Security Installer has Bench Tested several CCTV cameras over the past few months … and now a number of IP cameras have entered the market
Cutting edge
"Cutting edge" was how Security Installer's Bench Testers described the Sanyo VCC-6572P colour camera when they looked at it in September last year.

Sanyo had proudly announced that it was the first manufacturer to introduce a single chip camera offering 520 TV lines horizontal resolution. Sanyo said the 1/3-inch colour camera had a "revolutionary DSP circuit which incorporated a host of technical innovations".

Features included sophisticated backlight compensation, colour reproduction and aperture compensation which together produced a comprehensive improvement in picture quality.

Sanyo had written new algorithms specifically to allow the VCC-6572P to reproduce natural colours, reduce smear and produce sharp, crisp pictures.

Individual frames are divided into 64 small areas in which luminous intensity is measured separately to determine the lighting conditions of all objects within the frames.

Our testers concluded: "The application of a high-performance image sensor in what would otherwise be a fairly ordinary colour camera marks another small but important step forward for video surveillance technology. There is a growing demand for ever-higher resolutions ... we can expect to see a lot more cameras like this one."

Class of its own
JVC added to its pedigree stable of colour cameras with the Super Lo Lux TK-C1480E. This half-inch high-resolution CCD camera offers good performance under both bright and dark conditions with 480 TV lines and gives high quality images in light as low as 0.4 lux with minimal noise. Features include extended dynamic range, a slow shutter for minimum illumination, RS422/485 control and motion detection.

Our Bench Testers' verdict last December was: "This camera's performance in normal conditions would be enough justification for short-listing it.

"But the combination of extreme low light sensitivity, a highly configurable exposure system and the excellent motion detector facility puts it in a class of its own. It should prove to be a real problem-solver."

Do the twist!
JVC has also developed a high-resolution camera with twisted pair and coax wiring. The TK-C720TPE is a third-inch camera boasting 470 TV lines resolution for high picture quality and comes with the JVC guarantee of quality and durability.

But for the first time the camera features twisted pair capability which allows installers to use existing wiring and thus reduce their installation costs. The coax output also allows compatibility with existing systems.

Rich in features
From Baxall comes a range of feature-rich cameras – the CDX Series. Building on the technology and feature set of the CDSP range, the CDX cameras offer extra features and more configurable options to choose from. These include S-VHS video output for exceptionally high-resolution colour images, variable peak-white inversion to display a pre-specified level of white light as black and gen lock, which is now available on the colour models in addition to the monochromes to prevent images from rolling.

The peak white inversion feature is suitable for external night-time applications as it allows extra detail to be seen, such as number plates which would normally be impossible to read due to the car headlights blinding the camera. The CDX cameras also feature eight Back Light Compensation window configurations. The range also comes with standard features including AGC and gamma for flexibility, back focus mechanism for ease of installation and four white balance modes to provide optimal colour rendition across a vast range of illumination conditions and light source types.

There are three half-inch models in the CDX range: a DSP colour camera, an infrared DSP monochrome camera and a colour/mono model.

Security Installer's Bench Testers examined the CDX9714 in our February edition and said that it fitted in neatly between costly high-performance specialist cameras and the vast majority of mid-range and general purpose cameras.

"It is a solid and workmanlike design with enough manual adjustments to give a useable image in all but the most unfavourable conditions," they wrote.

When size is critical
Stortech Electronics boasts a new range of professional cameras (above) offering "superior" levels of performance and reliability.

These compact models join the established Pecan range aimed at a wide variety of interior general applications.

The SCS Box cameras are suitable for size critical applications, with the DC model measuring just 50 x 60 x 65mm and the AC model measuring 50 x 60 x 88mm.

Based around a 1/3 inch colour Sony CCD imager, they incorporate a CS lens mount that can accommodate a variety of lenses, including both DC and video drive auto-iris units.

High quality images are obtained in light levels down to 1 lux through a BNC video connector and camera synchronisation offering line-lock options. The cameras also have auto/fixed white balance adjustment, automatic exposure mode and backlight compensation.

With a maximum horizontal resolution of 450 TVL, the cameras incorporate an electronic auto-exposure function for non auto-iris applications.

Avoid rolling
Siemens Fire & Security Products has a new range of digital colour and mono cameras that use automatic back light compensation and can handle images that are too dark for conventional cameras.

The cameras also have a 1/3 inch CCD image sensor that incorporates 752 x 582 active pixels.

The 4x electronic zoom and electronically-controlled pan and tilt functions can be selected locally on each camera or operated via a built-in remote control interface (TTL or RS485) and also allow colour cameras to be switched to black and white mode.

Standard and high-resolution models accept either 12v DC or 24v AC power supplies. Several cameras can be operated in AC mode without the need for a synchronisation line, avoiding picture rolling.

