Axis Q1971-E vs Axis Q1972-E: Specification Comparison
The Axis Q1971-E (SKU 02950-001) and Q1972-E (SKU 03029-001) are both outdoor thermal bullet cameras from Axis's Q19-series, sharing the same housing format, IP66/IK10 ratings, PoE+ Class 3 power, and dual H.265/H.264 compression with Zipstream. The core differentiator is thermal sensor resolution: the Q1971-E delivers QVGA (384×288) imagery while the Q1972-E steps up to VGA (640×480). Both are intended for 24/7 perimeter detection in complete darkness, fog, or smoke, making them direct cross-shop candidates for the same application but at different image-detail budgets.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
The Q1971-E uses an uncooled microbolometer sensor at 384×288 pixels with a 17 μm pixel pitch, paired with a 19 mm F1.24 athermalized lens delivering a 19° horizontal × 15° vertical field of view. Thermal sensitivity is specified at <20 mK NETD at 25°C across the 8–14 μm spectral range. Maximum frame rate is 8.3 fps. The Q1972-E uses a VGA uncooled microbolometer at 640×480 pixels paired with a 19 mm F1.0 athermalized lens producing a wider 31° horizontal × 24° vertical field of view. Thermal sensitivity is also specified at <20 mK NETD at 25°C across the same 8–14 μm spectral range. The Q1972-E supports up to 30 fps in one operating mode and 8.3 fps in another, giving it significantly more temporal resolution than the Q1971-E.
Pixel pitch for the Q1972-E sensor is not stated in the provided specs. The Q1971-E's narrower FOV (19° vs 31° horizontal) means it covers a tighter scene at equivalent range, which can aid object discrimination at distance; the Q1972-E's wider FOV covers more area per frame but with the advantage of 2.78× more pixels to resolve detail across that wider scene. Minimum illumination is effectively 0 lux for both, as both rely on passive thermal imaging rather than visible light or active IR illumination. The Q1971-E spec lists image stabilization; the Q1972-E also lists image stabilization, so both share that feature.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras are rated IP66 and IK10, and both carry NEMA 4X certification per Q1971-E specs (NEMA 4X is not explicitly listed for the Q1972-E in the provided specs). The Q1971-E specifies an operating temperature range of -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F); operating temperature for the Q1972-E is not stated in the provided specs. Both are powered by PoE+ at Class 3. Both are bullet-form outdoor cameras supporting wall and ceiling mounting; the Q1972-E additionally lists pendant as a supported mount style. Housing color is white for both.
The Q1971-E carries FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified key storage via Axis Edge Vault, which is relevant for U.S. federal or high-assurance deployments. Axis Edge Vault and FIPS 140-2 are not listed in the Q1972-E specs. Both units list signed firmware, secure boot, and HTTPS encryption as cybersecurity features.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras include on-board Perimeter Defender and Video Motion Detection (VMD) analytics. VMS compatibility for the Q1971-E is explicitly listed as ONVIF, Axis Camera Station, and Milestone XProtect; the Q1972-E lists ONVIF compliance but does not enumerate specific VMS partners in the provided specs. Both support audio input. Local storage via microSD card is confirmed for both models.
The Q1972-E spec notes support for up to 20 simultaneous H.265/H.264 streams; a comparable multi-stream count is not stated for the Q1971-E. The Q1971-E additionally lists H.264 with Zipstream explicitly; the Q1972-E lists H.265, H.264, and MJPEG. MJPEG is not listed for the Q1971-E in the provided specs. Both cameras list ONVIF Profile compliance, making them broadly compatible with third-party VMS platforms that support the ONVIF standard.
Which should you choose: the Q1971-E or the Q1972-E?
