ACTi A421 vs i-PRO X15700-V2L: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A421 and i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L are 8MP outdoor bullet cameras targeting perimeter and long-range surveillance applications. They share the same 3840×2160 resolution class, fixed-lens varifocal optics, IR illumination, and H.265/H.264/MJPEG compression. The comparison below covers imaging performance, installation and environmental ratings, and VMS/analytics integration to help integrators and IT buyers determine which unit better fits a given deployment scenario.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi A421 uses a 2.8–12 mm varifocal lens with 4.3x optical zoom, delivering 3864×2192 at up to 30 fps, with an extreme 150 dB WDR rating and adaptive IR reaching 40 m. Minimum illumination is 0.03 lux color (30 IRE) and 0 lux in B/W with IR active. The i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L uses a motorized 4.3–8.6 mm varifocal lens with 2.0x optical zoom (extendable to 12x digital extra-zoom at reduced resolution) and a 1/1.8-type CMOS sensor scanning 7.68 mm × 4.32 mm. Its rated dynamic range is 132 dB (Super Dynamic level 31) versus the A421's claimed 150 dB.
On IR range the i-PRO has a significant advantage: 70 m at 30 IRE versus the A421's 40 m. The i-PRO's minimum illumination spec is 0.03 lux B&W at 50 IRE (F1.5, 1/30 s); the A421 matches 0.03 lux color at 30 IRE with 0 lux B/W when IR is on. The i-PRO also provides published DORI distances—Detect 60 m (wide)/154 m (tele), Identify 6 m (wide)/15.4 m (tele)—giving integrators concrete forensic planning figures the A421 spec sheet does not supply. The A421 offers roughly twice the optical zoom range (4.3x vs 2.0x), which may favor installations requiring tighter focal reach without a digital quality penalty.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi A421 is rated IP68 and IK10 with a full metal casing, certified CE Class B and FCC Class B. It operates from −30°C to +50°C and draws power via DC 12 V or PoE (the spec sheet references both PoE Class 3 / IEEE 802.3af and PoE++ / 802.3bt Class 3—buyers should confirm the actual power budget with ACTi). The unit weighs 1,260 g and is listed for pole mounting. The i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L carries IP66/IP67 (IEC 60529), NEMA 4X (UL50E), and IK10 ratings, with UL (UL62368-1) and c-UL safety certifications and an additional wind-resistance spec of up to 40 m/s (~89 mph). It operates from −40°C to +55°C (cold-start rated to −30°C), draws up to 14 W via PoE+ (802.3at, Class 4), and weighs approximately 2.5 kg.
The i-PRO unit supports ceiling (±180° pan, 0–100° tilt, ±190/100° yaw) and wall mounting (±100° tilt, ±145° yaw) with an aluminum die-cast and stainless-steel finish. The A421 lists pole mounting; additional mount compatibility is listed as accessory-dependent. The i-PRO's −40°C cold-start advantage (vs −30°C for the A421) matters in northern climate installations, and the NEMA 4X / UL listing simplifies compliance for US commercial and industrial projects.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras support ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M. The A421 also lists Profile Q; the i-PRO does not indicate Profile Q in the provided spec. The A421 includes a deep-learning processing unit (DLPU) enabling on-camera video motion detection; the i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L specifies an Ambarella CV52 SoC and lists AI analytics including face, people, and vehicle detection, audio detection, and AI sound classification (gunshot, yell, vehicle horn, glass break), plus scene change detection across one area and VMD across four. The i-PRO therefore offers a broader named AI analytics set from the supplied specifications.
For audio, the A421 supports two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out. The i-PRO provides a 3.5 mm stereo mic input and a 3.5 mm stereo audio output, half-duplex and full-duplex modes, and G.726, G.711, and AAC-LC compression. The i-PRO adds three alarm inputs, one alarm output, and one AUX output on external I/O terminals; the A421 spec sheet does not list alarm I/O terminals. Edge storage on the i-PRO supports microSD/SDHC/SDXC up to 512 GB; the A421 spec sheet does not specify on-board storage. The i-PRO also provides up to 14 simultaneous user streams and image stabilization via a built-in gyro.
Which should you choose: the A421 or the X15700-V2L?
