ACTi B912 vs ACTi B928: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi B912 and ACTi B928 are 5MP outdoor PTZ cameras sharing the same resolution class, sensor size, and general surveillance application. The B912 is a compact mini PTZ while the B928 is a full-size speed dome, but both target outdoor perimeter and wide-area monitoring use cases where buyers must weigh zoom range, IR reach, power requirements, and ruggedization. This comparison draws exclusively from the published specifications for each model to help integrators and IT buyers determine which unit suits their deployment scenario.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras share a 5MP resolution at 30 fps and a 1/2.9" sensor, giving them an identical pixel-count baseline. The B912 uses a 4.7–47mm lens delivering 10x optical zoom, while the B928 uses a 4.6–165.6mm lens delivering 36x optical zoom — a 3.6x greater zoom range that significantly extends identification distance. WDR is rated at 120dB on both models, and minimum color illumination is identical at 0.003 lux. The B928, however, achieves 0 lux in B/W mode with IR active, whereas the B912 achieves 0.002 lux B/W — a marginal but spec-documented difference.
IR illumination differs in wavelength, range, and visibility. The B912 uses 940nm invisible IR (no glare, no red glow visible to subjects) but does not specify a working distance. The B928 uses 850nm IR with a documented 200m working distance, making it the clear choice for long-range nocturnal coverage. Installers deploying in environments where covert IR is a priority should note the B912's invisible 940nm emitter; those needing documented range should note the B928's 200m spec.
What about installation and environment?
The B912 carries an IP67 ingress protection rating (dust-tight, temporary immersion to 1m), while the B928 is rated IP66 (dust-tight, powerful water jets) and additionally holds NEMA 4X certification. Both are IK10 impact-rated. The B912 operates from −40°C to 60°C; the B928 from −40°C to 55°C, a 5°C narrower upper range. The B912 weighs 1,493g (3.29 lb) versus the B928's 3,146g (6.94 lb), a difference relevant to bracket load ratings and pole/corner mount selection.
Power requirements differ substantially. The B912 runs on PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3 or DC 12V — compatible with standard PoE+ switches and injectors. The B928 requires either AC 24V or High PoE at 75W, well beyond standard 802.3at (30W) limits; installers must confirm switch or midspan support for 75W PoE (IEEE 802.3bt Type 3 or 4, or a dedicated high-PoE injector). This is a significant infrastructure cost and planning consideration. Both models support wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack mounting and ship with a 2m cable (B912) or RJ-45 pigtail (B928).
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras support ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M, providing broad VMS compatibility. The B912 additionally lists Visca, Pelco-D, and Pelco-P protocol support — useful for legacy PTZ controllers or VMS platforms that rely on these serial-over-IP PTZ control protocols. The B928 does not list these protocols in its published specifications. Both cameras include VMD (video motion detection) and People Counting analytics per their specs; Smoke Detection analytics also appear in the structured spec fields for both models.
Audio capability differs: the B912 supports two-way audio with mic-in, line-in, and line-out, providing more input flexibility. The B928 is specified with line-in and line-out (two-way) but does not list a built-in mic input. Neither model lists onboard SD card or edge storage in the provided specifications — installers requiring local recording should verify edge storage support directly with ACTi documentation. The B928 holds a Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification Level 1, which is not listed for the B912.
Which should you choose: the B912 or the B928?