High light sensitivity<>br> There are two more Eneo 230v AC colour cameras in the range distributed by Videor Technical. The VKC-1310 is a 1/3-inch model with 330 TV lines resolution. Its high light sensitivity of 0.45 lux at F1.2 delivers pictures described as "brilliant, even in adverse conditions".

The high-resolution VKC-1311 has a resolution of 470 TV lines and a sensitivity of 1.3 lux at F1.2.

Both models offer automatic gain control, a linear shutter with flicker free mode, automatic electronic shutter control, horizontal and vertical aperture correction as well as back light compensation and automatic or manual white balance.

Two new black and white cameras have also been launched as successors to Eneo's VK-135 and VK-136 cameras: the 1/3-inch VK-1315 and VK-1316 cameras deliver an acceptable picture at a lighting intensity of 0.1 lux and the VK-1316 does the same at up to 0.18 lux (F1.2).

The Super HAD CCD sensor of the latest Sony chip generation and automatic gain control guarantee that the two cameras have high light sensitivity. Both also offer automatic shutter control up to 1/100,000 second, horizontal and vertical aperture correction as well as back light compensation.

Connects to ethernet
IndigoVision has launched the Digital IP camera as part of its VideoBridge digital network video range of products giving a complete digital surveillance and monitoring solution.

The Digital IP Camera is said to remove previous limitations, such as video only being able to be transmitted over short distances, limited viewing methods and expensive cabling.

The simple plug-and-play solution has all the functionality of a conventional high quality camera, but also integrates compression and transmission technology in the camera itself, allowing it to be connected directly to an Ethernet network.

It allows high quality digital video and two-way audio to be recorded and highly compressed at source. This allows delivery over standard IP and Ethernet-based networks without "hogging" bandwidth.

For low light conditions
The PIH-7030H is part of the SuperEye range from Milton Keynes-based Li-Lin and the manufacturer believes this colour model can outperform regular mono cameras in most low light conditions.

It offers sensitivity down to 0.01 lux without having to use Frame Integration or chip-changing techniques.

SuperEye cameras are available in both 330 and 470 TV lines resolution versions: both are available in three different voltages (12v DC, 24v AC and 230v AC) and incorporate Digital Signal Processing features for improved back light compensation and reduced glare.

All versions can be supplied with either an IR pass or IR cut filter; the IR pass filter maximises sensitivity by increasing response over a longer wavelength.

When it was Bench Tested last year our experts concluded: "The 7030H works well and is worth considering for installations where the lighting conditions prove challenging.

"It is well built, installations should not cause too many problems and it is sensibly priced."

Greater versatility
From CBC (Europe) comes the ZC-F11C standard and high-resolution range of mono cameras. All models are equipped with a "high quality, high performance" CCD.

The series cameras are available in mains or low voltage models: the latter allows both AC and DC connection, providing greater versatility. All cameras can be used with a wide range of lenses, including fixed iris, manual iris and DC iris lenses.

Extensive features are available, such as internal or line lock synchronisation, complete with phase adjustment, automatic gain control, auto electronic shutter and backlight compensation.

All-round vision
EGG Solution Optronics is innovating 360-degree optical technologies and image processing software. The company has now released the Digital Omni-directional Video Eye (DOVE), which is a complete high quality surveillance video camera with no moving parts and requiring no PC.

The fully embedded low maintenance camera provides a 360-degree field of view lens, high-resolution camera with analogue Y/C and real time MPEG2 as well as TCP/IP connectivity.

It adapts to existing LANs as well as analogue connections and can be attached on interior or exterior ceilings and is suited to remote surveillance and security functions including property management and pipeline inspection.

DOVE uses three-dimensional optics coupled with a patented electronic motion simulator to enable users to see the full scene at all times, together with 360-degree motion detection. It also has a high magapixel resolution colour sensor.

   Get dynamic!
Earlier this year Samsung launched its new day/night camera, the SDN-510. This design uses a mechanically removed IR cut filter as opposed to a permanently removed filter.

Distributor Dynamic CCTV says the principle of this design is simple but effective. During hours of adequate lighting, the camera is a high-resolution colour camera with the IR cut filter in place in front of the CCD.

Colours are true because in effect the camera works as a normal colour camera.

The difference between this camera and most day/night cameras of this price, claims Dynamic, is that when the light level falls below a set limit, an electric motor rolls the IR filter away from the CCD and the camera switches to the mono mode giving a high-resolution IR sensitive camera.

When the light level increases the motor reverses and the camera reverts to a high quality colour camera with accurate colours.

Samsung has now gone one stage further and fitted the design with a Sony EX-View CCD, said to give "incredible" low light performance in the mono mode while still giving "superb" colour reproduction during daylight hours.

The camera is fully functional with on-screen display and remote control facility using an RS-232C port.

Lack of noise
Sony's second network camera was the SNC-RZ30P, incorporating a built-in IP server and integrated PTZ capability.

