Product Overview
Where conventional cameras fail in total darkness, heavy smoke, or dense fog, the Axis Q1961-TE steps in as a dedicated thermal imaging bullet camera built for demanding outdoor perimeter and industrial applications. Fitted with a 13 mm athermalized fixed lens and an uncooled microbolometer sensor at 384×288 resolution with a pixel size of 17 μm, it delivers consistent thermal detection across a 28° horizontal field of view without any dependence on ambient light or supplementary illumination. Equipped with an ARTPEC-8 processor, a dedicated deep learning processing unit, and onboard AXIS analytics including Fence Guard, Loitering Guard, and early fire detection, it generates actionable alerts rather than continuous noise. It also supports temperature monitoring across up to 10 configurable polygonal zones, covering a range of -40°C to 350°C, making it suitable for facilities where heat anomalies indicate genuine risk. Rated IP66, IP67, IK10, and NEMA 4X, the Q1961-TE is built to operate through the conditions that cause standard surveillance cameras to fall short.
Key Capabilities
Thermal Imaging Without Light Dependency
The uncooled microbolometer sensor operates across the 8-14 μm spectral range, detecting heat signatures in complete darkness, heavy fog, smoke, and adverse weather where any visible-light camera would produce nothing of investigative value. No IR LEDs, no floodlights required.
Early Fire Detection Analytics
Onboard fire detection analytics combined with smart false alarm filtering allow the camera to identify heat build-up at an early stage. This is especially relevant for industrial sites, storage yards, and facilities where a delayed fire response carries significant risk of asset loss.
Configurable Temperature Monitoring Zones
Up to 10 user-defined polygonal areas can be configured for temperature monitoring across a range of -40°C to 350°C. Each zone can trigger independent alarms, making this camera practical for process monitoring, electrical rooms, and outdoor storage of heat-sensitive materials.
ARTPEC-8 with Deep Learning Processing
The ARTPEC-8 SoC with onboard DLPU runs AXIS Fence Guard, Motion Guard, Loitering Guard, Speed Monitor, and Video Motion Detection locally. Processing at the edge reduces network load and delivers faster alarm responses compared to cameras that rely on server-side analytics.
IP66, IP67, IK10, and NEMA 4X Rated Housing
The aluminium and polycarbonate bullet housing carries full dust and waterproofing to IP66 and IP67, impact resistance to IK10, and NEMA 4X certification. This combination is suited to industrial perimeter installations where the camera is exposed to wash-down, rain, corrosive atmospheres, and physical interference.
AXIS Zipstream and Multi-Profile Compression
AXIS Zipstream reduces storage and bandwidth requirements without sacrificing forensic image quality. Combined with H.264 and H.265 compression at up to 30 fps, the Q1961-TE fits practically into existing network infrastructure even on sites where bandwidth is a constraint.
Best For
- Unlit Perimeter Fence Lines: The thermal sensor detects human and vehicle heat signatures along fence lines in complete darkness without requiring any lighting infrastructure, reducing operating costs on large industrial sites.
- Industrial Yards and Storage Facilities: Early fire detection analytics and configurable temperature zones allow heat anomaly alerts to be set before a situation escalates, particularly useful in facilities storing flammable or heat-sensitive materials.
- Smoke or Fog-Prone Environments: Ports, chemical plants, and outdoor industrial areas where fog, steam, or airborne particulate regularly obscure standard cameras are well matched to thermal imaging operating in the 8-14 μm spectral range.
- Critical Infrastructure Monitoring: Electrical substations, water treatment facilities, and utility perimeters benefit from both the intrusion detection analytics and temperature monitoring available through the AXIS Q1961-TE.
- Sites Requiring NDAA-Compliant Equipment: The Q1961-TE carries NDAA compliance alongside UL, CE, and CSA certifications, making it suitable for projects with strict government or regulated procurement requirements.
