ACTi A421 vs ACTi Z47: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A421 and ACTi Z47 are 8MP outdoor zoom bullet cameras sharing the same 2.8–12mm varifocal lens range and IK10 impact rating, making them genuine cross-shop candidates for perimeter and long-range surveillance installations. The comparison centers on meaningful spec-level differences: ingress protection class, PoE power budget, WDR performance, operating temperature range, edge analytics capability, and ONVIF profile depth — all of which carry real consequences for site selection, NVR compatibility, and total deployment cost.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 8MP resolution and share a motorized varifocal lens in the 2.8–12mm range providing 4.3× optical zoom, and both record at up to 30 fps. The A421 specifies a precise pixel array of 3864×2192 and achieves 30 fps at full 3840×2160 (4K) output; the Z47's max resolution is listed as 8MP at 30 fps capped at 1440p in the provided specs, with no full 4K frame rate confirmed. Compression support also diverges: the A421 adds MJPEG alongside H.265 and H.264, which aids legacy VMS compatibility, while the Z47 is listed as H.265 and H.264 only.
WDR performance is a meaningful differentiator. The A421 is rated at Extreme WDR (150 dB), a spec useful in high-contrast scenes such as entrances with direct backlight. The Z47 is listed simply as WDR with no dB figure provided. On low-light performance, the A421 specifies adaptive IR LED with a 40m range, 0.03 lux minimum illumination in color mode, and 0 lux in B/W IR mode. The Z47 lists adaptive IR and Day/Night operation but provides no IR range distance, no minimum lux figure, and no illumination measurement — buyers requiring quantified low-light performance cannot verify Z47 numbers from the available spec sheet.
What about installation and environment?
Ingress protection differs by one class: the A421 carries IP68 (continuous submersion rated), while the Z47 is rated IP67 (temporary immersion). Both are IK10 impact rated. For operating temperature, the Z47 has a wider envelope at −40°C to 60°C versus the A421's −30°C to 50°C — a 10°C advantage at both the cold and hot extremes, relevant for arctic-climate or rooftop deployments in hot climates.
Power requirements diverge significantly. The A421 is spec'd as PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3 in one field but also lists DC 12V and PoE Class 3 (802.3af, 15.4W) in the Power Supply field — installers should verify the actual draw against their switch budget. The Z47 is clearly rated 802.3af PoE at 12.95W max, compatible with any standard PoE switch port. The A421 is listed in white with pole-mount accessories; the Z47 is listed in stainless steel with wall, pole, and ceiling bracket mounting options, giving the Z47 more out-of-box mounting flexibility. The A421 weighs 1260g (2.78 lb); no weight is provided for the Z47.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
ONVIF profile support is broader on the A421, which is compliant with Profiles S, G, Q, T, and M. Profile G adds on-camera event recording and retrieval; Profile M adds metadata and analytics streaming. The Z47 supports Profiles S and T only. Neither model's spec sheet lists an on-board SD card slot; edge storage capability is not confirmed for either unit from the provided data.
The A421 includes a dedicated Deep Learning Processing Unit (DLPU) enabling on-camera video analytics beyond basic VMD, specifically listed with Deep Learning (DLPU) and Video Motion Detection. The Z47 lists no edge analytics capability beyond what ONVIF Profile T implies. On audio, both units provide audio input; the A421 additionally specifies two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out — a full audio I/O complement. The Z47's audio spec is limited to 'Audio input' with no output or two-way capability listed. Warranty is 3 years on the A421; no warranty term is provided in the Z47 specs.
Which should you choose: the A421 or the Z47?
Our take: The A421 is the stronger choice when deep learning analytics, richer ONVIF integration (Profiles G and M), or a two-way audio requirement drives the specification. Concretely: the A421 delivers a quantified 150 dB Extreme WDR versus an unquantified WDR on the Z47; it supports five ONVIF profiles (S, G, Q, T, M) versus two (S, T) on the Z47; and it provides full two-way audio I/O (mic-in, line-in, line-out) versus audio input only on the Z47. The Z47 holds two practical advantages: a wider operating temperature range (−40°C to 60°C vs −30°C to 50°C) and straightforward 802.3af PoE at 12.95W max, which simplifies retrofit into existing switch infrastructure without budget reclassification. Specify the Z47 for cost-controlled retrofits in extreme climates where analytics and extended ONVIF are not required; specify the A421 for new perimeter installations demanding on-camera intelligence, metadata streaming, and verified low-light performance.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A421 | ACTi Z47 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 8MP (3864×2192) | 8MP (no pixel array specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 3840×2160 (4K) | 30 fps @ 1440p |
| Lens / Focal Length | Motorized varifocal 2.8–12mm (4.3× optical zoom) | Motorized varifocal 2.8–12mm (4.3× optical zoom) |
| WDR | Extreme WDR (150 dB) | WDR (no dB rating specified) |
| IR Range | 40m | — (not specified) |
| Min Illumination | 0.03 lux (color, 30 IRE); 0 lux (B/W, IR on) | — (not specified) |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| 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 / PoE | PoE++ (802.3bt) Class 3 / DC 12V (see notes) | 802.3af PoE; 12.95W max |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, Q, T, M | S, T |
| Edge Analytics | Deep Learning (DLPU); VMD | — (not specified) |
| Audio | Two-way; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | Audio input only |
| Color / Finish | White | Stainless Steel |
| Weight | 1260g (2.78 lb) | — (not specified) |
| Warranty | 3 Years | — (not specified) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A421 or the Z47?
The A421 is the stronger choice when deep learning analytics, richer ONVIF integration (Profiles G and M), or a two-way audio requirement drives the specification. Concretely: the A421 delivers a quantified 150 dB Extreme WDR versus an unquantified WDR on the Z47; it supports five ONVIF profiles (S, G, Q, T, M) versus two (S, T) on the Z47; and it provides full two-way audio I/O (mic-in, line-in, line-out) versus audio input only on the Z47. The Z47 holds two practical advantages: a wider operating temperature range (−40°C to 60°C vs −30°C to 50°C) and straightforward 802.3af PoE at 12.95W max, which simplifies retrofit into existing switch infrastructure without budget reclassification. Specify the Z47 for cost-controlled retrofits in extreme climates where analytics and extended ONVIF are not required; specify the A421 for new perimeter installations demanding on-camera intelligence, metadata streaming, and verified low-light performance.
Is the A421 or Z47 better for low-light performance?
Based on available specs, the A421 is better documented for low light: it specifies a 40m IR range, 0.03 lux minimum illumination in color mode, and 0 lux in B/W IR mode. The Z47 lists adaptive IR and Day/Night operation but provides no IR range distance and no minimum lux figure, so its low-light performance cannot be quantitatively compared from the supplied specifications.
Will the A421 or Z47 work on a standard 802.3af PoE switch?
The Z47 is confirmed at 802.3af PoE with a 12.95W max draw, so it will power from any standard PoE switch port. The A421 spec sheet lists PoE++ (802.3bt) in one field but also references PoE Class 3 (802.3af) in the Power Supply field — there is a conflict in the provided specs. Installers should verify the actual power draw from the ACTi datasheet before assuming 802.3af compatibility with the A421.
Which camera supports more VMS platforms through ONVIF?
The A421 supports ONVIF Profiles S, G, Q, T, and M, covering recording retrieval (G) and analytics metadata streaming (M) in addition to the base live-view and PTZ profiles. The Z47 supports Profiles S and T only. For VMS platforms that leverage Profile G for edge-recorded event playback or Profile M for analytics data, only the A421 meets that requirement.
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