Product Overview
Thermal imaging along a perimeter fence line, across an unlit loading dock, or through smoke and dust demands a different tool than a standard optical camera. The AXIS Q1972-E is a 640×480 uncooled microbolometer thermal network bullet camera built specifically for those conditions. Mounted in an IP66, IP67, IK10-rated outdoor housing with a built-in heater, it operates across a temperature range of -40 to 60°C without performance loss. The 10 mm athermalized lens delivers a 63° horizontal field of view, with a thermal sensitivity of less than 20 mK to detect subtle heat differences between a person and their background. Powered by the ARTPEC-8 processor with a dedicated deep-learning processing unit, it runs AXIS Motion Guard, Fence Guard, and Loitering Guard analytics onboard. Axis Edge Vault and TPM 2.0 provide hardware-level cybersecurity suited to critical infrastructure deployments. Axis Zipstream reduces bandwidth and storage load without compromising detection performance.
Key Capabilities
640×480 Thermal Imaging
The uncooled microbolometer sensor captures heat signatures across an 8-14 µm spectral range, detecting human presence regardless of lighting conditions, smoke, dust, or light fog. With a pixel size of 17 µm and thermal sensitivity under 20 mK, the Q1972-E distinguishes warm bodies from background clutter at meaningful perimeter distances.
ARTPEC-8 with Deep-Learning Processing
The onboard ARTPEC-8 SoC includes a dedicated deep-learning processing unit (DLPU) that runs Axis video analytics locally without relying on a server. This reduces latency and keeps detection working even during network interruptions, which matters on remote or critical-infrastructure sites.
Perimeter Analytics Suite
AXIS Fence Guard, Motion Guard, and Loitering Guard are included, allowing operators to define zones and trigger alarms when a person crosses a boundary or lingers in a restricted area. Axis Perimeter Defender is also supported, enabling a layered detection approach for high-security sites.
Hardware Cybersecurity – Edge Vault and TPM 2.0
Axis Edge Vault provides a dedicated security enclave for protecting cryptographic keys and device identity, while TPM 2.0 adds a hardware-based trusted platform module. Together these address the security requirements of government, utilities, and critical infrastructure deployments where device integrity must be verified.
Axis Zipstream Compression
Zipstream dynamically reduces bitrate during low-activity periods while preserving full detail for detection events. For thermal cameras deployed across wide perimeters – often recording continuously – this significantly reduces storage requirements and long-haul bandwidth costs without changing detection outcomes.
All-Weather Outdoor Housing with Built-In Heater
The IP66 and IP67 dust and water sealing, IK10 impact resistance, and built-in heater allow the Q1972-E to operate continuously from -40 to 60°C. This makes it suited to Australian outback installations as well as cold-storage facilities, alpine sites, or exposed coastal perimeter positions.
Best For
- Unlit Perimeter Fencing: Thermal imaging detects human heat signatures across fence lines and boundaries in complete darkness without requiring any external lighting infrastructure.
- Critical Infrastructure and High-Security Sites: The combination of ARTPEC-8 analytics, Axis Edge Vault, and TPM 2.0 meets the cybersecurity and detection requirements of utilities, data centres, and government facilities.
- Dusty, Smoky, or Visually Obstructed Environments: The 8-14 µm spectral range allows detection through light smoke, dust haze, and airborne particulates that would render optical cameras ineffective.
- Extreme-Temperature Outdoor Deployments: The built-in heater and -40 to 60°C operating range make this suitable for cold-room loading docks, alpine sites, and exposed industrial yards without additional enclosure hardware.
Why Choose the AXIS Q1972-E
The AXIS Q1972-E separates itself from entry-level thermal cameras through the combination of a high-resolution 640×480 sensor with less than 20 mK thermal sensitivity, onboard DLPU-accelerated analytics, and hardware-level cybersecurity that simpler thermal units do not offer. Where a basic thermal camera might detect movement, the Q1972-E runs Fence Guard, Loitering Guard, and Motion Guard locally on the ARTPEC-8 processor, triggering alarms only on defined conditions rather than any heat source. The IK10 housing, built-in heater, and IP66/IP67 sealing eliminate the need for external protective enclosures in demanding outdoor positions. ONVIF Profiles G, M, S, and T ensure integration with existing VMS platforms. Installers and security managers sourcing this camera through Security Wholesalers gain access to a thermal solution built for genuine perimeter and critical-site use rather than general-purpose surveillance.
Buyer Decision Tips
Thermal for Detection, Not Identification: The Q1972-E excels at detecting the presence and movement of people or vehicles across a perimeter, but thermal imaging does not produce facial or fine detail images. If your application also requires the ability to identify individuals or capture readable number plates, you will need to pair this camera with an optical camera at critical chokepoints. Plan your camera layout to use thermal for wide-area detection and optical for close-up verification.
