ACTi A811 vs ACTi Z82: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A811 and ACTi Z82 are 4MP outdoor zoom dome cameras from the same manufacturer, sharing a motorized varifocal lens design and PoE-powered deployment model. Buyers evaluating either model are typically specifying perimeter or general outdoor surveillance requiring remote zoom adjustment without a site revisit. This comparison examines where each camera's imaging capability, environmental hardening, and integration feature set diverge, enabling integrators and IT buyers to match the right unit to their project's physical environment, power infrastructure, and VMS requirements.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 4MP resolution, but the A811 provides more detail on lens range and sensor performance. The A811 uses a 2.7–13.5mm motorized zoom (5x optical) paired with a 1/2.7-inch sensor, achieving a maximum frame rate of 30 fps at 2688×1520. Minimum illumination is rated at 0.01 lux color (AGC on) and 0.002 lux B/W (AGC on), dropping to 0 lux with IR active. The Z82 uses a 2.7–12mm motorized zoom (4.4x optical), and its maximum documented frame rate is 30 fps at 1080p (1920×1080). Sensor size, minimum illumination values, and native maximum resolution for the Z82 are not specified in the provided data.
IR performance similarly favors the A811 in documented terms. The A811 specifies an 850nm IR illuminator with an 85m range at 1.0 lux and explicitly rates WDR at 150dB Extreme WDR. The Z82 lists Extreme WDR and IR/Day-Night capability but provides no IR wavelength, IR range distance, or WDR dB figure in the available specifications. Both units support H.265 and H.264 compression; the A811 additionally supports MJPEG while the Z82 does not list MJPEG support.
What about installation and environment?
The A811 carries an IP68 ingress protection rating alongside NEMA 4X and IK10 impact resistance, making it suitable for submersion and vandal-exposed mounting. The A811 operates across -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F) and is powered by PoE+ (802.3at Class 3) or DC 12V, with a unit weight of 1060g (2.34 lb). Approved mount types include wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack, connected via a 2m pigtail cable with RJ-45 connector. Certifications include CE Class B, FCC Class B, EAC, and Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification Level 1.
The Z82 is rated IP67, which covers dust-tight and temporary immersion protection but not the sustained submersion covered by IP68. The Z82 does not carry a documented IK (impact resistance) rating in the provided specifications. It draws up to 15W over standard PoE (802.3af) — a lower power budget than the A811's PoE+ requirement — and mount types are limited to ceiling and wall. Operating temperature range, unit dimensions, weight, and additional certifications are not specified for the Z82 in the available data. On-board MicroSD/MicroSDXC local storage is listed for the Z82 but not for the A811.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A811 supports ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M, offering the broadest VMS compatibility of the two units and including Profile G for on-camera recording and Profile M for metadata/analytics stream support. It includes two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out connections. Edge analytics on the A811 are documented as tampering detection, face detection, object line crossing detection, people counting, and smoke detection. The Z82 supports ONVIF Profile S and T only; Profile G (edge recording) and Profile M (metadata) are not listed. Audio on the Z82 is limited to a built-in microphone with no line-in or line-out specified, and no edge analytics capabilities are listed in the provided specifications.
On-board storage is an advantage exclusive to the Z82 in this comparison: MicroSD/MicroSDXC is listed, which allows local buffering or standalone recording without NVR dependency. The A811 does not list any on-board storage in the provided specifications. Buyers running analytics-forward deployments or needing metadata streams for VMS integration will find the A811's Profile M support and edge analytics library directly relevant; buyers prioritizing low-cost, recorder-free edge buffering may find the Z82's MicroSD slot valuable where the NVR connection is intermittent.
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z82?
