ACTi A811 vs ACTi Z813: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A811 and ACTi Z813 are 4MP outdoor zoom dome cameras designed for perimeter and surveillance deployments where motorized varifocal optics are required. They share the same resolution class, form factor, and general application but diverge meaningfully in lens range, ingress protection, impact rating, IR reach, analytics depth, and power architecture. This comparison gives installers and IT buyers a spec-level breakdown to determine which unit better matches their site conditions, infrastructure, and integration stack.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The A811 uses a 1/2.7-inch sensor with a 2.7–13.5mm motorized lens delivering 5x optical zoom, while the Z813 uses a 1/3-inch sensor with a 2.8–12mm motorized lens rated at 4.3x optical zoom. The A811's larger sensor format and longer focal reach give it a meaningful advantage in capturing detail at distance—85m IR range versus the Z813's 40m—making it more suitable for large open-area perimeter coverage where subject size and range are critical.
On low-light performance, the A811 reaches 0.01 lux color and 0.002 lux B/W with IR on, compared to the Z813's 0.003 lux color at F1.6 with IR on. The Z813's f/1.6 fixed iris lens admits more light at baseline, yielding slightly better passive color sensitivity, but both cameras reach 0 lux in IR B/W mode. The A811 specifies 150dB Extreme WDR versus the Z813's unquantified WDR rating, giving the A811 a documentable edge in high-contrast scenes such as building entrances with direct sunlight and shadow. Maximum frame rate for the A811 is 30fps at 2688×1520; the Z813's maximum frame rate is not specified in the provided data.
What about installation and environment?
The A811 carries IP68 and IK10 ratings alongside NEMA 4X, meaning it is rated for continuous submersion and withstands 20-joule vandal impacts—appropriate for high-risk mounting positions or flood-prone environments. The Z813 is rated IP67, protecting against temporary immersion, but no IK rating is provided in the supplied specifications, so impact resistance cannot be confirmed. Installers specifying vandal-rated equipment should note this gap.
The A811 operates from -30°C to 60°C and accepts DC 12V or PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af/at). The Z813 operates from -40°C to 60°C, giving it a 10°C advantage at the cold end—a meaningful difference for unheated northern installations. The A811 uses a 2m pigtail cable with RJ-45 termination; the Z813 uses a direct RJ-45 connector. Both are dome form factors. The A811 supports wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack mounting; the Z813's provided specs list board mount with pole, wall, and ceiling compatibility, but detailed accessory mount options are not specified.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A811 is ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M compliant, covering a broad range of VMS integration scenarios including edge recording (Profile G) and metadata streaming (Profile M). The Z813 is listed as ONVIF-compliant and compatible with Milestone, Genetec, and exacqVISION, but specific ONVIF profiles are not stated in the provided specifications. Buyers with strict profile requirements—particularly Profile G for edge storage or Profile T for H.265 metadata—should verify Z813 profile support with ACTi before specifying.
On edge analytics, the A811 includes tampering detection, face detection, object line crossing, people counting, and smoke detection. The Z813's provided specifications do not list any onboard analytics. Both cameras support two-way audio with line-in and line-out; the A811 additionally lists a dedicated mic-in port, while the Z813 includes a built-in microphone. The A811 specifies H.265, H.264, and MJPEG compression; the Z813 specifies H.265 Adaptive Stream and H.264 Adaptive Stream, but MJPEG is not listed. Onboard edge storage capability is not specified for either model in the provided data.
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z813?
