ACTi B912 vs ACTi B913: Specification Comparison
The ACTi B912 and B913 are both 5MP PTZ cameras sharing the same resolution class, PoE+ power standard, and ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M compliance. The B912 is positioned as a ruggedized outdoor mini PTZ with a 10x optical zoom, while the B913 is an indoor speed dome with a 30x optical zoom. Installers and IT buyers evaluating either model will find meaningful differences in zoom range, environmental ratings, low-light sensitivity, operating temperature, pan/tilt mechanics, and analytics depth—all of which are examined below using only the provided specifications.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras share a 1/2.9" sensor delivering 5MP resolution at up to 30 fps. The B912 uses a 4.7–47mm lens providing 10x optical zoom, while the B913 uses a 4.5–135mm lens providing 30x optical zoom—three times the reach. This is a significant operational difference: the B913 can resolve detail across much larger indoor spaces or long corridors without requiring camera repositioning, whereas the B912 is better matched to medium-range perimeter coverage.
Low-light performance also diverges. The B912 specifies minimum illumination of 0.003 lux (color) and 0.002 lux (B/W) at F1.6, using 940nm invisible IR. The B913 specifies 0.1 lux (color) and 0.05 lux (B/W) at F1.6 with a broader IR spectrum of 700–1100nm. The B912 is measurably more sensitive in near-dark conditions. Both cameras list WDR at 120dB and support H.265, H.264, and MJPEG compression.
What about installation and environment?
The B912 carries an IP67 ingress protection rating, making it fully sealed against dust and capable of withstanding temporary water immersion—suitable for outdoor deployment in rain, wash-down, or dusty environments. The B913 carries no IP rating in the provided specifications, consistent with its indoor-only designation. For impact resistance, the B912 is rated IK10 (the maximum on the IK scale) versus the B913's IK09; both are meaningful ratings, but IK10 provides a higher threshold against deliberate or accidental mechanical impact.
Operating temperature ranges differ substantially. The B912 is rated −40°C to 60°C (−40°F to 140°F), covering extreme cold and heat typical of outdoor installations in northern climates or sun-exposed enclosures. The B913 is rated −20°C to 50°C (−4°F to 122°F), appropriate for conditioned or semi-conditioned indoor spaces. Both are powered via PoE+ (802.3at) over a single RJ-45 connection; the B912 also accepts DC 12V. The B912 ships with a 2m cable; the B913 uses an RJ-45 pigtail connector. Mount options for the B912 include Wall, Pole, Pendant, Corner, and Rack; the B913 adds Ceiling to the same list.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras are ONVIF-compliant at Profile S, G, T, and M. The B912 additionally lists Visca, Pelco-D, and Pelco-P PTZ control protocol support per the provided specifications; the B913 specifications do not list these protocols. This gives the B912 broader legacy VMS compatibility in environments running older PTZ control infrastructure.
On edge analytics, the B912 specifies VMD, People Counting, and Smoke Detection. The B913 specifies only VMD (Video Motion Detection). Both cameras support two-way audio with Mic-in, Line-in, and Line-out. On-board storage is not specified for either model. The B913 lists CE, FCC, IK09, and UL certifications; the B912 does not enumerate certifications in the provided specifications. The B913 includes a stated 3-year warranty (1 year in continuous-motion mode); no warranty term is specified for the B912.
Which should you choose: the B912 or the B913?
