ACTi B412 vs Geovision BL34100-001U: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi B412 and Geovision BL34100-001U are 3MP outdoor motorized-zoom bullet IP cameras aimed at perimeter and general-purpose surveillance installations. The B412 offers a 10x optical zoom range (4.7–47mm) while the BL34100-001U provides a 3x motorized zoom at unspecified focal lengths. This comparison examines how they differ across imaging performance, physical installation requirements, and VMS/analytics integration to help integrators and IT buyers determine which unit fits a given deployment.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi B412 resolves at 3MP (2048×1536 native, with a 2065×1553 sensor array) on a 1/2.8-inch sensor, delivering up to 30 fps at full resolution as well as 1920×1080 and 1280×960. Its 4.7–47mm motorized lens provides 10x optical zoom, which is controllable via Visca, Pelco-D, Pelco-P, or ACTi URL commands. WDR is rated at 145dB (Extreme WDR). Minimum illumination is 0.003 lux in color mode at F1.6 and 0 lux with 940nm invisible IR engaged, with IR throw rated at 60m. Compression covers H.265, H.264 (Baseline/Main/High), and MJPEG.
The Geovision BL34100-001U is also rated at 3MP with a motorized 3x zoom lens; specific focal-length range, sensor size, frame rate, minimum illumination value, and IR range are not provided in the supplied specifications. WDR is listed simply as 'WDR' with no dB rating. Compression is listed as H.264 only; H.265 support is not specified. Buyers requiring quantified low-light performance, a verified WDR figure, or H.265 bandwidth savings should note those specs are absent for the BL34100-001U.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi B412 carries IP66 and IK10 ratings, protecting against powerful water jets and resisting up to 20 joules of mechanical impact. It operates across −40°C to 60°C (−40°F to 140°F), making it suitable for harsh cold-climate or high-heat outdoor deployments. Power is supplied via PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt) or DC 12V; note the spec sheet references both 802.3bt and 802.3at (High PoE) — installers should confirm injector class with ACTi before specifying the PSE. Mounting options include wall, ceiling, pole, and rack. The unit weighs 2,098g (4.63 lb).
The Geovision BL34100-001U is rated IP67 (dust-tight and temporary immersion to 1m), which is one ingress-protection step above the B412's IP66 for water resistance. IK impact rating, operating temperature range, and physical dimensions/weight are not specified. Power is PoE+ (IEEE 802.3af/at class not further defined in the supplied data). Mounting options are listed as wall and ceiling only. The absence of a stated temperature range limits the ability to assess suitability for extreme-climate sites.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The ACTi B412 is ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M compliant. Edge analytics include Video Motion Detection (VMD), People Counting, and Smoke Detection. Audio capability is comprehensive: built-in microphone, mic-in, line-in, and line-out are all listed. The camera supports ONVIF Profile G, implying on-board or edge-storage capability, though a specific SD card slot or capacity is not stated in the provided specs. PTZ control is available via Visca, Pelco-D, and Pelco-P protocols in addition to ONVIF.
The Geovision BL34100-001U is listed as ONVIF compliant and is specifically noted as compatible with Geovision GV NVR, Milestone, and Axis Camera Station in addition to generic ONVIF platforms. Edge analytics, audio capability, and on-board storage are not specified in the supplied data. The explicit named-VMS compatibility list may benefit sites standardized on those platforms, but integrators needing confirmed analytics or audio should verify directly with Geovision.
Which should you choose: the B412 or the BL34100-001U?
Our take: The B412 is the stronger choice when quantified imaging performance, extreme operating temperatures, and richer edge analytics are the primary selection criteria. Concretely: the B412's WDR is rated at 145dB versus an unquantified 'WDR' for the BL34100-001U; its IR reach is specified at 60m with 940nm invisible illuminators versus no stated IR range for the BL34100-001U; and its zoom ratio is 10x (4.7–47mm) versus the BL34100-001U's 3x at unspecified focal lengths. The B412 also adds H.265 compression, People Counting, Smoke Detection, and full audio I/O — none of which are confirmed for the BL34100-001U from the provided specs. Conversely, the BL34100-001U's IP67 rating edges out the B412's IP66 for immersion resistance, and its explicit Milestone and Axis Camera Station compatibility may simplify integration on those platforms. Where those VMS environments are already standardized and the site's zoom requirements are modest, the BL34100-001U warrants evaluation pending full datasheet review.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B412 | Geovision BL34100-001U |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3MP (2048×1536) | 3MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 4.7–47mm, 10x optical zoom | Motorized 3x zoom (focal length not specified) |
| Min. Illumination | 0.003 lux (color, F1.6); 0 lux (IR on) | — |
| IR Range | 60m | — |
| IR Wavelength | 940nm (invisible) | Not specified |
| WDR | 145dB (Extreme WDR) | WDR (dB rating not specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2048×1536 | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264 (B/M/H); MJPEG | H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP67 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to 60°C (−40°F to 140°F) | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE++ (802.3bt); DC 12V | PoE+ |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, T, M | ONVIF (profile level not specified) |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection | — |
| Audio | Built-in mic; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | — |
| Mount Types | Wall; Ceiling; Pole; Rack | Wall; Ceiling |
| Weight | 2,098g (4.63 lb) | — |
| Named VMS Compatibility | ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M | GV NVR; Milestone; Axis Camera Station; ONVIF |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B412 or the BL34100-001U?
The B412 is the stronger choice when quantified imaging performance, extreme operating temperatures, and richer edge analytics are the primary selection criteria. Concretely: the B412's WDR is rated at 145dB versus an unquantified 'WDR' for the BL34100-001U; its IR reach is specified at 60m with 940nm invisible illuminators versus no stated IR range for the BL34100-001U; and its zoom ratio is 10x (4.7–47mm) versus the BL34100-001U's 3x at unspecified focal lengths. The B412 also adds H.265 compression, People Counting, Smoke Detection, and full audio I/O — none of which are confirmed for the BL34100-001U from the provided specs. Conversely, the BL34100-001U's IP67 rating edges out the B412's IP66 for immersion resistance, and its explicit Milestone and Axis Camera Station compatibility may simplify integration on those platforms. Where those VMS environments are already standardized and the site's zoom requirements are modest, the BL34100-001U warrants evaluation pending full datasheet review.
Is the B412 or BL34100-001U better for low-light performance?
Based on the provided specifications, the B412 is the only model with a stated minimum illumination figure: 0.003 lux in color mode and 0 lux with its 940nm IR LEDs active at up to 60m range. The BL34100-001U lists IR support but provides no lux rating or IR throw distance in the supplied specs, so a direct comparison cannot be made. Buyers requiring a quantified low-light benchmark should request the BL34100-001U datasheet from Geovision.
Which camera needs the higher-power PoE switch or injector?
The B412 requires PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt), the highest standard PoE class, which delivers up to 90W at the PSE. The BL34100-001U requires PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at), which delivers up to 30W at the PSE. If your existing switch infrastructure is PoE+ only, the BL34100-001U is a drop-in fit, while the B412 requires a 802.3bt-capable port or a dedicated high-PoE injector.
Does either camera work with Milestone or Axis Camera Station VMS?
The BL34100-001U is explicitly listed as compatible with both Milestone and Axis Camera Station in the provided specifications, in addition to Geovision GV NVR and generic ONVIF. The B412 is ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M compliant, which typically enables integration with Milestone and Axis Camera Station via their ONVIF drivers, but named compatibility with those platforms is not stated in the supplied specs. Integrators running those VMS platforms should verify B412 driver availability with ACTi or the VMS vendor.
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