It gives direct connection to any LAN and was said to be the first IP camera able to stream up full motion video (25 frames per second) of high quality colour images at VGA (640 x 480) resolution. Pictures can be viewed via a standard web browser.

The SNC-RZ30P's direct drive pan & tilt mechanism is virtually noiseless and the auto focus lens offers a large 25x optical zoom ratio with day/night function.

It supports both ceiling and desk-top mount with an image stabiliser ensuring a steady shot at all times. An embedded motion detector or sensor input and 16 programmable pre-set positions offer alarm/event handling.

The camera also has a PCMCIA type II slot to extend its local image memory by adding an optional PC card with memory stick.

A transparent RS-485/232C serial interface gives control of other peripheral devices.

'80 times standard camera'
Panasonic's WV-CP460 series is equipped with a 1/3-inch colour CCD and newly developed signal processing so that it can deliver a dynamic range "80 times that of standard CCD cameras".

Panasonic says the camera produces superior images even in harsh lighting conditions where there are large contrasts between light and dark.

Using an F1.4 lens for low light conditions, the camera operates with only 0.8 lux of available light, and offers digital enhancement to boost sensitivity up to 32 times.

The WV-CP460 can deliver full-colour surveillance in areas that have previously appeared too dark. That sensitivity is backed by a number of additional features, including motion detection and error-prevention camera title displays.

Configured with other Panasonic equipment, the WV-CP460 series is suitable for large and small surveillance systems.

Standalone system
Vaulted Image Technologies has launched a small and cost-effective standalone digital camera security system called Mini-Vault, suitable for use in a wide range of properties, from residential to commercial.

It is capable of taking pictures at low-light levels and reacts to movement in its field of view. Up to 32 images can be stored on the camera's rolling buffer and replayed by connecting the camera to a monitor or standard TV set.

If an intruder enters the area where Mini-Vault is armed, the unit will automatically record the event and save it in its built-in memory. The date and time of the event are stamped on all recorded images.

The unit is also supplied with a panic button, which will trigger the unit to record images in the event of the panic button being pressed.

To view the stored images, the unit can be connected to a monitor or TV/VCR via the connector cables supplied. Mini-Vault will also operate as a CCTV camera when connected to a monitor or TV.

Marketing director Don Chisholm commented: "Mini-Vault is a revolution in small, portable camera systems and can be used anywhere power is available. Each Mini-Vault is fully self-contained and consists of one camera unit, two remote control units, PSU, video cable, mounting bracket, fixing kit and instruction/ installation manual."

Smart operation and good image quality

The Dinion series of digital mid-range mono/colour cameras comes from Philips CSI. Giving easy installation, the range is said to be compatible with every type and brand of CCTV equipment to give “smart” operation and good image quality in varying light conditions. The camera technology has been integrated into a single chip, allowing high-end performance from a mid-range camera. It also incorporates multiple picture enhancement features to aid detection and improve identification. Its NightSense technology guarantees picture quality regardless of light levels. Low light performance and image integrity are described as high, since the camera automatically switches to mono when it is too dark for colour reproduction, as well as increasing sensitivity by a factor of three. All cameras are supplied pre-configured and ready to operate with a push-button connector for 24v power supplies that ensures connection without special tools.

Stylish looker

Easy to install and with a smart modern design, the SSC-CX18VP from Sony can be chosen for almost any environment where unobtrusive, high quality monitoring is required. The compact size makes it suitable for applications such as shops, banks, casinos, museums and offices, to hospitals, schools and nurseries where an explicit message of surveillance is undesirable. The vari-focal lens assists in a speedy set-up. With no need to fit and back-focus a separate lens, installers can save valuable time. When the camera was Bench Tested in last June’s Installer, our testers concluded: “Video performance is very good indeed and the combination of flexible optics and a responsive exposure system means that it can provide a one-box solution for the vast majority of non-specialist surveillance jobs. “The Sony name and reputation inspires a lot of confidence and we suspect that the stylish – possibly even radical – cosmetics will prove popular with design-conscious customers.”

Integrated camera server

A new internet camera, the VersaCam IC-4, has been launched by Pentax Technologies Europe. It contains a four channel integrated camera server and produces colour images up to 720 x 486 pixel resolution, all without the need for the an attached PC. The Versa-Cam IC-4 provides authorised users with remote access to the images anywhere they can connect to the internet. By offering the ability to remotely access images via a standard web browser, the camera offers a greatly reduced cost of system integration. Up to 100 authorised users can view the captured images by accessing the camera over the internet. Wavelet algorithm compression technology is used, offering image transfer speeds at up to 30 frames per second. Five selectable image transfer resolutions are available plus a wide selection of Pentax’s line of optical lenses (preferred lens specified by customer). “These features, along with the ability to select either full-time monitoring or motion sensor triggers, make the VersaCam IC-4 a remarkably versatile internet camera and the ultimate remote monitoring device,” said Martin Mogendorff, General Manager of Pentax Technologies Europe.