ACTi A810 vs ACTi A87: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A810 and ACTi A87 are 5MP outdoor zoom dome cameras targeting perimeter and wide-area surveillance deployments. They share the same resolution class, dome form factor, H.265/H.264/MJPEG compression, IP66/IK10 environmental ratings, and PoE-powered single-cable installation. The comparison centers on meaningful differentiators: zoom range and IR reach, WDR performance tier, cold-weather tolerance, certifications, analytics capability, and VMS protocol support—all of which affect site suitability and total integration cost.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The A810 carries a 1/2.7" sensor with a 2.7–13.5 mm motorized zoom lens delivering 5× optical zoom, while the A87 uses a 1/2.9" sensor with a 2.8–12 mm varifocal lens. ACTi's own spec sheets list the A87 lens as 3× optical zoom in one field and 4.3× in another; taking the focal-length ratio as definitive (12 ÷ 2.8 ≈ 4.3×), the A810 still provides the longer reach at 5×. Both cameras deliver 30 fps at 5 MP and at 1920×1080 and 1280×720. The A810's minimum color illumination is 0.018 lux versus 0.15 lux for the A87, giving the A810 a meaningful low-light sensitivity advantage before IR activates. Both reach 0 lux with IR on.
WDR is a clear differentiator: the A810 is specified at 150 dB (Extreme WDR) versus the A87's 120 dB (Advanced WDR). In mixed-lighting scenes such as lobby entrances or vehicle gates, those 30 dB represent a substantial step up in dynamic range capability. IR range also separates the two: the A810 specifies 15 m adaptive IR, while the A87 specifies 30 m IR range—double the distance—making the A87 better suited for longer unlit corridors or open yards where targets appear farther from the camera.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras are rated IP66 and IK10, confirming dust-tight, jet-water-resistant, and vandal-resistant enclosures. The A87 adds NEMA 4X and UL 62368-1 (UL Listed) certifications alongside CE, FCC, EAC, and CB marks; the A810's spec sheet does not list NEMA 4X or UL certification. NEMA 4X matters for US industrial and government bids that mandate it, and UL listing is required by some AHJs and insurers. The A87's operating temperature floor extends to −40°C (−40°F), 10°C colder than the A810's −30°C (−22°F) lower limit—a meaningful difference for northern climates or unheated enclosures.
Power input differs: the A810 is powered by PoE 802.3af Class 3 (under 13 W) or DC 12V. The A87's spec sheet lists PoE+ 802.3at in one field but also references PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af) in another field, and a separate wattage field lists 30 W max—buyers should verify the actual power draw with ACTi before selecting a switch budget. Both cameras accept DC 12V as an alternative. Mount options differ slightly: the A87 adds a pole-mount and corner-mount option not listed for the A810, which may reduce accessory spend on typical perimeter poles. The A87 also ships with a 2 m cable connector and weighs 858 g (1.892 lb); the A810's weight is not specified in the provided data.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras are ONVIF-compliant across Profile S, G, Q, and T. The A87 additionally lists Pelco-D and Pelco-P protocol support, which matters for sites running legacy Pelco-based VMS platforms or hybrid analog-IP migrations. The A810 adds ONVIF Profile M (which addresses metadata streaming for analytics interoperability), not listed for the A87. On the analytics side, the A810 specifies a dedicated DLPU (Deep Learning Processing Unit) enabling deep-learning-based analytics in addition to VMD. The A87 lists VMD and People Counting but does not reference a DLPU; whether its People Counting is deep-learning-based is not stated in the provided specs.
Both cameras support two-way audio. The A87's audio spec explicitly lists Mic-in, Line-in, and Line-out inputs, while the A810 lists line-in and line-out; the A87 therefore provides a direct microphone input without an external preamp. Neither camera's provided spec data confirms onboard SD card storage for either model—buyers requiring edge recording should verify with ACTi before committing to either unit. The A87 also lists PTZ pan (±135°), tilt (0°–90°), and rotation (±90°) ranges and a manual GPS position setting, suggesting motorized positioning capability beyond a fixed varifocal; the A810 spec does not reference pan/tilt drive or GPS.
Which should you choose: the A810 or the A87?