Our take: The A811 is the stronger choice when hardening, analytics depth, or full ONVIF profile coverage are project requirements. On documented specs, the A811 exceeds the Z82 in three concrete areas: ingress protection (IP68 + NEMA 4X vs. IP67), impact resistance (IK10 rated vs. no IK rating listed), and IR range (85m documented vs. not specified for Z82). The A811 also provides a wider zoom range (5x / 2.7–13.5mm vs. 4.4x / 2.7–12mm), higher native resolution output (2688×1520 vs. 1080p max documented), ONVIF Profile G and M support absent from the Z82, two-way audio versus microphone-only, and onboard edge analytics. The Z82 holds an advantage in power budget — 802.3af at 15W versus PoE+ (802.3at) required by the A811 — and is the only model listing on-board MicroSD storage. Specify the Z82 where switch ports are 802.3af-only and local buffering is needed; specify the A811 where environmental hardening, analytics, or full ONVIF metadata streaming is required.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A811 | ACTi Z82 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4MP | 4MP |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2688×1520 | 30 fps @ 1080p |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.7 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.7–13.5mm motorized (5x optical) | 2.7–12mm motorized (4.4x optical) |
| Min Illumination | 0.01 lux color; 0.002 lux B/W; 0 lux (IR on) | — |
| IR Illuminator | 850nm LED, 85m range | IR (wavelength and range not specified) |
| WDR | Extreme WDR (150dB) | Extreme WDR (dB value not specified) |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP68 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| NEMA Rating | NEMA 4X | — |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F) | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ (802.3at Class 3) or DC 12V | PoE (802.3af), 15W |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, T, M | Profile S, T |
| Edge Analytics | Tampering; Face Detection; Line Crossing; People Counting; Smoke Detection | — |
| Audio | Two-way (mic-in; line-in; line-out) | Built-in microphone only |
| On-Board Storage | — | MicroSD / MicroSDXC |
| Mount Types | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack | Ceiling; Wall |
| Weight | 1060g (2.34 lb) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z82?
The A811 is the stronger choice when hardening, analytics depth, or full ONVIF profile coverage are project requirements. On documented specs, the A811 exceeds the Z82 in three concrete areas: ingress protection (IP68 + NEMA 4X vs. IP67), impact resistance (IK10 rated vs. no IK rating listed), and IR range (85m documented vs. not specified for Z82). The A811 also provides a wider zoom range (5x / 2.7–13.5mm vs. 4.4x / 2.7–12mm), higher native resolution output (2688×1520 vs. 1080p max documented), ONVIF Profile G and M support absent from the Z82, two-way audio versus microphone-only, and onboard edge analytics. The Z82 holds an advantage in power budget — 802.3af at 15W versus PoE+ (802.3at) required by the A811 — and is the only model listing on-board MicroSD storage. Specify the Z82 where switch ports are 802.3af-only and local buffering is needed; specify the A811 where environmental hardening, analytics, or full ONVIF metadata streaming is required.
Is the A811 or Z82 better for low-light performance?
Based on available specifications, the A811 provides more documented low-light data: minimum illumination of 0.01 lux color and 0.002 lux B/W (AGC on), dropping to 0 lux with its 850nm IR illuminator active at up to 85m range. The Z82 lists IR and Day/Night operation but provides no lux figures, IR wavelength, or IR distance in the supplied specifications, so a direct numerical comparison cannot be made from the available data.
Can I power either camera from a standard 802.3af PoE switch?
The Z82 is powered by standard PoE (802.3af) at up to 15W, which is compatible with any 802.3af-capable switch port. The A811 requires PoE+ (802.3at Class 3), which delivers up to 30W; a standard 802.3af-only switch port will not reliably power it. If your existing infrastructure is 802.3af-only and cannot be upgraded, the Z82 is the compatible choice.
Does either camera support on-board recording without an NVR?
The Z82 lists MicroSD/MicroSDXC storage in its specifications, enabling local edge buffering or standalone recording. The A811 does not list any on-board storage in the provided specifications; however, it supports ONVIF Profile G, which enables on-camera recording to a compatible NVR or edge device using that profile. Neither camera's specifications detail maximum supported SD card capacity or recording modes beyond what is stated above.
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.