The IP Camera Store and IP CCTV Blog

We’re quite excited. Panasonic have just released a new range of cameras which supercede the BB-HCM311 and BB-HCM331 models, and have also, in a first for the range, launched a 1.3 Megapixel model. Yes, we’re excited. We’re excited because we have just taken delivery of the new BB-HCM531 and we also have the new megapixel model, the BB-HCM515 for testing…

Panasonic have launched the BB-HCM511 which is an indoor Pan-Tilt camera, directly replacing their BB-HCM311 model. They have also launched their outdoor-ready product, the BB-HCM531, as a replacement for the BB-HCM331 which is a very popular choice for discreet outdoor surveillance and monitoring. Finally the new BB-HCM515 is the same indoor camera as the BB-HCM511 but incorporating a 1.3 megapixel sensor which means sharper and more detailed images.
Here’s a brief comparison of the key differences between the old discontinued models and the new models:

• Simultaneous MJPEG and MPEG-4: The new MPEG-4 mode (the Panasonic BB-HCM331 only offered MJPEG video) allows full video streaming at 30fps across all resolutions including VGA 640×480 giving a much smoother performance at the maximum image size. (max 7fps in 1.3 megapixel mode BB-HCM515)
• Power over Ethernet: These cameras now support the IEEE802.3af PoE standard meaning that the camera can be powered through the same cable as the data. (using a separate PoE midspan or switch)
• SD Audio Recording: Unlike the Panasonic BB-HCM331 the new cameras offer simultaneous recording of image and sound to the internal SD memory card.
• Full Screen Mode: The Panasonic BB-HCM531 now offers a full-screen mode which enlarges the field of view significantly when monitoring your camera
• Improved User Interface: The setup menus within the cameras are much improved over the Panasonic BB-HCM331, particularly around event management

We’ll be taking a closer look at the BB-HCM531 and BB-HCM515 later when we do a full evaluation of the products. For now though, you can take a look at the detailed specifications for each below:

BB-HCM511 Indoor Ip Camera Pan-Tilt Audio D/N PoE
BB-HCM531 In/Outdoor IP Camera Pan-Tilt Audio D/N PoE
BB-HCM515 Indoor 1.3 Megapixel IP Camera Pan-Tilt Audio D/N PoE

If you have any questions about these products, please leave a comment and I’ll be glad to answer.