Product Overview
For perimeter monitoring where lighting conditions are unreliable or absent entirely, the AXIS Q1972-E delivers 24/7 thermal detection from a fixed outdoor housing rated IP66, IP67, and IK10. Built around an uncooled microbolometer sensor at 640×480 resolution with a 19 mm fixed focal length lens, this camera detects heat signatures across a 31-degree horizontal field of view without depending on any form of illumination. Featuring the ARTPEC-8 processor with an integrated Deep Learning Processing Unit, it runs AXIS Motion Guard, Fence Guard, and Loitering Guard directly on-camera, reducing unnecessary alerts and enabling targeted perimeter responses. It also integrates Axis Edge Vault hardware-based cybersecurity with FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification, making it a sound choice for critical infrastructure and high-security sites. Rated for operation from -40 to 60 degrees Celsius, the Q1972-E suits exposed industrial and commercial perimeter deployments where consistent detection performance is a core requirement.
Key Capabilities
640×480 Thermal Sensor
The uncooled microbolometer sensor with 17 µm pixel size and a spectral range of 8-14 µm detects heat signatures in complete darkness, heavy fog, smoke, and adverse weather – eliminating the dependency on external lighting that visible-light cameras require for perimeter coverage.
Preinstalled Perimeter Analytics
AXIS Motion Guard, Fence Guard, and Loitering Guard come preinstalled and run on-camera via the ARTPEC-8 DLPU. These analytics allow operators to define protected zones, detect intrusion across virtual fence lines, and flag sustained loitering without relying on server-side processing.
ARTPEC-8 with Deep Learning
Powered by the ARTPEC-8 SoC with a dedicated Deep Learning Processing Unit, 2048 MB RAM, and 8192 MB flash storage, the Q1972-E handles complex on-camera analytics and supports third-party analytic applications, giving integrators flexibility to extend capabilities beyond the factory-installed tools.
Axis Edge Vault Cybersecurity
Built-in Axis Edge Vault provides hardware-based cybersecurity with Trusted Platform Module (TPM) and FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification. This protects the device identity and configuration integrity, which is especially relevant for government, utility, and critical infrastructure installations with stringent cybersecurity compliance requirements.
Electronic Image Stabilization
Electronic Image Stabilization compensates for vibration from wind or industrial equipment, maintaining a stable thermal image on exposed mounting positions such as poles, masts, and rooftop brackets – locations where camera shake would otherwise degrade detection accuracy.
IP66/IP67 and IK10 Rated Housing
The aluminum and polycarbonate housing carries dual ingress protection ratings of IP66 and IP67 alongside an IK10 vandal resistance rating. Combined with an operating range of -40 to 60 degrees Celsius, this housing withstands harsh outdoor exposure across coastal, industrial, and extreme-climate environments.
Best For
- Perimeter fence line detection: The 19 mm lens delivers a 31-degree horizontal field of view suited to covering defined fence lines and boundary approaches, with AXIS Fence Guard triggering alerts when the thermal signature of a person or vehicle crosses a configured virtual line.
- Unlit industrial and commercial sites: Warehouses, construction sites, and industrial yards where permanent floodlighting is impractical benefit directly from the thermal sensor’s ability to detect intrusion in complete darkness without any illumination infrastructure.
- Critical infrastructure and utility sites: Power substations, water treatment plants, and similar high-security facilities with strict cybersecurity obligations are supported by FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification and Axis Edge Vault hardware protection.
- Exposed outdoor mounting positions: Pole tops, rooftop mounts, and other vibration-prone positions are addressed by Electronic Image Stabilization combined with the IP66/IP67 and IK10 housing, maintaining stable detection in difficult mounting scenarios.