Frame Rate at 8.3 fps: This SKU (03028-001) is rated to 8.3 fps, which is sufficient for perimeter detection and alarm triggering but is lower than the 25-30 fps typical of optical cameras. For applications where smooth motion recording of fast-moving objects is a priority, confirm that 8.3 fps meets your operational requirements before specifying this model.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Model |
AXIS Q1972-E |
| Sensor Type |
Uncooled microbolometer |
| Resolution |
640×480 (scalable to 800×600) |
| Pixel Size |
17 µm |
| Lens |
10 mm athermalized, F1.2 |
| Horizontal Field of View |
63° |
| Vertical Field of View |
46° |
| Near Focus Distance |
2.8 m |
| Spectral Range |
8-14 µm |
| Thermal Sensitivity (NETD) |
Less than 20 mK at 25°C, F1.0 |
| Processor |
ARTPEC-8 with deep-learning processing unit (DLPU) |
| Memory |
2048 MB RAM, 8192 MB Flash |
| Frame Rate |
Up to 8.3 fps |
| Video Compression |
H.264 (Baseline, High, Main), H.265, Motion JPEG; Axis Zipstream |
| Local Storage |
microSD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot |
| Power |
PoE IEEE 802.3af/802.3at Type 1 Class 3; 12-28 V DC; typical 5.0 W, max 12.95 W |
| Operating Temperature |
-40 to 60°C (built-in heater included) |
| IP Rating |
IP66, IP67 |
| Impact Rating |
IK10 |
| Alarm I/O |
1 input / 1 output |
| Cybersecurity |
Axis Edge Vault, TPM 2.0 |
| Analytics |
AXIS Motion Guard, Fence Guard, Loitering Guard, Video Motion Detection, audio detection, active tampering alarm; Axis Perimeter Defender supported; ACAP application support |
| ONVIF Compliance |
Profiles G, M, S, T |
Ideal Use Cases
Industrial Perimeter and Fence Lines
The 63° horizontal field of view combined with Fence Guard analytics allows the Q1972-E to monitor extended boundary sections and trigger alarms when a person crosses a defined line, without requiring any perimeter lighting.
Utilities and Critical Infrastructure
Axis Edge Vault and TPM 2.0 address cybersecurity mandates common in power generation, water treatment, and telecommunications sites. The onboard analytics reduce dependence on a centralised server for detection decisions.
Unlit Car Parks and Loading Docks
Thermal imaging detects people and vehicles in areas with no ambient lighting, while Loitering Guard flags individuals who remain stationary in restricted zones for operator-defined periods, reducing patrol demands on after-hours sites.
Cold-Storage and Refrigeration Facilities
The built-in heater and -40°C minimum operating temperature allow the Q1972-E to function inside or adjacent to cold-room loading bays and refrigerated warehouses without supplementary housing or heated enclosures.
Dusty or Smoke-Prone Industrial Yards
Mining sites, quarries, and facilities with airborne dust or intermittent smoke can render optical cameras blind during operations. The Q1972-E’s thermal sensor operates across the 8-14 µm spectral range, maintaining detection capability through these conditions.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: Your site requires perimeter detection in complete darkness, visually obscured environments, or extreme temperatures, and you need onboard analytics with hardware cybersecurity suited to critical infrastructure.
- Choose a different model if: Your primary requirement is identifying individuals, reading number plates, or capturing fine detail for evidential purposes. Thermal cameras produce heat-map imagery, not optical detail, so a high-resolution optical bullet camera would be more appropriate for identification-focused positions.
- Consider pairing with an optical camera if: Your security plan requires both wide-area thermal detection along a perimeter and close-up optical verification at entry points, gates, or chokepoints. Thermal and optical cameras are frequently deployed together on the same site for this reason.
FAQs
- What does the Q1972-E actually see, and how does the image look?
The Q1972-E produces a thermal image based on heat signatures rather than visible light. People and warm vehicles appear as bright areas against a cooler background. The image is not a colour optical picture – it shows relative temperature differences across the scene. Multiple thermal palettes can be applied to suit operator preference or site conditions.
- What is the effective detection range of this camera?
Detection range depends on target size, thermal contrast, and environmental conditions. The 640×480 sensor with the 10 mm lens provides a 63° horizontal field of view and can detect a standing person at significant distances. For specific range calculations based on your site geometry, Axis provides a camera selector tool. Near focus distance is confirmed at 2.8 m.
- Can this camera be used in complete darkness?
Yes. Thermal cameras do not require any visible or infrared light to operate. The Q1972-E detects heat energy emitted by people, animals, and vehicles across the 8-14 µm spectral range, making it effective in total darkness, through light fog, and in dusty or smoky conditions where optical cameras cannot function.
- What analytics are available on the Q1972-E?
Onboard analytics include AXIS Fence Guard (line crossing and zone intrusion), AXIS Loitering Guard (time-in-zone detection), AXIS Motion Guard, Video Motion Detection, audio detection, and active tampering alarm. Axis Perimeter Defender is also supported. All analytics run locally on the ARTPEC-8 processor with its dedicated DLPU, without requiring an external analytics server.
- What does the IK10 rating mean for outdoor bullet camera installation?
IK10 is the highest impact-protection rating in the IEC 62262 standard, confirming the housing can withstand a 20-joule impact. For a bullet camera mounted on a fence post, wall bracket, or pole in an exposed industrial or perimeter position, this means the housing resists deliberate strikes and accidental impacts from equipment or debris without compromising the sensor or optics.
- What cybersecurity features does the Q1972-E include?
The Q1972-E includes Axis Edge Vault, which is a dedicated hardware security module that protects device identity, cryptographic keys, and signed firmware, and TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module), which provides hardware-based platform integrity verification. These features address the cybersecurity requirements of government facilities, utilities, and other critical infrastructure sites where device authenticity must be validated.
- How does Zipstream affect storage requirements for a continuously recording thermal camera?
Axis Zipstream analyses the video stream and reduces bitrate during periods of low thermal activity while preserving full detail when detection events occur. For perimeter cameras that record 24 hours per day, this can substantially reduce the storage capacity and network bandwidth required compared to standard H.264 or H.265 recording, without affecting the recorded quality of detection events. This is confirmed available through Security Wholesalers for the AXIS Q1972-E (SKU 03028-001).
Additional Information
AXIS 03028-001 Datasheet
