Test of 3 inexpensive IR bullet cameras

[mike_va 0]

I wanted a camera in another location around the house where there is not much space available for mounting or complete protection from the elements, nor do I want a large camera in an enclosure sticking out. I needed it to be somewhat weatherproof.

 

These were available (in monitoring systems) from Costco. The Qsee QSM5265C was seen to be a decent camera, at an effective cost of around $25-40 each. All 3 cameras feature split glass to minimize IR reflections. This is an especially important feature since without this as the camera cover gets dirty over time the internal LED's will reflect off this being picked up by the camera.

 

Some of these have been previously discussed in viewtopic.php?f=3&t=23471

 

Part numbers and descriptions:

 

Cam 1 - Qsee QSDS3612D (part of Costco 543871):

 

"Outdoor or indoor use

Horizontal resolution: 420 TV Lines

Image sensor: 1/4” Sony color CCD

3.6mm lens providing 50°-55º field of view

Up to 40 feet night vision (24 IR LEDs)"

 

(I doubt if this has ICR as it is not mentioned and the color is not entirely correct during the day, i.e. they left out the IR filter needed during the day to filter the IR from the sun to get correct colors)

 

Cam 2 - Qsee QSM5265C w/ sunshade (part of Costco 569071, this includes a DT428 DVR):

 

"These premium sensor cameras capture 520 TV lines of resolution and boast 1/3” enhanced infrared cut sensors, allowing for a higher quality picture, accurate colors, and better image quality in the day or night than most standard surveillance cameras.

The four cameras are each equipped with 36 infrared LED lights that can record at a distance of up to 100 feet in the dark.

Field of Vision: The cameras are equipped with a 5.0mm lens, which provides a 50°-55º radius of vision"

 

(note: this has the same angle of view as Cam1 but a different lens, this is because the sensor on Cam2 is larger. All things being equal larger pixel sizes will have better low light sensitivity, my favorite camera has a 1/2" sensor)

 

Cam 3- Lorex MC6950 (part of Costco system 554029)

 

"High resolution AIS (Advanced Image Sensor) produces sharp and clear video at 480 TV lines of resolution

True day/night operation using integrated automatic Infra Red Cut Filter (ICR) ensures accurate color representation in all lighting conditions

Lorex Pure Flat™ 5.0mm lens eliminates image curving for an undistorted view providing a close up image with a 50 degree diagonal field of view

Night vision range up to 50ft (15m). Infrared illumination range under ideal conditions."

 

(From above note, this field of view implies a 1/3 inch sensor. As we will see, this does not translate in to good low light performance for this camera)

[mike_va 0]

For the first test I wanted to see how the picture from the 3 cameras compared. The picture from the Qsee (Cam2) is superior to the other Cam1 and also the Lorex (Cam3), the Lorex was so poor that I thought it might not be working so we tried another one. Same thing, really poor picture at night.

[mike_va 0]

The last picture is Cam2 plus a CNB MIR1000 IR illuminator rated for 60 meters. Note the shadow cast by the bird feeder pole, which is not present in the other pics.

 

If this camera were being used in this location long term I would probably reposition the CNB to hit the birch tree a little further out.

[mike_va 0]

For the second test I wanted to get an idea of how much IR the cameras put out. The distance to the birch by the fence is about 45ft. The IR is being picked up by a CNB BBM24F (which is a little out of focus).

 

The IR from the Cam2 is a wider beam (Cam1 and 3 are more like a spotlight). Notice how the foreground is not lit with Cam 1 and 3.

 

The CNB when compared to the other pics earlier can be seen to have a little more sensitivity to IR (e.g. note the brightness of the far trees when comparing to other pics that follow), note that it also has an adjustable lens which was set to a much wider angle view than the other cameras to see the IR coverage.

