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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…
Evaluation: Panasonic i-Pro WV-SW175
Panasonic’s now end-of-line BB-HCM735 was one of the best-selling network cameras in their home/office range, offering very decent VGA resolution footage in an outdoor-ready casing with pan/tilt movement and 2-way audio, while still being very cost-effective. Now that this camera has been discontinued, we’ve taken a look at its replacement; the Panasonic i-Pro WV-SW175. Does this camera still offer the same good value as its predecessor?
First things first, let’s see some sample footage from the camera.
Product Launches: Panasonic i-Pro WV-SC384 and Vivotek FD8131
Take a look at the latest releases from Panasonic and Vivotek, now available for purchase.
Panasonic i-Pro WV-SC384
The WV-SC384 is a new addition to Panasonic’s pan-tilt-zoom SmartHD camera range and is very similar to the WV-SC385 model with the only difference being that it does not have a removable infrared cut filter, meaning the WV-SC384 is more suited to day-time operation only whereas the popular WV-SC385 is true day / night and can be used for 24/7 operation.
Both cameras benefit from features such as Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), on-board SD-card recording for backup and 18x optical zoom, which combined with the HD 720p resolution provides crisp, detailed footage of objects and activity at long distances. The WV-SC384 is available as an indoor unit as well as an outdoor bundle.
The odd thing is that Panasonic has launched the WV-SC384 at a higher price point than the WV-SC385, which you would not expect given the true day/night facility in the latter. We expect this will be corrected over time, at which point this camera will become very attractive indeed in the marketplace.
Panasonic’s i-Pro WV-396 IP camera now available
The Panasonic i-Pro WV-SW396 HD dome network camera is now available to purchase at Network Webcams.
With an IP66-rated housing that offers protection against both harsh weather and vandalism this top-end IP security camera is ideally suited to outdoor monitoring in tough environments, whilst its premium technology delivers optimum site surveillance.
With auto-tracking, continuous 360° panning capabilities, 36x optical zoom (72x ‘Extra Zoom’) and HD video footage at up to 30fps, no detail is missed, which makes this an ideal camera for monitoring areas where capturing clear image detail is of high importance. To further this, Panasonic’s own Face Super Dynamic technology automatically adjusts the focus to ensure prime clarity on facial features, perfect for situations where face recognition and identification is required such as sports stadiums, town centres and public parks.
The in-built day/night mode switches from full colour to black and white ensuring 24 hour monitoring, even in complete darkness. Its built-in SD card slot also affords recording backup in the event of network failure, making the camera a reliable round-the-clock security presence.
Watch the Panasonic i-Pro WV-396 auto-tracking demo:
The Panasonic i-Pro WV-396 IP camera is available to purchase at Network Webcams. Alternatively call 0151 633 2111 and speak to one of our technical sales specialists for more information and to find out whether the WV-SW396 is suitable for your security implementation.
Unboxing Panasonic’s latest pan/tilt IP camera: The i-Pro WV-ST165
Hot off the production line, here’s a sneak peek at Panasonic’s replacement for their popular BB-HCM715; the i-Pro WV-ST165 pan/tilt IP camera. We’ve unboxed the camera to show you what to expect.
Panasonic i-Pro security cameras replace popular predecessors
The Panasonic BB-HCM715 and BB-HCM735 will soon be discontinued. Their successors are part of Panasonic’s i-Pro professional series, offering an improved feature set.
The BB-HCM715 will be replaced by the WV-ST162 and WV-ST165, providing SVGA and HD720p resolution respectively, while for outdoor environments, the WV-SW172 and WV-SW175 replace the BB-HCM735, coming with IP55-rated casing.
All of these security cameras are equipped with wide dynamic range technology, adaptive black stretch and dynamic noise reduction which allow the cameras to capture events even in the most demanding light conditions. Face detection can automatically alter exposure for peak facial definition, perfect for taking security measures where light sources would normally impede image quality.