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 thermal sensor, an ARTPEC-8 processor with DLPU, and factory-installed perimeter analytics that run entirely on-camera. Where simpler thermal units pass raw video to a server for analysis, the Q1972-E performs detection logic at the edge, reducing bandwidth load and enabling faster alarm response. The 19 mm lens provides a focused field of view suited to defined perimeter runs rather than wide-area sweeps, making scene coverage more deliberate and detection more precise. The FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified Axis Edge Vault addresses the cybersecurity requirements that many commercial and government procurement teams now mandate as standard. With an operating range of -40 to 60 degrees Celsius and a dual IP66/IP67 and IK10 housing, it handles extreme environmental exposure that lesser-rated cameras cannot sustain. The AXIS Q1972-E is available at Security Wholesalers for professional installers and integrators.
Buyer Decision Tips
Thermal vs Visible-Light Camera: The AXIS Q1972-E produces thermal images based on heat signatures, not colour video. It will not capture faces, number plates, or colour detail for evidential footage. For perimeter detection triggers that then activate a visible-light camera to record detail, pair this unit with a standard network camera on the same VMS. If your primary goal is detailed colour recording rather than detection, a thermal camera is not the right tool for that task.
Lens Focal Length and Coverage Planning: The 19 mm lens on this model delivers a 31-degree horizontal field of view, which is well suited to defined perimeter sections, fence runs, and narrow outdoor approaches. If your site requires wider thermal coverage from fewer camera positions, assess whether a shorter focal length thermal model would better suit your layout before committing to placement.
Key Features & Technical Specifications
| Model |
AXIS Q1972-E 19 mm 30 fps |
| Sensor Type |
Uncooled microbolometer, 17 µm pixel size |
| Thermal Resolution |
640×480 pixels; scalable up to 800×600 (SVGA) |
| Spectral Range |
8-14 µm (longwave infrared) |
| NETD |
<20 mK @ 25°C, F1.0 |
| Lens |
19 mm fixed focal length, F1.0, athermalized |
| Field of View |
Horizontal 31°, Vertical 24° |
| Frame Rate |
Up to 30 fps; up to 20 configurable video streams |
| Video Compression |
H.264 (Baseline, Main, High), H.265 Main Profile, Motion JPEG |
| Processor |
ARTPEC-8 SoC with DLPU; 2048 MB RAM, 8192 MB Flash |
| Preinstalled Analytics |
AXIS Motion Guard, AXIS Fence Guard, AXIS Loitering Guard; AXIS Perimeter Defender supported |
| Cybersecurity |
Axis Edge Vault; TPM; FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified |
| Power |
PoE IEEE 802.3af/802.3at Type 1 Class 3 (typical 5.0 W, max 12.95 W); 12-28 V DC (typical 4.8 W) |
| Network Connector |
Shielded RJ45 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T PoE |
| IP Rating |
IP66, IP67 |
| IK Rating |
IK10 |
| Operating Temperature |
-40 to 60°C |
| Edge Storage |
microSD card; NAS; ONVIF Profile S and T compliant |
| Housing |
Aluminum and polycarbonate, white; halogen-free design |
| Weight |
1.4 kg |
| Warranty |
5-year manufacturer warranty |
Ideal Use Cases
Industrial Perimeter and Fence Lines
AXIS Fence Guard runs on the ARTPEC-8 DLPU to trigger alerts when a thermal signature crosses a defined virtual fence line. Combined with the 640×480 sensor and 31-degree field of view, the Q1972-E covers defined perimeter sections at industrial yards, depots, and secured compounds.
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Power substations, water treatment facilities, telecommunications infrastructure, and similar sites with mandated cybersecurity frameworks are served by the Q1972-E’s FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certified Axis Edge Vault, which protects device identity and configuration from tampering.
Unlit Outdoor Approaches and Yards
Construction sites, logistics yards, and rural properties without permanent lighting infrastructure benefit from 24/7 thermal detection that requires no illumination. The spectral range of 8-14 µm detects body heat and vehicle heat signatures in complete darkness, fog, and dust.
Pole and Mast Mounting in Exposed Locations
Electronic Image Stabilization and the IP66/IP67 and IK10 rated aluminum housing make the Q1972-E suitable for pole-top and rooftop mast installations exposed to wind and vibration, maintaining stable detection accuracy where freestanding mounting introduces movement.