Our take: The A810 is the stronger choice when image quality in challenging lighting is the primary driver: its 150 dB WDR outperforms the A87's 120 dB, its minimum color illumination is 0.018 lux versus the A87's 0.15 lux, and its 5× motorized zoom reaches farther than the A87's nominal zoom range. Conversely, the A87 is the stronger choice for harsh-environment and regulated deployments: it operates to −40°C versus the A810's −30°C floor, carries NEMA 4X and UL 62368-1 certifications not listed for the A810, offers double the IR range at 30 m versus 15 m, and includes Pelco-D/P protocol support for legacy VMS integration. Choose the A810 for high-contrast imaging and deep-learning analytics on standard outdoor sites with 802.3af infrastructure; choose the A87 for extreme cold, regulated facilities, long-range IR coverage, or Pelco-based control systems.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A810 | ACTi A87 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5 MP | 5 MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.7" | 1/2.9" |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.7–13.5 mm (5× optical zoom) | 2.8–12 mm (3× / 4.3× optical zoom per spec field) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.018 lux (30 IRE) | 0.15 lux |
| Min Illumination (B/W with IR) | 0 lux | 0 lux |
| IR Range | 15 m | 30 m |
| WDR | 150 dB (Extreme WDR) | 120 dB (Advanced WDR) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 5 MP | 30 fps @ 5 MP |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Additional Enclosure Ratings | — | NEMA 4X |
| Certifications | Not specified in provided data | CE Class A; FCC Class A; EAC; CB; UL Listed (UL 62368-1) |
| Operating Temperature | −30°C to +50°C (−22°F to 122°F) | −40°C to +50°C (−40°F to 122°F) |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE 802.3af Class 3 (under 13 W); DC 12V | PoE+ 802.3at listed / also 802.3af Class 3 listed; DC 12V (verify with ACTi) |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, Q, T, M | Profile S, G, Q, T |
| Legacy VMS Protocols | — | Pelco-D; Pelco-P |
| Edge Analytics | Deep Learning (DLPU); VMD | VMD; People Counting |
| Audio | Two-way (line-in, line-out) | Two-way (Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out) |
| Mount Options | Wall; Pendant; Rack | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack |
| Weight | Not specified | 858 g (1.892 lb) |
| Warranty | 3 years | Not specified in provided data |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A810 or the A87?
The A810 is the stronger choice when image quality in challenging lighting is the primary driver: its 150 dB WDR outperforms the A87's 120 dB, its minimum color illumination is 0.018 lux versus the A87's 0.15 lux, and its 5× motorized zoom reaches farther than the A87's nominal zoom range. Conversely, the A87 is the stronger choice for harsh-environment and regulated deployments: it operates to −40°C versus the A810's −30°C floor, carries NEMA 4X and UL 62368-1 certifications not listed for the A810, offers double the IR range at 30 m versus 15 m, and includes Pelco-D/P protocol support for legacy VMS integration. Choose the A810 for high-contrast imaging and deep-learning analytics on standard outdoor sites with 802.3af infrastructure; choose the A87 for extreme cold, regulated facilities, long-range IR coverage, or Pelco-based control systems.
Is the A810 or A87 better for low-light performance?
The A810 has a lower minimum color illumination at 0.018 lux versus 0.15 lux for the A87, meaning it captures usable color images in darker conditions before IR kicks in. Both cameras reach 0 lux with IR active. However, the A87's IR range extends to 30 m compared to the A810's 15 m, so for longer unlit distances the A87 illuminates more of the scene. For sensitivity near the camera, the A810 has the edge; for reach in darkness, the A87 covers more ground.
Which camera is better suited for cold-weather or industrial sites?
The A87 is rated to −40°C (−40°F), 10°C colder than the A810's −30°C lower limit. It also carries NEMA 4X and UL 62368-1 (UL Listed) certifications not specified for the A810. If your site is in a northern climate, involves unheated outdoor enclosures, or requires NEMA or UL compliance for permitting or insurance purposes, the A87 is the appropriate choice.
Can either camera integrate with a Pelco-based VMS?
Yes, but only the A87 explicitly lists Pelco-D and Pelco-P protocol support in its provided specifications. The A810 is listed as ONVIF Profile S, G, Q, T, and M compliant but does not reference Pelco protocol support in the available spec data. For sites running Pelco Digital or Pelco P legacy systems, the A87 is the confirmed option; verify directly with ACTi whether the A810 supports Pelco protocols before assuming ONVIF alone will suffice.
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