Compatible with SD cards up to 32Gb, these new Panasonic IP cameras have a longer retention period than the previous model, allowing more footage to be directly stored within the camera itself for recording with no external hardware or for secure backup recording and reviewing. Video streaming has also been improved with both high speed H.264 and MPEG streams available concurrently whilst privacy masking now allows the coverage of sensitive areas within the cameras field of view.
All of these additional features complement the existing cameras features, including motorized pan/tilt, 2-way audio with integrated speaker and mobile phone viewing, making them well-rounded security cameras.
Although the BB-HCM cameras were popular it is clear that these newer models offer the user a much developed IP security camera. We hope that IP technology continues to progress in this way, offering end users the very best value for their money.
Merry Deals this December
We’re getting into the holiday spirit and have some great deals on offer this December, whether you’re looking to kit out your business with a new security system for the New Year or are after a home surveillance stocking filler.
Panasonic Exclusive Winter Deals
We have offers on the most popular Panasonic IP cameras this December, including indoor and outdoor units as well as wireless:
Free Panasonic IP Camera Recording Software (and other offers for November)
This November we’re giving away Panasonic BB-HNP17 network camera recording software (worth over £400!) free with any purchase of 3 or more BB-HCM715 or BB-HCM735 IP cameras. This offer makes creating a new networked-security system more cost-effective than ever.
With our already great prices on the Panasonic BB-HCM715 and BB-HCM735 the total cost of 3 cameras plus the free software starts at only £714 + vat, which is a superb price for a professional level starter security system. Plus, you can mix and match the cameras you use to suit your own business or home security needs.
The BB-HCM715 is an indoor megapixel IP camera with pan, tilt and digital zoom capability including 2-way audio and the h.264 video stream codec which keeps quality high and bandwidth usage low.
For outdoor use choose the Panasonic BB-HCM735 which has the same great features as the BB-HCM715 but can be used outside and in all weathers.
Both cameras can also record to SD cards, have great colour night view modes, are PoE-capable (require only a single power/data cable) and come with a flexible mounting bracket/stand. All you need is in the package.
Call us on 0151 633 2111 to order or for more information.
We are also running great offers on the Panasonic BL-C230 wireless indoor IP camera and Sony HD security cameras. We’ve reduced prices across the board on Sony HD cameras meaning Sony’s high performance HD security cameras start at only £214 + vat for the SNC-CH110.
Finally, we’re also giving away 2 camera licenses of Milestone Xprotect Essential security recording software worth £64 + vat with all Axis network cameras except the Axis M1011 and M1011-W.
November is a great time to pick up a new or improved security system at a spectacular price, backed by our expert team of technical support advisors. All technical support is free, for however long you need it!
September Special Offers
We’ve added some more great deals for the month of September, including deals on IP security cameras from Sony, Axis, Panasonic & Vivotek, with free software and PoE midspans.
Price reduction on Panasonic IP cameras
This week Panasonic has dropped the price on many of its IP cameras. There are some great deals to be had.
There are an increasing number of HD cameras available, and the Panasonic WV-SP105 (was £235 now £199*) is the first premium brand HD camera available at under £200, a fantastic price if you’re looking for highly-detailed imagery.
If you’re looking to monitor your premises around the clock, the Panasonic BL-C160 (was £245 now £199*) comes with a built-in LED illumination function, ideal for 24 hour surveillance in homes and small businesses.
For retail and warehouse surveillance, the Panasonic iPro WV-SF332 (was £435 now £285*), (with wide-dynamic range and motion and face detection) is now available at an incredible price. The camera also features PoE and SD card recording, allowing footage to be stored locally.
If you’re after a camera for keeping an eye on outdoor environments, the Panasonic WV-SW395 (was £1875 now £1565*) is now extremely competitively priced compared to its nearest rivals. This pan-tilt-zoom dome delivers HD 720p image quality, 18x optical zoom and 360° panning, making it ideal for monitoring large outdoor areas.
There are even more reductions to be had on Panasonic cameras. You can find more in the Panasonic section of the Network Webcams store.
*prices quoted exc V.A.T
