ACTi A87 vs ACTi B81: Specification Comparison
The ACTi A87 and ACTi B81 are both 5MP outdoor zoom dome cameras from the same manufacturer, targeting perimeter and general surveillance applications requiring varifocal optics in a ruggedized dome housing. Both share the same resolution class, form factor, outdoor rating, and mounting flexibility, making them direct cross-shop candidates for installers evaluating mid-range outdoor zoom domes. This comparison examines how they differ across imaging performance, installation requirements, and integration capabilities based solely on published specifications.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 5MP resolution, but their imaging chains diverge in several measurable ways. The A87 uses a 1/2.9-inch sensor with a 2.8–12mm varifocal lens providing approximately 4.3x optical zoom, while the B81 uses a smaller 1/3.2-inch sensor with a 3.0–9mm lens at 3x optical zoom. The A87's wider zoom range and larger sensor give it more flexibility in framing and generally better light-gathering geometry. On WDR, the A87 specifies 120dB Advanced WDR versus the B81's 74dB WDR — a significant 46dB difference that indicates the A87 is rated for more extreme contrast scenes such as entrances with bright backlight.
In low-light performance, the B81 specifies a minimum illumination of 0.1 lux (color, F1.2) and 0 lux in B/W with IR active, using an 850nm IR LED with a 40m range and a mechanical IR cut filter. The A87 specifies 0.15 lux (color) and 0 lux (B/W with IR on) using IR LEDs in the 700–1150nm band with a 30m IR range. The B81 therefore reaches 10m farther with IR and achieves a marginally lower color lux floor. On frame rate, the A87 delivers 30fps at full 5MP (2592×1944), while the B81 is limited to 15fps at 5MP, though it recovers to 30fps at 1080p. The A87 also adds H.265 compression; the B81 is limited to H.264 and MJPEG.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras carry IK10 impact ratings and NEMA 4X enclosure ratings, and both operate across the same -40°C to +50°C temperature range, making neither meaningfully more rugged than the other in those respects. They differ on ingress protection: the A87 is rated IP66 (protection against powerful water jets), while the B81 is rated IP67 (protection against temporary immersion up to 1 meter). For washdown environments or installations where standing water or submersion is plausible, the B81's IP67 rating provides an incremental advantage. Both units are powered via PoE+ (802.3at, Class 3) or DC 12V, so switch compatibility is identical. The B81 is notably heavier at 1,286g (2.835 lb) versus the A87 at 858g (1.892 lb), which may factor into pole or pendant mount load calculations. Both support the same mounting options: wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras declare ONVIF compliance across Profile S, G, T, and Q, and both list VMS compatibility with Pelco-D and Pelco-P per the A87 spec; the B81 spec does not explicitly list Pelco protocol support. Edge analytics on both include VMD and People Counting. The B81 additionally specifies Smoke Detection as a listed analytic, which the A87 spec does not mention. On audio, the A87 provides full two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out connections, while the B81 provides audio input and 2-way via line-in/line-out — functionally similar, though the A87 explicitly adds a microphone input. Neither camera's published specifications list onboard SD card storage or edge recording capability; this should be confirmed with ACTi before specifying for edge-recording deployments. Certifications also differ: the A87 carries CE Class A and FCC Class A marks, while the B81 carries CE Class B and FCC Class B, and the A87 is listed under UL 62368-1 versus the B81's older UL 60950-1 standard.
Which should you choose: the A87 or the B81?
