Axis Communications (www.axis.com) has designed security camera technology specifically for extreme environments, including the ability to power up following a power failure.
The Q6032-E PTZ dome network camera, released in June ($3,199 MSRP), features H.264 compression, auto-tracking, and electronic image stabilization, and is designed for use at airports and seaports, as well as for city and perimeter surveillance. Proprietary Arctic Temperature Control allows the camera to not only function at -40° F (-40° C), but also power-up at that temperature following a power failure. The camera can operate in temperatures ranging from -40° to 122° F (-40° to 50° C) and has an IP66-rated protection against dust and water.
The camera is powered through High Power over Ethernet (High PoE)–one cable is needed for carrying power, as well as video and pan/tilt/zoom controls. With High PoE, the camera can continue to operate during a power failure as the network can be connected to an uninterruptible power supply. Other features include automatic day and night functionality, 128x wide dynamic range, progressive scan technology, and a 35x optical and 12x digital zoom with autofocus.
License plates, says Axis, can be read from a distance of more than 500 feet. A moving object within the camera’s field of view can also be automatically detected and followed using intelligent auto-tracking functionality.
According to Axis, the Q6032-E provides several independent streams of the H.264 video compression format, designed to optimize bandwidth and storage use without compromising image quality. Motion JPEG is also supported. The camera’s built-in SD/SDHC memory card slot enables several days of recordings to be stored locally.
In addition, Axis has unveiled the P13 fixed day and night network cameras, which feature HDTV resolution and quality video as well as H.264 streams. They include a focus assistant, remote back focus, and pixel counter features.
The camera “introduces the concept of precise iris control, enabling higher contrast, clarity, resolution and better depth of field, thereby delivering superb megapixel/HDTV video in both indoor and outdoor applications,” says Fredrik Nilsson, general manager. “It also offers remote back focus capabilities in combination with the pixel counter feature, digital PTZ and multi-view streaming, making it the perfect choice for securing locations such as government buildings, educational facilities, airports, railway stations and subways.”
P1343 cameras offer SVGA resolution, whereas P1344 and P1346 models offer 1MP/HDTV 720p and 3MP/HDTV 1080p, respectively, in compliance with the SMPTE standards in resolution, color representation, and frame rate. These cameras all offer 2-way audio support with enhanced audio quality, video intelligence (such as video motion detection), audio detection, and detection of camera tampering attempts.
Iris control technology debuts
Axis and Kowa Company (www.kowa.com) have introduced P-Iris, a precise iris control technology that allows fixed network cameras to deliver better image quality in both indoor and outdoor applications. P-Iris will be incorporated in upcoming Axis network cameras, beginning with the 3-megapixel AXIS P1346.
P-Iris lenses, together with specialized software, are designed to automatically and precisely regulate iris openings to enable better contrast, clarity, resolution, and depth of field. The companies say the advanced iris control is especially beneficial for megapixel/HDTV cameras and demanding video surveillance applications.
“The P-Iris lens uses a stepper motor that allows the position of the iris opening to be precisely controlled,” says Tosao Tohjima, technical director at Kowa CCTV Products. “P-Iris is an innovative solution that truly allows a network camera, particularly a megapixel network camera, to perform optimally in all lighting conditions.”
P-Iris lenses are designed to work together with software in network cameras to automatically provide the best iris positions for optimal image quality in all lighting conditions. In very bright situations, P-Iris limits the closing of the iris to avoid blurring (diffraction) caused when the iris opening becomes too small.