ACTi A49 vs Geovision BL3700: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A49 and Geovision GV-BL3700 are 3MP outdoor IR bullet cameras targeting fixed-position surveillance applications at comparable resolution tiers. The A49 is a varifocal zoom bullet with a 2.8–12mm motorized lens, while the GV-BL3700 uses a 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal. This comparison evaluates how their imaging capabilities, installation and environmental ratings, and VMS/analytics integration stack up for integrators and IT buyers selecting between the two.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 3MP resolution at up to 30fps (GV-BL3700 max frame rate not specified in provided specs). The A49 is built on a 1/2.8-inch sensor with a 2.8–12mm varifocal lens delivering 4.3× optical zoom, a minimum illumination of 0.05 lux color / 0.005 lux B/W at F1.4, and an IR range of 30m via adaptive IR LED with Day/Night switching. The GV-BL3700 uses a 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal lens; sensor size, minimum illumination figures, and IR range are not stated in the provided specifications.
On WDR, the A49 specifies Extreme WDR at 142dB — a quantified figure useful for high-contrast scenes such as building entrances or parking areas with mixed lighting. The GV-BL3700 lists WDR support but provides no dB rating in the available specs, making a direct numeric comparison impossible. Compression on the A49 covers H.265, H.264 (Baseline/Main/High), and MJPEG; the GV-BL3700 lists H.265 only, which may limit compatibility with older recording platforms that require H.264 or MJPEG fallback.
What about installation and environment?
The A49 carries IP66, IK10, and NEMA 4X ratings, covering rain/dust ingress, 10-joule impact resistance, and washdown environments respectively, with an operating range of −30°C to 50°C. The GV-BL3700's IP rating, IK rating, and operating temperature range are not provided in the available specifications, preventing a direct environmental durability comparison. Installers specifying for harsh outdoor environments — extreme cold, high-traffic vandal-risk zones, or industrial washdown areas — cannot confirm GV-BL3700 suitability from the supplied data.
Power on the A49 is PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af, 13W) or DC 12V via an RJ-45 pigtail connector; no PoE injector or midspan is included. The GV-BL3700's power input and PoE class are not listed in the provided specs. Mounting options differ: the A49 supports pole and rack mounts; the GV-BL3700 supports wall and pole mounts. Both are standard bullet form factors. The A49 dimensions are 80mm × 258.30mm and it weighs 694g; GV-BL3700 dimensions and weight are not specified.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A49 is ONVIF Profile S and Profile T compliant, with explicitly stated conformance to both profiles. The GV-BL3700 lists ONVIF compatibility without specifying which profiles are supported, which may matter when the target VMS mandates Profile T for metadata streaming or PTZ control interoperability. Both cameras connect via RJ-45; the GV-BL3700 connection rate and connector type are not detailed in the provided specs.
Edge analytics are available on the A49 in the form of VMD (Video Motion Detection) and People Counting. No edge analytics are listed for the GV-BL3700 in the provided specifications. Neither camera's specifications mention onboard storage (SD card slot), audio input/output, or alarm I/O in the data provided, so no comparison can be made on those points. Warranty terms are not stated for either model.
Which should you choose: the A49 or the BL3700?
Our take: The A49 is the stronger choice when quantified environmental durability, precise low-light performance, and edge analytics are required, because the GV-BL3700's specifications leave too many critical fields unstated to confirm parity. Specifically: the A49 publishes a 142dB Extreme WDR rating versus no dB figure for the GV-BL3700; the A49 confirms IP66/IK10/NEMA 4X with a −30°C to 50°C operating range versus no environmental ratings provided for the GV-BL3700; and the A49 specifies 0.005 lux B/W minimum illumination and a 30m IR range versus no illumination or IR figures for the GV-BL3700. The A49 also adds People Counting analytics and dual ONVIF Profile S/T conformance. The GV-BL3700's 3–9mm P-Iris lens may suit integrators with existing Geovision VMS ecosystems, but buyers should obtain the full GV-BL3700 datasheet before finalizing a specification.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A49 | Geovision BL3700 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3 MP | 3 MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8–12mm varifocal (4.3× optical zoom) | 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal |
| Min Illumination | 0.05 lux color / 0.005 lux B/W @ F1.4 | Super Low Lux (no numeric value specified) |
| IR Range | 30m | — |
| WDR | Extreme WDR, 142dB | WDR (no dB rating specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG | H.265 |
| ONVIF | Profile S; Profile T | ONVIF (profile(s) not specified) |
| IP Rating | IP66 | — |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| Operating Temperature | −30°C to 50°C (−22°F to 122°F) | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE Class 3 (802.3af, 13W); DC 12V | — |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | — |
| Mounting | Pole; Rack | Wall; Pole |
| Dimensions / Weight | 80mm × 258.30mm / 694g (1.53 lb) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A49 or the BL3700?
The A49 is the stronger choice when quantified environmental durability, precise low-light performance, and edge analytics are required, because the GV-BL3700's specifications leave too many critical fields unstated to confirm parity. Specifically: the A49 publishes a 142dB Extreme WDR rating versus no dB figure for the GV-BL3700; the A49 confirms IP66/IK10/NEMA 4X with a −30°C to 50°C operating range versus no environmental ratings provided for the GV-BL3700; and the A49 specifies 0.005 lux B/W minimum illumination and a 30m IR range versus no illumination or IR figures for the GV-BL3700. The A49 also adds People Counting analytics and dual ONVIF Profile S/T conformance. The GV-BL3700's 3–9mm P-Iris lens may suit integrators with existing Geovision VMS ecosystems, but buyers should obtain the full GV-BL3700 datasheet before finalizing a specification.
Is the A49 or GV-BL3700 better for low-light performance?
Based on the available specifications, the A49 is the only model with stated low-light figures: 0.05 lux color and 0.005 lux B/W at F1.4, with a 30m adaptive IR range. The GV-BL3700 lists 'Super Low Lux' as a descriptor but provides no numeric lux value or IR range in the supplied specs, so a direct comparison cannot be made.
Can both cameras withstand outdoor vandalism and harsh weather?
The A49 is rated IP66 (weatherproof), IK10 (10-joule impact resistance), and NEMA 4X (washdown-resistant), and is specified for −30°C to 50°C. The GV-BL3700's IP rating, IK rating, and operating temperature are not stated in the provided specifications; consult the GV-BL3700 datasheet to confirm suitability for harsh-environment deployments.
Which camera is easier to integrate with a third-party VMS?
The A49 declares ONVIF Profile S and Profile T compliance, which covers a broad range of VMS platforms including those requiring metadata streaming. The GV-BL3700 states ONVIF compatibility but does not specify which profiles are supported in the available data. Both use standard RJ-45 connections; however, the A49's confirmed dual-profile ONVIF compliance and H.264/MJPEG fallback codecs offer broader out-of-box VMS compatibility.
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