ACTi B412 vs Geovision BL3700: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi B412 and Geovision GV-BL3700 are outdoor IP bullet cameras rated at 3MP resolution, placing them in the same resolution class for perimeter and general surveillance applications. The B412 is a motorized zoom bullet with a 10x optical zoom lens, while the GV-BL3700 is a fixed varifocal bullet with a 3–9mm P-Iris lens. Buyers evaluating these will be weighing zoom flexibility and richer feature sets against a simpler, lower-specification fixed-lens platform. This comparison draws exclusively from the provided specifications for each model.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi B412 uses a 1/2.8-inch sensor delivering 3MP at up to 2048×1536 and 30 fps, with a motorized 4.7–47mm lens providing 10x optical zoom. Its minimum illumination is rated at 0.003 lux in color mode (F1.6) and 0 lux with 940nm invisible IR active, with an IR range of 60 meters. WDR is specified at an extreme 145dB. The Geovision GV-BL3700 also delivers 3MP resolution with a fixed 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal lens. Its minimum illumination is described only as 'Super Low Lux'—no lux figure is provided in the available specifications—and IR range, sensor size, and WDR decibel rating are not specified.
On quantifiable imaging metrics, the B412 holds a clear specification advantage: a documented 145dB WDR versus an unspecified WDR for the GV-BL3700, a concrete 0.003 lux / 0 lux illumination floor versus the GV-BL3700's non-numeric 'Super Low Lux' descriptor, and a 60m IR throw versus no IR range figure for the GV-BL3700. The B412's 10x motorized zoom also enables post-installation focal adjustments and remote zoom control via VISCA, Pelco-D, Pelco-P, or ACTi URL commands, while the GV-BL3700's P-Iris varifocal lens requires manual on-site adjustment.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi B412 carries IP66 and IK10 ratings, confirming dust-tight and jet-water ingress protection alongside resistance to 20-joule impacts—relevant for exposed or vandal-risk installations. Its operating temperature range spans −40°C to 60°C (−40°F to 140°F), supporting arctic-to-desert deployments. Power options include DC 12V and High PoE (IEEE 802.3at / 802.3bt PoE++), providing flexibility for longer cable runs or heated housing integration. Mounting options are specified as wall, ceiling, pole, and rack. The camera weighs 2,098g (4.625 lb).
The Geovision GV-BL3700's specifications do not include an IP rating, IK rating, operating temperature range, power input standard, PoE class, or weight. Mount types listed are wall and pole only. Without these figures, installers cannot verify environmental suitability, power budget compatibility, or vandal resistance from the available data. The B412 is therefore the only model in this comparison with documented environmental and power credentials.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The ACTi B412 supports ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and M, offering broad VMS compatibility including event-based and metadata-capable integrations. It includes built-in edge analytics for VMD, People Counting, and Smoke Detection. Audio is well-specified: built-in microphone, line-in, mic-in, and line-out are all present, enabling two-way audio or external mic/speaker configurations. ONVIF Profile G support also implies edge storage capability, and the camera supports VISCA, Pelco-D, and Pelco-P PTZ control protocols for zoom management.
The Geovision GV-BL3700 is listed as ONVIF-compatible but no specific ONVIF profiles are identified in the provided specifications. Edge analytics, audio capabilities, and on-board storage support are not specified. For integrators requiring confirmed profile compliance, documented analytics, or audio I/O, the GV-BL3700's available specifications do not provide sufficient detail to make those determinations.
Which should you choose: the B412 or the BL3700?
Our take: The B412 is the stronger choice when documented specifications drive the purchasing decision. Across every quantifiable category in the provided data, the B412 either outspecifies or fully specifies where the GV-BL3700 leaves gaps: the B412 declares a 145dB WDR figure versus no dB value for the GV-BL3700; it provides a concrete 0.003 lux / 0 lux illumination floor with 60m IR range versus the GV-BL3700's non-numeric 'Super Low Lux' and unspecified IR distance; and it carries documented IP66/IK10 environmental ratings, a −40°C to 60°C operating range, and PoE++ power specification where the GV-BL3700 lists none of those. The B412's 10x motorized zoom and ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M compliance, plus edge analytics including Smoke Detection, further extend its feature set. The GV-BL3700 may be appropriate for cost-sensitive, lower-complexity deployments where its simpler fixed-varifocal design suffices, but buyers requiring verifiable specs for any critical parameter should note that those figures are absent from the GV-BL3700's available data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B412 | Geovision BL3700 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3MP (2048×1536) | 3MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8 inch | — |
| Lens / Focal Length | 4.7–47mm, 10x optical zoom, motorized | 3–9mm P-Iris varifocal |
| Min Illumination | 0.003 lux (color, F1.6); 0 lux (IR on) | Super Low Lux (no lux figure specified) |
| IR Range | 60m | — |
| IR Wavelength | 940nm (invisible) | IR (wavelength not specified) |
| WDR | 145dB Extreme WDR | WDR (dB value not specified) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2048×1536; 30 fps @ 1920×1080 | — |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG | H.265 |
| IP Rating | IP66 | — |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to 60°C (−40°F to 140°F) | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | DC 12V; PoE++ (IEEE 802.3bt / 802.3at) | — |
| ONVIF | Profile S, G, T, M | ONVIF (profiles 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; Pole |
| Weight | 2,098g (4.625 lb) | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B412 or the BL3700?
The B412 is the stronger choice when documented specifications drive the purchasing decision. Across every quantifiable category in the provided data, the B412 either outspecifies or fully specifies where the GV-BL3700 leaves gaps: the B412 declares a 145dB WDR figure versus no dB value for the GV-BL3700; it provides a concrete 0.003 lux / 0 lux illumination floor with 60m IR range versus the GV-BL3700's non-numeric 'Super Low Lux' and unspecified IR distance; and it carries documented IP66/IK10 environmental ratings, a −40°C to 60°C operating range, and PoE++ power specification where the GV-BL3700 lists none of those. The B412's 10x motorized zoom and ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M compliance, plus edge analytics including Smoke Detection, further extend its feature set. The GV-BL3700 may be appropriate for cost-sensitive, lower-complexity deployments where its simpler fixed-varifocal design suffices, but buyers requiring verifiable specs for any critical parameter should note that those figures are absent from the GV-BL3700's available data.
Is the B412 or GV-BL3700 better for low-light performance?
Based on available specifications, the B412 is better documented for low-light use: it rates 0.003 lux in color mode and 0 lux with its 940nm IR LEDs active at up to 60m range. The GV-BL3700 lists only 'Super Low Lux' with no numeric illumination threshold or IR range provided, so a direct lux comparison cannot be made from the supplied specs.
Which camera handles more challenging outdoor environments—the B412 or the GV-BL3700?
The B412 has documented IP66 and IK10 ratings and an operating temperature range of −40°C to 60°C. The GV-BL3700's specifications do not include an IP rating, IK rating, or operating temperature range, so its suitability for harsh or vandal-risk environments cannot be verified from the provided data.
Can both cameras integrate with my existing VMS over ONVIF?
The B412 confirms ONVIF compliance with Profiles S, G, T, and M. The GV-BL3700 is listed as ONVIF-compatible but no specific profiles are identified in the available specifications. If your VMS requires a particular ONVIF profile—especially Profile G for edge recording or Profile T for metadata—the B412's documentation provides that assurance while the GV-BL3700's does not, based on the specs provided.
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