VMS-Integrated Detection Systems
ONVIF Profile S and T compliance and support for up to 20 configurable video streams allow the Q1972-E to integrate cleanly into existing video management platforms, triggering visible-light cameras or alarm outputs when perimeter analytics detect an event.
Choosing the Right Model
- Choose this model if: You need 24/7 perimeter detection independent of lighting conditions, require on-camera analytics including Fence Guard and Loitering Guard, and your site or procurement framework mandates hardware-based cybersecurity with FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification.
- Choose a different model if: Your primary requirement is colour video evidence for facial or vehicle identification – a thermal camera captures heat signatures, not colour detail, so a visible-light network camera or a paired visible-light and thermal setup would better serve that need. Similarly, if your perimeter requires a wider field of view from fewer mounting positions, consider a thermal model with a shorter focal length lens.
FAQs
- Does the AXIS Q1972-E produce colour video footage?
No. This is a thermal camera that detects heat signatures across the 8-14 µm longwave infrared spectrum. The image it produces shows temperature differences between objects and the environment rather than visible-light colour detail. It will not capture colour, faces, or number plates. It is designed for detection and alerting, typically used alongside a visible-light camera that records detail when a thermal alarm triggers.
- What perimeter analytics come preinstalled on the Q1972-E?
Three analytics applications come preinstalled: AXIS Motion Guard for general motion detection within defined zones, AXIS Fence Guard for detecting when a person or vehicle crosses a virtual line, and AXIS Loitering Guard for alerting when a subject remains within a defined area beyond a set time threshold. All three run on the ARTPEC-8 DLPU on-camera without requiring a server-side analytics licence.
- What does the 19 mm lens cover and how does that affect where I mount the camera?
The 19 mm fixed lens provides a 31-degree horizontal field of view and a 24-degree vertical field of view. This is a relatively focused field suited to defined fence sections, corridor approaches, and narrow outdoor paths rather than broad open-area sweeps. Mount height and camera-to-boundary distance should be calculated during site planning to ensure the coverage arc aligns with the detection zone you need to protect.
- What does FIPS 140-2 Level 2 certification mean for this camera?
FIPS 140-2 Level 2 is a United States federal standard for cryptographic modules. The Q1972-E’s Axis Edge Vault hardware and Trusted Platform Module (TPM) have been independently tested and certified to this standard. For government agencies, utilities, and critical infrastructure operators with cybersecurity procurement requirements, this certification provides documented assurance that the camera’s security hardware meets a recognised compliance benchmark.
- Can the Q1972-E operate in extreme outdoor temperatures?
Yes. The operating temperature range is -40 to 60 degrees Celsius, which covers the conditions found across Australian climates from alpine winter environments to exposed industrial rooftops in hot summer conditions. The IP66 and IP67 dual ingress protection ratings also confirm it is sealed against dust and water immersion, not just rain splash.
- How does Electronic Image Stabilization help in a perimeter installation?
When a camera is mounted on a pole, mast, or exposed bracket, wind load causes the housing to vibrate, which degrades the thermal image and can produce false motion triggers. Electronic Image Stabilization in the Q1972-E compensates for this movement digitally, maintaining a stable image and reducing erroneous alarm activations from camera shake rather than actual scene movement.
- How is the AXIS Q1972-E powered and what network speeds does it support?
The Q1972-E accepts Power over Ethernet via IEEE 802.3af/802.3at Type 1 Class 3, drawing a typical 5.0 W and a maximum of 12.95 W. It also accepts 12-28 V DC as an alternative supply. The network connector is a shielded RJ45 supporting 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T, so it is compatible with Gigabit network infrastructure. The Q1972-E is part of the Security Wholesalers range and is supplied with the full 5-year Axis manufacturer warranty.
Additional Information
AXIS 03029-001 Datasheet