Our take: The A87 is the stronger choice when image quality headroom and compression efficiency are the primary criteria. Its 120dB Advanced WDR versus the B81's 74dB is a 46dB advantage in high-contrast scenes, its H.265 codec reduces bandwidth and storage costs that the B81 cannot match, and its 4.3x zoom range on a 1/2.9-inch sensor offers more framing flexibility than the B81's 3x zoom on a 1/3.2-inch sensor. The A87 also achieves 30fps at full 5MP versus the B81's 15fps at 5MP. Conversely, the B81 holds two installation-side edges: IP67 versus IP66 (immersion tolerance) and a 40m IR range versus the A87's 30m, making it the better fit for longer unlit corridors or potential washdown zones. The B81 also adds Smoke Detection analytics not listed on the A87. For most perimeter or entrance deployments where WDR and storage efficiency dominate, the A87's spec sheet is materially stronger; for immersion-risk or long-range IR scenarios, the B81 warrants consideration.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi A87 | ACTi B81 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP | 5MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.9 inch | 1/3.2 inch |
| Lens / Focal Length | 2.8–12mm (~4.3x optical zoom) | 3.0–9mm (3x optical zoom) |
| Min. Illumination (Color) | 0.15 lux | 0.1 lux @ F1.2 |
| Min. Illumination (B/W) | 0 lux (IR on) | 0 lux (IR on) |
| IR Range | 30m | 40m |
| IR Wavelength | 700–1150nm | 850nm |
| WDR | 120dB Advanced WDR | 74dB WDR |
| Max Frame Rate @ 5MP | 30 fps | 15 fps |
| Max Frame Rate @ 1080p | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.264; MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| NEMA Rating | NEMA 4X | NEMA 4X |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to +50°C | -40°C to +50°C |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ (802.3at, Class 3) / DC 12V | PoE+ (802.3at, Class 3) / DC 12V |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, T, Q | S, G, T, Q |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection |
| Audio | Two-way; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | 2-way; Line-in; Line-out |
| Weight | 858g (1.892 lb) | 1,286g (2.835 lb) |
| Safety Certifications | UL Listed (UL 62368-1); CE Class A; FCC Class A | UL Listed (UL 60950-1); CE Class B; FCC Class B |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the A87 or the B81?
The A87 is the stronger choice when image quality headroom and compression efficiency are the primary criteria. Its 120dB Advanced WDR versus the B81's 74dB is a 46dB advantage in high-contrast scenes, its H.265 codec reduces bandwidth and storage costs that the B81 cannot match, and its 4.3x zoom range on a 1/2.9-inch sensor offers more framing flexibility than the B81's 3x zoom on a 1/3.2-inch sensor. The A87 also achieves 30fps at full 5MP versus the B81's 15fps at 5MP. Conversely, the B81 holds two installation-side edges: IP67 versus IP66 (immersion tolerance) and a 40m IR range versus the A87's 30m, making it the better fit for longer unlit corridors or potential washdown zones. The B81 also adds Smoke Detection analytics not listed on the A87. For most perimeter or entrance deployments where WDR and storage efficiency dominate, the A87's spec sheet is materially stronger; for immersion-risk or long-range IR scenarios, the B81 warrants consideration.
Is the A87 or B81 better for low-light performance?
The B81 has a marginal edge in low light: it specifies a slightly lower color minimum illumination (0.1 lux at F1.2 versus the A87's 0.15 lux) and a longer IR range (40m versus 30m). However, both cameras reach 0 lux in black-and-white mode with IR active. The A87 uses a broader IR spectrum (700–1150nm) versus the B81's single 850nm wavelength, but the practical nighttime reach advantage goes to the B81 by 10 meters based on published specs.
Which camera handles high-contrast scenes like sun-lit entrances better?
The A87 specifies 120dB Advanced WDR compared to the B81's 74dB WDR. A 46dB difference is substantial: the A87 is rated to handle a considerably wider ratio of bright-to-dark in a single frame, which is directly relevant for entrances, parking exits, and lobbies with large windows. Buyers with known backlight or glare challenges should favor the A87 based on these published figures.
Can either camera record locally without a NVR?
Neither camera's published specifications list onboard SD card storage or local edge recording capability. Both support ONVIF Profile G, which enables NVR-side recording management, but the absence of an SD slot specification for either model means local standalone recording should not be assumed. Verify directly with ACTi before specifying either unit for edge-recording deployments.
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.