Axis M4318-PLVE vs i-PRO S4576LMA: Specification Comparison
Both the Axis M4318-PLVE and the i-PRO WV-S4576LMA are 12MP outdoor IP dome cameras with fisheye/panoramic optics, IR night vision, IK10 vandal resistance, IP66 weatherproofing, PoE power, and ONVIF compliance — placing them squarely in the same cross-shop bracket for perimeter and wide-area surveillance deployments. The comparison covers imaging performance, installation and environmental suitability, and VMS/analytics integration to help integrators and IT buyers choose the right unit for their application.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras share a 12MP CMOS sensor producing 2992×2992 resolution at 30 fps, and both offer an ultra-wide near-hemispherical field of view — the Axis M4318-PLVE at 182° H × 182° V via a 1.2 mm stereographic lens, and the i-PRO WV-S4576LMA at 183° H × 183° V via a 1.4 mm lens. Sensor size differs slightly: Axis specifies 1/2.3-inch while i-PRO specifies approximately 1/2-type, a negligible practical difference. The i-PRO's IR range is a specified 14 meters maximum with a 0.04 lux B&W minimum illumination figure; the Axis M4318-PLVE specifies a color minimum illumination of 0.19 lux but does not publish a discrete IR distance figure in the provided specs.
Wide dynamic range is a meaningful differentiator: the Axis M4318-PLVE uses Forensic WDR, which Axis rates in practice at up to 120 dB (cited in the card bullets), whereas the i-PRO WV-S4576LMA specifies a maximum of 84 dB with Super Dynamic on at level 31. The Axis also adds Lightfinder technology for low-light color retention. The i-PRO includes hardware image compensation modes (Adaptive BLC, Fog, HLC, DNR) not listed for the Axis. Compression on the Axis extends to H.265 with Zipstream bandwidth optimization; the i-PRO supports H.265 and H.264 but Zipstream or an equivalent adaptive-bitrate feature is not listed in its provided specs.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras carry IP66 and IK10 ratings, confirming resistance to high-pressure water jets and 20-joule impact respectively — the i-PRO additionally lists IEC 60068-2-75 50J shock compliance, Type 4X (UL50), and NEMA 4X, providing a broader set of certifications for environments requiring those ratings. The i-PRO also specifies wind resistance up to 40 m/s and an anti-condensation Rosahl element, neither of which appears in the Axis provided specs. Operating temperature range is nearly identical: −40 °C to +50 °C for the Axis M4318-PLVE versus −40 °C to +60 °C for the i-PRO, giving the i-PRO a 10 °C advantage at the upper end.
Power delivery differs: the Axis M4318-PLVE requires PoE+ (802.3at) while the i-PRO WV-S4576LMA operates on standard PoE (IEEE 802.3af, Class 0), meaning existing 802.3af switches can power the i-PRO without an upgrade. Both are dome form-factor units. The Axis lists pendant, corner, recessed, and rack mount options via its portcast/junction-box bracket system; the i-PRO lists ceiling and wall mounting with a ±5° tilt adjustment. The i-PRO publishes physical dimensions (ø154 mm × 60.3 mm H) and weight (880 g); equivalent figures are not provided in the Axis specs.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras are ONVIF Profile G, M, S compliant; the Axis M4318-PLVE additionally lists ONVIF Profile T, which covers H.265 and metadata streaming — the i-PRO's provided specs include Profile T implicitly via H.265 support but do not explicitly list it. The Axis exposes a VAPIX open API and an on-chip Deep Learning Processing Unit (DLPU) supporting Object Analytics; the i-PRO offers AI-VMD, AI People Counting, AI Privacy Guard (up to 8 zones), AI Scene Change Detection, and AI Sound Classification (gunshot, yell, vehicle horn, glass break) — a broader out-of-box AI analytics suite from provided specs.
Audio support is present on the i-PRO with both 3.5 mm mic/line input and audio output, plus an audio detection trigger and AI sound classification; the Axis M4318-PLVE lists audio and I/O connectivity via portcast technology but specific audio jack specs are not detailed in the provided data. The i-PRO specifies 3× alarm inputs and 1× alarm output; the Axis alarm I/O count is not listed in the provided specs. Both support microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC local storage. The Axis carries 2 GB RAM and 8 GB flash on-board; equivalent figures are not provided for the i-PRO.
Which should you choose: the M4318-PLVE or the S4576LMA?
