IP CAMERA LEARNING & RESOURCE CENTER

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.

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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.

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The P1344 and P1346 are both static IP cameras from Axis Communications which can deliver security footage to HDTV standards. What does this mean? Well, HDTV standards ensure the cameras can deliver high-definition images at full frame rates together with high colour fidelity. The P1344 can deliver 720p footage which is 1280×720 resolution at 30fps and the P1346, 1920×1080 resolution also at 30fps. We are going to look at both and see how they stackup.

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Y-cam have made a name for themselves recently by providing feature-rich entry-level IP cameras at affordable prices. They are also one of the few IP camera manufacturers to fully embrace infrared monitoring.

Now Y-cam is releasing the Y-cam Bullet and we have managed to get hold of one for testing. The Y-cam Bullet is an outdoor-quality network IP camera which offers Wi-Fi connectivity, on-camera microSD card recording and true night vision surveillance using switchable infrared-cut filter and built-in infrared LED lighting.

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It’s good to see one of the leading specialists in video surveillance security systems start to realize the potential of IP. Pelco have a long heritage in the CCTV industry and are well respected for providing robust solutions and solid, reliable products you can trust. We are excited to see them move into the IP video market.

The Pelco Sarix range is the latest from Pelco and offers megapixel, high-resolution monitoring up to 3.1MP. These cameras are fully IP and are powered using Power over Ethernet for quick installation. You can also choose between a standard color model or a day/night model which has an IR cut-filter allowing it to detect infrared light in low-light conditions.

What is it?

The model we have is the 3.1 megapixel IX30DN. We’ve paired it with a megapixel 2.8-8mm varifocal lens (DC-iris controlled), also from Pelco. This is the true day/night model so should react to changing light conditions and switch to infrared mode at night. The Sarix series also supports H.264 compression which addresses the problem some installations can face with bandwidth saturation.

Pelco tell us their megapixel cameras are the best in their class. Let’s find out.

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QNAP (Quality Network Appliance Provider) are a Taiwanese-based company focused on creating the “World’s best solutions in the areas of Network Attached Storage (NAS) and Network Video Recorders (NVR)”. They caught our eye by offering simple video surveillance solutions in complete, easy to use devices.

We are going to look at the VioStor VS-201 which is a compact NVR, ideally suited for security surveillance for small-office/home-office (SOHO) or small-medium sized businesses (SMEs).

QNAP VioStor 201

The first thing we noticed about the unit is that it comes in a compact, attractive looking box. It looks modern with a glossy front panel, secured with rugged looking stainless steel screws and bright LEDs. It’s also very sturdy and weighs a substantial 3.5kg. We like the design.

With the unit you get a CDROM containing setup software, an Ethernet cable, power supply and a Quick Installation Guide. It’s everything you need.

The unit has 2 drive bays which can accommodate 2x SATA drives up to a capacity of 2TB. Our demo unit came with 1x 500GB drive.

This particular model is an 8-channel unit suitable for the recording of up to 8 camera devices simultaneously.

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Lighting is incredibly important in video surveillance as no camera can ever capture an image without some form light. The light can be natural, artificial and if the camera supports it, we can also use infrared.

You will find that you may pay a premium for a true day/night camera over a regular color camera. This is due to the fact that a day/night camera will not only provide vibrant color images throughout the day but is also sensitive to infrared illumination at night. They will normally auto-detect and switch between the two without user intervention too.

Some cameras have infrared illumination built into the camera or housing but you can also purchase infrared lamps separately. Raytec are a company which offer quality infrared (and white light) products for a wide range of applications. Recently they have launched a new range of lamps which can be powered using Power over Ethernet IEEE802.3af. The RAYMAX 25 IP series is ideal for IP video surveillance installations where there is a high chance you will already be using Power over Ethernet during the installation of the cameras.

What we thought we would do is show the difference that an external, stand-alone IR lamp would give compared to built-in infrared illumination that you find in a camera. For our example we used a Y-cam Knight to illustrate this difference (although we appreciate that most people wouldn’t purchase a stand-alone IR lamp for a Y-cam).

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Pelco are a leading manufacturer of video security systems and equipment. They have long been established as an expert in their field and produce professional CCTV cameras, access control, video matrix systems, DVR recording solutions and hold many respected product lines such as Spectra, Camclosure, Endura and Digital Sentry.

Pelco are now taking their years of experience and applying it to the IP video industry with the introduction of the Spectra IV dome series.

They’ve kindly sent us a demo unit for evaluation. Let’s take a look…

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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.

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The Q1755 is the first true HDTV IP camera from Axis Communications. It is a static camera with a fixed zoom and autofocus feature and it conforms with the HDTV standards as laid down by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE). What does this mean? Surely this is just a megapixel camera with a fancy name? Well, no. Let us explain…

HDTV

The key difference between an HDTV IP camera which conforms to HDTV standards and a megapixel IP camera is in the broadcast quality output. HDTV standards stipulate that the camera must output at resolutions 720p (1280×720 SMPTE 296M) and 1080i (1920×1080 SMPTE 274M) at a full frame rate of 25/30fps (PAL/NTSC). Compare that to megapixel cameras which output large, high resolutions images but at much slower frame rates.

The question is, does the Q1755 meet the requirements? Let’s find out.

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