Explosion Proof Cameras – Which Is Best For You?

Explosion proof cameras are often used in explosive atmospheres to protect people and equipment against explosion hazards. Most people working in for example the Oil & Gas, Pharmacy, or the Food industry will be familiar with this type of hazardous area equipment. An explosion proof camera is especially useful for reporting when conducting maintenance or inspections because images and videos can be shared with engineers and managers.

Cobic-Ex offers two excellent options: The Armadex OZC 2 and the Bartec Pixavi Cam. But which one is best for your needs? Let’s jump in and compare the pros and cons of both explosion proof cameras.

4 Key Takeaways

The Bartec Pixavi Cam is suited for Zone 1/21 (Gas or Dust). The OZC 2 is certified for use in ATEX Zone 2 (Gas).

The Armadex OZC 2 is based on the European Directive, but is also frequently used in other countries. The Bartec Pixavi has global certifications in addition to that, namely IECEx, NEC & ATEX.

The Armadex explosion proof camera is a traditional digital camera with physical buttons, while the Bartec Pixavi Cam is a smartphone without google apps.

Both cameras feature 4K recording and high-image quality for professional results.

The Bartec Pixavi Cam

Don’t be misled by the fact that the Bartec Pixavi Cam is based on a smartphone, this is a very high-quality and capable hazardous area camera. It features 4K filming & a decent 12.2 Megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom. Despite its compact size and modest looks, this camera is fully rugged and can be operated with gloves on.

Certifications: Zone Classification & Location

What makes this explosion proof camera special in comparison are its globally recognized certifications: namely ATEX (Europe), IECEx (Global) & NEC (North America). In addition to that the Pixavi Cam is certified for use in Gas & Dust explosive atmospheres up to Zone 1/21. Some industrial plants require this as opposed to the Armadex OZC 2, which is certified for Zone 2 only. This of course depends on the local zone classification.

Other notable pros are wireless data transfer, slow-motion filming and 64 GB storage out-of-the-box. Be aware that this is not a smartphone, all apps are disabled. A regular smartphone version is available, at a premium price.

The Armadex OZC 2

The Armadex OZC 2 is more of a traditional explosion proof camera, with physical buttons and a rugged body. Just like the Bartec Pixavi Cam, the OZC 2 is perfectly operable with gloves on.

Video Specifications

When it comes to image quality, the Armadex device takes the prize when it comes to still images. At 20 MP the resolution is significantly higher, and the lens can better capture light and details. The OZC 2 also features 4K filming, but it does not offer 120 fps slow-motion filming which is a thing to keep in mind.

Superior Zoom

Another major pro is the 40.5x intelligent zoom function, combining both digital and optical zoom functionality. Users say they love using the zoom when trying to read labels on pipes or machinery that are out of reach.

The only real downsides compared to the Bartec explosion proof camera are its lack of global certifications, no slow-motion function and no wireless data-transfer.

Full Comparison Table – Which Explosion Camera Suits your Needs?

Attributes	Bartec Pixavi Cam	Armadex Ex-M OZC 2
Price	€ 2345,-	€ 1598,-
Certifications –        Hazardous area classification –        Location	ATEX: Zone 1/21 II 2G Ex ib IIC T4 Gb II I 2D Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db IP68IECEx:Ex ib IIC T4 Gb Ex ib IIIC T135°C Db IP68NEC:Class I, Zone 0, AEx ia IIC T4 Ga	ATEX: Zone 2 II 3G Ex h ic IIC T4 Gc
Photos	12.2MP back camera 8 MP Front camera	Approximately 20 MP
Video	4K Recording	4K Recording
User Interface	Android, Touch screen	Physical buttons
Zoom	Digital Zoom 8x	Optical Zoom 5x Digital Zoom 8.1x Intelligent Zoom 40.5x
Accessibility	Stylus, bare or gloved fingertip input.	Rugged Buttons, Suitable for use with gloves.
Toughness and IP rating	Rugged IP68	Drop Resistant up to 2.1m IP66
Operating Temperature	-20 °C to +60 °C (-4 °F to +140 °F)	-10 °C to +40 °C (14 °F to +104 °F)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi Bluetooth GPS USB 2.0	SD-Card
Battery Life	3200mAh (Above Average) Rechargeable and Replaceable Battery	260 minutes Rechargeable and Replaceable Battery
Accessories	Battery Screen protector Charger Charging Cable Battery Tool SIM/SD Tray Ejector Tool Quick Start Guide (EN)	Li-ion battery NP-45S AC Power Adapter USB Cable Hand strap User Manual
Warranty	12 Months	12 Months
Storage and Memory	64GB Storage	27MB Storage, Extendable up to 512GB with SD-card.
Special Features	Slow-Motion (120Fps) and Timelapse Continuous Shot Clock and Calculator Regular Security Updates	6 LED Ring Light Intelligent Zoom 40.5x No Internet connection means safe data.

So, Which Camera Will Be Best For You?

As you can tell from the table, both products are very similar. In terms of high-quality images and videos, you can’t go wrong with either one. The Armadex OZC 2 might have the edge when it comes to zoom functionality, but the same can be said about Bartec’s slow-motion filming. Both devices are rugged and fully operable with gloves, offering both build quality and accessibility in the field.

We feel it’s a safe bet to choose your camera based on the certification that your hazardous area requires – since safety and compliance are most important after all. If you are working in  Zone 2, we recommend the less expensive Armadex OZC 2. If you are working in Zone 1/21, go with the Bartec Pixavi Cam. We are confident in saying that both explosion proof cameras are extremely capable and will serve you well.