 

I'm actually pretty impressed by the Qsee QSM5265C, given that one can purchase 4 of them plus cables and a DVR for $300 from Costco (if we say the DVR is 100, wiring 100 and cameras 100 this works out to $25 a camera). They can also be found without the DVR and cables on the internet around $40 ea in quantities of 8.

 

One final note about the Lorex - it is completely plastic and interferes with my garage door opener. Also has an entirely annoying mounting bracket.

Edited August 7, 2011 by Guest

[mike_va 0]

Just for kicks I've added this small video, comparing the DVR associated with cam2 (DT-428) vs. video captured with an Axis 241S and Vitamin D. Camera in this case is a Sanyo illuminated by a little spillover from a 23W fluorescent flood.

 

 

They've also apparently now made a viewer for the mac which works on Safari. Since I don't use Safari for "anything" I've just set the homepage to be the viewer. In the screenshot you can see cam2 QSM5265C in the lower left on the tomato plants.

[shockwave199 0]

Hi,

 

Check out my vid from this thread for some more food for thought.

 

viewtopic.php?f=53&t=26639

 

Dan

[mike_va 0]

Check out my vid from this thread for some more food for thought.

Thanks, you might want to increase coverage on the cars if possible. That's what we get around here is kids taking a GPS/etc. There are reasonably priced cameras out there that can do the job for a homeowner without costing a ton. Nor do we want most of these monsters mounted on the front of the house - I put an Axis P3344 under the eave and have a Arecont 3135 sitting in the front bay window (rarely noticed).

 

I was also impressed with the Qsee (cam2 in my tests) we used in terms of not washing out facial details. The trick somewhat is balancing the field of view of the camera with what the IR is doing.

 

Good luck with the hobby, we now have WAY too many cameras (path was from Lorex since returned to Costco to Panasonic/CNB/Bosch/Axis/etc). It is fun trying the different cameras, and the store I bought from has a GREAT return policy. This is the first cheapo that I felt was worthy of potential long term consideration so thought I would share with others.

 

Check out Vitamin D software, we've had a lot of fun with that (they have a free one channel demo).

[liveinxs 0]

The last picture is Cam2 plus a CNB MIR1000 IR illuminator rated for 60 meters. Note the shadow cast by the bird feeder pole, which is not present in the other pics.

 

If this camera were being used in this location long term I would probably reposition the CNB to hit the birch tree a little further out.

 

 

those MIR1000 are some pretty good IRs, for the cost, they can't be beat...

[mike_va 0]

those MIR1000 are some pretty good IRs, for the cost, they can't be beat...

Yep. And provides enough IR that it allows the shutter to stay above 1/60s which is nice for minimizing blur. I just wish they made the same thing in a 60deg unit.

[SEANHAWG 1]

cool experiment

[HTElectrical 0]

Has anyone tried the MIR3000?

 

KU: MIR3000

 

* Bulit-in IR LEDs (100EA, 850nm, 15˚)

* IR LED Lighting Distance : Max. 80m

* AUTO : Automatic ON/OFF by CDS Sensor

* EXT : Interlock ON/OFF with IR Camera(External equipment) by input cable

* Built in FAN

* 12VDC/ Max. 3A/16W (Power Supply Included)

* Aluminum alloy housing

* IP66

It appears to be the same illuminator just more focused. Correct? Same price.

[Birdman Adam 0]

Yes sir - same illuminator, just with a tighter focus.

 

Same thing as a camera with a tighter lens, say 50mm - you can cast that IR further.

[mike_va 0]

cool experiment

Thanks!

[mike_va 0]

Has anyone tried the MIR3000?

FYI, I was wondering what current it draws, since it says 12V/3A/16W...12V at 3A is 36W. The answer is around 1A (given that I probably have some voltage drop out to it so not quite 12V) on a HP regulated supply. 16W (i.e. a little over 1A) and was probably meant to be the stated worst case consumption, and then the supply is rated higher i.e. 3A to give some margin.

[shockwave199 0]

Thanks, you might want to increase coverage on the cars if possible.

