AXIS P3278-LV 8MP 4K Varifocal Dome Camera with IR, AI Analytics, IP54, IK10, PoE

Product Overview

For organisations that need 4K detail from a ceiling-mounted dome without sacrificing discreet installation, the AXIS P3278-LV delivers 8 MP resolution at up to 30 fps with a varifocal 4.4-14.6 mm lens that supports both remote zoom and remote focus adjustment. Equipped with an ARTPEC-9 processor and a built-in Deep Learning Processing Unit, it runs AXIS Object Analytics and several other pre-installed AI applications directly on the camera without requiring additional server resources. Built with Lightfinder 2.0 and Forensic WDR at up to 120 dB, it maintains usable image detail across scenes where lighting conditions shift significantly. OptimizedIR at 850 nm extends visibility to 40 m in complete darkness, making it a practical choice for corridors, lobbies, and other indoor spaces where supplementary lighting is absent. The IK10-rated housing resists physical impact in public-facing areas, while IP54 provides dust and splash protection. AV1, H.265, and Axis Zipstream compression keep storage and bandwidth consumption manageable across multi-camera deployments.

Key Capabilities

Best For

• Corporate Offices and Reception Areas: The discreet dome profile and ceiling-mount design suit open-plan office floors and reception desks where camera visibility needs to be low-profile, and 4K resolution supports identification at longer indoor distances.
• Retail Floors and Checkout Zones: The varifocal lens allows tight framing on a checkout counter or specific product area, while IK10 housing protects against accidental or deliberate impact in customer-facing environments.
• Corridors, Lift Lobbies, and Stairwells: OptimizedIR at 40 m covers long indoor corridors where lighting is inconsistent or absent, and the IK10 rating addresses the higher risk of physical interference in semi-public circulation spaces.
• High-Security Installations Requiring Cyber Hardening: The on-board secure element rated CC EAL 6+ and FIPS 140-3 Level 3, combined with TAA compliance, meets procurement requirements for government, finance, and critical infrastructure projects.

Why Choose the AXIS P3278-LV

The AXIS P3278-LV sits above standard 4K fixed-lens domes by combining remote varifocal adjustment with on-device AI processing in a compact IK10 housing. A fixed-lens 4K dome cannot be reframed after installation without physical access and lens replacement. A camera without an integrated DLPU offloads analytics to a server, increasing infrastructure cost and latency. The P3278-LV addresses both constraints in a single unit. Forensic WDR at 120 dB handles the contrast range found in entrance lobbies and open retail floors better than cameras with standard WDR ratings. The ARTPEC-9 secure element, certified to CC EAL 6+ and FIPS 140-3 Level 3, also satisfies cybersecurity compliance requirements that lower-tier cameras cannot meet. AV1 compression reduces the storage footprint of continuous 4K streams, which matters in multi-camera sites. Available through Security Wholesalers, the P3278-LV is a well-specified option for installers and end users who need 4K performance combined with deployment flexibility and long-term operational security.

Key Features & Technical Specifications

Resolution	8 MP, 3840×2160 (4K UHD)
Frame Rate	Up to 25/30 fps at 8 MP
Image Sensor	1/1.8″ CMOS
Lens	Varifocal 4.4-14.6 mm, F1.65-3.65, IR-corrected, P-iris with remote zoom and remote focus
Horizontal Field of View	103° (wide) to 29° (telephoto)
IR Illumination	OptimizedIR 850 nm, up to 40 m (130 ft)
Minimum Illumination	Colour 0.11 lux, B/W 0.03 lux, 0 lux (IR on)
WDR	Forensic WDR, up to 120 dB
Low-Light Technology	Lightfinder 2.0
Processor	ARTPEC-9 SoC with Deep Learning Processing Unit (DLPU)
Pre-installed Analytics	AXIS Object Analytics, Image Health Analytics, Video Motion Detection, Live Privacy Shield, Scene Metadata
Video Compression	AV1, H.265, H.264, Motion JPEG with Axis Zipstream
Audio	3.5 mm audio input for external unbalanced microphone (optional 5 V microphone power); portcast and Edge-to-edge audio support
Power	PoE IEEE 802.3af/at Type 1 Class 3; max 12.9 W, typical 5.5 W (heater off, IR off)
Network Connector	RJ45 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX PoE
Memory	2 GB RAM, 8 GB Flash
Cybersecurity	Secure element CC EAL 6+, FIPS 140-3 Level 3; case-open sensor
Local Storage	SD card supported; supervised digital input and output
Ingress Protection	IP54, IK10
API and Interoperability	VAPIX; ONVIF Profiles G, M, S, T; TAA compliant

