cglaeser

Depends on the application. Snow and weather conditions at a ski resort are one such example. Best, Christopher

Yes, please post photos as soon as available. I'd like to pull the trigger on a WV-NW502S. Best, Christopher

Thanks for posting these comparison images. The Panasonic looks like a sweet camera. When testing cameras with no motion, make sure the shutter speed is apples to apples. I'm sure the settings on the Pana are fine, but make sure nonetheless. FWIW, my Axis 223 looks fantastic with a 2 second shutter speed. That is, if the burglar stands perfectly still for a while. Best, Christopher

All the processing power? You make it sound as though Axis and Panasonic video quality suffers because they support ftp. The trend is distributed processing, where cameras of the future will be smart enough to recognize a crime in progress. Best, Christopher

Now, if Arecont will add the programmable autonomy of the Axis and Panasonic cameras (e.g. ftp on alarm, etc). Best, Christopher

OK, understood. Just for clarification, H.264 and low-light performance are two separate issues. H.264 is a video codec that provides much better compression than previous generation security cameras. H.264 is more a function of the processor and firmware, and low-light performance is more a function of the sensor technology. The newer generation of Axis cameras do support H.264, but as a general rule have relatively poor low-light performance compared to other manufacturers. Best, Christopher

Correct. The reason to use a non-POE port to the router is to save the POE ports for other cameras, but some POE switches only have POE ports, and it's fine to connect these to the router and other non-POE devices. Best, Christopher

Those are Raytec Raymax IR units with an Axis label. Raymax are excellent units. Compare prices at Rayled.com. Keep in mind, however, that IR has a different wavelength than visible light, and the focus is different. Some cameras solve this problem with different focusing for day light and night IR. The Axis cameras do not. So, not only does the Axis have poor low light, it requires more IR than some cameras, and even then, the IR is not focused particularly well. Just some things to think about. I like your selection of the Raymax IR. I'm concerned you will not be happy with the selection of the Axis cameras. Can you take a step back and give an overview of your intended use? For example, are people going to be monitoring the cameras? Do you need people identification at night? Is there night lighting, or are the scenes relatively dark at night? How much video to you need to store? Best, Christopher

There are two basic options, 1) run a separate low voltage line directly to the heater, or 2) use high POE (high power over ethernet) to power both the camera and the heater. Best, Christopher

OK, I understand the situation. I suggest reviewing two critical features: H.264 (which relates to bandwidth and storage requirements), and low light performance. Both are extremely important. Sure, you could add thousands of watts of IR to compensate for the poor low-light performance, but it's much much easier to start with a good low-light performing camera and then add a little IR if needed. I have an Axis 223M mounted near a 50W Raymax, and the images leave a lot to be desired. Even features like day/night back focus, which is so important for good day time and IR night time focus, are so much easier with the new generation of cameras. In summary, I'm guessing your system was designed one or two years ago, and there are newer products that are cheaper and perform much better. Best, Christopher

Wow, I just can't imagine purchasing and installing that many previous-generation cameras now that H.264 is so readily available. MPEG is fine for a few cameras, but if you plan to use a large number of cameras, H.264 will significantly reduce bandwidth and storage requirements. Also, given that low light is a requirement, I don't really think the 1/4" Axis sensors are going to be up to the task. I suggest testing with just a couple cameras, and then switch to a company like Panasonic once you discover the light is too dim for an Axis. Best, Christopher

There's a lot to like about the Axis IP cameras, with the exception of low light sensitivity. The 225FD is rated at 0.2 lux, which not only is not that great, but was probably measured at the slowest shutter speed (2 seconds), which is really really poor. If you think you need IR, then you may want to consider another manufacturer. Best, Christopher

Use one Cat 5 cable between the camera and the POE switch, and another Cat 5 cable between the switch and the router. If the switch has POE and non-POE ports, then, of course, the camera should use a POE port. Best, Christopher

Axis cameras support these features. Best, Christopher

Yes, please, I'd like to pull the trigger on this camera. We eagerly await your night images. Best, Christopher

I have a 50W RayMax 850nm. I live in northern CA where there are not many bugs, but the ones that are attracted to the IR are easy prey for the bats. Best, Christopher

Yes, IR can attract bugs. Best, Christopher

Measure the voltage at the power supply, and then measure the voltage 100' down the wire at the camera. Low voltage will drop over a distance (e.g. 24VAC at supply, 22VAC at a distant camera), particularly if the wire is not sufficient gauge. What gauge wire are you using? Best, Christopher

Can you monitor the sales counters from a different angle? Use a ladder and and look through several inches of paper towel tube to mimic the perspective. Best, Christopher

Reposition the camera. Best, Christopher

The latest Axis firmware fixed this problem by supporting ftp folder creation. The folder names are very flexible, and can be based on features such as date and time in various formats. I set it up to create a new folder each day. Works very well. Best, Christopher

Axis recently introduced the P3344-VE day/night outdoor IP66 camera. See http://www.axis.com/products/cam_p3344ve/index.htm. Buy.com has them for $1,060. The BW night lux rating is 0.06 lux. They don't mention the shutter speed for this lux rating (Axis never does), but I'm sure it is the slowest shutter speed which is 1/6s. So, the lux rating at 1/60s is probably 0.6 lux. I like the form factor, and I like Axis products. However, I really want the best low lux possible for a $1,000 megapixel IP camera, and Axis low light capabilities are probably not the best. Can you recommend another camera I should consider in this price range that would provide better low-light images? Best, Christopher

Just gotta ask. How much are they? Best, Christopher

I think you misunderstood my post. Axis data sheets specify a minimum lux level for each camera. However, as has been discussed many times in this forum, Axis is among the many vendors that do not specify the shutter speed used to measure the minimum lux value. So, I contacted Axis tech support and asked them what was the shutter speed used to measure the lux value for several cameras. They only provided information for the P3343 and 3344. According to the Axis 3344 data sheet, the minimum illumination is AXIS P3344/-V/-VE 6mm: Color: 0.3 lux, F1.4, B/W: 0.05 lux, F1.4. According to Axis tech support, this minimum illumination requires a shutter speed of 1/6 seconds. Mobotix and Panasonic are among the few manufacturers that include the shutter speed with the minimum illumination in the data sheet. Now that Axis has provided the shutter speed for two models, it is slightly easier to compare the minimum illumination with other vendors. FWIW, my testing indicates the shutter speed used for the Axis 223M was 2 seconds. Very, very slow. Perfect for studying cloud patterns at remote mountain tops. Not so good for identifying the guy who stole your stereo. Best, Christopher

Axis tech support responded to my question regarding low light testing methodology for the P3343/3344. The shutter speed used to test the minimum lux rating was 1/6 seconds. Best, Christopher