ACTi A811 vs ACTi Z87: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A811 and ACTi Z87 are 4MP outdoor zoom dome cameras from the same manufacturer, making them directly cross-shoppable by installers evaluating a varifocal dome for perimeter or general surveillance. The A811 targets demanding outdoor environments requiring ruggedization and edge analytics, while the Z87 positions as a cost-accessible varifocal dome running on standard 802.3af PoE. This comparison evaluates imaging capability, environmental and installation requirements, and integration features strictly from published specifications.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 4MP resolution, but the A811 offers a wider zoom range — a 2.7–13.5mm motorized lens with 5x optical zoom versus the Z87's 2.8–12mm varifocal at 4.3x. The A811 specifies a 1/2.7-inch sensor, a minimum illumination of 0.01 lux color and 0.002 lux B/W (AGC on), and an IR range of 85m at 1.0 lux using 850nm LEDs. The Z87 lists only 'Adaptive IR; Day/Night' with no sensor size, minimum illumination value, or IR range published in the provided specifications.
WDR performance also diverges clearly. The A811 specifies 150dB Extreme WDR, a figure relevant to high-contrast scenes such as building entrances with bright backlight. The Z87 lists 'WDR' with no dB rating provided. The A811 further specifies maximum frame rates of 30 fps at up to 2688×1520, while no frame rate data is available for the Z87. The A811 adds MJPEG to its codec suite (H.265/H.264/MJPEG), whereas the Z87 supports H.265 and H.264 only.
What about installation and environment?
The A811 carries an IP68 ingress protection rating alongside IK10 impact resistance and NEMA 4X certification, making it suitable for submersion-risk locations and vandal-prone surfaces. The Z87 is rated IP67 — dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion — but no IK impact rating is listed in the provided specifications. The A811's operating temperature range is specified as -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F); no operating temperature range is published for the Z87.
On power, the A811 supports PoE+ (802.3af/802.3at Class 3) as well as DC 12V, giving installers flexibility on switch capability. The Z87 runs on standard 802.3af PoE only, which simplifies retrofit deployments on existing infrastructure but limits power headroom. The A811's mount options include wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack; the Z87's published specification lists ceiling mount only. The A811 ships with a 2m pigtail cable terminated in an RJ-45 connector.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A811 is ONVIF-compliant with Profile S, Profile G, Profile T, and Profile M. The Z87 is ONVIF-compliant with Profile S only. For VMS platforms requiring Profile T (H.265 streaming metadata) or Profile G (edge storage/replay), only the A811 qualifies based on the provided specifications.
Edge analytics are available only on the A811, which lists tampering detection, face detection, object line crossing detection, people counting, and smoke detection. No edge analytics are specified for the Z87. For audio, the A811 provides two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out connections; the Z87 includes a built-in microphone only with no line-in or line-out listed. On-board storage: the Z87 specifies a microSDHC slot; no on-board storage capability is listed for the A811 in the provided specifications.
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z87?
Our take: The A811 is the stronger choice when the installation demands maximum ruggedness, full-featured analytics, or broader VMS profile support. Three concrete spec deltas illustrate the gap: the A811's 150dB Extreme WDR versus an unrated WDR on the Z87, IP68/IK10 versus IP67 with no IK rating, and ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M versus Profile S only. The A811 also extends zoom reach (5x / 2.7–13.5mm versus 4.3x / 2.8–12mm) and adds onboard edge analytics that the Z87 does not list. The Z87's advantages are its 802.3af-only power draw — suitable for legacy PoE switches without PoE+ ports — and its listed microSDHC edge storage where local redundancy matters. Choose the Z87 for straightforward indoor-adjacent outdoor retrofits on standard PoE infrastructure where analytics and impact resistance are not requirements.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A811 | ACTi Z87 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4MP | 4MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.7 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.7–13.5mm motorized (5x optical) | 2.8–12mm varifocal (4.3x) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.01 lux (AGC on) | — |
| Min Illumination (B/W) | 0.002 lux (AGC on); 0 lux (IR on) | — |
| IR Range | 85m @ 1.0 lux | — |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm LED | Adaptive IR (wavelength not specified) |
| WDR | Extreme WDR 150dB | WDR (dB rating not specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2688×1520 | — |
| 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; DC 12V | PoE 802.3af |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S; G; T; M | Profile S |
| Edge Analytics | Tampering; Face Detection; Line Crossing; People Counting; Smoke Detection | — |
| Audio | Two-way (mic-in; line-in; line-out) | Built-in microphone only |
| Edge Storage | — | microSDHC |
| Mount Types | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack | Ceiling |
| Weight | 1060g (2.34 lb) | — |
| Certifications | CE Class B; FCC Class B; EAC; IP68; NEMA 4X; IK10; TAICS TCA Level 1 | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A811 or the Z87?
The A811 is the stronger choice when the installation demands maximum ruggedness, full-featured analytics, or broader VMS profile support. Three concrete spec deltas illustrate the gap: the A811's 150dB Extreme WDR versus an unrated WDR on the Z87, IP68/IK10 versus IP67 with no IK rating, and ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M versus Profile S only. The A811 also extends zoom reach (5x / 2.7–13.5mm versus 4.3x / 2.8–12mm) and adds onboard edge analytics that the Z87 does not list. The Z87's advantages are its 802.3af-only power draw — suitable for legacy PoE switches without PoE+ ports — and its listed microSDHC edge storage where local redundancy matters. Choose the Z87 for straightforward indoor-adjacent outdoor retrofits on standard PoE infrastructure where analytics and impact resistance are not requirements.
Is the A811 or Z87 better for low-light performance?
Based on published specifications, the A811 is better documented for low-light use: it specifies 0.01 lux color and 0.002 lux B/W minimum illumination, an 85m IR range at 1.0 lux, and 850nm IR LEDs. The Z87 lists only 'Adaptive IR; Day/Night' with no minimum illumination figure or IR range published, so a direct numerical comparison cannot be made from the available specs.
Can I power either camera from a standard 802.3af PoE switch?
The Z87 is designed for standard 802.3af PoE and will work on any compliant switch. The A811 is specified as PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3; it also lists DC 12V as an alternative input. If your existing switches are 802.3af-only and you do not have a DC 12V supply run, the Z87 is the drop-in option without switch upgrades.
Does either camera support local edge storage for network-outage recording?
The Z87 specifies a microSDHC slot for local storage. The A811 does not list any on-board storage capability in the provided specifications. If edge-buffered recording during network outages is a requirement, the Z87 has that feature; the A811 does not based on available spec data.
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