ACTi A63 vs ACTi B85: Specification Comparison
The ACTi A63 and B85 are both 2MP zoom dome cameras from the same manufacturer, making them a natural cross-shop for installers evaluating indoor versus outdoor deployments at equivalent resolution. The A63 is a compact indoor mini dome with a motorized 2.8–8mm lens, while the B85 is a ruggedized outdoor dome rated IP67/IK10 with a 3.0–9mm optical zoom lens. This comparison examines imaging performance, installation requirements, and integration capabilities to help buyers select the right unit for their specific site conditions.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 2MP resolution at 1080p/30fps. The A63 uses a motorized 2.8–8mm lens providing 2.8x zoom, while the B85 offers a 3.0–9mm lens with 3x optical zoom, giving it a marginally wider zoom ratio and a documented field of view sweep from 103.6° to 36.2°. The B85 also specifies a 1/2.8-inch sensor and a minimum illumination of 0.003 lux (color, F1.2) reaching 0 lux in B/W with IR active. The A63 datasheet does not publish a sensor size or minimum illumination figure.
On IR, the B85 explicitly specifies 850nm emitters with a 40m range and a documented Day/Night cut filter. The A63 lists IR capability but does not specify wavelength, range, or a minimum illumination value from the provided specs. WDR is listed for both, though the B85 quantifies it at 75 dB while the A63 does not publish a dB figure. For low-light and IR performance, the B85 provides more verifiable specification data.
What about installation and environment?
The A63 is an indoor-only unit with no IP or IK rating listed in the provided specs. It draws a maximum of 12.95W over standard 802.3af PoE, making it compatible with any 802.3af-capable switch port without upgrades. Mounting options are ceiling and wall. The A63's operating temperature range is not specified in the provided data.
The B85 is built for outdoor use with IP67 dust/water ingress protection, IK10 impact resistance (20-joule rated), NEMA 4X enclosure certification, and UL Listed approval (UL 60950-1). It requires PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3 or DC 12V, demanding a PoE+ capable switch or injector—a planning consideration when upgrading existing 802.3af infrastructure. Its operating range is documented at -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F), confirming suitability for harsh climates. Mount options include wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack, and the unit weighs 1,291g (2.846 lb).
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The B85 declares ONVIF compliance across Profiles S, G, T, and Q, providing broad VMS interoperability including event handling (Profile G) and metadata streaming (Profile T). The A63 is listed as ONVIF-compliant but the specific profiles supported are not stated in the provided specs. Both cameras support H.264 compression; the A63 adds H.265 for improved bandwidth efficiency at equivalent quality, while the B85 pairs H.264 with MJPEG. On-board storage via MicroSDHC/MicroSDXC is specified for the A63; no on-board storage spec is provided for the B85.
The B85 lists edge analytics including Video Motion Detection, People Counting, and Smoke Detection. The A63's provided specs do not list any edge analytics. On audio, the A63 specifies audio input/output, and the B85 specifies two-way audio (line-in, line-out)—functionally equivalent descriptions. Both units include a single RJ-45 Ethernet port.
Which should you choose: the A63 or the B85?
Our take: The B85 is the stronger choice for any outdoor or semi-exposed installation where environmental durability, verified low-light performance, and richer analytics matter. Its IP67/IK10/NEMA 4X ratings make it the only option of the two for outdoor use, a non-negotiable spec delta. The B85's 850nm IR is documented to 40m range and achieves 0 lux in B/W mode, while the A63 publishes no IR range or minimum illumination figure, leaving performance unverifiable from spec alone. The B85 also adds edge analytics (People Counting, Smoke Detection) absent from the A63's spec sheet, and its ONVIF Profile G and T support extends VMS event and metadata integration. Conversely, the A63 is the correct selection for indoor deployments on 802.3af infrastructure—it requires only 12.95W versus the B85's PoE+ demand, offers H.265 compression for bandwidth savings, and includes documented on-board MicroSD storage. Choose the A63 for indoor, budget-PoE environments; choose the B85 wherever outdoor ratings or verified low-light specs are required.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A63 | ACTi B85 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2 MP (1080p) | 2 MP (1080p) |
| Sensor Size | — | 1/2.8 inch |
| Lens / Focal Length | Motorized 2.8–8mm (2.8x zoom) | 3.0–9mm (3x optical zoom) |
| Min. Illumination | — | 0.003 lux color; 0 lux B/W (IR on) |
| IR Range | — | 40m (850nm) |
| WDR | WDR (dB not specified) | 75 dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 1080p / 30fps | 30fps @ 1920×1080 |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264 | H.264; MJPEG |
| IP Rating | — | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | — | IK10 |
| NEMA / UL Rating | — | NEMA 4X; UL Listed (UL 60950-1) |
| Operating Temperature | — | -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F) |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE 802.3af (12.95W max) | PoE+ 802.3at Class 3 or DC 12V |
| Mount Types | Ceiling; Wall | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack |
| Edge Storage | MicroSDHC / MicroSDXC | — |
| Audio | Input / Output | Two-way (line-in, line-out) |
| Edge Analytics | — | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection |
| ONVIF Profiles | Compliant (profiles not specified) | Profile S, G, T, Q |
| Weight | — | 1,291g (2.846 lb) |
| Application | Indoor | Outdoor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A63 or the B85?
The B85 is the stronger choice for any outdoor or semi-exposed installation where environmental durability, verified low-light performance, and richer analytics matter. Its IP67/IK10/NEMA 4X ratings make it the only option of the two for outdoor use, a non-negotiable spec delta. The B85's 850nm IR is documented to 40m range and achieves 0 lux in B/W mode, while the A63 publishes no IR range or minimum illumination figure, leaving performance unverifiable from spec alone. The B85 also adds edge analytics (People Counting, Smoke Detection) absent from the A63's spec sheet, and its ONVIF Profile G and T support extends VMS event and metadata integration. Conversely, the A63 is the correct selection for indoor deployments on 802.3af infrastructure—it requires only 12.95W versus the B85's PoE+ demand, offers H.265 compression for bandwidth savings, and includes documented on-board MicroSD storage. Choose the A63 for indoor, budget-PoE environments; choose the B85 wherever outdoor ratings or verified low-light specs are required.
Is the A63 or B85 better for low-light performance?
Based on the provided specs, the B85 has a documented advantage: it specifies 0.003 lux minimum illumination in color mode and 0 lux in B/W with IR active, using 850nm emitters rated to 40m. The A63 lists IR capability but does not publish a minimum illumination value or IR range in the provided specifications, so a direct numeric comparison cannot be made.
Can I use an existing 802.3af PoE switch with the B85?
No. The B85 requires PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3 or a DC 12V supply. Standard 802.3af switches are limited to 15.4W at the port and may not reliably power the B85. The A63, drawing a maximum of 12.95W, is compatible with standard 802.3af ports.
Which camera supports more VMS platforms via ONVIF?
The B85 specifies ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and Q, covering standard streaming, recording/event, metadata, and discovery. The A63 is listed as ONVIF-compliant but the specific profiles are not stated in the provided specs, so installers should verify profile support directly with ACTi before deploying against a Profile G or T-dependent VMS.
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