ACTi A86 vs ACTi Z75: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi A86 and ACTi Z75 are 5MP outdoor dome cameras powered over 802.3af PoE, placing them in the same resolution class and general form factor. The A86 is a motorized zoom dome with a 2.7–13.5mm varifocal lens and an IK10-rated enclosure, while the Z75 is a fixed wide-angle dome with a 2.8mm lens. Buyers choosing between them are typically weighing the flexibility of optical zoom and heavier analytics against the simplicity and cost of a fixed-lens wide-area imager for outdoor perimeter or entry-point coverage.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 5MP resolution at up to 30fps, but their optical approaches differ substantially. The A86 uses a 1/2.8" sensor with a 2.7–13.5mm motorized zoom lens (5x optical), enabling the installer to dial in the field of view from wide to telephoto after mounting — useful for coverage of variable-distance targets such as parking lots or gate lanes. The Z75 uses a fixed 2.8mm/F1.6 lens with a 112.9° horizontal field of view, optimized for broad scene coverage without mechanical adjustment. The A86's minimum illumination is specified at 0.018 lux in color mode and 0 lux with IR active, with a stated IR range of 30m via adaptive IR LED. The Z75 specifies adaptive IR and Day/Night operation but does not provide a minimum illumination figure or IR range in the supplied specifications.
On dynamic range, the A86 is specified at 125dB Extreme WDR, a concrete figure suitable for backlit entrances or mixed-lighting facades. The Z75 lists WDR as a feature but provides no dB value in the supplied specifications, making a direct numerical comparison impossible. Both cameras support H.265 and H.264 compression; the A86 additionally supports MJPEG, which the Z75 does not list.
What about installation and environment?
The A86 carries IP66 and IK10 ratings, meaning it is protected against powerful water jets and is impact-resistant to 20-joule strikes — relevant for vandal-prone or exposed locations. Its operating temperature range is specified at -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F), covering severe cold climates. The Z75 carries an IP67 rating, which adds protection against temporary full immersion (up to 1m for 30 minutes) compared to the A86's IP66, but the Z75 does not list an IK impact rating in the supplied specifications. No operating temperature range is provided for the Z75.
Both cameras draw power via IEEE 802.3af PoE. The A86 is explicitly rated as PoE Class 3 at 13W and also accepts DC 12V input. The Z75 specifies 802.3af PoE but does not list a wattage figure or a DC power alternative in the supplied specifications. The A86's physical dimensions are given as Ø139.38mm × H129.75mm with a 2m pigtail cable terminating in an RJ-45 connector, and it supports wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack mounting accessories. No dimensions or specific mount types are listed for the Z75.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The A86 is ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and Q compliant, providing broad VMS compatibility and support for recording (Profile G) and metadata streaming (Profile T). The Z75 does not list ONVIF compliance or specific ONVIF profiles in the supplied specifications, which is a meaningful gap for integrators relying on standards-based VMS integration. On edge analytics, the A86 specifies Video Motion Detection, People Counting, and Smoke Detection. The Z75 lists no edge analytics in the supplied specifications.
For audio, the A86 supports two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out connections. The Z75 lists a built-in microphone only, with no mention of line-in or audio output — meaning two-way intercom use is not supported per the supplied specifications. On-board storage: the Z75 specifies a MicroSD card slot; the A86 does not list local storage in the supplied specifications.
Which should you choose: the A86 or the Z75?
Our take: The A86 is the stronger choice when the deployment requires flexible focal coverage, verified impact resistance, or standards-based VMS and analytics integration; the Z75 is preferable when the priority is a simple wide-angle fixed view with local MicroSD storage and slightly higher ingress protection. Specifically: the A86 provides a quantified 125dB WDR versus no dB figure for the Z75; a 5x motorized zoom (2.7–13.5mm) versus a fixed 2.8mm lens; IK10 impact certification versus no IK rating listed for the Z75; and four ONVIF profiles (S, G, T, Q) plus People Counting and Smoke Detection analytics versus no ONVIF profiles or analytics listed for the Z75. The Z75 holds one documented advantage — IP67 immersion rating versus the A86's IP66 — and adds MicroSD edge storage that the A86 does not list. Where the Z75's missing specs (temperature range, WDR value, IR range, ONVIF) are gaps rather than true absences, buyers should confirm with ACTi before specifying the Z75 in a VMS-integrated or analytics-driven deployment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A86 | ACTi Z75 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP (2592×1944) | 5MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8" | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.7–13.5mm motorized zoom (5x optical) | 2.8mm fixed, F1.6 |
| Horizontal Field of View | — | 112.9° |
| Min. Illumination | 0.018 lux (color); 0 lux (IR on) | — |
| IR Range | 30m (adaptive IR LED) | — |
| WDR | 125dB Extreme WDR | WDR (no dB value specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +50°C (-40°F to +122°F) | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | 802.3af PoE Class 3; DC 12V (13W) | 802.3af PoE (wattage not specified) |
| ONVIF | Profile S, G, T, Q | — |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection | — |
| Audio | Two-way (Mic-in, Line-in, Line-out) | Built-in microphone only |
| Edge Storage | — | MicroSD |
| Dimensions | Ø139.38mm × H129.75mm (5.48" × 5.10") | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A86 or the Z75?
The A86 is the stronger choice when the deployment requires flexible focal coverage, verified impact resistance, or standards-based VMS and analytics integration; the Z75 is preferable when the priority is a simple wide-angle fixed view with local MicroSD storage and slightly higher ingress protection. Specifically: the A86 provides a quantified 125dB WDR versus no dB figure for the Z75; a 5x motorized zoom (2.7–13.5mm) versus a fixed 2.8mm lens; IK10 impact certification versus no IK rating listed for the Z75; and four ONVIF profiles (S, G, T, Q) plus People Counting and Smoke Detection analytics versus no ONVIF profiles or analytics listed for the Z75. The Z75 holds one documented advantage — IP67 immersion rating versus the A86's IP66 — and adds MicroSD edge storage that the A86 does not list. Where the Z75's missing specs (temperature range, WDR value, IR range, ONVIF) are gaps rather than true absences, buyers should confirm with ACTi before specifying the Z75 in a VMS-integrated or analytics-driven deployment.
Is the A86 or Z75 better for low-light performance?
Based on the supplied specifications, the A86 is better documented for low-light use: it lists a minimum illumination of 0.018 lux in color mode and 0 lux with IR active, with a 30m adaptive IR range. The Z75 specifies adaptive IR and Day/Night switching but provides no minimum illumination figure or IR range, so a direct numerical comparison cannot be made from the available specs.
Which camera is better suited for a vandal-prone outdoor installation?
The A86 carries an explicit IK10 impact rating (20-joule resistance) in addition to IP66 weatherproofing, making it the documented choice for vandal-prone locations. The Z75 lists IP67 (immersion-rated) but does not include an IK impact rating in the supplied specifications.
Can the Z75 integrate with my existing ONVIF-based VMS?
The supplied specifications for the Z75 do not list ONVIF compliance or any ONVIF profiles. The A86 is specified as ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and Q compliant. Buyers should confirm Z75 VMS compatibility directly with ACTi before specifying it in an ONVIF-dependent deployment.
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