Our take: The i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L is the stronger choice when long IR range, broader AI analytics, and rigorous safety certifications are the deciding factors. Its 70 m IR reach is 75% greater than the A421's 40 m, its −40°C operating temperature outperforms the A421's −30°C cold-start limit, and its AI analytics suite—face, people, vehicle, sound classification—exceeds the A421's DLPU-based VMD. It also carries NEMA 4X / UL listings that streamline US commercial compliance and backs the hardware with a 5-year warranty versus the A421's 3-year term. The ACTi A421 is the stronger choice when optical zoom reach is the priority: its 4.3x zoom doubles the i-PRO's 2.0x, and its 150 dB WDR exceeds the i-PRO's 132 dB. Choose the A421 where a narrower telephoto field of view and higher WDR are required and IR distance beyond 40 m is not a deployment constraint.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A421 | i-PRO X15700-V2L |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3864×2192 (8MP) | 3840×2160 (8MP / 4K) |
| Image Sensor | — | Approx. 1/1.8-type CMOS; 7.68 mm (H) × 4.32 mm (V) |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8–12 mm varifocal (4.3x optical zoom) | 4.3–8.6 mm motorized varifocal (2.0x optical zoom) |
| Min Illumination | 0.03 lux color (30 IRE); 0 lux B/W (IR on) | 0.03 lux B/W (50 IRE, F1.5, 1/30 s) |
| IR Range | 40 m | 70 m |
| WDR / Dynamic Range | 150 dB (Extreme WDR) | 132 dB (Super Dynamic level 31) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 3840×2160 | 30 fps |
| Video Compression | H.265, H.264, MJPEG | H.265, H.264, MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP66 / IP67 / NEMA 4X |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | −30°C to +50°C | −40°C to +55°C (cold start −30°C) |
| Power Input / PoE Class | DC 12 V; PoE (802.3af Class 3) / PoE++ (802.3bt) — see note | DC 12 V 1.2 A; PoE+ (802.3at) up to 14 W |
| Edge Storage | — | microSD / SDHC / SDXC up to 512 GB |
| Audio | Two-way; mic-in; line-in; line-out | Mic input (3.5 mm); audio output (3.5 mm); half/full duplex; G.726, G.711, AAC-LC |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, Q, T, M | G, S, T, M |
| Edge Analytics | DLPU; VMD | AI face, people, vehicle detection; VMD (4 areas); SCD; AI sound classification |
| Alarm I/O | — | 3× alarm IN; 1× alarm OUT; 1× AUX OUT |
| Safety Certifications | CE Class B; FCC Class B | UL (UL62368-1); c-UL (CSA C22.2 No.62368-1); CE; IEC62368-1; FCC Part 15 Class A |
| Weight | 1,260 g (2.78 lb) | Approx. 2.5 kg (5.6 lb) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A421 or the X15700-V2L?
The i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L is the stronger choice when long IR range, broader AI analytics, and rigorous safety certifications are the deciding factors. Its 70 m IR reach is 75% greater than the A421's 40 m, its −40°C operating temperature outperforms the A421's −30°C cold-start limit, and its AI analytics suite—face, people, vehicle, sound classification—exceeds the A421's DLPU-based VMD. It also carries NEMA 4X / UL listings that streamline US commercial compliance and backs the hardware with a 5-year warranty versus the A421's 3-year term. The ACTi A421 is the stronger choice when optical zoom reach is the priority: its 4.3x zoom doubles the i-PRO's 2.0x, and its 150 dB WDR exceeds the i-PRO's 132 dB. Choose the A421 where a narrower telephoto field of view and higher WDR are required and IR distance beyond 40 m is not a deployment constraint.
Is the A421 or WV-X15700-V2L better for low-light performance?
Both cameras specify 0.03 lux as their color minimum illumination figure, though measured at different IRE reference levels (A421 at 30 IRE; i-PRO at 50 IRE, meaning the i-PRO achieves that sensitivity under a stricter standard). In complete darkness the A421 reaches 0 lux (B/W, IR on) with a 40 m IR range, while the i-PRO reaches 0 lux equivalently via its IR illuminator at 70 m range. For installations where the lit zone extends beyond 40 m, the i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L provides greater IR coverage per the published specifications.
Which camera is easier to deploy in extreme cold or wet conditions?
The i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L has a broader environmental envelope: it operates from −40°C (cold start at −30°C) versus the A421's −30°C lower limit, adds NEMA 4X and UL/c-UL certifications alongside IP66/IP67 and IK10, and includes a published wind-resistance rating of up to 40 m/s. The A421 is rated IP68 (submersion) and IK10. If submersion resistance is a specific requirement, the A421's IP68 exceeds the i-PRO's IP67; in all other extreme-environment categories the i-PRO's specs are equal or more comprehensive.
Does either camera support on-board storage for edge recording?
Yes—the i-PRO WV-X15700-V2L specifies microSD/SDHC/SDXC support up to 512 GB. The ACTi A421 spec sheet provided does not list an on-board storage slot or supported card type. Buyers requiring edge recording failover should confirm A421 SD capability directly with ACTi before specifying it for that use case.
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