Our take: The i-PRO WV-S4576LMA is the stronger choice when standard PoE infrastructure, broader AI analytics out of the box, and higher upper operating temperature are the deciding factors. Concretely: (1) it runs on 802.3af PoE Class 0 versus the Axis M4318-PLVE's PoE+ (802.3at) requirement, reducing switch upgrade costs; (2) its specified maximum WDR is 84 dB versus the Axis's 120 dB Forensic WDR — a significant gap favoring the Axis in high-contrast scenes; (3) its upper operating temperature ceiling is +60 °C versus the Axis's +50 °C, relevant for hot-climate or rooftop installs. The Axis M4318-PLVE is the stronger choice where extreme WDR performance, Zipstream bandwidth savings on a Axis/VAPIX-native VMS, or ONVIF Profile T compliance is required, and where PoE+ ports are already deployed.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Axis M4318-PLVE | i-PRO S4576LMA |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 12MP (2992×2992) | 12MP (2992×2992) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.3-inch CMOS | Approx. 1/2-type CMOS |
| Lens / Focal Length | 1.2 mm stereographic | 1.4 mm |
| Field of View (H × V) | 182° × 182° | 183° × 183° |
| Min Illumination (Color) | 0.19 lux | 0.3 lux |
| Min Illumination (B&W) | — | 0.04 lux |
| IR Range | Not specified | 14 m max |
| Wide Dynamic Range | Forensic WDR (120 dB per card bullets) | Max. 84 dB (Super Dynamic level 31) |
| Max Frame Rate | 25/30 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Compression | H.265, H.264, Zipstream | H.265, H.264 |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66, NEMA 4X, Type 4X |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 (50 J per IEC 60068-2-75) |
| Operating Temperature | -40 °C to +50 °C | -40 °C to +60 °C |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ (802.3at) | PoE (IEEE 802.3af, Class 0) or DC 12V |
| Edge Storage | microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC | microSD (not further specified in provided specs) |
| Audio | Via portcast (detail not specified) | 3.5 mm mic input + audio output; AI sound classification |
| Alarm I/O | Not specified | 3× Alarm IN, 1× Alarm OUT, 1× AUX OUT |
| ONVIF Profiles | G, M, S, T | G, M, S, T |
| Edge AI Analytics | DLPU Object Analytics | AI-VMD, People Counting, Privacy Guard, SCD, Sound Classification |
| Vandal Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Wind Resistance | Not specified | Up to 40 m/s |
| Warranty | 5-Year | 5-Year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the M4318-PLVE or the S4576LMA?
The i-PRO WV-S4576LMA is the stronger choice when standard PoE infrastructure, broader AI analytics out of the box, and higher upper operating temperature are the deciding factors. Concretely: (1) it runs on 802.3af PoE Class 0 versus the Axis M4318-PLVE's PoE+ (802.3at) requirement, reducing switch upgrade costs; (2) its specified maximum WDR is 84 dB versus the Axis's 120 dB Forensic WDR — a significant gap favoring the Axis in high-contrast scenes; (3) its upper operating temperature ceiling is +60 °C versus the Axis's +50 °C, relevant for hot-climate or rooftop installs. The Axis M4318-PLVE is the stronger choice where extreme WDR performance, Zipstream bandwidth savings on a Axis/VAPIX-native VMS, or ONVIF Profile T compliance is required, and where PoE+ ports are already deployed.
Is the Axis M4318-PLVE or i-PRO WV-S4576LMA better for low-light performance?
Based on provided specs, the i-PRO WV-S4576LMA specifies 0.04 lux minimum illumination in black-and-white mode with a stated IR range of 14 meters, while the Axis M4318-PLVE specifies 0.19 lux minimum illumination (color) with OptimizedIR and Lightfinder but does not publish a discrete IR distance figure. The i-PRO's 0.04 lux B&W figure indicates better sensitivity in near-darkness; the Axis's Lightfinder and 120 dB Forensic WDR favor mixed high-contrast scenes. Neither figure for IR throw distance is comparable without a published Axis IR range.
Can I use my existing 802.3af PoE switches with both cameras?
No. The i-PRO WV-S4576LMA is specified as PoE IEEE 802.3af (Class 0) compatible, so standard PoE switches will power it directly. The Axis M4318-PLVE requires PoE+ (802.3at), meaning you would need 802.3at-capable switches or a PoE+ midspan injector to power it — an additional infrastructure cost to factor into the install budget.
Which camera offers more built-in AI analytics without a separate server license?
Based on provided specs, the i-PRO WV-S4576LMA includes a broader on-camera AI analytics suite: AI-VMD, AI People Counting, AI Privacy Guard (up to 8 privacy zones), AI Scene Change Detection, and AI Sound Classification (gunshot, yell, vehicle horn, glass break). The Axis M4318-PLVE lists a DLPU with Object Analytics and multi-view dewarping. Sound classification and people counting are explicitly listed only for the i-PRO in the provided specifications.
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