cglaeser

Yet the same model number. Really makes you wonder about some of these companies. I talked to Axis today about the lux rating of their new cameras, and tech support said they have a new policy for the lux values in data sheets. The old policy was to use the slowest possible shutter speed. So, for example, the 0.2 lux of the 223M is for 2 s, which converts to 20 lux for a more reasonable 1/50 s. The new policy is to use the default shutter speed. Unfortunately, the default shutter speeds are not listed in the data sheet. They opened a support ticket to determine the lux rating (with associated shutter speed) for the new P3344 and Q6032. Will post the information when I get it. Best, Christopher

I've seen two types of form factors for the Arecont AV3130 on the web. Some are short and some are much longer (in the direction of the lens). Was there a change to the camera dimensions without a change in the model number? Best, Christopher

Do both designs fit in the same dome enclosures? What about the connections on the back. Did those change as well? Best, Christopher

The images are jpg. I view them on my PC and iPhone, but any jpg viewer will work. I like the functionality and simplicity of the Axis. The motion detection events can send images to the NAS (or remote site if I wanted) via ftp. Although the Axis software is free for one camera, I don't even run it on my PC. Each Axis camera does everything I need. It even creates new folders based on date (or time, etc), so all my motion-detected images are organized by date. The amount of storage required for motion events is minimal compared to the size of my NAS. Plus, the hit on the network is also minimal, since all the decision making is done at each camera. If I want to review images in real time, I just open a browser using the IP address of a particular camera. In addition to FTP, the Axis cameras also support HTTP. Every couple of months or so, there is a theft in the neighborhood. I review the images of cars, etc, from the corresponding folder on the NAS and make copies for the police report. Best, Christopher

I'm at a loss for words. What kind of a company introduces a new model without changing the model number? Best, Christopher

I'm not sure I understand your comment. Who is we? Yes, they need light, but some security cameras can see well below 1 lux. Just wish it had the functionality of an Axis (e.g. ftp images directly to a NAS based on motion events) and I would buy a few. I would prefer not to run NVR software on a PC if I can avoid it. I really like the distributed computing approach of the Axis and Mobotix. My Axis cameras are attached to the net and store directly to the NAS based on motion events without any additional software or computer. Yes, the high end Axis PTZ cameras have good low light capability (though not megapixel) and the new Axis P3344 looks promising. The spec says 0.05 lux, but does not specify the shutter speed. Given that the slowest shutter speed is 1/6s and assuming that's the shutter speed they used to measure the 0.05 lux, that would translate to 0.5 lux at 1/60s. Probably not as good as the AV3130, but considerably better than the Axis 223M, which is approximately 25 lux at 1/60s. Do you have any plans to test a P3344? Best, Christopher

The AV3130 can't really see it total darkness. What they mean by 0 lux is that it is sensitive to IR. It's a poor way to specify that a camera is IR capable. By that measure, my Axis 223M is also 0 lux. The data sheet on the Arecont website does not specify the minimum lux rating for BW, but there are older data sheets on the web that specify 0.01 lux for BW. However, once again, there is no shutter speed associated with the 0.01 lux rating, so it really doesn't mean that much. There is a huge difference between 0.01 lux at 1/60s and 0.01 lux at 2s. Shutter speeds and lux values by themselves are of little value. To be meaningful, they need to be specified in pairs. Mobotix has taken the lead on this, and specify their lux values with associated shutter speeds. Companies like Axis do not include shutter speed with their lux values, and companies like Arecont don't even list lux value in their latest AV3130 data sheet. 0 lux. Yeah right. Thank you Mobotix!!!! Best, Christopher

What is the minimum lux rating? Unless I'm overlooking it, the AV3130 specification does not mention the minimum lux rating for BW. Also, what is the minimum shutter speed? These manufacturers make it virtually impossible to do an apples-apples low light comparison. Best, Christopher

SpyTown has the AV3130M camera for $636. The AV3130M50 includes two 50mm lenses and is $1,124. Do 50mm 1/2" megapixel lenses really cost $224 each? Best, Christopher

Thanks! Do you have any low-light comparison images from Axis, Mobotix, Arecont? It's really hard to compare the lux spec data given that few of the manufacturers include the shutter speed with the lux rating. A 2 second shutter speed is useless for security applications, but that doesn't stop the manufacturers from using 2 seconds to show a good lux rating. Best, Christopher

Anyone get their hands on the new Axis Q6032 for testing yet? Best, Christopher

What are your favorite CCD megapixel cameras? Best, Christopher

Yes, that's about right for the Axis. What about Mobotix? Best, Christopher

Agreed. Unfortunately, many manufacturers confuse the issue by specifying low light lux values without specifying the shutter speed. That low lux value in the data sheet may look promising, but without a shutter speed, it may be 2 seconds, which is useless for motion. Best, Christopher

Please post day and low-light images from the ACTi. Best, Christopher

The section on "rolling shutter" is silly. Best, Christopher

I too use Netgear and it works fine, FWIW. Best, Christopher

Can you post some night images? Best, Christopher

I come from a photography background as well, and I'm appalled and frustrated by the lack of useful data in CCTV specifications. One example is the low light lux specifications that do not include the shutter speed. That's like trying to arrange a meeting by agreeing on the date without discussing the location. Here's an unlikely conversation: Customer: What ISO do you plan to use for that photo? Photographer: 400 Customer: ... and what shutter speed to you plan to use? Photographer: What's a shutter speed? These security camera manufacturers need to get their act together. Best, Christopher

It's about $5,000, is that right? Just curious, are there any IP cameras that use these sensors? Best, Christopher

Those lux values are sweet, especially considering the slowest shutter speed listed in the product spec is 1/60! We look forward to your report. Best, Christopher

It's probably just a simple matter of too little light to focus or function correctly at night. Also, it's common for a 20x lens to have a much smaller aperture at the full zoom, so that would further reduce the light to the sensor. Best, Christopher

Mexapixel vendors such as Mobotix and Axis have examples on their websites. Keep in mind, however, that megapixel cameras may not have the low light capability you need, in which case the increase in pixels may not provide the identification you want an night. Vendors typically don't provide enough information for you to make a day/night purchasing decision (i.e. may not include a realistic shutter speed with their minimum lux value in their data sheets), so be aware of this issue if you intend to use the camera at night. Best, Christopher

Is there a US distributor for the RayMAX 50 Fusion? Best, Christopher

Precisely. C'mon Axis, get with the program! Best, Christopher