Bosch NDM-7703-A vs Bosch NDM-7703-AL: Specification Comparison
Both the Bosch NDM-7703-A and NDM-7703-AL are outdoor multi-sensor dome cameras from the FLEXIDOME 7000i series, each deploying four 5MP sensors at 30 fps with varifocal 3.7–7.7 mm lenses. They share the same resolution class (4×5MP, 20MP aggregate), the same fixed multi-sensor form factor, and largely identical core imaging specs. The primary differentiator established by the provided specifications is the presence of an integrated IR illuminator on the AL variant, alongside a difference in PoE power class. This comparison helps installers determine which variant suits a given deployment scenario.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras use four 1/2.7" CMOS sensors, each capturing 5MP at 30 fps for a combined 20MP aggregate view, with identical minimum illumination figures of 0.091 lux color and 0.012 lux B/W. Wide dynamic range is specified at 120 dB on both models. The lens range is identical at 3.7–7.7 mm varifocal, and both support H.265, H.264, and MJPEG compression with three simultaneous streams.
The key imaging distinction is illumination method. The NDM-7703-A spec does not list an IR illuminator; it is positioned as a day/night camera relying on scene or supplemental lighting. The NDM-7703-AL adds an integrated IR illuminator specified at 850 nm with a viewable IR range of 30 m, making it self-sufficient in zero-ambient-light conditions. Both cameras carry Day/Night mode; only the AL variant provides active IR projection per the provided specs.
What about installation and environment?
Environmental protection is identical across both models: IP66 rated, IK10 impact protection, and an operating temperature range of -50°C to +55°C (-58°F to +131°F). Both are rated for outdoor deployment. Dimensions are specified for the NDM-7703-A at 220 × 111 mm (D × H) with a weight of 2.1 kg (4.63 lbs); equivalent mechanical dimensions and weight are not provided in the NDM-7703-AL spec.
Power requirements differ. The NDM-7703-A is specified at PoE+ (802.3at), while the NDM-7703-AL is specified at PoE++ (802.3bt). Installers must ensure the switch or midspan supplying the AL variant supports 802.3bt; a standard 802.3at port is insufficient. Mounting options listed for the NDM-7703-A include wall, ceiling, pole, pendant, corner, and rack; mounting options for the NDM-7703-AL are not enumerated in the provided specifications.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras support ONVIF (the NDM-7703-AL spec references ONVIF Profile S, Profile G, and Profile M); the NDM-7703-A spec states ONVIF compliance without specifying profile levels. Both support cloud integration and are NDAA compliant. Edge analytics are identical across both: IVA Pro Buildings and IVA Pro Perimeter are listed for each model.
Audio capability is specified as built-in microphone input on both models; the NDM-7703-A spec additionally references two-way audio. Local storage is microSD/SDHC/SDXC on the NDM-7703-A; the NDM-7703-AL spec does not explicitly list local storage in the provided data. The NDM-7703-A spec notes memory as 8192 MB RAM and 4096 MB Flash; equivalent memory specs are absent for the NDM-7703-AL. Both list alarm inputs/outputs as supported.
Which should you choose: the NDM-7703-A or the NDM-7703-AL?
Our take: The NDM-7703-AL is the stronger choice when the deployment site has little or no ambient lighting and the installation budget includes a PoE++ (802.3bt) switch or injector. The AL adds a 30 m, 850 nm IR illuminator absent from the NDM-7703-A, directly addressing zero-light scenarios without external illuminators. However, this comes at the cost of a higher power draw: the AL requires PoE++ (802.3bt) versus the NDM-7703-A's PoE+ (802.3at), which constrains switch compatibility and may require infrastructure upgrades. The NDM-7703-A is the preferable choice where scene lighting is controlled or supplemental fixtures are already installed, existing PoE+ infrastructure must be reused, or precise mechanical planning is required — it is the only variant with documented dimensions (220 × 111 mm) and weight (2.1 kg). Both models are otherwise equal on resolution, optics, WDR, analytics, and environmental protection.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Bosch NDM-7703-A | Bosch NDM-7703-AL |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution (per sensor) | 5MP (×4 sensors, 20MP aggregate) | 5MP (×4 sensors) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.7" CMOS | 1/2.7" CMOS |
| Lens / Focal Length | 3.7–7.7 mm varifocal | 3.7–7.7 mm varifocal |
| Min. Illumination (color / B/W) | 0.091 lux / 0.012 lux | 0.091 lux / 0.012 lux |
| IR Illuminator | — | 850 nm, 30 m range |
| Wide Dynamic Range | 120 dB | 120 dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Video Compression | H.265, H.264, MJPEG | H.265, H.264, MJPEG |
| Multi-Streaming | 3 streams | — |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66 |
| Impact / IK Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -50°C to +55°C (-58°F to +131°F) | -50°C to +55°C (-58°F to +131°F) |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE+ (802.3at) | PoE++ (802.3bt) |
| Edge Storage | microSD/SDHC/SDXC | — |
| Audio | Two-way; built-in mic | Built-in mic |
| Dimensions (D × H) | 220 × 111 mm (8.7 × 4.4 in) | — |
| Weight | 2.1 kg (4.63 lbs) | — |
| NDAA Compliant | Yes | Yes |
| ONVIF | Yes | Profile S, G, M |
| Edge Analytics | IVA Pro Buildings; IVA Pro Perimeter | IVA Pro Buildings; IVA Pro Perimeter |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the NDM-7703-A or the NDM-7703-AL?
The NDM-7703-AL is the stronger choice when the deployment site has little or no ambient lighting and the installation budget includes a PoE++ (802.3bt) switch or injector. The AL adds a 30 m, 850 nm IR illuminator absent from the NDM-7703-A, directly addressing zero-light scenarios without external illuminators. However, this comes at the cost of a higher power draw: the AL requires PoE++ (802.3bt) versus the NDM-7703-A's PoE+ (802.3at), which constrains switch compatibility and may require infrastructure upgrades. The NDM-7703-A is the preferable choice where scene lighting is controlled or supplemental fixtures are already installed, existing PoE+ infrastructure must be reused, or precise mechanical planning is required — it is the only variant with documented dimensions (220 × 111 mm) and weight (2.1 kg). Both models are otherwise equal on resolution, optics, WDR, analytics, and environmental protection.
Is the NDM-7703-A or NDM-7703-AL better for low-light or zero-light conditions?
The NDM-7703-AL is better suited for zero-light conditions. It includes a built-in 850 nm IR illuminator with a specified range of 30 m, which the NDM-7703-A lacks per the provided specifications. Both share the same minimum illumination rating (0.091 lux color / 0.012 lux B/W), so in low-light environments with some ambient light either model performs equivalently; only the AL is self-sufficient in complete darkness.
Can I power the NDM-7703-AL from a standard PoE+ switch?
No. The NDM-7703-AL is specified at PoE++ (802.3bt), which delivers up to 90 W at the switch port. A standard PoE+ (802.3at) switch supplies a maximum of 30 W and is documented as sufficient only for the NDM-7703-A. Deploying the NDM-7703-AL on a PoE+ port risks under-powering the camera; a PoE++ (802.3bt) compliant switch or midspan injector is required.
Do both cameras support the same edge analytics?
Yes. Both the NDM-7703-A and NDM-7703-AL list IVA Pro Buildings and IVA Pro Perimeter as supported edge analytics per the provided specifications. ONVIF compliance is confirmed on both; the NDM-7703-AL spec additionally enumerates ONVIF Profile S, Profile G, and Profile M, while the NDM-7703-A spec confirms ONVIF without specifying profile levels.
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