i-PRO U15550-V3L vs i-PRO X15500-V3L: Specification Comparison
Both the i-PRO WV-U15550-V3L and WV-X15500-V3L are 5MP outdoor bullet cameras targeting perimeter and general surveillance applications, making them direct cross-shop candidates for installers evaluating the i-PRO lineup. The U15550-V3L is a PoE 802.3af model positioned as an AI-VMD perimeter camera with FIPS 140-3 Level 3 cybersecurity certification, while the X15500-V3L is a PoE+ 802.3at model featuring a longer IR throw, wider AI analytics suite, higher dynamic range, and extended temperature tolerance. This comparison covers imaging performance, installation and environmental ratings, and VMS/analytics integration.
In This Guide
How do the imaging specs compare?
Both cameras use an approximately 1/2.8-inch CMOS sensor and deliver 5MP resolution at 30 fps. The U15550-V3L provides a 3.2x optical zoom lens with an IR range of 28m (92 ft at 30IRE) or 20m at 50IRE, a minimum color illumination of 0.006 lx (F1.6, 1/30s, AGC 11), and a Super Dynamic WDR rating of up to 120 dB. The X15500-V3L uses a 3.1x motorized varifocal lens (2.9–9mm, F1.3–F2.5) and extends IR coverage to 70m (230 ft), a 2.5× improvement. Its minimum illumination is specified at 0.02 lux (B&W, 50IRE, F1.3, 1/30s), and its Super Dynamic WDR reaches a maximum of 132 dB — 12 dB higher than the U15550-V3L.
The X15500-V3L adds explicit DORI distance figures: Detect at up to 201m (TELE), Observe at 80.4m (TELE), Recognize at 40.2m (TELE), and Identify at 20.1m (TELE). It also includes image stabilization, fog compensation, and an Ambarella CV52 SoC. The U15550-V3L spec sheet does not publish DORI figures, SoC identity, image stabilization, or fog compensation. The X15500-V3L scanning area is specified at 5.12mm × 3.84mm; no equivalent figure is provided for the U15550-V3L. Frame rate for both models is 30 fps; the X15500-V3L card copy states 60 fps but the formal spec lists 30 fps — buyers should verify with i-PRO before relying on 60 fps.
What about installation and environment?
Both cameras are IP66-rated and IK10 impact-resistant. The X15500-V3L adds IP67 and NEMA 4X / Type 4X ratings, providing broader water-immersion and enclosure compliance that the U15550-V3L specs do not claim. The X15500-V3L also lists wind resistance up to 40 m/s (approx. 89 mph), a figure absent from the U15550-V3L spec sheet. The X15500-V3L operating temperature range is -40°C to +55°C, compared to -30°C to +50°C for the U15550-V3L — a 10°C wider cold-side tolerance relevant to Arctic or high-altitude installations.
Power requirements differ meaningfully: the U15550-V3L draws up to 13W and operates on standard PoE 802.3af (Class 3), while the X15500-V3L requires up to 14W and is powered by PoE+ 802.3at (Class 4), meaning existing 802.3af-only switches may need replacement or midspan injectors. The X15500-V3L is physically larger (133mm × 133mm × 383mm, approx. 2.5 kg) versus the U15550-V3L (112.5mm × 112.5mm × 298.5mm); no weight is specified for the U15550-V3L. The X15500-V3L body is aluminum die cast, resin, and stainless steel; housing material is not specified for the U15550-V3L.
Which fits your VMS and analytics better?
Both cameras support ONVIF Profile G, M, S, and T, H.265/H.264/MJPEG compression, and audio input. The U15550-V3L lists FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification via an NXP EdgeLock SE052F SecureElement — a hardware-root-of-trust credential the X15500-V3L does not match; the X15500-V3L lists FIPS 140-2 Level 3. For environments requiring FIPS 140-3 or NDAA compliance, the U15550-V3L's certifications are documented; the X15500-V3L's NDAA compliance status is not stated in the provided specs.
The X15500-V3L offers a materially broader AI analytics suite: AI motion detection, face detection, vehicle detection, occupancy detection, AI sound classification (gunshot, yell, vehicle horn, glass break), scene change detection (SCD) across 1 area, audio detection, 4 alarm I/O terminals, and up to 8 privacy zones and 8 VIQS zones. The U15550-V3L specifies AI VMD only. On-board storage: the X15500-V3L supports microSDXC up to 512 GB; no edge storage capability is stated for the U15550-V3L. The X15500-V3L also provides two-way audio (audio output jack) and supports up to 14 simultaneous users; neither figure is provided for the U15550-V3L. The X15500-V3L carries a stated 5-year warranty; no warranty term is specified for the U15550-V3L.
Which should you choose: the U15550-V3L or the X15500-V3L?
