Tech Watch

Feb 1, 2007 12:00 PM

Point and shoot. Video cameras were never really that simple, and yet today advanced features make them seem more complicated than ever. Fortunately, today's expanded capabilities are helping to ease the user's experience and produce better results. The features found in these cameras — such as auto-tracking, day-to-night signals, onboard image processing and low-light illuminators — prove that IP video surveillance cameras are “doing more” to provide protection every day.

Indoor and Outdoor Dome Camera

SWITCHES FROM DAY TO NIGHT FUNCTION

Videology Imaging Solutions' 20Z704T-PZ camera uses Micro-Stepping technology to document subjects with pinpoint accuracy during the daytime while a B/W low-light camera function signals that it is ready for nighttime operation. The dome camera can be used both indoors and outdoors and offers 360-degree pan rotation and 90-degree tilt functions. While capturing images during the day and night, the camera possesses a combined 220x zoom, with 22x optical and 10x digital capabilities. Users can program actions such as camera swing at three different speeds, pattern and group functions using the 128 preset functions available on the controller's display screen menu. The camera is enclosed in polycarbonate plastic housing that is IP66 rated for outdoor use. It can be equipped with an optional alarm input-output box and a network video capability. 20Z704T-PZ, Videology Imaging Solutions (videologyinc.com) Circle No. 1 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Outdoor Color Dome Camera

AUTO-TRACKING FUNCTION “FOLLOWS” SUBJECTS

The WV-CW974 Outdoor Color Dome Camera from Panasonic features a template-matching algorithm that facilitates auto-tracking of an object and keeps it centered in the field of view with PTZ functions. The algorithm also allows the camera to “memorize” characteristics of the subject, including color, shape and contrast. An optional system controller can “lock” individuals on screen with the push of a button. A masking feature sets the tracking range in advance. Other camera features include an auto-image stabilizer, scene change detection, a waterproof anti-shock design, a built-in dehumidification device and 540 TVL resolution in color mode. The camera operates both day and night with a minimum illumination of 0.5 lux in color and 0.04 lux in B/W. It has a 30x optical zoom and a 400-degree-per-second pan speed. WV-CW974 Outdoor Color Dome Camera, Panasonic (panasonic.com/security) Circle No. 2 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Domed Surveillance Cameras

WITH FEATURES TO MAINTAIN ACCEPTABLE LIGHTING CONDITIONS

The FlexiDome series of domed surveillance cameras from Bosch Security Systems incorporate 15-bit Dinion digital imaging and wide dynamic range technologies for high-resolution imaging and long-distance viewing. Various features maintain suitable lighting conditions. A SensUp capability helps maintain contrast and color clarity in low light levels. An Auto Black function reduces the effects of fog or glare. A NightSense capability helps compensate for fading light, and a backlight compensation feature allows for clear viewing of entrances and exits. The cameras are enclosed in weatherproof, vandal-resistant housing, and users are offered a choice of varifocal lenses. Scratch-resistant coating with a UV block helps protect the camera's dome shape from deterioration and glare. FlexiDome Series Cameras, Bosch Security Systems (boschsecurity.us) Circle No. 3 or visit securitysolutions/com/productinfo.

Megapixel IP Camera System

WITH INTEGRATED DAY/NIGHT RECORDING

The M12D-Night Megapixel IP Camera System from Mobotix Corp. contains two integrated image sensors and two lenses. Depending on illumination, the camera automatically selects the color image sensor with the daylight lens or the B/W image sensor with the IR lens to record images. System features include bi-directional audio, video motion detection, digital zoom, a panning function and event-controlled frame rates. The system records video at a resolution of 1,280 × 960 pixels. In VGA mode, while recording at 640 × 480 pixels, the camera provides up to 4x zoom, while creating minimal network load. Integrated camera software includes an alarm management system with pre- and post-alarm images, e-mail, external ring buffer storage on Windows, Linux and Mac OS X operating systems and multiview functions for up to 40 cameras in the browser. M12D-Night Dual-Lens Day/Night IP Camera, Mobotix Corp. (mobotix.com) Circle No. 4 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Network IP Camera

WITH USER-SELECTABLE RESOLUTION

The IQeye 511 from IQinVision features Resolution On-Demand, which allows users to choose the resolution they need including CCTV, HDTV and megapixel resolutions. The camera features IQrecorder, enabling the user to record and play back clear resolution images stored on the network without using client software; and IQauthenticate, a digital authentication control that protects images at the source. An IQfocus capability allows camera-focus to be controlled by hand-held CCTV monitors. The camera shoots video at 1.3 Megapixel resolution, 30 images-per-second (ips) at D1 and 20 ips at HDTV resolution. LIGHTGRABBER technology improves low-light performance. IQeye511, IQinVision (iqeye.com) Circle No. 5 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

Intelligent Surveillance Camera

PROCESSES IMAGES BEFORE VIDEO TRANSMISSION

The Li045 from Lumenera Corp. uses DaVinci technology from Texas Instruments Inc. to offer advanced image processing, video analytics and a range of compression techniques. By using a DaVinci technology-based processor, the camera can perform image analysis at the camera head, which prevents the network from having to load real-time video onto backroom servers. The camera runs a suite of analytics from ObjectVideo OnBoard to define viewing rules and determine if objects enter an area of interest. The camera is also equipped with an ultra-wide dynamic range sensor that helps combat the issue of “washed-out” images and challenging lighting environments. It features selectable JPEG and H.264 compression. Li045, Lumenera Corp. (lumenera.com/security; ti.com/lumenera) Circle No. 6 or visit securitysolutions.com/productinfo.

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© 2008 Penton Media Inc.

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