ACTi B911 vs Digital Watchdog DWC-XPZA03Mi: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi B911 and the Digital Watchdog DWC-XPZA03Mi are outdoor 3MP PTZ cameras aimed at perimeter surveillance applications where remote pan/tilt/zoom control is required. The comparison covers a compact PoE+-powered 10× optical zoom unit against a high-power PoE 40× optical zoom unit in the same resolution class. Buyers evaluating these products are typically choosing between reach, payload size, power infrastructure requirements, and analytics depth for enterprise or campus-scale deployments.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The ACTi B911 uses a 1/2.8" sensor delivering 3MP (2048×1536) at 30 fps, paired with a 4.7–47mm 10× optical zoom lens spanning a horizontal field from approximately 58° to 5.8°. Minimum illumination is 0.05 lux color and 0.002 lux B/W at F1.6, with 940nm invisible IR and a DORI-rated detection range reaching 940m at its furthest envelope. WDR is rated at 145dB. The DWC-XPZA03Mi uses a larger 1/1.8" sensor at 3MP (2304×1296) and 30fps, with a 6.5–260mm 40× optical zoom lens spanning 64.1° to 1.6° HFOV—four times the optical reach of the B911. Minimum illumination is 0.005 lux color and 0.0 lux B/W. WDR is listed as 'True WDR' with no dB figure provided in the supplied specs.
IR performance diverges significantly: the DWC-XPZA03Mi specifies a Smart IR range of 1,148 ft (350m), while the B911's IR range per DORI tables extends to 940m at the detection tier but does not specify a discrete IR illuminator throw distance in the same format. The DWC-XPZA03Mi's stream capability reaches 60fps at full 2304×1296 resolution on its max stream spec, versus the B911's 30fps at full 3MP. The DWC-XPZA03Mi also adds 16× digital zoom on top of its 40× optical, while the B911 offers no digital zoom figure in the provided specs.
What about installation and environment?
The B911 carries IP67 and NEMA 4X ratings alongside IK10 impact resistance, tolerating submersion-level water ingress and a wider ingress protection envelope than the DWC-XPZA03Mi's IP66 and IK10 ratings. Both units share the same upper operating temperature of 60°C (140°F), but the B911's lower bound is -40°C (-40°F) versus -30°C (-22°F) for the DWC-XPZA03Mi—a meaningful 10°C advantage in extreme-cold environments. The B911 is powered by PoE+ (802.3at Class 3) at standard 802.3at levels, whereas the DWC-XPZA03Mi requires a high-power PoE injector rated at 75W/1.363A—well above 802.3at capacity—meaning a standard PoE+ switch port will not suffice and a dedicated injector (included per spec) must be planned into the installation.
The B911 weighs approximately 1.5 kg (3.31 lb) and supports wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack mounts. The DWC-XPZA03Mi weighs 5.77 kg (12.72 lb)—nearly four times heavier—with mounting accessories listed as required and sold separately. The larger form factor and power requirement of the DWC-XPZA03Mi demand more robust mounting infrastructure and dedicated high-power PoE sourcing at each drop.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The B911 declares ONVIF conformance to Profiles S, G, T, and M, and additionally supports Visca, Pelco-D, Pelco-P, and ACTi URL command protocols—broadening compatibility with legacy PTZ control infrastructure. On-board analytics include Video Motion Detection, People Counting, and Smoke Detection per the supplied specs. Audio capability is two-way with mic-in, line-in, and line-out. No edge storage specification (SD card) is listed in the provided B911 data. The DWC-XPZA03Mi lists ONVIF conformance generically ('any ONVIF conformant CMS') without specifying profile levels. Analytics include AI auto-tracking, motion detection, network disconnection detection, and sensor detection. Audio is one input/one output with G.711 compression. The DWC-XPZA03Mi specifies 4 alarm inputs and 2 alarm outputs plus RS485 camera control, 8 programmable privacy masks, de-fog, and Digital Image Stabilization—none of which are listed for the B911 in the provided specs. No SD/edge storage spec is provided for the DWC-XPZA03Mi either.
Which should you choose: the B911 or the DWC-XPZA03Mi?