Our take: The X15500-V3L is the stronger choice when IR range, dynamic range, AI analytics breadth, or extreme cold-temperature operation are primary requirements. Its 70m IR throw is 2.5× the U15550-V3L's 28m, its WDR ceiling is 132 dB versus 120 dB, and its operating temperature floor reaches -40°C versus -30°C. It adds face, vehicle, and occupancy detection plus AI sound classification that the U15550-V3L does not list. The U15550-V3L is the stronger choice when cybersecurity certification is the deciding factor: its FIPS 140-3 Level 3 hardware SecureElement and documented NDAA compliance exceed the X15500-V3L's FIPS 140-2 Level 3 rating, making it preferable for federal, critical infrastructure, or high-assurance network deployments. The U15550-V3L also operates on standard 802.3af PoE, avoiding the switch-upgrade cost that the X15500-V3L's PoE+ Class 4 requirement can impose.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | i-PRO U15550-V3L | i-PRO X15500-V3L |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 5MP (approx. 2592×1944 implied) | 5MP (3072×1728) |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.8-inch CMOS | Approx. 1/2.8-inch CMOS (5.12mm × 3.84mm) |
| Lens / Focal Length | 3.2x optical zoom | 3.1x motorized varifocal, 2.9–9mm, F1.3–F2.5 |
| Min. Illumination | 0.006 lx color (F1.6, 1/30s, AGC 11); 0 lux BW (IR on) | 0.02 lux B&W (50IRE, F1.3, 1/30s) |
| IR Range | 28m (92 ft at 30IRE); 20m (66 ft at 50IRE) | 70m (230 ft) |
| Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) | Super Dynamic, max 120 dB | Super Dynamic, max 132 dB |
| Max Frame Rate | 30 fps | 30 fps (formal spec) |
| Video Compression | H.265, H.264, MJPEG | H.265, H.264, MJPEG |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP66, IP67, NEMA 4X / Type 4X |
| IK / Impact Rating | IK10 | IK10 |
| Operating Temperature | -30°C to +50°C (-22°F to +122°F) | -40°C to +55°C (-40°F to +131°F) |
| Power Input / PoE Class | PoE 802.3af, 13W max | PoE+ 802.3at Class 4, 14W |
| Edge Storage | — (not specified) | microSDXC up to 512 GB |
| Audio | Audio input | Audio input + audio output (two-way), AI sound classification |
| AI Analytics | AI VMD | AI motion, face, vehicle, occupancy detection; SCD; audio detection; AI sound classification |
| Cybersecurity / Certifications | FIPS 140-3 Level 3 SecureElement (EdgeLock SE052F); NDAA-compliant | FIPS 140-2 Level 3; signed firmware; secure boot; NDAA status not stated in provided specs |
| ONVIF Profiles | G, M, S, T | G, M, S, T |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 112.5mm × 112.5mm × 298.5mm | 133mm × 133mm × 383mm |
| Weight | — (not specified) | Approx. 2.5 kg (5.6 lbs) |
| Warranty | — (not specified) | 5 years |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the U15550-V3L or the X15500-V3L?
The X15500-V3L is the stronger choice when IR range, dynamic range, AI analytics breadth, or extreme cold-temperature operation are primary requirements. Its 70m IR throw is 2.5× the U15550-V3L's 28m, its WDR ceiling is 132 dB versus 120 dB, and its operating temperature floor reaches -40°C versus -30°C. It adds face, vehicle, and occupancy detection plus AI sound classification that the U15550-V3L does not list. The U15550-V3L is the stronger choice when cybersecurity certification is the deciding factor: its FIPS 140-3 Level 3 hardware SecureElement and documented NDAA compliance exceed the X15500-V3L's FIPS 140-2 Level 3 rating, making it preferable for federal, critical infrastructure, or high-assurance network deployments. The U15550-V3L also operates on standard 802.3af PoE, avoiding the switch-upgrade cost that the X15500-V3L's PoE+ Class 4 requirement can impose.
Is the U15550-V3L or X15500-V3L better for low-light performance?
Based on the provided specs, the U15550-V3L lists a minimum color illumination of 0.006 lx (F1.6, 1/30s, AGC 11), while the X15500-V3L specifies 0.02 lux (B&W, 50IRE, F1.3, 1/30s). The two figures use different measurement conditions (color vs. B&W, different f-stop), making a direct lux comparison unreliable. However, the X15500-V3L's IR throw of 70m versus the U15550-V3L's 28m gives it a clear advantage in illuminating distant subjects in total darkness.
Can I power the X15500-V3L from my existing 802.3af PoE switch?
No — the X15500-V3L requires PoE+ (802.3at, Class 4) at up to 14W. Standard 802.3af switches supply a maximum of 15.4W at the port but only guarantee 12.95W at the device, which may be insufficient. You would need 802.3at-capable switches or PoE+ midspan injectors. The U15550-V3L draws 13W and is rated for 802.3af, so it is compatible with existing 802.3af infrastructure.
Which camera is better suited for a federal or NDAA-compliant deployment?
The U15550-V3L is documented as NDAA-compliant and carries FIPS 140-3 Level 3 certification via its NXP EdgeLock SE052F hardware SecureElement. The X15500-V3L lists FIPS 140-2 Level 3 and does not state NDAA compliance in the provided specifications. For deployments where NDAA compliance or FIPS 140-3 is a contractual or regulatory requirement, the U15550-V3L is the supported choice based on the specs provided.
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