ACTi A86 vs ACTi B81: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A86 and ACTi B81 are 5MP outdoor zoom dome cameras targeting perimeter and entry-point surveillance. They share the same resolution class, dome form factor, outdoor rating, and motorized zoom architecture, making them direct cross-shop candidates for integrators specifying varifocal domes. The comparison below examines where each model diverges across imaging performance, installation requirements, and platform integration — without declaring an overall winner in advance.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The A86 uses a 1/2.8" sensor with a 2.7–13.5 mm motorized lens delivering 5x optical zoom, while the B81 uses a smaller 1/3.2" sensor with a 3.0–9 mm lens delivering 3x optical zoom. The A86's larger sensor and longer zoom range give it more reach and typically better light-gathering geometry. At 5MP both cameras produce 2592×1944, but the A86 sustains 30 fps at that resolution; the B81 drops to 15 fps at 5MP and only reaches 30 fps when downscaled to 1080p — a meaningful operational difference for fast-motion scenes.
Low-light performance diverges significantly. The A86 specifies a minimum illumination of 0.018 lux in color mode with 30 m adaptive IR, while the B81 requires 0.1 lux at F1.2 in color mode but extends IR range to 40 m using an 850 nm LED with a mechanical IR-cut filter. The A86's WDR is specified at 125 dB (Extreme WDR); the B81 is rated at 74 dB — a substantial 51 dB difference that will be visible in high-contrast backlit scenes such as building entrances or parking exits.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras share IK10 impact resistance and an operating range of -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F), so mechanical durability and thermal envelope are equivalent. Ingress protection differs: the A86 is rated IP66 (high-pressure water jet resistant), while the B81 is rated IP67 (temporary immersion) and additionally carries a NEMA 4X rating — making the B81 the stronger choice for washdown environments or installations with standing-water exposure. The B81 also holds CE Class B, FCC Class B, CB, and UL (UL 60950-1) listings not present on the A86, which is certified to CE Class A and FCC Class A only.
Power input also differs. Despite both cameras' spec sheets referencing 'PoE Class 3 (IEEE 802.3af)' in the Power Supply field, the B81's PoE header explicitly states PoE+ (802.3at), which may reflect a field-level correction or spec inconsistency in the source data — installers should verify the actual power draw against their switch budget. The A86 is clearly documented at 802.3af / 13 W. Mounting options are identical across both units: Wall, Pole, Pendant, Corner, and Rack. The B81 specifies a weight of 1,286 g (2.84 lb); no weight is provided in the A86 specification data.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras declare ONVIF compliance at Profile S, G, T, and Q — the full current profile set — so either will integrate with any ONVIF-conformant VMS without vendor lock-in. Video compression is a differentiator: the A86 supports H.265, H.264 (implicitly all profiles), and MJPEG, while the B81 supports only H.264 (Baseline, Main, High) and MJPEG. Deployments with H.265-capable NVRs or bandwidth-constrained links will benefit from the A86's codec support; the B81 cannot deliver H.265 streams per its specification.
On edge analytics the A86 lists Video Motion Detection, People Counting, and Smoke Detection; the B81's top-level analytics field lists VMD and People Counting, though a secondary field also references Smoke Detection — buyers should confirm B81 smoke detection availability with ACTi before relying on it. Both cameras support two-way audio (Line-in, Line-out). No on-board storage specification (SD card slot or capacity) appears in the provided data for either model, so local edge recording capability cannot be confirmed from the specs as supplied.
Which should you choose: the A86 or the B81?