Ideal Use Cases

Choosing the Right Model

• Choose this model if: You need 4K indoor ceiling coverage with a varifocal lens that can be remotely adjusted after installation, combined with on-device AI analytics and a cybersecurity posture that meets CC EAL 6+ and FIPS 140-3 requirements. The IK10 housing makes it suitable for public-facing indoor areas where lower-rated domes may not hold up.
• Choose a different model if: Your installation is fully outdoor and exposed to rain or hose-down cleaning – IP54 provides splash resistance but is not rated for direct water exposure, and an IP66 or IP67-rated outdoor dome or turret camera would be a more appropriate choice. If budget is the primary driver and the site does not require on-device AI, TAA compliance, or the ARTPEC-9 security features, a lower-tier fixed-lens 4K dome may meet the coverage requirement at reduced cost.

FAQs

1. What does remote zoom and remote focus mean in practice for the P3278-LV?
   Once the camera is physically mounted on the ceiling, an installer can log into the camera’s web interface or use Axis Device Manager to adjust the zoom level (changing field of view between 103° and 29° horizontal) and confirm sharp focus on the target area – all without reopening the dome cover or repositioning a ladder. This is particularly useful in occupied spaces where repeated physical access to the ceiling is disruptive.
2. Can the P3278-LV be used outdoors?
   It carries an IP54 rating, which protects against dust ingress and water splashing from any direction. This is adequate for covered or semi-sheltered locations such as under a building overhang or inside a car park structure. For fully exposed outdoor locations subject to rain, sprinkler spray, or pressure washing, a camera rated IP66 or higher is the more appropriate specification.
3. What AI analytics are included, and do they require a separate licence?
   The P3278-LV comes with AXIS Object Analytics, Image Health Analytics, Video Motion Detection, Live Privacy Shield, and Scene Metadata pre-installed on the camera. These run on the ARTPEC-9 DLPU without requiring a separate analytics server or additional per-camera licensing. VAPIX and ONVIF integration allow the analytics metadata to feed into compatible VMS platforms.
4. What does Forensic WDR at 120 dB mean for indoor scenes?
   Forensic WDR is Axis’s implementation of wide dynamic range processing that is designed to retain detail in both the bright and dark areas of a scene simultaneously. At 120 dB, it handles scenarios such as a reception desk with large windows behind it, or a retail entrance where strong daylight competes with darker interior lighting – situations where cameras with standard WDR would either blow out the windows or underexpose the interior.
5. What is the significance of the CC EAL 6+ and FIPS 140-3 Level 3 secure element?
   The on-board secure element protects cryptographic keys and device credentials at a hardware level. CC EAL 6+ and FIPS 140-3 Level 3 are formal independent certifications of that protection. For procurement teams in government, defence, finance, or critical infrastructure, these certifications satisfy cybersecurity requirements that standard IP cameras without a hardware secure element cannot meet.
6. Does the P3278-LV have two-way audio?
   No. The camera includes a 3.5 mm audio input that accepts an external unbalanced microphone with optional 5 V microphone power. There is no built-in speaker confirmed in the specification, so two-way voice communication is not supported as a native feature of this camera.
7. How much PoE power does the P3278-LV draw, and is a standard PoE switch port sufficient?
   The camera is specified as IEEE 802.3af/at Type 1 Class 3, with a typical consumption of 5.5 W (heater off, IR off) and a maximum of 12.9 W. Standard 802.3af PoE switch ports deliver up to 15.4 W, so a single standard PoE port is sufficient. Where the heater and IR are both active simultaneously, verify your switch’s per-port power budget against the 12.9 W maximum draw. Available through Security Wholesalers, the P3278-LV can be paired with compatible Axis or third-party PoE switches as part of a broader installation.

Additional Information

AXIS DE-03154-001 Datasheet