ACTi A49 vs Geovision BL34100-001U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A49 and Geovision BL34100-001U are 3MP outdoor motorized-zoom bullet cameras targeting perimeter and wide-area surveillance installations. Each offers a 3x motorized zoom lens, IR night vision, and ONVIF compliance over PoE, placing them squarely in the same procurement tier. This comparison examines how their imaging performance, environmental ratings, power requirements, and VMS/analytics ecosystems differ so integrators and IT buyers can match the right unit to their specific deployment constraints.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi A49 carries a 1/2.8-inch sensor with a 2.8–12mm motorized lens (4.3x optical zoom per the lens spec, noted as 3x in a secondary field). Minimum illumination is specified at 0.05 lux color and 0.005 lux B/W at F1.4 with AGC on, and IR range reaches 30m. Its Extreme WDR is rated at 142dB, a notably high figure for this resolution class. Maximum frame rate is 30fps at 3MP. Compression options include H.265, H.264 (Baseline/Main/High), and MJPEG.
The Geovision BL34100-001U is also 3MP with a motorized 3x zoom lens; however, the datasheet does not specify sensor size, minimum illumination value, IR range in meters, WDR decibel rating (listed only as 'WDR'), or maximum frame rate. Compression is listed as H.264 only — H.265 and MJPEG are not specified. Buyers requiring H.265 bandwidth efficiency or a quantified WDR or low-light threshold will find the A49's spec sheet materially more detailed on every imaging parameter.
What about installation and environment?
The A49 is rated IP66 and IK10 (metal casing) with NEMA 4X certification, covering it against powerful water jets, vandal impact, and corrosive industrial environments. Its operating temperature range is –30°C to 50°C (–22°F to 122°F). Power is sourced via PoE Class 3 (802.3af, max 13W) or DC 12V. Physical dimensions are 80mm × 258.30mm with a weight of 694g. Mounting accessories support pole and rack configurations per the spec; a pigtail RJ-45 connector is used rather than an integrated port.
The BL34100-001U is rated IP67, offering a slightly higher ingress protection against temporary immersion versus the A49's IP66. However, IK impact rating, NEMA classification, and operating temperature range are not specified in the provided data. Power is listed as PoE+ (802.3at), which draws more wattage than the A49's 802.3af Class 3 — relevant where switch port budgets are constrained. Mounting options are listed as wall and ceiling. Dimensions, weight, and connector type are not specified.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A49 is ONVIF Profile S and Profile T compliant and includes on-board edge analytics: VMD (video motion detection) and People Counting are specified. Audio capability and on-board storage (SD card) are not referenced in the provided specifications. GPS position is listed as manual setting only.
The BL34100-001U is ONVIF compliant (profile level not specified) and is listed as compatible with Geovision GV NVR, Milestone, and Axis Camera Station in addition to generic ONVIF. No edge analytics beyond ONVIF are specified. Audio support and on-board storage are not specified in the provided data. Buyers standardized on Milestone or Axis Camera Station ecosystems will find the Geovision's explicit certification list useful, while those requiring confirmed ONVIF Profile T or edge analytics should note these are unspecified for the BL34100-001U.
Which should you choose: the A49 or the BL34100-001U?
Our take: The A49 is the stronger choice when quantified imaging performance, vandal resistance, and edge analytics are decision criteria. On imaging, the A49 specifies 142dB Extreme WDR versus an unquantified 'WDR' for the BL34100-001U, and a documented minimum illumination of 0.005 lux B/W versus no figure provided for the Geovision. The A49 also adds H.265 compression (not available on the BL34100-001U per spec) and a confirmed IK10/NEMA 4X impact and corrosion rating alongside IP66, whereas the BL34100-001U's IP67 is its only environmental certification specified. The BL34100-001U holds an edge if the installation requires PoE+ power delivery or if the VMS is explicitly Geovision GV NVR, Milestone, or Axis Camera Station — all three are named in its compatibility list, while the A49 relies on ONVIF Profile S/T for third-party integration. Where those platform certifications are not a requirement, the A49's richer, verifiable spec set supports more confident deployment decisions.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A49 | Geovision BL34100-001U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8–12mm motorized (4.3x optical zoom) | Motorized 3x zoom (focal length not specified) |
| Min Illumination | 0.05 lux color / 0.005 lux B/W @ F1.4 | — |
| IR Range | 30m | — |
| WDR | Extreme WDR — 142dB | WDR (dB rating not specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG | H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 (metal casing) | — |
| NEMA Rating | NEMA 4X | — |
| Operating Temperature | –30°C to 50°C (–22°F to 122°F) | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE Class 3 (802.3af) / DC 12V — 13W max | PoE+ (802.3at) |
| ONVIF Compliance | Profile S; Profile T | ONVIF (profile level not specified) |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | — |
| Dimensions / Weight | 80mm × 258.30mm / 694g (1.53 lb) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A49 or the BL34100-001U?
The A49 is the stronger choice when quantified imaging performance, vandal resistance, and edge analytics are decision criteria. On imaging, the A49 specifies 142dB Extreme WDR versus an unquantified 'WDR' for the BL34100-001U, and a documented minimum illumination of 0.005 lux B/W versus no figure provided for the Geovision. The A49 also adds H.265 compression (not available on the BL34100-001U per spec) and a confirmed IK10/NEMA 4X impact and corrosion rating alongside IP66, whereas the BL34100-001U's IP67 is its only environmental certification specified. The BL34100-001U holds an edge if the installation requires PoE+ power delivery or if the VMS is explicitly Geovision GV NVR, Milestone, or Axis Camera Station — all three are named in its compatibility list, while the A49 relies on ONVIF Profile S/T for third-party integration. Where those platform certifications are not a requirement, the A49's richer, verifiable spec set supports more confident deployment decisions.
Is the A49 or BL34100-001U better for low-light performance?
The A49 specifies a minimum illumination of 0.05 lux color and 0.005 lux B/W at F1.4 with a 30m IR range. The BL34100-001U lists IR support but provides no minimum illumination value or IR range in its available specifications, so a direct numeric comparison cannot be made. Buyers requiring a verified low-light threshold should note that only the A49 supplies one.
Which camera requires less PoE switch budget per port?
The A49 runs on PoE Class 3 (802.3af) at a maximum of 13W, which is supported by any 802.3af-capable switch port. The BL34100-001U requires PoE+ (802.3at), which draws up to 30W and requires an 802.3at-capable switch port. If your switch infrastructure is 802.3af-only, the A49 installs without hardware upgrades.
Does either camera support on-board People Counting analytics?
Yes — People Counting is listed as a specified edge analytic on the ACTi A49, alongside VMD. The Geovision BL34100-001U does not specify any on-board edge analytics in the provided data. If People Counting is a project requirement, only the A49 documents this capability.
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.