That's a tricky spot for me. On the left just out of frame is a lighted lampost. So I can't go too far. The only option is a different camera placement- looking straight down the driveway. But I'm not thrilled with how that will work out. What I was really suggesting is that there are even better cameras out there than q-see, for less bucks when comapring specs. And without all the fidgiting with added IR. And with much better shells. Eight q-see cams came with my package. One is all that remains and that one will go as well. I'm not saying to spend 350 bucks or more on a camera. There's budget cameras that do perform well. But no one should have to pay over 100 bucks for cheap marginal spec cams and shell just because there's a name on it. There are ways around that in the cheap market- getting even more for the same money. Good luck.

 

Dan

[rory 0]

Looks like fun, gotta get my hands on that CNB IR one day

Im done testing until after summer now ... mosquitos biting too much and the dengue fever epidemic is out of control here now .. something like 100 a day going to the hospital. So ... its all you guys now

[mike_va 0]

What I was really suggesting is that there are even better cameras out there than q-see, for less bucks when comapring specs.

 

I think it depends on the model. I noticed your previous post, and you're right that's pretty bad

 

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=26231

 

There is quite a lot of variation in most of these inexpensive cams, and it sounds like you bought a not so good Qsee model (CMOS is usually not a good sign for low light). Qsee and Lorex as you've pointed out are not OEM's and just put their labels on other manufacturer's cameras etc. I don't know what the story on Gadspot is, it's not a brand I am familiar with.

 

Specs need to be taken with a grain of salt. Still it's always fun to read what the manufacturer says, as a starting place.

 

For it's intended purpose the Qsee QSM5265C (cam2) does a really good job keeping an eye on the tomatoes, over 5 feet tall this year

[mike_va 0]

Some more pics, starting with a baseline of a Bosch LTC0495 (I can't remember if it was set to 2x sense up or not) lit by a 23W fluorescent flood. This one is mounted under the deck...

Edited August 8, 2011 by Guest

[mike_va 0]

For these three the flood is off. The distance to the oak is 45ft. The results are very similar to the first test, with Cam2 having the best picture (compared to Cam1 and Cam3).

[mike_va 0]

And lastly, the Bosch with the flood and using the various cameras as IR "filler". Does a nice job of getting light back to that oak.

Edited August 8, 2011 by Guest

[rory 0]

For the first test I wanted to see how the picture from the 3 cameras compared. The picture from the Qsee (Cam2) is superior to the other Cam1 and also the Lorex (Cam3), the Lorex was so poor that I thought it might not be working so we tried another one. Same thing, really poor picture at night.

 

first 2, good show of IR

 

 

 

3rd one, nothing to see ...

 

some basic light adjustment ..

[rory 0]

For the second test I wanted to get an idea of how much IR the cameras put out. The distance to the birch by the fence is about 45ft. The IR is being picked up by a CNB BBM24F (which is a little out of focus).

 

The IR from the Cam2 is a wider beam (Cam1 and 3 are more like a spotlight). Notice how the foreground is not lit with Cam 1 and 3.

 

The CNB when compared to the other pics earlier can be seen to have a little more sensitivity to IR (e.g. note the brightness of the far trees when comparing to other pics that follow), note that it also has an adjustable lens which was set to a much wider angle view than the other cameras to see the IR coverage.

 

I'm actually pretty impressed by the Qsee QSM5265C, given that one can purchase 4 of them plus cables and a DVR for $300 from Costco (if we say the DVR is 100, wiring 100 and cameras 100 this works out to $25 a camera). They can also be found without the DVR and cables on the internet around $40 ea in quantities of 8.

 

One final note about the Lorex - it is completely plastic and interferes with my garage door opener. Also has an entirely annoying mounting bracket.

 

shows the IR spots

[Toaster 0]

Great examples... THANKS

[Sky1 0]

nice, thanks for sharing

[rory 0]

nice, thanks for sharing