AXIS Q16 Box Camera Series
- High-performance imaging for complex lighting conditions Advanced image sensors combined with Lightfinder and Forensic WDR deliver low-noise colour images in low-light scenes and maintain forensic detail in high-contrast environments, supporting reliable identification and evidentiary use.
- Modular, installation-flexible box camera architecture Interchangeable lenses, precise back-focus adjustment, and support for specialised housings and mounts enable the Q16 Series to be optimised for long-range, wide-area, or application-specific surveillance scenarios.
- On-edge intelligence with enterprise-grade cybersecurity Supports on-camera analytics for object detection and classification, while AXIS Edge Vault, signed firmware, secure boot, and hardware-based key protection ensure device integrity and compliance with modern cybersecurity requirements.
Low-Light & Wide Dynamic Range Cameras
The AXIS Q16 Box Camera Series is designed for high-performance surveillance applications where image quality, flexibility, and reliability are critical. Featuring advanced imaging technologies such as Lightfinder and Forensic WDR, the Q16 series delivers low-noise colour images in low light and preserves forensic detail in high-contrast scenes, supporting accurate identification and evidentiary requirements. Its professional box camera architecture supports interchangeable lenses and precise optical adjustment, allowing the camera to be optimised for long-range monitoring, wide-area coverage, or specialised use cases. Combined with on-edge analytics, AXIS Edge Vault cybersecurity, and long-term platform support, the AXIS Q16 series provides a secure, adaptable, and future-ready solution for demanding commercial and critical infrastructure environments.
Key Features
Resolution
AXIS Q1656 / Q1656-LE / Q1656-DLE / Q1686-DLE: 4 MP Video resolutions (H.264/H.265): 16:9 2688×1512 (Quad HD) down to 160×90; 4:3 2016×1512 down to 160×120 (Q1686-DLE also supports 16:10 1280×800 down to 160×100). Image sensor: 1/1.8” progressive scan RGB CMOS (Q1656/Q1656-LE/Q1656-DLE/Q1686-DLE). Lens (typical): Varifocal 3.9–10 mm, F1.5, i-CS, IR-corrected, remote zoom & focus, P-Iris (Q1686-DLE uses 9–50 mm, F1.5 tele lens for traffic/LPR use cases). Max frame rate: No WDR: up to 60/50 fps (60/50 Hz). With Forensic WDR: up to 30/25 fps (60/50 Hz) (Q1686-DLE: no WDR up to 50/60 fps, WDR up to 25/30 fps).
IR Illumination
Models with built-in IR (OptimizedIR): • AXIS Q1656-LE: 850 nm IR LEDs, 50 m (164 ft) or more depending on the scene; also includes a white LED (for visible light support). • AXIS Q1656-DLE: 850 nm IR LEDs, 38 m (125 ft) or more depending on the scene; also includes a white LED, 18 m (60 ft) or more depending on the scene. • AXIS Q1686-DLE (traffic kit): 850 nm IR LEDs, adjustable illumination angle/intensity, 50 m (164 ft) or more depending on the scene. Minimum illumination (typical across series at 4 MP): Colour 0.05 lux (50 IRE, F1.5) with Forensic WDR + Lightfinder 2.0; B/W 0.01 lux (50 IRE, F1.5); 0 lux with IR on (IR models).
Dynamic Range
Forensic WDR: Up to 120 dB (scene dependent).
Artificial Intelligence
System-on-chip: ARTPEC-8 with Deep Learning Processing Unit (DLPU) for on-edge analytics and metadata. Memory (typical): 2048 MB RAM, ~8192 MB Flash (model dependent). Radar-video fusion (DLE models): Integrated 60 GHz FMCW radar with deep learning-powered classification and distance/speed measurements (designed for wide-area intrusion/traffic monitoring use cases).
Analytics
Preinstalled analytics (Q1656 family): AXIS Object Analytics, AXIS Scene Metadata, AXIS Image Health Analytics, AXIS Video Motion Detection, AXIS Live Privacy Shield (version depends on model). AXIS Object Analytics (typical): Object classes humans and vehicles (types can include cars, buses, trucks, bikes). Scenarios commonly include line crossing, object in area, time in area, crossline counting, occupancy in area (up to 10 scenarios, model dependent). Radar fusion analytics (Q1656-DLE / Q1686-DLE): Radar + video + fusion metadata to improve detection reliability and reduce false alarms; road/area monitoring profiles; speed/direction tracking for traffic workflows (Q1686-DLE is purpose-built for speed + vehicle identification workflows, often paired with LPR software). Extensibility: AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) support for third-party applications.
Cybersecurity
Edge security (software): Signed OS, brute-force delay protection, digest authentication, OAuth 2.0, password protection, SD card encryption (AES-XTS-Plain64 256-bit, where supported). Edge security (hardware): Axis Edge Vault; TPM 2.0 (CC EAL4+, FIPS 140-2 Level 2); secure element (CC EAL 6+); secure boot; encrypted filesystem (AES-XTS-Plain64 256-bit); signed video support. Network security: IEEE 802.1X, MACsec (802.1AE), HTTPS/HSTS, TLS v1.2/v1.3, Network Time Security (NTS), X.509 certificate PKI, host-based firewall.
Casing
AXIS Q1656 (indoor): Aluminum casing, black (NCS S 9000-N). Operating conditions: −20°C to +60°C, 10–85% RH (non-condensing). Outdoor / hardened models: • AXIS Q1656-DLE: IP66, NEMA 4X, IK10 impact-resistant aluminum enclosure with dehumidifying membrane; weathershield with anti-glare coating; white (NCS S 1002-B). • AXIS Q1686-DLE: IP66, NEMA 4X, IK10 rated aluminum casing with weathershield (white, NCS S 1002-B).
• AXIS Q1656-LE: IP66/IP67, NEMA 4X, IK10 impact-resistant aluminum enclosure with integrated dehumidifying membrane; IK08 impact-resistant glass front window; built-in wiper, heater, and weathershield with anti-glare coating; white (NCS S 1002-B).
Warranty
Axis 5-year warranty (standard for these Q-line models; final terms can vary by region and quote).
AXIS Q16 Series Downloads
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