Top 5 Night-Vision IP Cameras
Say the words ‘night-vision’ to anyone and it usually conjures up images of night-time military manoeuvres or nocturnal wildlife shoots. However, there is a more practical security application: night-vision IP security cameras.
From a security standpoint, night-time provides the greatest risk for burglary or attack. Low light levels give good cover for thieves and make it difficult for surveillance cameras to capture usable footage. Lately there has been a surge in cameras which can see in complete darkness, using a variation of tactics including visible light, invisible light and thermal imaging. We’ve compiled a list of what we think are the Top 5 IP Cameras for Night Surveillance.
*image from an Axis Q1910 thermal camera
Top 5 Mac-compatible home IP security cameras (redux)
A few years back we published our Top 5 IP cameras when using a Mac resource centre article. Since then the market has moved on and most of the cameras mentioned in that list are now discontinued.
So we’re back with a new, updated list, highlighting what we think are the current top 5 home security cameras for Mac users.
Read more >>
HOWTO: Create video clips on demand using an Axis M10 series IP security camera
A feature which is not activated as standard in the new Axis M10 series is video clip creation. This guide will show you how to set up your M10 camera to record video clips manually from the live image page and store them to the hard disk drive.
This guide will work for the following:
Axis M1011
Axis M1011-W
Axis M1031-W
This feature uses Axis Media Control which is Axis’ name for their ActiveX plug-in for Internet Explorer. This means that this feature will only run using Internet Explorer.
Evaluation: Axis M1031-W
The Axis M1031-W is the flagship model from Axis’ latest camera series, the M10.
The M10 series is a range of IP security cameras aimed at the entry-level end of the market but it seems without any compromises made in terms of features. In fact, the features on offer are substantial considering the price. These are the cheapest Axis cameras we have seen and we can’t help wondering where the catch is? Let’s see if we can find it…
What’s in the box?
First let’s take a look at what you get in the box.
- Axis M1031-W camera
- Flexible mouting stand
- G-clamp (optional mounting method)
- AC Adapter
- Power extention cable
- Installation guide and warranty information
- CD-ROM including installation tools, video management software and product documentation
It’s good to see Axis are still including a power extension cable and the G-clamp mount with their entry-level cameras as these are very useful and could have been so easily omitted at this price.
HOWTO: Get your Axis camera to work on your wireless network
The great thing about wireless cameras is that they can be placed virtually anywhere around your home or business once they are set up. All you need is a power outlet and you’re good to go. This of course gives you the freedom to place your camera in discreet locations which is ideal when using your camera for security purposes.
The setting up of any wireless Axis camera is a very straight-forward procedure and should only take a couple of minutes but the process can sometimes be jargon-filled and confusing for those who are non-technical. This is where this guide steps in to lend a hand.
This guide will take you through the process of configuring your wireless Axis camera for use on your wireless network.
It is suitable for the following cameras:
Axis 206W (now discontinued)
Axis 207W
Axis 207MW
Axis M1011-W
Axis M1031-W
Axis 211W
HOWTO: Prevent Wireless Interference
Making the transition from wired to wireless is an exciting step and with a wide choice of wireless IP cameras now available on the market you can keep an eye on your home or business without cluttering it up with cables.
Normally wireless connections are every bit as reliable as their wired counterpart but sometimes there can be something which prevents their smooth operation. Interference.
Interference
We’ve all experienced interference in some way, from the television picture breaking up during a heavy storm or crackling on the radio when you enter a built-up area or valley. Your wireless signal works very much in the same way as your radio or television and may dip in and out depending on circumstances and the environment.
We realise that when you are connecting your IP cameras wirelessly is it even more crucial that they remain connected at all times, especially when they are used as IP security cameras. So let’s take a look at some of the causes of interference and how we can help reduce their effect. Read more >>