Evaluation: Panasonic i-Pro WJ-NV200 Network Video Recorder
Panasonic has recently released a new range of HD quality security cameras, offering smooth video footage and improved clarity over previous models. However, without the means to easily view, manage and record the increased video quality, the improvements are wasted.
With this in mind, Panasonic has released the WJ-NV200, an updated Network Video Recorder (NVR) that focusses on integration with the new camera range. Recording is available for 16 Panasonic cameras alongside a choice of either 2 or 4 TB hard drive configurations.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the NVR to see how well it performs.
Evaluation – Y-cam EyeBall WiFi Mini Dome
Y-cam have released their new EyeBall camera, the first dome model to be added to their expanding line up of IP cameras.
As well as the dome form factor, the EyeBall supports some features not available on other models in the Y-cam range, including wireless b/g connectivity, two-way audio and Push & Point. In this post, we’ll take a look at these features and compare the EyeBall to the rest of the Y-cam range.
Sony SNC-CH140 – IP Camera Evaluation
Sony has recently been placing heavy emphasis on HD resolution in IP surveillance with its new line of IP cameras.
The SNC-CH140 is part of their ‘V’ camera series, with a box-type chassis and HD 720p video. More importantly, the SNC-CH140 includes an array of features designed to improve the efficiency of surveillance networks, such as ViewDR, XDNR, edge recording and DEPA video analytics. Here we take a look at the camera, and its advanced feature set, to see how well it works.
Evaluation: Level One POR-0102 2-Port POE Repeater
If you’ve ever installed a long network cable run, then you will know that standard Ethernet cable has a maximum length of 100 metres before you start to get signal degradation, or ‘attenuation’ that can lead to erratic connection problems for your network equipment.
So what do you do when you need a cable run longer than 100 metres? You could try installing a fibre optic cable that runs for 220 – 550 metres, but fibre cables are expensive and require more training for installers to learn how to terminate the cabling correctly, increasing the cost of implementing a fibre solution. A cheaper and equally effective option is to place a repeater every 100 metres and run standard Ethernet, which is cheaper to purchase and install. This is where the Level One POR-0102 2 Port PoE Repeater comes in.
Evaluation: Panasonic WV-SC385 IP Security Camera
The Panasonic i-Pro WV-SC385 pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) IP security camera has recently been released as a replacement for the WV-NS202. Both cameras feature 350° pan and 120° tilt, day/night switching and Power over Ethernet support, but the WV-SC385 has some major improvements which set the two apart.
In this post, we take a look at the new camera and evaluate how it compares to its predecessor.
Evaluation: Axis M1054 IP Camera
If you take a look at Axis’ IP camera line-up this year you will see a High-Definition-variant at every price level, from high-end pan/tilt/zoom domes to entry-level fixed models. They are taking the drive for better image quality seriously and they are not limiting this to their high-end models.
Launched in the spring of 2010, the Axis M1054 is the successor to their top-selling 207MW. This camera becomes the flagship model in their M10-series, boasting the same stylish design and robust performance of the M1031-W but offering a more security-centric set of features. Let us explain…
Evaluation: Sony SNC-CH160 IP Security Camera
Sony has recently launched a series of new High-Definition IP security cameras. Each model is letter-coded to simplify which camera is suitable for specific applications. Today we are looking at the SNC-CH160, an ‘E’-series model. This means that it offers strong HD picture quality and is suitable for general applications in SMEs, offices, educational establishments, banks and more.
The SNC-CH160 is a fixed HD network camera suitable for outputting video at up to HD 720p resolution. It comes with Sony’s new Exmor imaging sensor which was developed to optimise sensitivity and reduce noise in low-light.
The camera is part of a range of cameras, including the SNC-CH260, SNC-CH180 and SNC-CH280, all with IP66-rated casings and integrated infrared lighting. There are two main differences between this camera and the others in the range. Both the 260 and 280 models provide HD1080p resolution, compared to the HD720p available on the 160, while the 180 and 280 models feature View-DR, a system which improves the dynamic range of the camera by capturing and combining two successive images with different exposure times.
Let’s take a look at the camera in more detail and see how it compares with others in the market.
Evaluation: Mobotix T24 and IP Door Entry Systems
With IP video branching out into different sectors it is interesting to see new items which have been designed or upgraded to make use of it. One such device combines IP video with a door entry system.
Mobotix are synonymous in the IP video industry with high resolution outdoor cameras designed to be self-contained security systems. Their latest camera, the T24, is a break from the rest of their range in that it has been designed to integrate with Siedle door entry systems.
We looked at the T24 to see if this, and IP door entry in general, is likely to be a possible future area of growth for many IP camera manufacturers.
Evaluation: Sony SNC-DS10 Fixed Dome IP Security Camera
The Sony SNC-DS10 is a compact fixed mini-dome IP camera designed specifically for IP video security surveillance applications. It features a 1/4-inch progressive scan CCD imaging sensor with Exwave PRO technology and will output 640×480 video at full frame rate 30fps.
ExwavePRO is a camera sensor technology unique to Sony. It was designed specifically for security applications and uses progressive scanning and complimentary color filtering to provide highly sensitive images for low-light monitoring at 0.3 lux (at F1.3). It also provides crisp, high quality color images throughout the day.
This SNC-DS10 is an indoor model and suited for security applications in public transport terminals, shopping malls, office buildings, reception areas, convenience stores, colleges etc. Its compact size makes it ideal for discreet monitoring and it can be mounted both on the ceiling and on a wall depending on application.
Evaluation: Axis P3344
HD video surveillance is the next big thing. HDTV cameras have been gaining huge ground over the past year and we’ve witnessed quite a surge in sales over the past 6 months. Axis have been at the forefront of this, first launching the HD Q1755 camera back in Q1 2009 and steadily releasing new models on a consistent basis including fixed HD cameras at full 1080p resolution as well as fully functional PTZ HD domes.
We looked at one of their latest HDTV models, the Axis P3344 which is a compact fixed dome network camera with models available for indoor and outdoor use. We looked at the model with a 6mm lens but a 12mm option is also available.