Complete Naming Guide
Axis Product Naming Convention: Decode Model Codes
Every Axis model code reveals the equipment's series, resolution and features. Learn to decode them for precise specification.
General Structure of Axis Codes
Axis uses a logical and consistent naming system across its entire portfolio. Each component of the code reveals specific information about the product:
All Product Lines
Complete Guide by Category
Axis organizes its products into different lines, each with an identifying letter:
M/P/Q/VCameras
Network cameras at different tiers: Mainstream (M), Professional (P), Premium (Q), Livestream (V)
SRecorders
Camera Station Recorders and Workstations for storage and management
CAudio
Speakers, microphones, horn speakers and audio projectors for communication
IIntercoms
Network intercoms with video, audio and access control
AAccess Control
Door controllers, card readers and I/O modules
D/TSystem Devices
Decoders, radars, PoE switches, media converters and accessories
WWearables
Body worn cameras, docks and controllers for mobile security
FModular Cameras
Modular system with main units and interchangeable sensors
1. Product Lines
Q-Series - Premium
Most advanced, mission-critical. Superior features, best low-light performance, built-in analytics. Ideal for critical applications.
Price: $$$$$ | Example: AXIS Q6135-LE
P-Series - Professional
Versatile and advanced. Excellent balance between features and price. Perfect for most professional installations.
Price: $$$$ | Example: AXIS P3265-LVE
M-Series - Mainstream
Affordable and intuitive. Axis quality with essential features. Ideal for budget-conscious projects while maintaining reliability.
Price: $$$ | Example: AXIS M3085-V
V-Series - Livestream
Professional broadcasting. Optimized for event streaming and broadcast. Low latency and high video quality.
Price: $$$$ | Example: AXIS V5938 PTZ
2. Camera Types (1st Number)
Box Camera
Rectangular form factor, interchangeable lens. Ideal for controlled indoor environments.
Bullet Camera
Elongated cylindrical form. Perimeter, parking lots, outdoor installations.
Fixed Dome
Discreet round form factor. Retail, offices, indoor areas. Series 3 and 4 are variations.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
Motorized movement. Active monitoring of large areas. Series 5 and 6.
Specialty
Positioning units, specialty cameras, specific applications.
3. Resolution (2nd Number)
Visual Cameras:
10.3MPVGA (640x480)
Quality: Basic
20.4MP4CIF (704x480)
Quality: Basic
30.5MPSVGA (800x600)
Quality: Basic
41.3MP / 720pHD (1280x720)
Quality: Good
52MP / 1080pFull HD (1920x1080)
Quality: Very Good
63-5MP2K (2048x1536)
Quality: Excellent
75-8MPQHD (2560x1920)
Quality: Excellent
88-15MP4K (3840x2160)
Quality: Superior
9>15MP>4K
Quality: Ultra
Thermal Cameras:
0208x156 pixels
1384x288 pixels
2640x480 pixels
4. Extensions (Suffixes after hyphen)
-EExternal/Outdoor
Outdoor-ready (IP66/67)
-VVandal
Vandal-resistant (IK10)
-LLED/Light
Built-in IR illumination
-WWireless
Wireless (Wi-Fi)
-RRugged
Ruggedized for harsh conditions
-PPanoramic
Panoramic view
-BBarebone
No lens (body only)
-CClimate
Climate control
-DDetector
With detection
-GGateway
Gateway function
-SStainless
Stainless steel
-TThermal
Temperature measurement
-XeXplosion
Zone 2 explosion-proof
Common Combinations:
-LE = LED + External (Outdoor bullet with IR)-VE = Vandal + External (Outdoor vandal-resistant dome)-LVE = LED + Vandal + External (Full-featured outdoor dome)Camera Station Recorders and Workstations for video storage and management:
Recorder Types
S11xxRecording Server - RackS12xxRecording Server - TowerS22xxApplianceS30xxCompact RecorderS92xxWorkstationStorage Variants
Speaker Types
C1xxxSpeakersC3xxxMicrophonesC5xxxPendant SpeakersC6xxxAudio ProjectorsInstallation Series
Cx1xxCabinet (recessed)Cx2xxCeiling (ceiling mount)Cx3xxHorn (horn speaker)Cx4xxWide coverageIntercom Series
I80xxRobustI81xxSmall (compact)I82xxKeypad (with keypad)I83xxTouch (touchscreen)Product Types
A1xxxNetwork Door ControllerA4xxxCard ReaderA9xxxNetwork I/O Relay ModuleD-Line (New Convention)
