suited to close-in coverage but offers no focal adjustment. The GV-BL3700 features a 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal lens, giving installers the ability to adjust field of view and optimize iris control for varying light conditions — a practical advantage in scenes where coverage distance or angle needs to be tuned on-site. However, without published frame rate or lux figures for the GV-BL3700, a direct low-light or motion-clarity comparison cannot be made from the available specifications.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi A31 carries explicit IP66, NEMA 4X, and IK10 certifications, all confirmed in both the approvals field and the certifications field. IK10 is the highest impact-resistance rating under IEC 62262, making the A31 suitable for high-vandalism environments. Its operating temperature range is documented as -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F). Power input is DC 12V or PoE Class 3 per IEEE 802.3af, with the PoE type also listed as 802.3at (PoE+) — installers should verify the actual draw against their switch budget. The camera connects via a single RJ-45 pigtail connector and is noted for wall, pole, and rack mount compatibility.
The Geovision GV-BL3700 lists wall and pole mount options, and its cable category is listed as IPCAM, confirming standard IP network connectivity. However, its IP rating, IK rating, operating temperature range, and power input method are not disclosed in the provided specifications. Buyers deploying in environments with temperature extremes, vandalism risk, or requiring NEMA compliance cannot confirm suitability from the available GV-BL3700 spec data alone and should consult the manufacturer's full datasheet before specifying.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The ACTi A31 specifies ONVIF compliance at Profile S, Profile T, and Profile Q — three distinct profiles that cover streaming, metadata/analytics, and device discovery/configuration respectively. It also includes on-board edge analytics: Video Motion Detection (VMD) and People Counting are listed as supported. No audio or on-board storage specifications are provided for the A31 in the supplied data.
The Geovision GV-BL3700 lists ONVIF compatibility but does not specify which ONVIF profiles are supported (S, T, G, Q, or others). No edge analytics, audio support, or on-board storage capabilities are disclosed in the provided specifications. Buyers integrating into a VMS that requires specific ONVIF profile support, or who need on-camera analytics such as VMD or people counting, cannot confirm GV-BL3700 compatibility from the available data and should request the full product specification sheet from Geovision.
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL3700?
Our take: The A31 is the stronger documented choice when specification transparency, vandalism resistance, and edge analytics are priorities. On imaging, the A31 publishes concrete figures — 0.01 lux B/W minimum illumination, 30m IR range with 22 LEDs, and 120dB Advanced WDR — while the GV-BL3700 provides no lux value, no IR range, and no WDR dB rating, making a direct imaging comparison impossible from available data. On physical hardening, the A31's IK10 metal casing and -30°C to +50°C range are spec-confirmed; the GV-BL3700's equivalents are not disclosed. On analytics, the A31 adds VMD and People Counting at the edge; the GV-BL3700 lists none. The GV-BL3700's 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal lens is a practical install advantage over the A31's fixed 2.8mm for sites needing adjustable coverage distance. Specify the GV-BL3700 only after obtaining and reviewing Geovision's full published datasheet to confirm environmental ratings and ONVIF profile support.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A31 | Geovision BL3700 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8mm fixed | 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal |
| Min Illumination | Color: 0.1 lux @ F1.85; B/W: 0.01 lux @ F1.85 (AGC on) | Super Low Lux (no lux value disclosed) |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm | IR (wavelength not disclosed) |
| IR Range | 30m | — |
| IR LED Count | 22 × LEDs | — |
| WDR | Advanced WDR, 120dB | WDR (no dB rating disclosed) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265 |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S; Profile T; Profile Q | ONVIF (profiles not specified) |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | — |
| IP Rating | IP66 | — |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +50°C | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | DC 12V; PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af / 802.3at PoE+) | — |
| Mount Type | Pole; Rack | Wall; Pole |
| Weight | 771g (1.70 lb) | — |
| Certifications | CE; FCC; IP66; NEMA 4X; IK10 | — |
| Warranty | 3 Year(s) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A31 or the BL3700?
The A31 is the stronger documented choice when specification transparency, vandalism resistance, and edge analytics are priorities. On imaging, the A31 publishes concrete figures — 0.01 lux B/W minimum illumination, 30m IR range with 22 LEDs, and 120dB Advanced WDR — while the GV-BL3700 provides no lux value, no IR range, and no WDR dB rating, making a direct imaging comparison impossible from available data. On physical hardening, the A31's IK10 metal casing and -30°C to +50°C range are spec-confirmed; the GV-BL3700's equivalents are not disclosed. On analytics, the A31 adds VMD and People Counting at the edge; the GV-BL3700 lists none. The GV-BL3700's 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal lens is a practical install advantage over the A31's fixed 2.8mm for sites needing adjustable coverage distance. Specify the GV-BL3700 only after obtaining and reviewing Geovision's full published datasheet to confirm environmental ratings and ONVIF profile support.
Is the A31 or GV-BL3700 better for low-light performance?
Based on available specifications, the A31 is the only model with disclosed low-light figures: 0.1 lux color and 0.01 lux B/W at F1.85 with AGC on, backed by 22 × 850nm IR LEDs rated to 30m. The GV-BL3700 lists only 'Super Low Lux' with no numerical illumination value or IR range. A direct comparison cannot be made from the provided specs; consult Geovision's full datasheet for GV-BL3700 lux ratings before selecting on low-light grounds.
Which camera is better suited for vandalism-prone or outdoor environments?
The ACTi A31 carries confirmed IP66 and IK10 ratings plus a NEMA 4X listing, and its operating range of -30°C to +50°C is explicitly documented. IK10 is the maximum impact resistance class under IEC 62262. The GV-BL3700's IP rating, IK rating, and temperature range are not disclosed in the provided specifications, so its suitability for high-vandalism or extreme-temperature sites cannot be confirmed from available data.
Does either camera support edge analytics, and will they work with my existing VMS?
The A31 supports Video Motion Detection and People Counting at the edge, and is ONVIF-compliant at Profile S, Profile T, and Profile Q — three profiles that cover the most common VMS integration scenarios. The GV-BL3700 lists ONVIF compatibility but does not specify supported profiles, and no edge analytics are listed in the available specifications. If your VMS requires a specific ONVIF profile or if on-camera analytics matter, the A31's disclosed profile support gives it a verifiable advantage over the GV-BL3700 based on the specs provided.
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.