Our take: The DWC-XPZA03Mi is the stronger choice when maximum optical reach, AI auto-tracking, and large-perimeter IR coverage are the primary drivers. Its 40× optical zoom (6.5–260mm) versus the B911's 10× (4.7–47mm) delivers four times the focal reach—critical for identifying subjects at distance. Its Smart IR is specified at 1,148 ft (350m) with a stated lux floor of 0.0 lux B/W, and it adds 4 alarm inputs, RS485 control, DIS, and de-fog features absent from the B911's provided specs. Conversely, the B911 is the stronger choice when power infrastructure is constrained, installation environments are extremely cold (-40°C vs -30°C), or IP67/NEMA 4X ingress protection is required. The B911 runs on standard PoE+ (802.3at) at roughly one-fifth the power draw, weighs 1.5 kg versus 5.77 kg, and supports richer ONVIF profiles (S/G/T/M) plus Pelco-D/P/Visca for legacy PTZ control. Choose the DWC-XPZA03Mi for wide-area perimeter deployments with high-power PoE infrastructure; choose the B911 for pole or corner installs with standard PoE+ switches and extreme-cold or high-ingress environments.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B911 | Digital Watchdog DWC-XPZA03Mi |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 3MP (2048×1536) | 3MP (2304×1296) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8" CMOS | 1/1.8" CMOS |
| Lens / Focal Length | 4.7–47mm (10× optical zoom) | 6.5–260mm (40× optical + 16× digital zoom) |
| Horizontal FOV | ~58°–5.8° (spec-derived) | 64.1°–1.6° |
| Min Illumination (B/W) | 0.002 lux @ F1.6 | 0.0 lux (IR on) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.05 lux @ F1.6 | 0.005 lux |
| IR Range | DORI-rated up to 940m (detection tier); IR illuminator throw not separately specified | 1,148 ft (350m) Smart IR |
| WDR | 145dB | True WDR (no dB figure in spec) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2048×1536 | 60 fps @ 2304×1296 |
| Video Compression | H.265, H.264 (B/M/H profiles), MJPEG | H.265, H.264, MJPEG |
| PTZ Pan Range | ±175° (350° total) | 360° endless |
| PTZ Tilt Range | 0°–180° | 100° (-10° to 90°) |
| IP Rating | IP67 / NEMA 4X | IP66 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F) | -30°C to 60°C (-22°F to 140°F) |
| Power Input | PoE+ (802.3at Class 3) or DC 12V | High-power PoE; 75W / 1.363A (injector included) |
| Audio | Two-way; mic-in, line-in, line-out | 1 audio in / 1 audio out; G.711 |
| Alarm I/O | — (not specified in provided specs) | 4 inputs / 2 outputs |
| ONVIF Profiles | Profile S, G, T, M | ONVIF conformant (profile levels not specified) |
| PTZ Protocols | ONVIF, Visca, Pelco-D, Pelco-P, ACTi URL | ONVIF, RS485 (Pelco-D/P not listed in spec) |
| Edge Analytics | VMD, People Counting, Smoke Detection | AI Auto-Tracking, Motion Detection, De-fog, DIS |
| Weight | 1.5 kg (3.31 lb) | 5.77 kg (12.72 lb) |
| Warranty | — (not specified in provided specs) | 2 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B911 or the DWC-XPZA03Mi?
The DWC-XPZA03Mi is the stronger choice when maximum optical reach, AI auto-tracking, and large-perimeter IR coverage are the primary drivers. Its 40× optical zoom (6.5–260mm) versus the B911's 10× (4.7–47mm) delivers four times the focal reach—critical for identifying subjects at distance. Its Smart IR is specified at 1,148 ft (350m) with a stated lux floor of 0.0 lux B/W, and it adds 4 alarm inputs, RS485 control, DIS, and de-fog features absent from the B911's provided specs. Conversely, the B911 is the stronger choice when power infrastructure is constrained, installation environments are extremely cold (-40°C vs -30°C), or IP67/NEMA 4X ingress protection is required. The B911 runs on standard PoE+ (802.3at) at roughly one-fifth the power draw, weighs 1.5 kg versus 5.77 kg, and supports richer ONVIF profiles (S/G/T/M) plus Pelco-D/P/Visca for legacy PTZ control. Choose the DWC-XPZA03Mi for wide-area perimeter deployments with high-power PoE infrastructure; choose the B911 for pole or corner installs with standard PoE+ switches and extreme-cold or high-ingress environments.
Is the B911 or DWC-XPZA03Mi better for low-light performance?
Based on the provided specs, the DWC-XPZA03Mi has the lower minimum illumination floor: 0.0 lux B/W (with IR) versus the B911's 0.002 lux B/W at F1.6. The DWC-XPZA03Mi also specifies a 1,148 ft (350m) Smart IR throw distance. The B911's WDR is rated at a specific 145dB; the DWC-XPZA03Mi lists 'True WDR' with no dB figure in the supplied specs.
Can I power either camera from a standard PoE+ switch port?
The B911 operates on standard PoE+ (802.3at Class 3), which is supported by most managed switches. The DWC-XPZA03Mi requires up to 75W at 1.363A—far exceeding 802.3at's 30W ceiling—and a high-power PoE injector is included in the package. A standard PoE+ switch port alone will not power the DWC-XPZA03Mi.
Which camera is better suited for legacy PTZ control systems using Pelco-D or Pelco-P?
The B911 explicitly lists Pelco-D, Pelco-P, and Visca protocol support in addition to ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and M. The DWC-XPZA03Mi specifies RS485 control and generic ONVIF conformance but does not list Pelco-D, Pelco-P, or Visca in the provided specifications. For legacy analog PTZ controller integration, the B911 is the documented choice.
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