ACTi B928 vs i-PRO S61501-Z1: Specification Comparison
This comparison covers two 5 MP PTZ speed dome cameras targeting different deployment environments: the ACTi B928, an outdoor-rated rugged unit with a 36x optical zoom and extended temperature tolerance, and the i-PRO WV-S61501-Z1, an indoor dome PTZ built around an Ambarella CV22 SoC with AI-driven analytics and FIPS 140-2 Level 3 cybersecurity certification. Both deliver 5 MP resolution at 30 fps with H.265 compression and ONVIF Profile S/G/T/M support, but they diverge sharply in zoom range, environmental hardening, analytics depth, and power draw.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras use sensors of similar size — the B928 at 1/2.9" and the WV-S61501-Z1 at approximately 1/2.8" — and both capture 5 MP at 30 fps with H.265, H.264, and MJPEG compression. The ACTi B928 delivers a substantially wider zoom range at 36x optical (4.6–165.6 mm), versus the i-PRO's 10x optical (4.7–47 mm, extendable to 15x digital at 720p). For wide-area surveillance requiring long-range identification, the B928's zoom reach is a decisive hardware advantage.
In low-light performance, the B928 reaches 0.003 lux in color mode and 0 lux with its 850 nm IR illuminator active at up to 200 m working distance. The WV-S61501-Z1 achieves 0.004 lux in B&W but lists an IR distance of only 1.5 m, indicating its IR is supplemental rather than a primary illumination source for long-range night use. On WDR, the i-PRO specifies up to 132 dB (Super Dynamic, Level 31) versus the B928's 120 dB Extreme WDR, giving the i-PRO a measurable edge in high-contrast scenes. The i-PRO also includes a built-in gyro-sensor image stabilizer; ACTi does not specify this feature.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi B928 is purpose-built for outdoor deployment, carrying IP66 and NEMA 4X weatherproofing along with IK10 vandal resistance, and is rated for an operating range of -40°C to +55°C. These specs make it suitable for exposed exterior locations including arctic-climate installations. It draws up to 75 W under High PoE (requiring IEEE 802.3at infrastructure that can source that wattage) or AC 24V. Its weight of 3,146 g (6.94 lb) and available mount types — wall, pole, pendant, corner, and rack — reflect a heavy-duty outdoor chassis.
The i-PRO WV-S61501-Z1 carries no listed IP or IK rating and is designated for indoor use only, with an operating range of -10°C to +50°C (power-on minimum 0°C). Its power draw is dramatically lower at 12.95 W over PoE+ or 11.6 W on DC 12V, making it compatible with standard 802.3at switches without special power budgeting. At approximately 1.2 kg (2.65 lb), it is less than half the B928's weight. Mount options are wall, ceiling, and rack. Installers should note the i-PRO's 350° pan limit versus the B928's 360° endless pan — relevant for continuous tracking applications.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras support ONVIF Profiles S, G, T, and M, ensuring broad VMS compatibility. The i-PRO WV-S61501-Z1 runs on an Ambarella CV22 SoC and offers a substantially deeper on-camera analytics suite: AI Motion Detection, Face Detection, Vehicle Detection, People Counting, AI Sound Classification (gunshot, yell, vehicle horn, glass break), Scene Change Detection, and Audio Detection. The B928 covers VMD, People Counting, and Smoke Detection — useful for outdoor scenarios but narrower in classification depth. For deployments requiring edge AI without a separate analytics server, the i-PRO's on-board capabilities are more extensive.
On storage and security, the WV-S61501-Z1 supports microSDXC edge recording and is certified to FIPS 140-2 Level 3, backed by GlobalSign certificate management, HTTPS, 802.1X, and signed firmware — a meaningful differentiator for federal, healthcare, and financial deployments with strict cybersecurity mandates. The B928 holds Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification Level 1 but edge storage capability is not specified in the provided documentation. Audio handling is comparable: both offer two-way audio with line-in and line-out; the i-PRO specifies 3.5 mm stereo mini jacks and supports G.726/G.711 codecs. The i-PRO supports up to 14 simultaneous users; the B928 does not specify this limit. The i-PRO also carries a stated 3-year warranty; the B928's warranty term is not documented in the provided specs.
Which should you choose: the B928 or the S61501-Z1?
