ACTi B511A vs ACTi B76A: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi B511A and ACTi B76A are 12MP hemispheric dome cameras sharing the same 1/1.7-inch sensor, 1.65mm fixed focal length, PoE+ power, 130dB WDR, and 850nm IR — making them genuine cross-shop candidates for buyers choosing between an indoor analytics-focused fisheye and a ruggedized outdoor fisheye. The core trade-off is deployment environment: the B511A targets climate-controlled interior spaces, while the B76A is built for outdoor and industrial sites with full environmental hardening.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras share identical core imaging hardware: 12MP resolution on a 1/1.7-inch sensor, a 1.65mm fixed focal length lens, 850nm IR illumination to 20m, a minimum color illumination of 0.003 lux at F2.8, and 0 lux in B/W mode with IR active. WDR is rated at 130dB on both units. Neither camera holds a measurable advantage in raw imaging performance based on the provided specifications.
Frame-rate specifications show a minor difference at the highest resolution tier. The B511A is specified at 30 fps at 1920×1080 and 18 fps at 4000×3000. The B76A is specified at 30 fps at 2048×2048, 18 fps at 4000×3000, and 10 fps at 4K UHD. Both support H.264 (Baseline/Main/High profile) and MJPEG compression. Neither model lists H.265/HEVC in the provided specifications.
What about installation and environment?
Environmental hardening is the decisive physical difference. The B76A carries IP68 (dust-tight and continuous submersion), IK10 (50-joule impact resistance), NEMA 4X (corrosion and washdown), and CB and UL Listed (UL 60950-1) certifications. The B511A has no IP or IK rating listed in the provided specifications, confirming its indoor-only suitability. Certification scope for the B511A is CE, FCC, EAC, and UL for optional accessories; the B76A's UL listing covers the camera itself.
Operating temperature range differs substantially: the B511A is rated -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F), while the B76A extends to -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F) — a 30°C wider cold-side tolerance relevant for unheated enclosures and northern climates. Both cameras accept PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3 or DC 12V. The B511A uses an RJ-45 port connector; the B76A uses a 2m integrated cable tail, which affects junction-box and conduit planning. Mounting options — wall, pole, pendant, corner, rack — are identical across both models. Weight differs: B511A at 446g versus B76A at 936g.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
ONVIF compliance is equivalent on both cameras: Profile S, G, T, Q, and M are supported, with Profile M noted as available via future firmware upgrade on both. Edge analytics are also matched: VMD (Video Motion Detection) and People Counting are listed for both the B511A and B76A in the provided specifications. Neither model lists a specification advantage in on-board edge analytics capability based on the data provided.
Audio capability is identical on both: audio input, built-in microphone, mic-in, line-in, and line-out are listed for each. On-board storage (SD card slot) is not listed in the provided specifications for either model; buyers requiring local storage should verify with ACTi directly. The B511A's specification lists ONVIF Profile G support, which typically implies edge recording capability, but no storage hardware spec is confirmed in the data provided for either unit.
Which should you choose: the B511A or the B76A?
Our take: The B76A is the stronger choice when the camera will be exposed to outdoor conditions, moisture, physical impact, or temperatures below -10°C. The B76A's IP68, IK10, and NEMA 4X ratings provide protection the B511A lacks entirely, and its -40°C cold-floor tolerance extends deployment to unheated structures and cold climates where the B511A's -10°C floor would be exceeded. The B76A also nearly doubles the B511A's weight (936g vs 446g), reflecting heavier housing construction. On imaging, analytics, ONVIF compliance, power input, audio, lens, sensor, IR range, WDR, and compression, both cameras are specification-equivalent per the data provided. The B511A is appropriate only for controlled indoor environments where no IP or IK rating is required and ambient temperature stays within -10°C to 50°C. Specify the B76A for any outdoor, industrial, or harsh-environment deployment.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B511A | ACTi B76A |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12MP | 12MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/1.7" | 1/1.7 inch |
| Lens / Focal Length | 1.65mm fixed | 1.65mm fixed |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.003 lux @ F2.8 | 0.003 lux @ F2.8 |
| Min Illumination (B/W) | 0 lux (IR on) | 0 lux (IR on) |
| IR Range | 20m | 20m |
| IR Wavelength | 850nm | 850nm |
| WDR | 130dB | 130dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 1920×1080; 18 fps @ 4000×3000 | 30 fps @ 2048×2048; 18 fps @ 4000×3000; 10 fps @ 4K UHD |
| Video Compression | H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG | H.264 (Baseline/Main/High); MJPEG |
| IP Rating | — | IP68 |
| IK / Impact Rating | — | IK10 |
| NEMA Rating | — | NEMA 4X |
| Operating Temperature | -10°C to 50°C (14°F to 122°F) | -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F) |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ 802.3at Class 3; DC 12V | PoE+ 802.3at Class 3; DC 12V |
| Application Environment | Indoor | Outdoor |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting | VMD; People Counting |
| Audio | Built-in mic; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | Built-in mic; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out |
| ONVIF Profiles | S, G, T, Q, M (M via firmware) | S, G, T, Q, M (M via firmware) |
| Certifications | CE; FCC; EAC; UL (accessories) | CE Class B; FCC Class B; EAC; CB; IP68; IK10; NEMA 4X; UL Listed (UL 60950-1) |
| Weight | 446g (0.983 lb) | 936g (2.064 lb) |
| Connector | RJ-45 port | 2m integrated cable tail |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B511A or the B76A?
The B76A is the stronger choice when the camera will be exposed to outdoor conditions, moisture, physical impact, or temperatures below -10°C. The B76A's IP68, IK10, and NEMA 4X ratings provide protection the B511A lacks entirely, and its -40°C cold-floor tolerance extends deployment to unheated structures and cold climates where the B511A's -10°C floor would be exceeded. The B76A also nearly doubles the B511A's weight (936g vs 446g), reflecting heavier housing construction. On imaging, analytics, ONVIF compliance, power input, audio, lens, sensor, IR range, WDR, and compression, both cameras are specification-equivalent per the data provided. The B511A is appropriate only for controlled indoor environments where no IP or IK rating is required and ambient temperature stays within -10°C to 50°C. Specify the B76A for any outdoor, industrial, or harsh-environment deployment.
Is the B511A or B76A better for low-light performance?
Both cameras are specification-equivalent for low light based on the provided data: each delivers a minimum color illumination of 0.003 lux at F2.8 and 0 lux in black-and-white mode with 850nm IR active at up to 20m range. Neither model holds a measurable low-light advantage per the specifications supplied.
Can the B511A be used outdoors?
No IP or IK ingress/impact rating is listed for the B511A in the provided specifications, and its application is explicitly listed as indoor. For outdoor deployments, the B76A is rated IP68, IK10, and NEMA 4X, and is specified for outdoor use. Do not install the B511A in environments exposed to moisture, dust, or physical impact.
Do both cameras work with the same VMS platforms?
Yes. Both the B511A and B76A are listed as ONVIF-compliant with Profiles S, G, T, Q, and M (Profile M via future firmware upgrade on both). Any VMS supporting those ONVIF profiles is compatible with either camera. No proprietary VMS exclusivity or incompatibility is indicated in the provided specifications.
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