Our take: The A811 is the stronger choice when site requirements demand longer IR reach, confirmed vandal resistance, deeper edge analytics, or broader ONVIF profile coverage. Its 85m IR range versus the Z813's 40m doubles effective night-time coverage distance; its IP68/IK10/NEMA 4X ratings versus the Z813's IP67 (no IK rating provided) make it the defensible option for exposed or high-risk mounting positions; and its five confirmed ONVIF profiles versus the Z813's unspecified profiles reduce integration risk on demanding VMS platforms. The Z813 holds two specific advantages: its -40°C cold-temperature rating outperforms the A811's -30°C floor by 10 degrees, making it the better fit for extreme-cold unheated enclosures, and its f/1.6 iris delivers slightly better passive color sensitivity in borderline ambient light. Specify the A811 where coverage distance, vandal rating, and analytics are primary; specify the Z813 where extreme cold or passive low-light color is the deciding constraint and analytics are handled upstream.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A811 | ACTi Z813 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4MP | 4MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.7 inch | 1/3 inch Progressive Scan CMOS |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.7–13.5mm motorized (5x optical) | 2.8–12mm motorized (4.3x optical) |
| Lens Aperture | Not specified | f/1.6 fixed iris |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.01 lux (AGC on) | 0.003 lux @ F1.6 (AGC on) |
| Min Illumination (B/W / IR on) | 0.002 lux (AGC on); 0 lux (IR on) | 0 lux (IR LED on) |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm | 850nm adaptive IR |
| IR Range | 85m (1.0 lux) | 40m |
| WDR | Extreme WDR 150dB | WDR (level not specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps @ 2688×1520 | Not specified |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265 Adaptive Stream; H.264 Adaptive Stream |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | Not specified |
| NEMA Rating | NEMA 4X | Not specified |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F) | -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F) |
| Power Input | DC 12V; PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af/at) | Not specified |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, T, M | ONVIF-compliant (specific profiles not specified) |
| Edge Analytics | Tampering Detection; Face Detection; Line Crossing; People Counting; Smoke Detection | Not specified |
| Audio | Two-way; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | Two-way; Built-in microphone; Line-in; Line-out |
| Weight | 1060g (2.34 lb) | Not specified |
| Mount Types | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack | Board mount (pole, wall, ceiling compatible) |
| Cybersecurity Certification | Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Cert. Level 1 (TAICS, TCA) | Not specified |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z813?
The A811 is the stronger choice when site requirements demand longer IR reach, confirmed vandal resistance, deeper edge analytics, or broader ONVIF profile coverage. Its 85m IR range versus the Z813's 40m doubles effective night-time coverage distance; its IP68/IK10/NEMA 4X ratings versus the Z813's IP67 (no IK rating provided) make it the defensible option for exposed or high-risk mounting positions; and its five confirmed ONVIF profiles versus the Z813's unspecified profiles reduce integration risk on demanding VMS platforms. The Z813 holds two specific advantages: its -40°C cold-temperature rating outperforms the A811's -30°C floor by 10 degrees, making it the better fit for extreme-cold unheated enclosures, and its f/1.6 iris delivers slightly better passive color sensitivity in borderline ambient light. Specify the A811 where coverage distance, vandal rating, and analytics are primary; specify the Z813 where extreme cold or passive low-light color is the deciding constraint and analytics are handled upstream.
Is the A811 or Z813 better for low-light performance?
It depends on the scenario. The Z813's f/1.6 fixed iris passes more light passively, giving it a slight edge in borderline ambient color sensitivity (0.003 lux color vs the A811's 0.01 lux color). However, the A811's IR system reaches 85m versus the Z813's 40m, making it substantially more capable in true darkness over distance. For wide, unlit perimeters, the A811's IR range is the dominant factor; for tight, dimly lit spaces where IR is supplemental, the Z813's lens aperture is advantageous.
Can the A811 or Z813 handle extreme cold climates without an enclosure heater?
The Z813 is rated to -40°C, giving it a 10-degree advantage over the A811's -30°C lower limit. For installations in northern regions, unheated outdoor enclosures, or cold-storage facilities where ambient temperatures regularly fall below -30°C, the Z813 is the specified choice. The A811's rating is adequate for most temperate and sub-arctic deployments but should not be relied upon in environments that regularly reach or exceed its -30°C floor.
Which camera is better suited for high-security or vandal-prone locations?
The A811 is the clear specification for vandal-prone environments. It carries an IK10 impact rating—the highest standardized level, rated for 20-joule impacts—plus IP68 submersion protection and NEMA 4X certification. The Z813's provided specifications do not include an IK rating, so its mechanical impact resistance cannot be confirmed from the available data. Installers specifying vandal-rated equipment for exposed mounting positions, parking structures, or public-facing installations should select the A811 or verify Z813 impact resistance directly with ACTi.
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