Why Choose the AXIS Q1961-TE
The AXIS Q1961-TE separates itself from standard outdoor bullet cameras by operating entirely without visible light. Its 384×288 uncooled microbolometer with a thermal sensitivity of 40 mK at 25°C captures heat differences that standard or even low-light cameras cannot render. The 13 mm lens delivers a focused 28° field of view suited to monitoring specific approach corridors, fence sections, or zone boundaries rather than broad open areas. The combination of onboard DLPU, ARTPEC-8 processing, and AXIS analytics means fire detection, loitering alerts, and fence crossing events are processed locally and generate immediate alarm outputs without requiring a server-side analytics licence. The dual alarm I/O supports integration with existing site security systems. With a 5-year manufacturer warranty and NEMA 4X-rated housing, this is a long-service-life camera designed for environments where failure is not an acceptable outcome. Available through Security Wholesalers, the Q1961-TE is a purpose-built thermal solution for perimeter and industrial monitoring scenarios where visible-light cameras simply cannot provide reliable detection.
Buyer Decision Tips
Field of View and Minimum Focus Distance: The 13 mm lens produces a 28° horizontal field of view, which is relatively narrow. It is designed to cover specific corridors, gate approaches, or defined fence sections rather than wide open spaces. Plan camera positions accordingly and note the 4 m minimum focus distance – targets closer than 4 metres will not be in focus. If broader coverage across an open yard is needed, multiple camera positions or a wider focal length model should be considered.
Thermal vs. Visual Evidence: The Q1961-TE produces thermal images, not colour or detail-rich visible footage. It excels at detecting the presence of a person, vehicle, or heat source reliably in any light condition – but it will not capture fine identifying detail such as facial features or vehicle registration plates. On sites where identification of individuals is a requirement, pair this camera with a standard IP camera covering the same area.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Brand |
Axis |
| Model |
AXIS Q1961-TE 13 mm 30 fps |
| Part Number |
02176-001 |
| Sensor Type |
Uncooled microbolometer; spectral range 8-14 μm; pixel size 17 μm |
| Resolution |
384×288 pixels (native); upscaled output up to 768×576 |
| Lens |
Athermalized fixed lens, 13 mm focal length, F1.0 |
| Horizontal Field of View |
28° |
| Minimum Focus Distance |
4 m (13 ft) |
| Thermal Sensitivity (NETD) |
40 mK at 25°C, F1.0 |
| Temperature Monitoring Range |
-40°C to 350°C (-40°F to 660°F); up to 10 configurable polygonal zones |
| Frame Rate |
Up to 30 fps |
| Video Compression |
H.264 (Baseline, Main, High), H.265 Main Profile, Motion JPEG |
| Processor |
ARTPEC-8 SoC; 2048 MB RAM; 8192 MB Flash; onboard DLPU |
| Analytics |
AXIS Fence Guard, Motion Guard, Video Motion Detection, Loitering Guard, Speed Monitor, Zipstream, Edge Vault; early fire detection |
| Audio |
One-way audio; 1x 3.5 mm audio input jack; LPCM, AAC-LC, G.711, PCM, ADPCM, G.726, Opus compression |
| Alarm I/O |
1x alarm input, 1x alarm output |
| Power |
DC 10-28 V or PoE (Class 3) |
| Weather and Impact Rating |
IP66, IP67, IK10, NEMA 4X |
| Housing Material |
Aluminium and Polycarbonate (PC); colour: White |
| Dimensions |
Length 272 mm x Ø 132 mm |
| Protocols and Standards |
ONVIF Profile G, M, S, T; VAPIX |
| Certifications |
FCC, RoHS, CSA, UL Listed, cUL, BIS, UKCA, CE, KC, EAC; NDAA Compliant |
| Warranty |
5-year manufacturer warranty |
Ideal Use Cases
Industrial Perimeter Fence Lines
AXIS Fence Guard analytics combined with the thermal sensor’s ability to detect heat signatures in complete darkness make the Q1961-TE effective along unlit industrial perimeter fences where intrusion attempts need to trigger immediate alerts without false alarms from shadows or headlights.
Chemical and Fuel Storage Sites
Early fire detection analytics and configurable polygonal temperature zones covering -40°C to 350°C allow this camera to monitor tank farms, fuel depots, and chemical storage areas where rising heat in a defined zone must trigger an alert well before flame is visible.
Port and Maritime Facilities
Fog, sea spray, and salt-laden air are routine at port facilities. The 8-14 μm thermal spectral range passes through fog where visible cameras lose all detection capability, while the IP66, IP67, and NEMA 4X housing withstands marine atmospheric exposure.