Our take: The B912 is the stronger choice when the deployment is outdoor, requires extreme-temperature resilience, or demands richer edge analytics and legacy PTZ protocol support. Key spec deltas: the B912's IP67 rating and −40°C floor make it viable in environments where the B913 (no IP rating, −20°C floor) would not be installed; the B912's minimum illumination of 0.003 lux (color) outperforms the B913's 0.1 lux by roughly 33×, critical for unlit outdoor scenes; and the B912 adds Smoke Detection and People Counting analytics plus Visca/Pelco-D/Pelco-P protocol support absent from the B913 specs. Conversely, the B913 is the right call for large indoor spaces—its 30x optical zoom (4.5–135mm) versus the B912's 10x (4.7–47mm) provides three times the reach, and its 360° endless pan suits lobby or atrium coverage. Specify the B912 for outdoor/harsh environments; specify the B913 for large-format indoor surveillance where zoom range is the primary driver.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B912 | ACTi B913 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP | 5MP |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.9" | 1/2.9" |
| Lens / Focal Length | 4.7–47mm (10x optical zoom) | 4.5–135mm (30x optical zoom) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.003 lux @ F1.6 | 0.1 lux @ F1.6 |
| Min Illumination (B/W) | 0.002 lux @ F1.6 | 0.05 lux @ F1.6 |
| IR Wavelength | 940nm (invisible) | 700–1100nm |
| WDR | 120dB | 120dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 30fps @ 2592×1944 | 30fps |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264; MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP67 | — |
| IK Rating | IK10 | IK09 |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to 60°C (−40°F to 140°F) | −20°C to 50°C (−4°F to 122°F) |
| Power Input | DC 12V; PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3 | DC 12V; PoE+ (802.3at) |
| PTZ Pan Range | ±175° | 360° endless |
| PTZ Tilt Range | 0°–180° | 0°–180° |
| PTZ Protocol Support | ONVIF; Visca; Pelco-D; Pelco-P; ACTi URL | ONVIF only (per specs provided) |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection | VMD |
| Audio | Two-way; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | Two-way; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out |
| Mount Types | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack | Wall; Ceiling; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack |
| Weight | 1493g (3.292 lb) | 1578g (3.479 lb) |
| Certifications | — | CE; FCC; IK09; UL |
| Warranty | — | 3 years (1 year continuous motion) |
| Intended Environment | Outdoor | Indoor |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B912 or the B913?
The B912 is the stronger choice when the deployment is outdoor, requires extreme-temperature resilience, or demands richer edge analytics and legacy PTZ protocol support. Key spec deltas: the B912's IP67 rating and −40°C floor make it viable in environments where the B913 (no IP rating, −20°C floor) would not be installed; the B912's minimum illumination of 0.003 lux (color) outperforms the B913's 0.1 lux by roughly 33×, critical for unlit outdoor scenes; and the B912 adds Smoke Detection and People Counting analytics plus Visca/Pelco-D/Pelco-P protocol support absent from the B913 specs. Conversely, the B913 is the right call for large indoor spaces—its 30x optical zoom (4.5–135mm) versus the B912's 10x (4.7–47mm) provides three times the reach, and its 360° endless pan suits lobby or atrium coverage. Specify the B912 for outdoor/harsh environments; specify the B913 for large-format indoor surveillance where zoom range is the primary driver.
Is the B912 or B913 better for low-light performance?
The B912 is significantly more sensitive in low light. Its specified minimum illumination is 0.003 lux (color) and 0.002 lux (B/W) at F1.6 using 940nm invisible IR. The B913 specifies 0.1 lux (color) and 0.05 lux (B/W) at F1.6. In near-dark or unlit environments, the B912 outperforms the B913 by roughly 33× on the color figure.
Can the B913 be installed outdoors?
Based on the provided specifications, the B913 is designated for indoor use and carries no IP ingress protection rating. The B912 carries IP67 and is rated for outdoor use with an operating range of −40°C to 60°C. The B913 is rated −20°C to 50°C with no stated weatherproofing, making it unsuitable for unprotected outdoor installation per the specs provided.
Which camera offers better zoom range for a large open area?
The B913 offers substantially greater zoom range: its 4.5–135mm lens delivers 30x optical zoom versus the B912's 4.7–47mm lens at 10x optical zoom. For large indoor spaces such as warehouses, atriums, or long corridors where a single camera must cover significant distances, the B913's 30x zoom provides three times the reach of the B912.
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