Our take: The B928 is the stronger choice when the deployment is outdoor, requires long-range optical identification, or must survive extreme temperatures. Its 36x optical zoom versus the WV-S61501-Z1's 10x is a 3.6x hardware reach advantage, its 200 m IR illumination dwarfs the i-PRO's 1.5 m IR range, and its -40°C floor gives it a 30°C cold-weather margin over the i-PRO's -10°C limit — all supported by IP66/IK10 ratings the i-PRO entirely lacks. Conversely, the WV-S61501-Z1 is the correct choice for indoor, access-controlled, or compliance-sensitive environments: its 132 dB WDR edges the B928's 120 dB, its Ambarella CV22 SoC delivers broader AI analytics including sound classification and face detection, its FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification satisfies federal procurement requirements, and its 12.95 W power draw simplifies switch infrastructure compared to the B928's 75 W maximum. Specify the B928 for outdoor perimeter and wide-area tracking; specify the WV-S61501-Z1 for indoor lobbies, corridors, and regulated facilities.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi B928 | i-PRO S61501-Z1 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5 MP | 5 MP (3072×1728) |
| Sensor Size | 1/2.9" | Approx. 1/2.8" |
| Optical Zoom | 36x (4.6–165.6 mm) | 10x (4.7–47 mm) |
| Max FPS | 30 fps @ 5 MP | 30 fps |
| WDR | 120 dB (Extreme WDR) | 132 dB (Super Dynamic, Level 31) |
| Min Illumination (B/W) | 0 lux (IR on) | 0.004 lux |
| IR Distance | 200 m (850 nm) | 1.5 m |
| IP Rating | IP66 / NEMA 4X | — |
| IK Rating | IK10 | — |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +55°C | -10°C to +50°C |
| Power Draw (max) | 75 W (High PoE / AC 24V) | 12.95 W (PoE+) / 11.6 W (DC 12V) |
| Pan Range | 360° endless | 0°–350° |
| Preset Speed (pan) | 300°/s | 350°/s |
| Edge Storage | — | microSDXC |
| Cybersecurity Cert | Taiwan IoT Level 1 | FIPS 140-2 Level 3 |
| Weight | 3,146 g (6.94 lb) | Approx. 1,200 g (2.65 lb) |
| Image Stabilizer | — | Yes (gyro sensor) |
| Warranty | — | 3 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the B928 or the S61501-Z1?
The B928 is the stronger choice when the deployment is outdoor, requires long-range optical identification, or must survive extreme temperatures. Its 36x optical zoom versus the WV-S61501-Z1's 10x is a 3.6x hardware reach advantage, its 200 m IR illumination dwarfs the i-PRO's 1.5 m IR range, and its -40°C floor gives it a 30°C cold-weather margin over the i-PRO's -10°C limit — all supported by IP66/IK10 ratings the i-PRO entirely lacks. Conversely, the WV-S61501-Z1 is the correct choice for indoor, access-controlled, or compliance-sensitive environments: its 132 dB WDR edges the B928's 120 dB, its Ambarella CV22 SoC delivers broader AI analytics including sound classification and face detection, its FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification satisfies federal procurement requirements, and its 12.95 W power draw simplifies switch infrastructure compared to the B928's 75 W maximum. Specify the B928 for outdoor perimeter and wide-area tracking; specify the WV-S61501-Z1 for indoor lobbies, corridors, and regulated facilities.
Can the ACTi B928 be used indoors?
Yes. The B928 carries no indoor restriction, and its IP66/NEMA 4X/IK10 ratings are additive capabilities rather than disqualifiers. However, its 75 W power requirement, 3,146 g weight, and large outdoor dome form factor make it physically and operationally oversized for most interior applications. The i-PRO WV-S61501-Z1 is the more practical indoor choice.
Does the i-PRO WV-S61501-Z1 support edge recording without a NVR?
Yes. The WV-S61501-Z1 supports microSDXC cards for local edge recording. The ACTi B928's provided specifications do not list an edge storage capability, so local recording on the B928 cannot be confirmed from available documentation.
Which camera is better suited for a federal or government installation requiring cybersecurity compliance?
The i-PRO WV-S61501-Z1 holds FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certification — a U.S. federal cryptographic standard — along with 802.1X port authentication, signed firmware, and GlobalSign certificate management. The B928 holds Taiwan IoT Cybersecurity Certification Level 1 but is not documented as FIPS 140-2 certified. For mandated FIPS compliance, the WV-S61501-Z1 meets the requirement; the B928 does not based on available specifications.
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