Critical Infrastructure and Utility Sites
Electrical substations and water treatment facilities require both NDAA-compliant hardware and reliable night detection. The Q1961-TE satisfies both requirements, with the alarm I/O enabling direct integration into existing site access control or SCADA systems.
Construction Sites and Remote Access Points
AXIS Loitering Guard and Speed Monitor analytics flag extended presence and vehicle movement at remote entry points after hours. With PoE Class 3 power and no reliance on site lighting, the Q1961-TE is straightforward to deploy at temporary or remote installations.
Waste Management and Recycling Facilities
Spontaneous combustion in waste piles is a known hazard at recycling and waste transfer facilities. Configuring temperature monitoring zones over stockpile areas allows the Q1961-TE to generate heat anomaly alerts before a smouldering event develops into a full fire.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: Your site requires reliable detection in total darkness, smoke, or fog without lighting infrastructure; you need early fire detection with configurable temperature zone monitoring; you are working on a project with NDAA compliance requirements; or the installation environment involves harsh wash-down, marine atmosphere, or industrial chemical exposure where IP66, IP67, and NEMA 4X ratings are necessary.
- Choose a different model if: Your application requires identification-quality detail such as facial recognition or licence plate capture – thermal cameras produce heat maps, not detail-rich visual images, so a standard or low-light IP camera would better serve identification requirements. If the coverage area is wide and open rather than a defined corridor or approach, a wider field of view thermal or a multi-sensor camera should be evaluated instead.
FAQs
- How does the AXIS Q1961-TE perform in complete darkness compared to a standard IR camera?
Unlike IR cameras that project infrared light to illuminate a scene, the Q1961-TE detects the natural heat emitted by objects and people. It produces a thermal image in complete darkness, heavy fog, smoke, and extreme weather without any illumination. A standard IR camera will lose effective range and contrast in fog or smoke; the Q1961-TE is unaffected by these conditions because it is not relying on reflected light at all.
- What does the 40 mK NETD rating mean in practical terms?
NETD (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) measures the smallest temperature difference the sensor can distinguish from background noise. A rating of 40 mK at 25°C means the sensor can resolve very small heat differences between objects, which translates to sharper thermal contrast and more reliable detection of people or animals against environmental backgrounds. Lower NETD values indicate better thermal sensitivity.
- Can the Q1961-TE be used for fire detection, and how does it filter false alarms?
Yes. The camera includes early fire detection analytics processed onboard by the ARTPEC-8 and DLPU. The smart filtering capability is designed to distinguish genuine heat build-up from common false alarm sources such as sun reflections, vehicle exhausts, and hot air plumes. Up to 10 polygonal temperature zones can be configured with independent thresholds to target specific high-risk areas within the camera’s field of view.
- What is the effective detection range of the Q1961-TE with the 13 mm lens?
Axis does not publish a single fixed detection range figure because effective range depends on target size, environmental conditions, and the detection task being performed – human detection, vehicle detection, and fire detection each have different range characteristics. The 13 mm lens with a 28° horizontal field of view is suited to monitoring defined corridors or fence sections at medium to long distances. The minimum focus distance is 4 m; targets closer than this will not be in focus.
- Does the Q1961-TE support two-way audio?
No. The Q1961-TE has a one-way audio input via a 3.5 mm jack for connecting an external microphone. It does not have a built-in microphone or speaker. The camera supports edge-to-edge technology which allows an Axis network speaker to be connected separately for triggered audio alarms, but the camera itself does not support two-way communication.
- Is the Q1961-TE suitable for installation in corrosive or coastal environments?
Yes. The housing is rated to IP66, IP67, and NEMA 4X. NEMA 4X specifically covers protection against corrosion, hose-directed water, and splashing liquids, making it appropriate for coastal, marine, and industrial chemical environments. The aluminium and polycarbonate construction is designed for long-term outdoor exposure without housing degradation.
- Can the Q1961-TE integrate with existing VMS or access control systems?
Yes. The camera supports ONVIF Profile G, M, S, and T alongside Axis’s own VAPIX interface, covering integration with the majority of professional VMS platforms. The 1-channel alarm input and 1-channel alarm output allow hardwired integration with site access control, SCADA, or other third-party alarm systems. Available through Security Wholesalers, the Q1961-TE is designed for professional system integration across industrial and critical infrastructure projects.
Additional Information
AXIS 02176-001 Datasheet
