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
Product Comparison: Axis M1104 vs. Panasonic WV-SP105 vs. Sony SNC-CH110
HD resolution video used to be limited to IP cameras at the top end of the market, but not anymore. Axis, Panasonic and Sony have recently released compact, entry-level HD 720p IP cameras aimed at the small/medium business environments. We’ve taken a look at the Axis M1104, Panasonic WV-SP105 and the Sony SNC-CH110 to see how they stack up against each other.
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: 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: 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.
Sony Wireless Card Compatibility Guide
One feature of Sony cameras which we think is rather unique is their optional wireless support for some of the key IP cameras in their product line-up.
This support allows wireless connectivity for high-end domes such as the SNC-RZ50N or the SNC-RX series, something not found in any of the other ranges we support.
The way they offer this support is by using a wireless Compact Flash card. This card needs to be inserted directly into the camera’s Compact Flash card slot or into the camera’s alternative data slot using an appropriate adapter.
The card comes in two models. The SNCA-CFW1 or the SNCA-CFW5. The main difference is in the wireless speeds. The SNCA-CFW1 works to IEEE802.11b 11Mbps speeds while the SNCA-CFW5 works to IEEE802.11g 54Mbps. Although the SNCA-CFW5 card is only supported by multi-codec cameras. See compatibility tables below for information.
Compatibility tables:
 |
Sony SNCA-CFW1 – 2.4Ghz IEEE802.11b – 11Mbps
SNC-P5 * |
* Camera has Compact Flash slot. Card can be inserted directly
** Camera only has PCMCIA (PC Card) slots. A commercially available CF card to PCMCIA card adapter is required for use
*** Camera has both Compact Flash slot and PCMCIA slot. Choose either a direct connection or use a CF to PCMCIA adapter
 |
Sony SNCA-CFW5 – 2.4Ghz IEEE802.11b/g – 54Mbps
SNC-CS50 ** |
* Camera has Compact Flash slot. Card can be inserted directly
** Camera only has PCMCIA (PC Card) slots. A commercially available CF card to PCMCIA card adapter is required for use
*** Camera has both Compact Flash slot and PCMCIA slot. Choose either a direct connection or use a CF to PCMCIA adapter
NOTE
Two other Sony cameras are currently marked as wireless compatible, the SNC-RZ30N and the SNC-Z20. Currently these cameras cannot use either the Sony SNCA-CFW1 or the SNCA-CFW5 cards, instead they used to use a third-party card which has since been discontinued. We are working to find a solution and will update the Resource Center when this is available.
More information:
To find out how to configure a wireless card please consult our guide HOWTO: Get your Sony camera to work on your wireless network
HOWTO: Get your Sony camera to work on your wireless network
A great selling point when it comes to Sony IP cameras is that they offer wireless connectivity in their high-end PTZ and dome models, something which is lacking from all other ranges.
This feature is not built-in to the camera but is offered as an optional extra with the purchase of a wireless compact flash card. The card has an internal antenna and will slot into the camera directly (or indirectly using an adaptor) and this will provide wireless connectivity. The range can also be extended by using an optional external antenna which connects to the wireless card.
Confusingly Sony has two wireless cards which appear identical apart from the wireless speeds but they aren’t. We will discuss compatibility in a future article.
This guide is suitable for the following:
SNC-P5
SNC-Z20
SNC-CS50
SNC-RZ25N
SNC-RZ30N
SNC-RZ50N
SNC-RX530N
SNC-RX550N
SNC-RX570N
HOWTO: Transfer images from your Sony IP camera by email when motion is detected
A useful security feature found in every Sony IP camera is the ability to have live snapshot images sent to your email address when the camera detections motion.
This is ideal for monitoring your business or property and provides you evidence from potential intruders which remains safe and in your possession even if the camera is discovered.
This guide will explain in step-by-step fashion the process of configuring the camera to send an email when it detects movement.
We have based this guide on the Sony SNC-P5 but this should be relevant to most IP cameras in the Sony range.
HOWTO: Upload images from a Sony IP camera to an FTP server using periodic transfer
A useful security feature found in any Sony IP camera is the ability to upload a snapshot of the current image to an FTP server. This can be done either by an alarm trigger or, as this guide will focus on, periodic transfer.
Simple recording at no extra cost
By uploading images to an FTP server at regular intervals you are essentially creating an archive of images which you can browse through at a later date. This can be seen as a simple recording solution but without the need to purchase expensive recording software or have a PC constantly switched on.
In this guide we show you how to set up your Sony camera to upload images to an FTP server based on periodic transfer.
For the purposes of this guide we have used a Sony SNC-CS5P IP camera but this should be relevant to most IP cameras in the complete Sony range.
Sony SNC-RX550N – Documentation
Please find the following downloads available for the Sony SNC-RX550N:
Product Specification (720KB)
Installation Guide (4.10MB)
User’s Guide (3.71MB)
Download time-limited trial of Sony Realshot Manager recording software (51.9MB)