ACTi A415 vs Geovision BL34000-002U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A415 and Geovision BL34000-002U are 3MP outdoor IP bullet cameras aimed at perimeter and entrance surveillance deployments. The comparison covers imaging performance, environmental hardening, power delivery, and platform integration—the four axes most installers evaluate before committing to a camera SKU. While resolution is identical, the two models diverge meaningfully on lens type, WDR depth, PoE class, impact rating, and onboard analytics, making a side-by-side spec review worthwhile before specifying either for a project.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi A415 uses a 1/2.7-inch sensor and a motorized varifocal lens spanning 2.8–12 mm (4.3× optical zoom), delivering a field of view that shifts from 90.6° wide to 32.7° telephoto without digital degradation. Minimum illumination is rated at 0.05 lux in color and 0.005 lux in B/W (AGC on, F1.4), supported by 850 nm adaptive IR with a published working distance of 30 m. Maximum frame rate is 30 fps across all supported resolutions (2048×1536, 1920×1080, 1280×960). Wide dynamic range is specified at 142 dB, described by ACTi as Extreme WDR.
The Geovision BL34000-002U is also a 3MP bullet with a 3–9 mm varifocal lens, giving it a narrower zoom range than the A415. Geovision's published specs for this model do not state sensor size, minimum illumination values, IR working distance in meters, or a numerical WDR rating—only 'WDR' and 'IR' are listed. Maximum frame rate is not specified in the provided data. Buyers requiring hard numbers on low-light sensitivity or WDR depth should request Geovision's full datasheet before committing.
What about installation and environment?
The A415 carries IP66 and IK10 ratings with a metal casing, meaning it is protected against powerful water jets and resists 20-joule impacts—relevant for mounting locations exposed to vandalism or accidental strikes. Operating temperature spans −30°C to +50°C. Power options are DC 12V (adapter not included) or PoE Class 3 per IEEE 802.3af; note the spec sheet lists both 'PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3' and 'PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af)'—installers should confirm the exact standard with ACTi, as Class 3 is an 802.3af designation (up to 15.4 W) rather than 802.3bt. Weight is 834 g. Mounting is pole or wall bracket.
The BL34000-002U is rated IP67, offering full dust exclusion and protection against temporary submersion—one step above the A415's IP66 for water ingress in exposed or low-lying mounts. No IK impact rating is published for this model. Operating temperature is broader at −40°C to +60°C, an advantage in extreme-climate deployments. Power draw is under 13 W maximum on standard 802.3af PoE, requiring no mid-span injector or 802.3bt switch. Mounting options include wall, eave, and bracket. Dimensions and weight are not stated in the provided specs.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A415 declares ONVIF compliance at Profile S, G, T, and Q—the broadest set in the provided data, covering streaming (S), edge storage (G), advanced media (T), and onboarding/discovery (Q). Onboard analytics include Video Motion Detection and People Counting, both edge-resident, reducing server processing load. Two-way audio is supported via mic-in, line-in, and line-out connections. PTZ control protocols Pelco-D, Pelco-P, and ACTi URL command are listed, enabling integration with VMS platforms that use those control standards for motorized lens adjustment.
The BL34000-002U lists ONVIF Profile S compatibility and native support for the Geovision GeoVision platform. No additional ONVIF profiles are specified in the provided data. Onboard analytics, audio I/O, and edge storage capabilities are not listed in the available specs—buyers dependent on those features should verify directly with Geovision. The camera is categorized as IPCAM with standard Ethernet connectivity, consistent with a straightforward single-stream deployment on a Geovision or ONVIF Profile S–capable VMS.
Which should you choose: the A415 or the BL34000-002U?