Our take: The A86 is the stronger choice when image fidelity, zoom reach, and bandwidth efficiency are the primary drivers. Its 125 dB WDR versus the B81's 74 dB is a 51 dB advantage in high-contrast scenes; its 5x / 2.7–13.5 mm lens outreaches the B81's 3x / 3.0–9 mm optic; and H.265 compression is absent on the B81. The A86 also sustains 30 fps at full 5MP resolution where the B81 is limited to 15 fps at that resolution. Conversely, the B81 is the appropriate selection when compliance certifications matter: it carries UL 60950-1 listing, NEMA 4X, CB mark, and IP67 ratings not present on the A86, making it better suited for washdown areas, UL-specified installations, or jurisdictions requiring CB scheme certification. Confirm the B81's actual power class with the installer's switch before deployment, as its PoE labeling contains an internal inconsistency in the provided specification data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A86 | ACTi B81 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP (2592×1944) | 5MP (2592×1944) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8" | 1/3.2" |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.7–13.5 mm (5x optical zoom) | 3.0–9 mm (3x optical zoom) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.018 lux | 0.1 lux @ F1.2 |
| Min Illumination (B/W / IR on) | 0 lux (IR on) | 0 lux (IR on) |
| IR Range | 30 m | 40 m |
| WDR | 125 dB (Extreme WDR) | 74 dB |
| Max Frame Rate @ 5MP | 30 fps | 15 fps |
| Max Frame Rate @ 1080p | Not specified | 30 fps |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 / NEMA 4X |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +50°C | -40°C to +50°C |
| Power Input / PoE | PoE 802.3af Class 3 / DC 12V (13 W) | PoE+ 802.3at (labeled) / DC 12V |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, T, Q | Profile S, G, T, Q |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection | VMD; People Counting (Smoke Detection: verify with ACTi) |
| Audio | Two-way (Mic-in, Line-in, Line-out) | Two-way (Line-in, Line-out) |
| Certifications | CE Class A; FCC Class A; EAC | CE Class B; FCC Class B; EAC; CB; UL 60950-1; NEMA 4X |
| Weight | — | 1,286 g (2.84 lb) |
| Dimensions (Ø × H) | 139.38 mm × 129.75 mm (5.48" × 5.10") | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A86 or the B81?
The A86 is the stronger choice when image fidelity, zoom reach, and bandwidth efficiency are the primary drivers. Its 125 dB WDR versus the B81's 74 dB is a 51 dB advantage in high-contrast scenes; its 5x / 2.7–13.5 mm lens outreaches the B81's 3x / 3.0–9 mm optic; and H.265 compression is absent on the B81. The A86 also sustains 30 fps at full 5MP resolution where the B81 is limited to 15 fps at that resolution. Conversely, the B81 is the appropriate selection when compliance certifications matter: it carries UL 60950-1 listing, NEMA 4X, CB mark, and IP67 ratings not present on the A86, making it better suited for washdown areas, UL-specified installations, or jurisdictions requiring CB scheme certification. Confirm the B81's actual power class with the installer's switch before deployment, as its PoE labeling contains an internal inconsistency in the provided specification data.
Is the A86 or B81 better for low-light and backlit entry-point coverage?
The A86 has a meaningful edge in low-light contrast: its WDR is rated at 125 dB versus the B81's 74 dB, and its minimum color illumination is 0.018 lux compared to the B81's 0.1 lux. The B81 extends IR range to 40 m versus the A86's 30 m, so for purely dark perimeters the B81 reaches farther, but the A86 handles mixed-light and backlit scenes more effectively based on the specified WDR difference.
Which camera do I need if the install site requires UL listing or NEMA 4X?
The B81. It carries UL listing (UL 60950-1), NEMA 4X, CB mark, CE Class B, and FCC Class B certifications. The A86 is certified to CE Class A, FCC Class A, and EAC only. If the project specification calls for UL-listed equipment or the mounting location involves washdown or corrosive environments covered by NEMA 4X, the B81 meets those requirements and the A86 does not based on the specifications provided.
Does either camera support H.265, and does that matter for my NVR bandwidth?
Yes — the A86 supports H.265, H.264, and MJPEG. The B81 supports only H.264 (Baseline, Main, High) and MJPEG; H.265 is not listed in its specification. H.265 typically reduces bandwidth and storage by roughly 40–50% compared to H.264 at equivalent quality. If your NVR or VMS supports H.265 decoding and network bandwidth is a concern, the A86 provides that option; the B81 does not.
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