ACTi A415 vs ACTi B412: Specification Comparison
The ACTi A415 and ACTi B412 are both 3 MP outdoor zoom bullet cameras from the same manufacturer, sharing the same resolution class, form factor, and general deployment profile. The comparison is meaningful for installers and IT buyers evaluating a mid-range 3 MP zoom bullet for outdoor perimeter or area-coverage applications, where the choice between a 4.3x and a 10x optical zoom range, IR wavelength, operating temperature floor, and weight envelope will drive the final selection.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 3 MP resolution at a maximum of 30 fps across the same frame-size ladder (2048×1536, 1920×1080, 1280×960). The A415 uses a 1/2.7-inch sensor and a motorized 2.8–12 mm lens providing 4.3x optical zoom with a field of view spanning 90.6° to 32.7°. The B412 uses a slightly smaller 1/2.8-inch sensor paired with a 4.7–47 mm lens providing 10x optical zoom. Neither spec sheet states the exact angular field of view for the B412 at telephoto end. The A415's wider short end (2.8 mm) gives broader coverage when zoomed out; the B412's 47 mm long end delivers substantially more reach for distant target identification.
Low-light and WDR performance diverge on several measurable points. The A415 specifies Extreme WDR at 142 dB with 850 nm IR illumination at a 30 m working distance; minimum illumination is 0.05 lux color and 0.005 lux B/W (AGC on). The B412 specifies Extreme WDR at 145 dB—3 dB higher—with 940 nm invisible IR illumination at a 60 m working distance; minimum illumination is 0.003 lux color (F1.6) and 0 lux (IR LED on). The B412 therefore outperforms the A415 on both rated WDR and stated IR range by a factor of two, while its 940 nm wavelength is invisible to the human eye, which matters in covert or aesthetically sensitive deployments.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras carry IP66 and IK10 ratings, confirming the same dust/water ingress protection and the same impact resistance (20 J). Both are specified for outdoor use. The operating temperature range diverges meaningfully: the A415 is rated −30°C to +50°C (−22°F to +122°F), while the B412 is rated −40°C to +60°C (−40°F to +140°F), giving it a 10°C lower cold-weather floor and a 10°C higher heat ceiling. In climates with extreme cold or sustained high ambient temperatures, the B412's broader thermal envelope is a material advantage.
Power input also differs. The A415 spec sheet lists both DC 12V and PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af, 15.4 W maximum); a separate spec field labels it PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3, which is internally inconsistent—buyers should verify with ACTi whether 802.3af or 802.3bt is the actual standard supported. The B412 spec sheet lists DC 12V and High PoE (IEEE 802.3at, up to 30 W), with a separate field also labeling it PoE++ (802.3bt). Weight is a significant differentiator: the A415 weighs 834 g (1.84 lb), while the B412 weighs 2,098 g (4.63 lb)—a 2.5× difference that affects bracket selection, pole load calculations, and shipping cost. Both cameras support wall, ceiling, and pole mounting, though the A415 spec sheet does not list ceiling as a mount type while the B412 does.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras declare ONVIF compliance for Profiles S, G, and T. The A415 additionally lists Profile Q; the B412 additionally lists Profile M. Profile Q enables zero-configuration network discovery, which can reduce commissioning time on large installations. Profile M adds support for metadata and event streaming for analytics integration, which may be relevant on VMS platforms that consume ONVIF metadata streams. PTZ control protocol support is similar across both—Pelco-D, Pelco-P, and ACTi URL command—though the B412 also lists Visca as a supported PTZ protocol, which the A415 spec sheet does not mention.
Edge analytics are listed as VMD and People Counting on both models. The B412 spec sheet additionally lists Smoke Detection as an edge analytic, which the A415 spec sheet does not include. Audio input is present on both; the B412 spec sheet explicitly lists a built-in microphone in addition to mic-in, line-in, and line-out, whereas the A415 spec sheet lists audio input, mic-in, line-in, and line-out but does not mention a built-in microphone. Neither spec sheet specifies onboard SD card storage, so that capability cannot be confirmed from the provided data. The A415 carries CE Class A, FCC Class A, and EAC certifications; the B412 carries NEMA Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification—neither carries the other's certification set, which may affect regulatory compliance depending on deployment country.
Which should you choose: the A415 or the B412?