Our take: The A415 is the stronger choice when optical zoom range, quantified low-light performance, onboard analytics, and multi-profile ONVIF integration are decision drivers. On the imaging side, the A415's 4.3× motorized zoom (2.8–12 mm vs. the BL34000-002U's 3–9 mm) and its published 142 dB WDR rating and 0.005 lux B/W minimum illumination give installers hard numbers to defend in a design review—numbers the BL34000-002U's spec sheet does not provide. The A415 also adds IK10 impact protection and two-way audio absent from the Geovision's published specs. Conversely, the BL34000-002U's IP67 rating offers marginally better water ingress resistance, and its −40°C to +60°C operating range exceeds the A415's −30°C to +50°C window—relevant for Arctic or high-heat environments. Sites already standardized on the Geovision platform may also prefer the BL34000-002U for native VMS integration. Where environmental extremes are not the primary concern and full spec accountability is required, the A415 provides more documented capability.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A415 | Geovision BL34000-002U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.7 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8–12 mm motorized varifocal (4.3× optical) | 3–9 mm varifocal |
| Min Illumination | Color: 0.05 lux @ F1.4; B/W: 0.005 lux @ F1.4 (AGC on) | — |
| IR Wavelength / Range | 850 nm adaptive IR; 30 m working distance | IR (wavelength and range not specified) |
| WDR | 142 dB (Extreme WDR) | WDR (no dB rating specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2048×1536, 1920×1080, 1280×960 | — |
| Video Compression | H.265 Adaptive Stream; H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG | — |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 (metal casing) | — |
| Operating Temperature | −30°C to +50°C | −40°C to +60°C |
| Power Input / PoE | DC 12V or PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af — see note) | 802.3af PoE; under 13 W max |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, T, Q | Profile S |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | — |
| Audio | 2-way (mic-in, line-in, line-out) | — |
| Weight | 834 g (1.84 lb) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A415 or the BL34000-002U?
The A415 is the stronger choice when optical zoom range, quantified low-light performance, onboard analytics, and multi-profile ONVIF integration are decision drivers. On the imaging side, the A415's 4.3× motorized zoom (2.8–12 mm vs. the BL34000-002U's 3–9 mm) and its published 142 dB WDR rating and 0.005 lux B/W minimum illumination give installers hard numbers to defend in a design review—numbers the BL34000-002U's spec sheet does not provide. The A415 also adds IK10 impact protection and two-way audio absent from the Geovision's published specs. Conversely, the BL34000-002U's IP67 rating offers marginally better water ingress resistance, and its −40°C to +60°C operating range exceeds the A415's −30°C to +50°C window—relevant for Arctic or high-heat environments. Sites already standardized on the Geovision platform may also prefer the BL34000-002U for native VMS integration. Where environmental extremes are not the primary concern and full spec accountability is required, the A415 provides more documented capability.
Is the A415 or BL34000-002U better for low-light performance?
Based on available specs, the A415 is the only model with published low-light figures: 0.05 lux in color and 0.005 lux in B/W (AGC on, F1.4), with 850 nm adaptive IR rated to 30 m. The BL34000-002U lists only 'IR' with no lux rating or IR distance published in the provided specifications. Buyers cannot make a data-driven low-light comparison for the Geovision without obtaining its full datasheet.
Can I power both cameras from a standard 802.3af PoE switch?
The BL34000-002U draws under 13 W maximum and explicitly lists 802.3af PoE, fitting within a standard switch port's 15.4 W budget. The A415 lists 'PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af)' in one spec field and 'PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3' in another—these are contradictory, since Class 3 is an 802.3af designation. Installers should confirm the actual power draw and standard with ACTi before assuming a standard 802.3af port is sufficient.
Which camera is better suited to a Geovision VMS environment?
The BL34000-002U is explicitly listed as compatible with the Geovision GeoVision platform and supports ONVIF Profile S. The A415 supports ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and Q and lists Pelco-D/P and ACTi URL command protocols, but no specific Geovision VMS compatibility is stated in its specs. In a Geovision-native environment the BL34000-002U will carry the lower integration risk; in a multi-vendor or non-Geovision VMS environment the A415's broader ONVIF profile support is an advantage.
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