ACTi A811 vs ACTi Z86: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A811 and ACTi Z86 are 4MP outdoor zoom dome cameras from the same manufacturer, targeting perimeter and general surveillance installations where motorized varifocal lenses allow remote focal adjustment without physical access. The A811 is positioned as a higher-specification model with a wider zoom range, deeper ingress protection, and onboard analytics, while the Z86 targets budget-conscious deployments requiring standard PoE and simpler integration. This comparison examines imaging, installation, and integration specs to help installers and IT buyers allocate each unit to the right application.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 4MP resolution at 30 fps, but their lens and sensor implementations differ meaningfully. The A811 uses a 2.7–13.5mm motorized zoom lens providing 5x optical zoom, backed by a 1/2.7-inch sensor with a specified minimum illumination of 0.01 lux color and 0.002 lux B/W with AGC on, dropping to 0 lux with IR active. Its 850nm IR illuminators carry a rated range of 85m at 1.0 lux. The A811 also supports three resolution modes at 30 fps: 2688×1520, 2560×1440, and 1920×1080. The Z86 uses a 2.8–12mm motorized varifocal lens (f/1.6 aperture, 4.3x zoom). Minimum illumination figures, sensor size, and IR range are not specified in the provided Z86 data.
WDR performance is a clear differentiator: the A811 specifies Extreme WDR at 150dB, a quantified figure useful for high-contrast scenes such as building entrances with direct sunlight. The Z86 lists only 'WDR' with no dB rating provided. Video compression also differs: the A811 supports H.265, H.264, and MJPEG, while the Z86 supports only H.265 and H.264. MJPEG availability on the A811 can benefit legacy VMS platforms that do not decode H.26x streams natively.
What about installation and environment?
Ingress protection differs by one IP level: the A811 is rated IP68 (continuous submersion beyond 1m, per IEC 60529) and additionally carries NEMA 4X certification, making it suitable for wash-down environments and locations subject to standing water. The Z86 is rated IP67 (temporary immersion up to 1m). Both cameras share IK10 impact resistance. Operating temperature ranges are similar but not identical: the A811 is rated –30°C to 60°C, while the Z86 extends the cold-end rating to –40°C, offering an advantage in extreme cold-climate deployments.
Power requirements represent a significant installation difference. The A811 requires PoE+ (802.3at, Class 3), meaning existing 802.3af-only switches must be upgraded or supplemented with a midspan injector; it also accepts DC 12V. The Z86 operates on standard PoE (802.3af) at under 13W, compatible with any 802.3af switch without infrastructure changes. Mounting options are broader on the A811, which lists wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack mounts; the Z86 supports ceiling, wall, and pendant. Both ship as dome form-factor units. The A811 connects via a 2m pigtail cable with RJ-45 connector; the Z86 connector type is not specified in the provided data.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A811 carries explicit ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M compliance, providing the broadest interoperability coverage across modern VMS platforms. The Z86 is described as 'ONVIF-compatible' with 'vendor-specific integrations,' but specific profile certifications (S, G, T, M) are not listed in the provided specifications. For procurement requiring confirmed multi-profile ONVIF conformance, the A811 offers verifiable documentation; the Z86's compatibility level cannot be confirmed from available data.
Edge analytics are available only on the A811, which lists tampering detection, face detection, object line crossing detection, people counting, and smoke detection as onboard functions, reducing reliance on server-side video analytics licenses. The Z86 provides no analytics capabilities in the supplied specifications. Audio also separates the two: the A811 supports two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out connections, enabling intercoms or speaker integration. The Z86 includes only a built-in microphone with no line-level inputs or outputs and no mention of two-way audio. On-board storage is exclusive to the Z86, which includes a microSDHC card slot for edge recording; no local storage option is listed for the A811.
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z86?
Our take: The A811 is the stronger choice when image quality, analytics, and environmental resilience are the primary requirements. Spec-for-spec: the A811's WDR is rated at a quantified 150dB versus an unquantified 'WDR' on the Z86; its IR range is specified at 85m versus no figure provided for the Z86; and it delivers confirmed ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M compliance versus unspecified profile coverage on the Z86. Additionally, the A811 carries IP68/NEMA 4X versus the Z86's IP67, and onboard analytics including people counting and smoke detection versus none on the Z86. The Z86 holds two practical advantages: it runs on standard 802.3af PoE (under 13W) without switch upgrades, and its –40°C cold-end rating extends to harsher cold climates than the A811's –30°C floor. It also offers a microSDHC slot for edge storage absent on the A811. Choose the Z86 where existing 802.3af infrastructure, extreme cold, or local card storage are hard constraints.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A811 | ACTi Z86 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4MP | 4MP |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.7–13.5mm motorized (5x optical) | 2.8–12mm motorized varifocal (4.3x, f/1.6) |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.7 inch | — |
| Min Illumination | 0.01 lux color; 0.002 lux B/W (AGC on); 0 lux (IR on) | — |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm | IR (wavelength not specified) |
| IR Range | 85m (at 1.0 lux) | — |
| WDR | Extreme WDR (150dB) | WDR (dB not specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2688×1520 / 2560×1440 / 1920×1080 | 30 fps @ 1440p |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP68 / NEMA 4X | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | –30°C to 60°C (–22°F to 140°F) | –40°C to 60°C (–40°F to 140°F) |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ 802.3at Class 3; DC 12V | PoE 802.3af (under 13W) |
| Edge Storage | — | MicroSDHC card slot |
| Audio | Two-way; mic-in; line-in; line-out | Built-in microphone only |
| ONVIF | Profile S, G, T, M | ONVIF-compatible (profiles not specified) |
| Edge Analytics | Tampering; Face Detection; Line Crossing; People Counting; Smoke Detection | — |
| Mount Types | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack | Ceiling; Wall; Pendant |
| Weight | 1060g (2.34 lb) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z86?
The A811 is the stronger choice when image quality, analytics, and environmental resilience are the primary requirements. Spec-for-spec: the A811's WDR is rated at a quantified 150dB versus an unquantified 'WDR' on the Z86; its IR range is specified at 85m versus no figure provided for the Z86; and it delivers confirmed ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M compliance versus unspecified profile coverage on the Z86. Additionally, the A811 carries IP68/NEMA 4X versus the Z86's IP67, and onboard analytics including people counting and smoke detection versus none on the Z86. The Z86 holds two practical advantages: it runs on standard 802.3af PoE (under 13W) without switch upgrades, and its –40°C cold-end rating extends to harsher cold climates than the A811's –30°C floor. It also offers a microSDHC slot for edge storage absent on the A811. Choose the Z86 where existing 802.3af infrastructure, extreme cold, or local card storage are hard constraints.
Is the A811 or Z86 better for low-light performance?
Based on available specs, the A811 provides quantified low-light figures: 0.01 lux color and 0.002 lux B/W with AGC on, reaching 0 lux with 850nm IR active, and an IR range of 85m at 1.0 lux. The Z86 lists IR capability but provides no minimum illumination values or IR range in the supplied specifications, so a direct numerical comparison cannot be made.
Can I power both cameras from a standard 802.3af PoE switch?
No. The A811 requires PoE+ (802.3at, Class 3), so a standard 802.3af-only switch cannot power it without a PoE+ midspan injector or switch upgrade. The Z86 operates on standard PoE (802.3af) at under 13W and is compatible with existing 802.3af infrastructure without changes.
Does either camera support on-board edge recording without an NVR?
Only the Z86 includes a microSDHC card slot for local edge storage. The A811 does not list any on-board storage option in the provided specifications. If continuous recording resilience during network outages is required and no NVR is present, the Z86 has a clear advantage on this single point.
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