D Devices
D1xxxDecodersD2xxxSecurity RadarsD3xxxI/O and Audio devicesD4xxxAlarming/SignalingD6xxxPortcastD7xxxAnalytics devicesD8xxxNetwork SwitchesT-Line (Legacy Convention)
T Devices
T80xxPoE MidspansT81xxPoE MidspansT85xxNetwork SwitchesT86xxMedia ConvertersT87xxDecodersT Accessories
T90xxIR/White IlluminatorsT91xxUniversal MountsT92xxMetal Housings (box)T94xxSpecific MountsT96xxHousings (dome/PTZ)Wearable Types
W1xxxBody Worn CamerasW7xxxDocking StationsW8xxxSystem ControllersFlexible modular system that allows combining main units with interchangeable sensors:
Main Units
F9xxxMain UnitsF90xxMain Unit - Video onlyF91xxMain Unit - Video+Audio+I/OSensor Units
F1xxxStandardF2xxxCylinderF3xxxEyeballF4xxxDomeF7xxxAngledF8xxxBulletQuick Reference: By First Letter
AAccess Control
A1210 Door Controller
CAudio
C1310 Horn Speaker
DSystem Devices (new)
D2110 Radar
FModular Cameras
F9114 Main Unit
IIntercoms
I8016 Video Intercom
MCameras Mainstream
M3085 Dome
PCameras Professional
P1455 Bullet
QCameras Premium
Q6135 PTZ
SRecorders/Software
S1116 Recorder
TAccessories + System
T8516 Switch
VCameras Livestream
V5938 PTZ
WWearables
W101 Body Cam
Tips for Sales and Specification
Quick Questions for Clients
-E-V-L (IR)M-SeriesQ-SeriesNatural Upsell
M3075-VP3265-LVEFrequently Asked Questions
Questions About Axis Naming Conventions
Answers to the most common questions about Axis Communications codes and models
The first letter indicates the Axis product category: P = professional PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras for wide area coverage; Q = premium fixed cameras; M = mainstream compact camera modules; F = modular camera systems with interchangeable sensors. For example, Axis Communications P5655-E is an outdoor PTZ, while Axis Communications Q6075-E is a premium outdoor camera. The series defines the tier level and primary application of the equipment.
The second digit in the model number indicates the resolution range: 1 = VGA; 4 = HD 720p; 5 = Full HD 1080p; 6-7 = 2K-QHD (3-8MP); 8 = 4K/8MP; 9 = greater than 4K. Example: Axis Communications P3255-LVE (5) is Full HD, while Axis Communications P3268-LVE (6) is higher than Full HD. This pattern makes it easy to quickly compare resolutions across models during technical specification.
The suffixes indicate features and environment: -E = External (outdoor) with IP66/67 environmental protection; -LE = LED IR + External (infrared illumination in outdoor environments); -LVE = LED IR + Vandal-resistant + External (maximum protection and illumination for outdoor environments). Each suffix adds layers of capability: choose -E for basic outdoor protection, -LE for night vision outdoors, -LVE for full outdoor protection with vandal resistance and IR.
The middle digits (after the series letter) represent the product's generation and positioning within the Axis lineup: lower numbers (e.g., P32xx) indicate essential/mainstream models, middle numbers (P52xx) are mid-range performance, and high numbers (P72xx, P92xx) represent flagship/high-performance models. Newer generations generally have higher numbers. For example, P3247 is more recent than P3245, and P5655 offers more features than P3245.
The base naming convention does not directly indicate the presence of Zipstream or Analytics (as these are software/firmware features). To confirm: Zipstream is present in most modern Axis cameras (2016+); Analytics varies by model and can be verified in the datasheet or technical specifications. Our Aeon team provides a complete feature matrix by model to ensure the chosen camera has the technologies needed for your critical project.
Discover the Products
Axis Communications Portfolio Overview
Get a better understanding of the different Axis product lines and series
Official Axis Communications video presenting the complete solutions portfolio
Still Unsure Which Model to Specify?
Our technical team specializing in Axis Communications products can help you select the ideal model for your project, taking into account all technical and environmental variables.