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HOWTO use the Focus Assistant on Axis IP Cameras
A useful, but often overlooked feature on Axis model network cameras P1311/P1343/P1344/P1346/P1347 is the Focus Assistant. Focusing security cameras via the lens levers can be a tricky business and any installer welcomes a neat trick or device that makes this vital step of the installation process easier and more accurate.
Using this tool it is possible to focus the camera accurately without looking at the video image output from the camera, but to adjust the focus and get visual feedback from the camera itself when the view is nearing and has hit that focus sweet spot.
Axis Q6034-E Auto-tracking demo video
We like to watch YouTube videos just like anyone and from time to time when we’re not creating our own YouTube videos we’re looking for great videos to share with our readers.
For high-end surveillance a camera like the Axis Q6034-E packs a real wollop in terms of its advanced feature set and one stand-out feature is its auto-tracking facility. This video shows auto-tracking in action:
The auto-tracking function shows intelligent analytics in action. Known as ‘Active Gatekeeper’, the function automatically moves the view to a pre-set position when motion is detected in a defined area, then tracks the subject.
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Axis releases significant firmware update
Axis communications have announced the release of firmware 5.50 which will roll out soon across all of their network cameras. The new firmware adds a wide array of new and improved features designed to enhance the usability and effectiveness of IP-based security using their popular devices.
This is a significant update to their camera firmware and to their VAPIX API/SDK (affecting hardware and software integrators).
First look: Axis P1204 covert IP camera (with videos)
It’s been over three and a half years since the Axis released their M7001 covert surveillance kit. This kit is comprised of a compact Axis M7001 analogue video encoder and a tiny analogue video camera connected via cable. It was and remains a best-seller and well suited to covert surveillance, but it relied on analogue CCTV technology, which meant its image resolution is limited.
Very recently, Axis created the P12 range. This range of covert IP cameras features flush-mount, recessed and outdoor-ready variants, but more importantly, the whole range is purely IP, meaning this covert capability benefits from full network application. In this article we’ll take a look at the new Axis P1204 and see how effective it is for covert security.
Top 5 Wireless IP Cameras for 2013
We’re on a roll this month. Having just predicted the 7 top trends in video surveillance, we are now going to open up the oracle again and share the 5 best wireless network cameras on the market right now.
The models below all impress us a great deal, so much so that we just couldn’t agree on a ranking formula from 1 – 5, so decided to use good old alphabetical order instead. So, let’s begin…
First-look: Axis M3007-PV panoramic network IP camera (with sample videos)
In mid-2008 Mobotix released the Q22-SEC hemispheric IP camera, featuring a full 360° lens, followed closely by the upgraded Q24-SEC model. These cameras were unique in the marketplace and added further to the discussion about whether megapixel cameras with wider angles of coverage can be used to replace multiple narrower field of view IP cameras.
These models brought in state-of-the-art image de-warping, 4-from-1 video feeds and panoramic overviews and saw VMS suppliers rushing to provide support for these new products.
Cut to 2012 where since this release, Mobotix have almost dominated the market for hemispheric cameras, with little serious competition from mainstream manufacturers. However, this is about to change with the release of the Axis M3007-P series.
We’ve had an exclusive chance to look at the Axis M3007-PV (part number 0515-001) before its launch, and we compare it in part to the Mobotix Q24M-SEC.
HOWTO: Install Axis Media Control / ActiveX in Internet Explorer
As development in IP camera technology progresses most camera manufacturers look to support both a wide range of integration and recording platforms and, in most cases, a wide range of web browsers in order that their cameras can be set up, configured and viewed over the network.
In the case of browsers, inherent limitations still mean that certain functions must be accessible or controlled through a browser add-on – a small plugin, usually downloaded from the camera itself, which extends the capabilities of the browser. Some manufacturers have done away with this in order that their products are supported similarly in all browsers. Some have no full cross-browser support of any kind (products from Taiwanese manufacturer ACTi for instance) and require the use of Internet Explorer and an ActiveX plugin.
Evaluation: Axis P3384-V with Wide Dynamic Range and Lightfinder
Until recently, Axis Lightfinder technology was available in the Axis top end Q series of cameras only. Now this technology has made its way into the more affordable P range of Axis cameras. Here we take a look at the Axis P3384 IP camera, which is currently the only camera in the Axis P series that features both Lightfinder technology and Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) with Dynamic Capture. As this looks interesting on paper, we were interested to see how it performs in real life. We placed the P3384 in various lighting conditions to find out.
Lightfinder Technology now in popular Axis P33 IP dome range
Axis’ Lightfinder Technology, thus far only available in its top end ‘Q’ range of products, is now becoming available within the P33 range of IP dome cameras. This is good news as many installations will benefit from improved performance at night.
Some sample footage with the Lightfinder Technology in action:
What’s new in Axis Camera Companion v1.2?
Last week, Axis announced a new version of its Axis Camera Companion (ACC) software which allows small security systems to be created very quickly and in a user-friendly manner.
Aimed at the retail market, but applicable to small systems of up to 16 cameras in any sector, and touted in some discussions as a ‘VMS Killer’ (which I don’t think it is – more on this another time), the updated version includes support for audio, Corridor Format (portrait orientation) video, digital evidence features and more integration options.
So what are the changes?
