ACTi Z956 vs i-PRO A-475-P: Specification Comparison
Both the ACTi Z956 and i-PRO A-475-P are 4MP outdoor PTZ cameras powered by PoE 802.3af, making them direct cross-shop candidates for installers evaluating perimeter and area-surveillance deployments. The Z956 leads with a 33x optical zoom and IK10 vandal resistance, while the A-475-P counters with integrated IR illumination, ONVIF Profile S certification, and broader declared VMS compatibility. This comparison draws exclusively from the provided specifications for each model.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras deliver 4MP resolution. The ACTi Z956 provides a 4.5–148.5 mm varifocal lens with 33x optical zoom, giving operators the ability to shift from wide lot-coverage to tight, plate-level detail without repositioning. It includes WDR and 3D DNR for contrast management in mixed-lighting scenes. No IR illumination distance is specified for the Z956 in the provided data.
The i-PRO A-475-P offers 4x optical zoom over a varifocal lens range that is not numerically specified in the provided data. It adds integrated IR illumination rated to 150 feet, enabling active low-light and night-time coverage. VMD (Video Motion Detection) is listed as its analytics feature. WDR is not listed for the A-475-P in the provided specifications.
What about installation and environment?
The ACTi Z956 carries IP67 and IK10 ratings, meaning it is fully dust-tight, withstands temporary immersion, and resists 20-joule impacts—suitable for washdown zones, parking structures, and environments where deliberate tampering is a concern. It draws a maximum of 12.95W over PoE 802.3af. No operating temperature range is provided in the supplied specifications.
The i-PRO A-475-P is powered by PoE 802.3af at 13W. Its IP and IK ratings, operating temperature range, and physical dimensions are not specified in the provided data. The mount type is listed as rack, which is atypical for a PTZ camera and may reflect a data entry artifact; buyers should confirm mounting hardware with the manufacturer or distributor.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
The i-PRO A-475-P declares ONVIF Profile S compatibility and lists verified interoperability with Milestone, Genetec, i-PRO NVR, and Axis Camera Station. It includes audio input and streaming, and VMD is noted as an on-board analytic. No edge storage specification is provided for the A-475-P.
The ACTi Z956 supports H.265 and H.264 compression and includes a MicroSD slot for on-board edge storage. Audio is listed as supported. ONVIF compliance and specific VMS compatibility are not stated in the provided specifications for the Z956. The 3D DNR analytic is noted, but no advanced event-based analytics are specified.
Which should you choose: the Z956 or the A-475-P?
Our take: The Z956 is the stronger choice when long-range optical reach and physical hardening are the primary requirements: its 33x zoom (4.5–148.5 mm) versus the A-475-P's 4x zoom is a decisive operational difference for large perimeters, and its IK10 rating adds impact resistance not specified for the A-475-P. The A-475-P is the stronger choice when verified VMS interoperability, active IR night vision to 150 ft, and ONVIF Profile S certification are the governing criteria—particularly in Milestone, Genetec, or i-PRO NVR environments where pre-tested integration reduces commissioning risk. Power draw is nearly equivalent (12.95W vs 13W, both 802.3af). Installers in open or high-vandalism outdoor zones with mixed day/night duty cycles and no dominant VMS constraint should weight the Z956's zoom range and IK10 protection; those deploying into an existing ONVIF-centric VMS with 24/7 IR coverage needs should weight the A-475-P.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | ACTi Z956 | i-PRO A-475-P |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 4 MP | 4 MP |
| Lens / Focal Length | 4.5–148.5 mm | Varifocal (range not specified) |
| Optical Zoom | 33x | 4x |
| IR Illumination | — | Integrated IR, 150 ft |
| WDR | Yes | — |
| Low-Light Analytics | 3D DNR | VMD (Video Motion Detection) |
| Video Compression | H.265 / H.264 | H.265 / H.264 / MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP67 | — |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | — |
| Power Input | PoE 802.3af | PoE 802.3af |
| Max PoE Draw | 12.95W | 13W |
| Edge Storage | MicroSD | — |
| Audio | Yes | Audio input; Streaming |
| ONVIF | — | Profile S |
| VMS Compatibility | — | Milestone; Genetec; i-PRO NVR; Axis Camera Station |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the Z956 or the A-475-P?
The Z956 is the stronger choice when long-range optical reach and physical hardening are the primary requirements: its 33x zoom (4.5–148.5 mm) versus the A-475-P's 4x zoom is a decisive operational difference for large perimeters, and its IK10 rating adds impact resistance not specified for the A-475-P. The A-475-P is the stronger choice when verified VMS interoperability, active IR night vision to 150 ft, and ONVIF Profile S certification are the governing criteria—particularly in Milestone, Genetec, or i-PRO NVR environments where pre-tested integration reduces commissioning risk. Power draw is nearly equivalent (12.95W vs 13W, both 802.3af). Installers in open or high-vandalism outdoor zones with mixed day/night duty cycles and no dominant VMS constraint should weight the Z956's zoom range and IK10 protection; those deploying into an existing ONVIF-centric VMS with 24/7 IR coverage needs should weight the A-475-P.
Is the Z956 or A-475-P better for low-light and night coverage?
Based on the provided specifications, the i-PRO A-475-P is the documented choice for low-light and night coverage: it lists integrated IR illumination rated to 150 feet. The ACTi Z956 does not specify IR illumination or a minimum illumination figure in the provided data, so its low-light performance cannot be confirmed from specs alone.
Which camera works with Milestone or Genetec VMS?
The i-PRO A-475-P explicitly lists Milestone and Genetec as verified compatible VMS platforms via ONVIF Profile S. The ACTi Z956's ONVIF status and VMS compatibility are not stated in the provided specifications; buyers should verify with ACTi or the integrating VMS vendor before deployment.
Does either camera support on-board recording if the NVR goes offline?
The ACTi Z956 specifies a MicroSD card slot for local edge storage. On-board storage is not listed in the provided specifications for the i-PRO A-475-P.
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