Cameras
IP & Network Cameras
When choosing IP video surveillance cameras, the quality of the images they capture is essential. The primary function of a surveillance camera is to provide clear, detailed images for effective monitoring and identification. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the following critical factors related to image quality when comparing different cameras:
- Resolution: The camera’s resolution, measured in pixels, determines the detail and clarity of an image. Higher-resolution cameras offer more pixels, resulting in sharper and clearer video footage, but they require more bandwidth and storage. Common resolutions include 1080p, 2K, 4K, and even higher. Choosing a camera resolution involves balancing cost, bandwidth, storage, and image quality needs and depends on the specific requirements of the surveillance application.
- Low-Light Performance: A camera can capture usable images in low-light or challenging lighting conditions. Look for low-light sensitivity, wide dynamic range (WDR), and infrared (IR) illumination for improved visibility in dark areas. Our range includes cameras that provide excellent image quality without needing external light sources, including cameras with full-colour video and minimal motion blur in near darkness.
- Image Sensor Size and Type: Larger image sensors perform better in low-light conditions and produce higher-quality images. Different sensor types, such as CMOS or CCD, may impact image quality, noise levels, and dynamic range.
- Lens Quality: Consider the quality and type of lens used in the camera. A high-quality lens can significantly impact image sharpness, clarity, and distortion correction.
- Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): WDR technology helps to balance exposure in scenes with contrasting light conditions, preventing overexposure of bright areas and underexposure of dark places. This is especially useful in environments with strong backlighting or varying lighting conditions. Visit the AXIS Wide Dynamic Range page to learn more.
- Frame Rate: The frame rate represents the number of frames per second that the camera can capture. A higher frame rate ensures smoother video playback, especially for capturing fast-moving objects or activities.
- Bandwidth: bandwidth requirements in video surveillance applications can fluctuate based on camera resolution, frame rate, compression method, and camera quantity. Effective bandwidth management ensures smooth operation and high-quality footage without network strain or latency problems.
- Compression Technology: Increasing compression can result in savings on storage costs (less storage required for similar durations), server configuration (less CPU required to store less bandwidth), and switches (copper gigabit switches may be used instead of fibre 10GbE). Efficient compression algorithms ensure optimal bandwidth utilisation and storage efficiency without compromising image quality. Our chosen camera vendors employ technologies like Zipstream, an AXIS technology that preserves important forensic details while lowering bandwidth & storage requirements by an average of 50% or more. LightCatcher is an Avigilon technology that provides clear image quality in low-light environments.
While other functionalities are essential for specific surveillance needs, image quality is crucial when comparing IP video surveillance cameras. It directly impacts the camera’s ability to provide clear, detailed, and actionable video footage, essential for effective surveillance and incident analysis.
Artificial Intelligence
IP video surveillance cameras have advanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, enabling advanced analytics and automation to enhance functionality. These AI capabilities include Object Detection and Recognition, Facial Recognition, Intrusion Detection, Behavioural Analysis, License Plate Recognition, Abandoned Object Detection, Crowd Management, Heat Mapping, Predictive Analytics, Real-time Alerts and Notifications:
- Object Detection & Recognition is a powerful feature that allows cameras to identify and track particular targets or trigger specific actions based on detected objects, such as people, vehicles, or items of interest. Popular cameras with this capability include AXIS, Avigilon, and Avigilon Alta.
- Facial Recognition is another AI feature that allows cameras to recognise and verify individuals’ faces in real-time. This makes it useful for access control, flagging potential threats, or identifying known individuals.
- Intrusion Detection: is another AI-enabled feature that raises alarms for unauthorised intrusions or movements in restricted areas, alerting security personnel to potential security breaches.
- Behavioural Analysis: Another feature that allows cameras to analyse and understand people’s behaviour patterns within their field of view. They can identify suspicious activities, such as loitering, sudden crowd formation, or abnormal movements, and generate alerts for potential security risks.
- License Plate Recognition: This AI-powered feature enables cameras to recognise and capture license plate information from vehicles within their coverage area. This is useful for parking management, traffic enforcement, or identifying suspicious cars.
- Abandoned Object Detection: This AI capability detects and identifies abandoned objects or bags in public spaces, helping identify potential security threats and trigger appropriate responses.
- Crowd Management: is another feature that analyses crowd density, monitors crowd flow, and detects overcrowding situations. This information can optimise crowd management strategies, ensure public safety, and prevent accidents in crowded areas.
- Heat Mapping: is another capability that generates heat maps by analysing the density and movement of people within an area. This can be useful for optimising space utilisation, identifying popular areas, or improving crowd flow.
- Predictive Analytics: is another feature that allows cameras to leverage historical data and patterns to predict and identify potential security incidents or trends, enabling proactive decision-making and resource allocation based on predictive insights.
- Real-time Alerts and Notifications: is another AI-enabled feature that generates real-time alerts and notifications based on predefined rules or anomaly detection. Security personnel can receive immediate alerts for events that require attention or intervention.
These AI capabilities empower IP surveillance cameras beyond simple video recording and monitoring. They enable proactive surveillance, intelligent analytics, and automation, enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of video surveillance systems.
Contact Us
Call us on 1300 556 334 or email [email protected] to learn more.
Customers in New Zealand call 0800 345 677 or email [email protected].