Our take: The B412 is the stronger choice when long-range identification, extreme operating temperatures, or covert IR illumination are the primary requirements; the A415 is the stronger choice when installation weight, PoE budget, and zero-configuration ONVIF discovery matter more. Concrete spec deltas: the B412 delivers twice the IR range (60 m vs. 30 m), more than twice the optical zoom reach (10x / 4.7–47 mm vs. 4.3x / 2.8–12 mm), and a 20°C wider thermal operating window (−40°C to +60°C vs. −30°C to +50°C). Conversely, the A415 weighs 834 g vs. the B412's 2,098 g, a 2.5× difference that drives bracket and pole sizing. Platform qualifier: the B412 suits VMS platforms consuming ONVIF Profile M metadata streams and deployments requiring Smoke Detection analytics; the A415 suits deployments needing ONVIF Profile Q zero-config discovery or FCC/CE regulatory approval.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A415 | ACTi B412 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP (2048×1536) | 3 MP (2065×1553) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.7 inch | 1/2.8 inch |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8–12 mm (4.3x optical zoom) | 4.7–47 mm (10x optical zoom) |
| Min. Illumination (Color) | 0.05 lux @ F1.4 | 0.003 lux @ F1.6 |
| Min. Illumination (B/W) | 0.005 lux @ F1.4 (AGC on) | 0 lux (IR LED on) |
| IR Wavelength | 850 nm | 940 nm (invisible) |
| IR Range | 30 m | 60 m |
| WDR | 142 dB (Extreme WDR) | 145 dB (Extreme WDR) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2048×1536 | 30 fps @ 2048×1536 |
| Video Compression | H.265 Adaptive Stream; H.264 (B/M/H); MJPEG | H.265; H.264 (B/M/H); MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F) | -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to +140°F) |
| Power Input / PoE | DC 12V; PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af) — also labeled PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3 in spec; verify with ACTi | DC 12V; High PoE (IEEE 802.3at) — also labeled PoE++ (802.3bt) in spec; verify with ACTi |
| Weight | 834 g (1.84 lb) | 2,098 g (4.63 lb) |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, T, Q | S, G, T, M |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection |
| Audio | Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out (no built-in mic stated) | Built-in mic; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out |
| Certifications | CE Class A; FCC Class A; EAC | NEMA Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification |
| Mount Types | Wall; Pole | Wall; Ceiling; Pole; Rack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A415 or the B412?
The B412 is the stronger choice when long-range identification, extreme operating temperatures, or covert IR illumination are the primary requirements; the A415 is the stronger choice when installation weight, PoE budget, and zero-configuration ONVIF discovery matter more. Concrete spec deltas: the B412 delivers twice the IR range (60 m vs. 30 m), more than twice the optical zoom reach (10x / 4.7–47 mm vs. 4.3x / 2.8–12 mm), and a 20°C wider thermal operating window (−40°C to +60°C vs. −30°C to +50°C). Conversely, the A415 weighs 834 g vs. the B412's 2,098 g, a 2.5× difference that drives bracket and pole sizing. Platform qualifier: the B412 suits VMS platforms consuming ONVIF Profile M metadata streams and deployments requiring Smoke Detection analytics; the A415 suits deployments needing ONVIF Profile Q zero-config discovery or FCC/CE regulatory approval.
Is the A415 or B412 better for low-light performance?
Based on the provided specifications, the B412 outperforms the A415 in low-light. The B412 reaches 0.003 lux (color, F1.6) and 0 lux with IR active, versus 0.05 lux color and 0.005 lux B/W for the A415. The B412 also has a longer IR range (60 m vs. 30 m) and a higher rated WDR (145 dB vs. 142 dB). Its 940 nm IR is invisible to the human eye, a consideration for covert or sensitive sites.
Can either camera operate in very cold climates, such as below −30°C?
Only the B412 is rated for temperatures below −30°C. Its specified operating range is −40°C to +60°C. The A415 is rated only to −30°C at the cold end. If your deployment site regularly reaches −35°C or colder, the A415 is outside its rated envelope and the B412 should be selected. Both cameras share the same upper-end rating at +50°C for the A415 and +60°C for the B412.
Which camera is easier to install on an existing PoE switch without a high-power budget?
The A415 is more likely to run on standard PoE infrastructure. Its spec sheet cites PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af, up to 15.4 W), although another field on the same spec sheet labels it PoE++ (802.3bt)—buyers should confirm with ACTi which standard applies. The B412 is specified as High PoE (IEEE 802.3at, up to 30 W). If your switch only supports 802.3af per port, the B412 may require a PoE injector or switch upgrade, adding installation cost. The A415 is also significantly lighter (834 g vs. 2,098 g), simplifying bracket and conduit work.
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