ACTi A314 vs ACTi A423: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A314 and ACTi A423 are 6MP outdoor bullet cameras sharing the same sensor class, identical IP68/IK10 environmental ratings, and the same 150dB Extreme WDR engine. The meaningful distinction lies in optics: the A314 is a fixed-focal mini bullet for wide-angle perimeter coverage, while the A423 is a larger zoom bullet with a 5x motorized varifocal lens for flexible standoff distances. Installers cross-shopping these two are typically choosing between a compact, fixed-angle deployment and a repositionable-zoom solution for the same site resolution requirement.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 6MP at 30fps using a 1/2.4" sensor with H.265/H.264/MJPEG compression and identical minimum illumination figures: 0.003 lux in color mode and 0 lux with IR active. WDR performance is specified at 150dB Extreme WDR on both models, so neither holds an advantage in dynamic range or low-light sensitivity per the published specifications.
The optics diverge significantly. The A314 uses a fixed 2.8mm lens, yielding a wide field of view suited to entry points and short-range perimeter zones; its 850nm IR array reaches 65m. The A423 equips a 2.7–13.5mm motorized zoom lens (5x optical), allowing the installer to dial in coverage from a wide angle equivalent to the A314 all the way to a 13.5mm telephoto framing; its IR illuminator extends to 85m, a 31% increase over the A314's 65m reach.
What about installation and environment?
Environmental protection is identical on paper: both carry IP68 ingress and IK10 impact ratings, and both are rated for −40°C to +60°C operation. Both are specified for outdoor use and accept DC 12V or PoE as power inputs, with PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3 noted in the primary power spec field. The A423 spec sheet additionally lists a PoE wattage maximum of 95W, which installers should verify against switch port budgets; the A314 does not list a wattage figure in the provided specifications.
Form factor and mount options differ. The A314 is a compact mini bullet (71mm × 71mm × 170mm) supporting pole mounting. The A423 is a larger body (297.1mm × 96.2mm × 91.5mm) supporting both pole and corner mounting options, which adds flexibility in ceiling-corner or wall-corner deployments. The A423 spec also lists PTZ range values (pan 0°–355°, tilt 0°–90°, rotation 0°–360°), though both products are classified as bullet cameras, not PTZ units; installers should confirm whether these values describe motorized positioning or manual bracket adjustment.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras are ONVIF-compliant across the same four profiles—Profile S, Profile G, Profile T, and Profile M—so neither presents an advantage for VMS integration. Both include Deep Learning Processing Unit (DLPU)-backed analytics and Video Motion Detection (VMD), placing them at the same tier for edge intelligence per the provided specifications. On-board storage capability is not specified for either model in the provided data.
Audio support is a differentiator: the A423 lists two-way audio with line-in and line-out, enabling intercoms or speaker integration without an additional device. The A314 specifications do not include any audio capability. Both models carry the UL Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification. For deployments requiring voice-down capability or audio evidence capture, the A423 is the only option of the two.
Which should you choose: the A314 or the A423?
Our take: The A423 is the stronger choice when coverage distance, zoom flexibility, or audio capability are project requirements; the A314 is the right pick when a compact fixed-wide footprint and simplicity of installation are priorities. On the key spec deltas: the A423 extends IR reach to 85m versus the A314's 65m (a 31% gain), adds a 5x motorized zoom spanning 2.7–13.5mm versus the A314's fixed 2.8mm lens, and includes two-way audio with line-in/line-out that the A314 entirely lacks. The A423's larger body (297mm long) and a documented 95W PoE budget ceiling demand more from the switch port and the mounting structure. Both cameras share identical sensor size, resolution, frame rate, WDR rating, low-light performance, ingress protection, impact rating, temperature range, ONVIF profiles, and analytics tier, so neither has an edge on those axes.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A314 | ACTi A423 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 6MP (30fps) | 6MP / 3864×2192 (30fps) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.4" | 1/2.4" |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8mm fixed | 2.7–13.5mm (5x optical zoom) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.003 lux | 0.003 lux |
| Min Illumination (IR on) | 0 lux | 0 lux |
| IR Range | 65m | 85m |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm | 850nm |
| WDR | Extreme WDR 150dB | Extreme WDR 150dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps | 30fps |
| Video Compression | H.265 / H.264 / MJPEG | H.265 / H.264 / MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP68 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +60°C | -40°C to +60°C |
| Power Input / PoE | PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3; DC 12V | PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3; DC 12V; 95W max |
| Mount Options | Pole | Pole; Corner |
| Audio | — | Two-way; Line-in; Line-out |
| Edge Analytics | DLPU; VMD | DLPU; VMD |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, T, M | S, G, T, M |
| Certifications | UL Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity | UL Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity |
| Dimensions (L×W×H) | 71×71×170mm (2.79"×2.79"×6.69") | 297.1×96.2×91.5mm (11.7"×3.8"×3.6") |
| Warranty | 3 Years | 3 Years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A314 or the A423?
The A423 is the stronger choice when coverage distance, zoom flexibility, or audio capability are project requirements; the A314 is the right pick when a compact fixed-wide footprint and simplicity of installation are priorities. On the key spec deltas: the A423 extends IR reach to 85m versus the A314's 65m (a 31% gain), adds a 5x motorized zoom spanning 2.7–13.5mm versus the A314's fixed 2.8mm lens, and includes two-way audio with line-in/line-out that the A314 entirely lacks. The A423's larger body (297mm long) and a documented 95W PoE budget ceiling demand more from the switch port and the mounting structure. Both cameras share identical sensor size, resolution, frame rate, WDR rating, low-light performance, ingress protection, impact rating, temperature range, ONVIF profiles, and analytics tier, so neither has an edge on those axes.
Is the A314 or A423 better for low-light performance?
Per the provided specifications, both cameras are equal in low-light performance. Each uses a 1/2.4" sensor, reaches a minimum illumination of 0.003 lux in color mode, drops to 0 lux with IR active, and uses 850nm IR LEDs. The A423 does project IR 20m farther (85m vs. 65m), which is an advantage for longer standoff distances at night, but the sensor-level sensitivity figures are identical.
Can I use the A314 or A423 on a standard 802.3af PoE switch?
Both cameras list PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3 as their primary PoE spec, but also reference DC 12V and PoE Class 3 (802.3af) in the power supply field. The A423 additionally lists a 95W PoE maximum wattage. Installers should verify actual draw against switch port budgets before assuming 802.3af compatibility, particularly for the A423 given its higher stated wattage ceiling. ACTi's datasheet should be consulted for definitive power mode support.
Which camera supports audio for voice-down or intercom use?
Only the A423 includes audio capability per the provided specifications: it lists two-way audio with both line-in and line-out connections. The A314 specifications contain no mention of audio input or output. If the deployment requires live voice communication, a speaker feed, or audio recording, the A423 is the only viable option of the two.
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