ACTi A713 vs ACTi A86: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A713 and ACTi A86 are 5MP outdoor dome cameras from the same manufacturer, sharing IP66/IK10 enclosures and H.265/H.264/MJPEG compression. The A713 is a hemispheric dome delivering a 197° fisheye field of view for wide-area coverage, while the A86 is a varifocal zoom dome with a 2.7–13.5mm motorized lens for adjustable depth of coverage. Buyers evaluating these are typically choosing between panoramic situational awareness and targeted zoom capability at the same resolution tier.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The A713 uses a 1/2.7" sensor with a fixed 1.1mm board-mount lens producing a 197° hemispheric field of view at up to 30 fps in 1920×1920 or 60 fps at 1408×1408. Its WDR is rated at 135dB and minimum color illumination is 0.01 lux at F2.4, dropping to 0 lux with IR active. IR range is 20m using 700–1100nm LED illuminators. The A86 uses a slightly smaller 1/2.8" sensor paired with a 2.7–13.5mm motorized 5× optical zoom lens, capped at 30 fps in 2592×1944. Its WDR is rated at 125dB and minimum color illumination is 0.018 lux, also reaching 0 lux with IR on.
In practical imaging terms, the A713 offers a 10dB WDR advantage (135dB vs. 125dB) and slightly better color sensitivity (0.01 lux vs. 0.018 lux), though both reach 0 lux in IR mode. The A86 extends IR reach to 30m versus the A713's 20m, which is meaningful for longer corridors or perimeter lanes. The A86's motorized zoom allows post-install remote focus adjustment, whereas the A713's 1.1mm fixed lens cannot be redirected — its coverage strategy is entirely dependent on the hemispheric field of view rather than optical zoom.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras carry identical IP66 and IK10 ratings, making them equally resistant to dust ingress, water jets, and mechanical impact. Mounting options are identical across both: wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack. The A86 specifies physical dimensions of 139.38mm × 129.75mm (Ø × H) and ships with a 2m cable; the A713 does not publish dimensions in the provided specs but weighs 557.5g (1.23 lb), while the A86's weight is not specified.
The operating temperature ranges differ meaningfully. The A713 operates from -30°C to 55°C with its heater active, while the A86 extends the cold floor to -40°C — a 10°C advantage in extreme cold climates. However, the A713's upper limit of 55°C is 5°C higher than the A86's 50°C ceiling, giving the A713 an edge in high-heat deployments. On power, the A713 requires PoE+ (802.3at) Class 0, while the A86 runs on standard PoE (802.3af) Class 3 at 13W — the A86 is compatible with a broader installed base of 802.3af switches without needing PoE+ ports or injectors.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A713 supports ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and M, while the A86 supports ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and Q. Profile M (IoT metadata) on the A713 and Profile Q (quick installation/zero-config) on the A86 are the distinguishing differences; neither model's on-board storage capability is specified in the provided specs for either unit.
On edge analytics, the A86 is notably richer: it includes VMD, People Counting, and Smoke Detection. The A713 lists only VMD (Motion Detection). Audio is two-way on both, with the A713 providing line-in and line-out and the A86 adding a mic-in input alongside line-in and line-out. Additional certifications also differ: the A86 carries EAC (Eurasian Conformity) in addition to CE and FCC Class A, while the A713 holds CE and FCC Class A only.
Which should you choose: the A713 or the A86?
Our take: The A713 is the stronger choice when wide-area situational awareness, superior WDR, and a higher upper operating temperature are the priorities; the A86 is the stronger choice when targeted zoom coverage, broader PoE compatibility, colder cold-weather deployment, or richer on-camera analytics are required. Key spec deltas: the A713's WDR is 135dB versus the A86's 125dB; the A713 demands PoE+ (802.3at) while the A86 runs on standard 802.3af at 13W, lowering infrastructure cost; and the A86 reaches -40°C versus the A713's -30°C floor. The A86 also adds People Counting and Smoke Detection analytics absent on the A713, and extends IR to 30m versus 20m. Choose the A713 for open-floor panoramic coverage where a single fisheye replaces multiple fixed cameras; choose the A86 for entry points, corridors, or perimeters where motorized zoom and standard PoE switching are in place.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A713 | ACTi A86 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP | 5MP (2592×1944) |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.7" | 1/2.8" |
| Lens / Focal Length | 1.1mm fixed, 197° hemispheric | 2.7–13.5mm motorized 5× optical zoom |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.01 lux @ F2.4 | 0.018 lux |
| Min Illumination (IR on) | 0 lux | 0 lux |
| IR Range | 20m | 30m |
| WDR | 135dB Extreme WDR | 125dB Extreme WDR |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 1920×1920; 60 fps @ 1408×1408 | 30 fps @ 2592×1944 |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264; MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 55°C (heater active) | -40°C to 50°C |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ (802.3at) Class 0; DC 12V | PoE (802.3af) Class 3 (13W); DC 12V |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, T, M | S, G, T, Q |
| Edge Analytics | VMD (Motion Detection) | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection |
| Audio | Two-way: Line-in, Line-out | Two-way: Mic-in, Line-in, Line-out |
| Certifications | CE Class A; FCC Class A; IP66; IK10 | CE Class A; FCC Class A; EAC; IP66; IK10 |
| Weight | 557.5g (1.23 lb) | — |
| Dimensions (Ø × H) | — | 139.38mm × 129.75mm (5.48" × 5.10") |
| Warranty | 3 Years | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A713 or the A86?
The A713 is the stronger choice when wide-area situational awareness, superior WDR, and a higher upper operating temperature are the priorities; the A86 is the stronger choice when targeted zoom coverage, broader PoE compatibility, colder cold-weather deployment, or richer on-camera analytics are required. Key spec deltas: the A713's WDR is 135dB versus the A86's 125dB; the A713 demands PoE+ (802.3at) while the A86 runs on standard 802.3af at 13W, lowering infrastructure cost; and the A86 reaches -40°C versus the A713's -30°C floor. The A86 also adds People Counting and Smoke Detection analytics absent on the A713, and extends IR to 30m versus 20m. Choose the A713 for open-floor panoramic coverage where a single fisheye replaces multiple fixed cameras; choose the A86 for entry points, corridors, or perimeters where motorized zoom and standard PoE switching are in place.
Is the A713 or A86 better for low-light performance?
Both cameras reach 0 lux with IR active. In color/low-light mode before IR engages, the A713 has a slight edge at 0.01 lux versus the A86's 0.018 lux. However, the A86's IR illuminators reach 30m compared to the A713's 20m, so for longer distances in darkness the A86 covers more ground.
Can I use the A86 with my existing 802.3af PoE switch?
Yes. The A86 is rated for PoE Class 3 (802.3af) at 13W and is compatible with standard 802.3af switches. The A713 requires PoE+ (802.3at) Class 0, so it needs either a PoE+ switch port or a PoE+ injector — standard 802.3af ports may not supply sufficient power.
Which camera is better suited for very cold outdoor environments?
The A86 is rated down to -40°C, giving it a 10°C cold-weather advantage over the A713's -30°C lower limit. For installations in northern climates or unheated enclosures where temperatures regularly drop below -30°C, the A86's operating range is the better fit.
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.

