cglaeser

How responsive is the system when reviewing recorded video? Can you review live and recorded video at the same time? Best, Christopher

What is a dome simulator? Best, Christopher

I recently dialed in a couple of Messoa LPR cameras to acquire plates at 200 feet. The BF was a huge win. I think I was moving it about 1/32" or so and checking on my iPhone. Not too hard, even when contorted on a ladder. Can't image trying to that same task without BF. Would have been quite tedious and very frustrating. Best, Christopher

The 5MP JPEG2000 box? Really? The local rep struggled to try and pull focus during a demo. Apparently he was not aware of the BF feature. Thanks for letting me know. Best, Christopher

Yeah, because the designers failed to include back focus. Remote zoom and auto focus are welcome features, but manual zoom and manual focus are just fine if they include a good back focus. Best, Christopher

Yes, I can easily get access to any Avigilon camera I am seriously considering from the local rep, and I'm not even an installer. He will either come over and we can test it together, or he will loan it to me for my own testing, my preference. Best, Christopher

The Panasonic 502 is an example of a remote manual/auto back focus that works extremely well. The installer sets the focus, which is not too critical, because the back focus will do the rest. It also allows for different settings for day and night. It's tack sharp. The Avigilon 2MP and 5MP H.264 domes also work quite well. Have not tested the other resolutions, but I expect they work equally well. Our copy of the 5MP JPEG200 is extremely tedious to get manual focus, and the installers have never been able to get a sharp focus on that camera. Best, Christopher

Is a Crow Daredevil in your budget? Best, Christopher

I use several Optex PIR models, including the relatively low cost series and the much more expensive long range Redwall series (about $700). These units work extremely well. They don't false alarm, and they don't miss an intruder. They work in all weather, including driving rain and total darkness. I've read good reviews on the Crow Daredevil, but I've not used them myself. When one of my Optex sensors starts chiming at 3 am, I get up to monitor my cameras and call the police. I have 10 arrests and counting. Best, Christopher

Use PIR motion sensors like a Crow or Optex. Best, Christopher

Some Avigilon cameras support JPEG2000. The increased dynamic range and forensic detail is quite impressive. Best, Christopher

The odd thing about the reps video was the shallow DOF. I could tell it was focused because the vehicles would come into and then out of focus as they passed through the stop sign. Regarding focus, is there a focusing aid that will micro adjust a manual focus lens? I hate it when you barely think clockwise or counter clockwise and you see a sharp focus for an instant and then it's gone. Of course, once you get a focus, then you have to tighten it, and that changes the focus. Bummer. Yeah, wish they would provide both remote focus and JPEG2000 in one minidome. I'm also disappointed that they dropped the JPEG2000 video encoders. Love the software, though. Best, Christopher

I don't understand why the setups I've seen in this area do not compare in quality. One example I received from the local rep (I think the distance was about 100 feet) had an incredibly shallow DOF. The focus was at a stop sign, and 10 feet before and after the stop sign was quite blurry due to focusing issues. We also have a 5MP JPEG2000 overlooking a parking lot. Avigilon said the first lens they sent was not meant for 5MP (not sure how that error was made). New lens is better, but focusing is a royal pain, and it's still not very good, particularly when trying to achieve focus both day and night. Anyway, it has not been the best experience. I know others have had much better success. Best, Christopher Edit: I've really come to appreciate the auto back focus of my Pano 502. There are better/cheaper cameras available today, but it's been reliable (and focused) for several years without any problems.

Thanks, I look forward to your call and examples. I've seen some good looking 5MP Jpeg2000 LPR examples, and I really wanted to go that route instead of the Messoa, but we've had so many problems trying to focus a 5MP Jpeg2000 at another site, I decided to go with Messoa. Best, Christopher

Understood. Here's why I asked. Our HOA has approved an Avigilon system that will include three 5MP H.264 domes and two Messoa SRC515Pro LPR cameras attached to an Avigilon video encoder. (I look forward to posting images from the Messoa). Given that there is only one entrance and exit for the 160 home community, we should be able to get plates and time of entry/exit for all vehicles. This is a potential game changer for the following reason. In the past, homeowners would send me low quality images or video of a burglary or vandalism, which on rare occasion resulted in arrests, but in most cases, were of minimal value. Now that we have the potential to capture plates, we can time sync their low quality images with our plate captures, and potentially solve more crimes. In the past, when a home owner asked for my opinion on a system, it was a difficult choice, because the amount of money needed for useful forensics can be expensive. Now, by combining forensics from several systems, they don't need exceptional night images. All they need is a decent image of a vehicle and time stamp. IMO, the only NVR I would recommend is Avigilon because I think the cost is about the same as other NVR software, and the features are far more compelling. Again, just my opinion. That said, which camera(s) should they use? One option is to start with one well-positioned Avigilon camera. Or, another option is the Avigilon video encoder and up to four CCTV. Just thinking out loud here. Let me know if you have any ideas on this line of reasoning. Best, Christopher

Does Avigilon NVR support Dahua? Just curious, what is the least expensive IP camera that is compatible with Avigilon? Best, Christopher

What is the model number? Can you post video and/or image samples? Best, Christopher

Anything to report? Best, Christopher

Does anyone have a link to a day and night video sample of the recently released Avigilon 5MP H.264 dome cameras? Best, Christopher

Thanks, Alex, much appreciated. I've been requesting a sample clip from the local rep since the camera was announced. Looking forward to your sample clips. Best, Christopher

Sweet!

No, I did not get an answer. Some forum members attended the show and saw the camera, but apparently it's top secret, need-to-know, must-kill-you-if-I-tell-you information. Best, Christopher

Glad to hear you were able to get the settings to work for you. With the rapid release of megapixel IP cameras, the 502 getting a bit long in tooth, and I would probably get a different camera today, but it's been a solid performer once I installed a new firmware release. Best, Christopher

Any photographer worth their salt knows this is total nonsense. Photographers created an easy system many years ago that allow them to mix and match bodies, lenses, and lights, and set f/stop, speed, ISO, and measure lux to get proper exposure. Best, Christopher

It is analog. I did not attend the show, but Michael and Alex both told me about it. They were both impressed with the demo. The low light lux rating is off the charts. Depending on the price, I would love to attach a few of these to an Avigilon encoder. Best, Christopher