Our take: The B912 is the stronger choice when infrastructure is limited to standard PoE+ switches and covert IR is a priority, while the B928 is the stronger choice when maximum zoom range and long-range IR coverage are the primary requirements. Key spec deltas: the B928 delivers 36x optical zoom (4.6–165.6mm) versus the B912's 10x (4.7–47mm), and its 850nm IR is specified to 200m while the B912's 940nm IR has no documented range. However, the B928 demands 75W power versus the B912's standard PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3, requiring high-PoE infrastructure that adds cost and complexity. The B912 also operates to 60°C versus the B928's 55°C upper limit and adds Visca/Pelco-D/Pelco-P PTZ control protocol support absent from the B928 spec sheet. Choose the B912 for covert IR, PoE-constrained sites, or legacy PTZ controller environments; choose the B928 for long-range identification, zero-lux B/W operation, and sites with high-PoE or AC 24V infrastructure in place.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B912 | ACTi B928 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP | 5MP |
| Image Sensor Size | 1/2.9" | 1/2.9" |
| Lens / Focal Length | 4.7–47mm (10x optical zoom) | 4.6–165.6mm (36x optical zoom) |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.003 lux @ F1.6 | 0.003 lux @ F1.55 |
| Min Illumination (B/W) | 0.002 lux @ F1.6 | 0 lux (IR LED on) |
| IR Wavelength | 940nm (invisible) | 850nm |
| IR Range | Not specified | 200m |
| WDR | 120dB | 120dB (Extreme WDR) |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps @ 2592×1944 | 30 fps @ 5MP |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; MJPEG | H.265; H.264; MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP67 | IP66 / NEMA 4X |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F) | -40°C to 55°C (-40°F to 131°F) |
| Power Input / PoE | PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3 or DC 12V | High PoE 75W or AC 24V |
| PTZ Pan Range | Pan ±175° | Pan 360° endless |
| PTZ Tilt Range | Tilt 0°–180° | Tilt -20° to 200° |
| PTZ Presets | Not specified | 256 presets; 10 tours |
| Audio | Two-way; Mic-in; Line-in; Line-out | Two-way; Line-in; Line-out |
| PTZ Control Protocols | ONVIF; Visca; Pelco-D; Pelco-P; ACTi URL | ONVIF (Visca/Pelco not listed) |
| ONVIF Profiles | S; G; T; M | S; G; T; M |
| Edge Analytics | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection | VMD; People Counting; Smoke Detection |
| Cybersecurity Certification | Not listed | Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification Level 1 |
| Weight | 1,493g (3.29 lb) | 3,146g (6.94 lb) |
| Mount Types | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack | Wall; Pole; Pendant; Corner; Rack |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B912 or the B928?
The B912 is the stronger choice when infrastructure is limited to standard PoE+ switches and covert IR is a priority, while the B928 is the stronger choice when maximum zoom range and long-range IR coverage are the primary requirements. Key spec deltas: the B928 delivers 36x optical zoom (4.6–165.6mm) versus the B912's 10x (4.7–47mm), and its 850nm IR is specified to 200m while the B912's 940nm IR has no documented range. However, the B928 demands 75W power versus the B912's standard PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3, requiring high-PoE infrastructure that adds cost and complexity. The B912 also operates to 60°C versus the B928's 55°C upper limit and adds Visca/Pelco-D/Pelco-P PTZ control protocol support absent from the B928 spec sheet. Choose the B912 for covert IR, PoE-constrained sites, or legacy PTZ controller environments; choose the B928 for long-range identification, zero-lux B/W operation, and sites with high-PoE or AC 24V infrastructure in place.
Is the B912 or B928 better for low-light and night vision?
Both cameras achieve color minimum illumination of 0.003 lux. In B/W mode the B928 reaches 0 lux with IR active, while the B912 is specified at 0.002 lux B/W. The B928 also documents an 850nm IR working distance of 200m; the B912 uses 940nm invisible IR but does not publish a working distance figure. For long-range zero-lux coverage the B928 has the stronger documented spec; for covert IR with no visible red glow the B912's 940nm emitter is the differentiator.
Can I power the B928 from a standard PoE+ switch?
No. The B928 requires High PoE at 75W or AC 24V. Standard PoE+ (802.3at) switches deliver a maximum of 30W, which is insufficient. You will need an 802.3bt Type 3 or Type 4 switch, a dedicated high-PoE midspan injector, or an AC 24V power supply. The B912, by contrast, operates on standard PoE+ (802.3at) Class 3, compatible with most enterprise PoE+ switches.
Which camera works better with legacy PTZ controllers or older VMS platforms using Pelco or Visca?
The B912 lists Visca, Pelco-D, and Pelco-P protocol support in its published specifications, making it compatible with legacy PTZ controllers and VMS platforms that rely on these protocols. The B928 specifications do not list Visca, Pelco-D, or Pelco-P support. Both cameras support ONVIF Profile S, G, T, and M for modern VMS integration.
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