Our take: The Q1972-E is the stronger choice when scene coverage and image detail are the priority: its 640×480 VGA sensor delivers 2.78× more pixels than the Q1971-E's 384×288 QVGA sensor, its lens opens to F1.0 versus F1.24, and it supports up to 30 fps versus the Q1971-E's fixed 8.3 fps maximum. Both cameras match on thermal sensitivity (<20 mK NETD at 25°C), IP66/IK10 weatherproofing, PoE+ Class 3 power, Perimeter Defender analytics, and microSD local storage. The Q1971-E is the stronger choice for deployments requiring FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified key storage (Axis Edge Vault, confirmed in spec) or verified Milestone XProtect compatibility (explicitly listed), and for applications where a tighter 19° × 15° FOV is tactically preferable to the Q1972-E's wider 31° × 24° view. Operating temperature for the Q1972-E is not stated in the provided specs, so cold-climate suitability should be verified with Axis directly before specifying it in sub-zero environments.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Axis Q1971-E | Axis Q1972-E |
|---|---|---|
| Thermal Sensor Resolution | 384×288 (QVGA) | 640×480 (VGA) |
| Sensor Type | Uncooled microbolometer | Uncooled microbolometer |
| Pixel Pitch | 17 μm | — |
| Spectral Range | 8–14 μm | 8–14 μm |
| Thermal Sensitivity (NETD) | <20 mK @ 25°C | <20 mK @ 25°C |
| Lens / Focal Length | 19 mm F1.24 athermalized | 19 mm F1.0 athermalized |
| Field of View (H × V) | 19° × 15° | 31° × 24° |
| Max Frame Rate | 8.3 fps | 30 fps / 8.3 fps |
| Video Compression | H.265; H.264; Zipstream | H.265; H.264; MJPEG |
| Edge Analytics | Perimeter Defender; VMD | Perimeter Defender; VMD |
| IP Rating | IP66 (NEMA 4X) | IP66 |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -40°C to 60°C | — |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ Class 3 | PoE+ Class 3 |
| Edge Storage | microSD | microSD |
| Audio | Audio input | Audio input |
| Mount Types | Wall; Ceiling | Wall; Ceiling; Pendant |
| Cybersecurity | Signed firmware; Secure boot; Axis Edge Vault; FIPS 140-2 L2 | Signed firmware; Secure boot; HTTPS |
| VMS Compatibility | ONVIF; Axis Camera Station; Milestone XProtect | ONVIF |
| Warranty | 5 years | 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the Q1971-E or the Q1972-E?
The Q1972-E is the stronger choice when scene coverage and image detail are the priority: its 640×480 VGA sensor delivers 2.78× more pixels than the Q1971-E's 384×288 QVGA sensor, its lens opens to F1.0 versus F1.24, and it supports up to 30 fps versus the Q1971-E's fixed 8.3 fps maximum. Both cameras match on thermal sensitivity (<20 mK NETD at 25°C), IP66/IK10 weatherproofing, PoE+ Class 3 power, Perimeter Defender analytics, and microSD local storage. The Q1971-E is the stronger choice for deployments requiring FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified key storage (Axis Edge Vault, confirmed in spec) or verified Milestone XProtect compatibility (explicitly listed), and for applications where a tighter 19° × 15° FOV is tactically preferable to the Q1972-E's wider 31° × 24° view. Operating temperature for the Q1972-E is not stated in the provided specs, so cold-climate suitability should be verified with Axis directly before specifying it in sub-zero environments.
Is the Q1971-E or Q1972-E better for detecting people at long range in complete darkness?
The Q1972-E's VGA 640×480 sensor provides 2.78× more pixels than the Q1971-E's QVGA 384×288 sensor, which generally supports finer object discrimination at equivalent range. Both share the same <20 mK NETD thermal sensitivity and the same 19 mm focal length, so the Q1972-E's higher pixel count is the primary advantage for long-range detection detail. However, the Q1971-E's narrower 19° × 15° field of view concentrates those fewer pixels on a tighter scene, which can partially offset the resolution gap depending on deployment geometry.
Do both cameras work with Milestone XProtect?
Milestone XProtect is explicitly listed as a compatible VMS in the Q1971-E specifications. The Q1972-E lists ONVIF compliance but does not name Milestone XProtect in the provided specs. Because Milestone XProtect supports ONVIF, the Q1972-E should be interoperable in practice, but buyers requiring confirmed factory support should verify Q1972-E compatibility with Axis or Milestone directly before specifying.
Which camera is rated for extreme cold environments?
The Q1971-E specifies an operating temperature range of -40°C to 60°C (-40°F to 140°F). An operating temperature range for the Q1972-E is not stated in the provided specifications. Installers deploying in sub-zero environments should confirm the Q1972-E's cold-temperature rating with Axis before selection.
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