Comparison: Axis M1011, Panasonic BL-C230 and Y-cam Knight SD IP cameras (Pt. 1)
In this article we compare IP cameras from three of our top-selling manufacturers: the Axis M1011, Panasonic BL-C230, and Y-cam Knight SD. This is the first part of a two part comparison.
The Axis M1011, Panasonic BL-C230 and Y-cam Knight SD are three entry-level IP cameras from three of our bestselling manufacturers. They are similar in price and feature sets. In the first part of this comparison, we will be looking at these cameras in detail to see how well they stack up against each other.
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
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.
HOWTO: Playing audio from an Axis IP camera without Internet Explorer
Listening to sound from an IP camera can be a headache when using a web browser other than Internet Explorer (IE). Most camera manufacturers create ActiveX controls for handling sound which are limited to IE only, resulting in no audio at all for other browsers.
It’s not widely known, but Axis cameras have another facility for playing audio; Java. This means that users with Mac or Linux computers can listen to audio, as well as Windows users who don’t use Internet Explorer.
Some configuration changes are required, but it can be accomplished in a few minutes.
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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.
Top 5 Mac-compatible home IP security cameras (redux)
Back in 2008 we published our Top 5 IP cameras when using a Mac article. Since then the market has moved on significantly 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.
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Evaluation – Y-cam EyeBall WiFi Mini Dome
Y-cam have released their new EyeBall IP 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.