network cameras
Post on 11-Jan-2016
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Network Cameras
Andrew Brandt
Wyman St.block captain
NCPC*at*amishrabbit*dot*com
As an introduction...
● PC World contributing editor
● Specialize in computer security & privacy
● I don't work for any of the companies whose products are represented here
● I do use these myself, at home
● We don't have time to cover all the companies that make these types of cameras
Network Cameras● What they can & can't do
● Product comparisons
● Technical requirements
● Setup
● Costs involved
Network vs. CCTV cameras(the good)
Network CameraPros
● Ethernet cable● Existing network● Inexpensive storage
(hard drives & flash memory cards)
● Decent picture quality
CCTVPros
● TV cable
● Inexpensive storage (VHS video tapes)
● Decent picture quality
Network vs. CCTV cameras(the bad)
Network CameraCons
● More features and better picture quality costs a bit more
● Setup can be complicated (but you only have to do it once)
CCTVCons
● Prohibitively expensive to buy
● So-so picture quality (can you ID the perp from a fuzzy tape?)
● Daily management
Network vs. CCTV cameras(the wrapup)
Network Camera
● Easier setup
● Can control cameras over the net from anywhere
● Much simpler recording management
CCTV
● Difficult setup
● Can't (cheaply) be remotely controlled; sharing = tapes
● Requires you to manually change & store bulky tapes
So...
In my opinion, network cameras are far superior
to 'traditional' CCTV cameras for
a variety of reasons.
Let's compare features
● Wired and wireless cameras
● Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) vs fixed-position
● Mounting options
● Image storage & networking
● Remote control panels & user interface
Wireless vs Wired
Wired● Requires some data
cabling
● On some models, power and data travel on one wire
● Very dependable
Wireless● Requires Wi-Fi
gateway to work
● You still have to run electricity to the cam
● Not always entirely dependable, due to Wi-Fi problems
Each has its advantages and drawbacks
Pan-tilt-zoom vs fixed position
Fixed● You have to manually
aim the camera
● Motion detection triggered only by true motion
● Subject to weather-related misalignment
PTZ● You can redirect it at
different locations
● Panning is often slow and kind of clunky
● Better for watching multiple spots (but not at the same time)
More advantages and drawbacks
Mounting your camera
● Orbital mount (ball and socket)
● Wall and ceiling brackets
● Weatherproof housings
● Window mounts (suction cups)
● Good old-fashioned camera tripod
Image storage:Not all cameras do all of these
● FTP (file transfer protocol) Sends images over the 'net to a server
somewhere Doesn't have to be at your home
● Local file server Images go to a 'server' (a computer) on the
same network● Emailed file attachments● Built-in flash memory● Removable flash memory cards in the
camera
Control panels
● All cameras let you adjust the following: Brightness and contrast Image size and compression "Triggers" to take photos (timed and/or motion) Basic network settings they need to function
● Some have additional features: Built in microphone and/or speaker Can compensate for changing lighting conditions
(DC iris) Support for multiple users, with different
permissions for each user
Let's look at the cameras
It's about time
Axis 20x serieswww.axis.com
● Extremely small cameras with decent image quality (640x480)
● Prices around $300 for Axis 207w● True network camera-does not require PC● 20x series cannot FTP images● Wired and wireless models available● Manually-focusable lens● Not weatherproof - mount in sheltered spot● Well-established Swedish company with a
track record for high quality products, and good service and support
Axis 21x and 22x serieswww.axis.com
● Standard-size cameras with very good to excellent image quality (640x480)
● Prices start around $500 for Axis 210● Wired and wireless ● Can FTP, email, or move files to server● Manually-focusable and -zoomable lenses
with DC iris; hookups for passive IR receiver● Some are weatherproof (housing anyway)● Extremely reliable-run for years without
needing any management whatsoever
Toshiba network camerastoshiba.com/taisisd/security● Standard and dome-style cameras with good
to very good image quality (640x480 to 1280x960)
● Prices start around $470 for IK-WB02A● Wired and wireless ● Optional SD flash memory card slot● No focus, digital zoom, pan-and-tilt● Most are weatherproof● User interface is quirky● Definitely would be noticed: They're big
Swann Max-IP Camwww.swann.com.au
● Smallish standard-size camera with OK image quality (640x480)
● $250 (available online)● Wired model only● Manual focus● Not weatherproof● Includes built-in infrared illumination (nice
feature!)● Upload images or store on SD card in cam● Established Australian CC camera company
making an intro to the US with this product
Mobotixwww.mobotix.com
● Large cameras that look kind of like the "Number 5" robot from the movie Short Circuit
● Models include one or two lenses, speaker and microphone, passive IR detector
● Wired & wireless models● Manual focus, wide-angle, daylight & infrared● Most are weatherproof, built like a tank● German company makes security cameras used by
many European & Asian banks● Really, really attention-getting● Expensive: Prices start at $1200
Veo Wireless Observerwww.veo.com
● Smallish, odd-sized (UFO on a cone) camera with OK image quality (640x480)
● $350 (available from mfr. website only)● Wired & wireless models● Fixed-focus lens, built in microphone● Not weatherproof● Comes with wall mount● Almost all Veo network cameras are PTZ● Has a few gimmicky features (LCD display
on cam for IP setup, external antenna)● Requires Windows to view images (bleh!)
WiLife LukWerkswww.lukwerks.com
● SRP is $300 for a starter kit, sold online or at Radio Shack ($230 for add'l cameras)
● Cool window mount● Screwy requirements:
a Windows PC● The PC has to be on all the time for it to record● All recording is done using software running on the
always-on PC● It won't work on Macs
a wired network hub or router with a free ethernet port
(but it's not precisely a wired camera)
Other companies that make or sell rebranded network cameras● D-Link -- haven't been impressed● Panasonic -- expensive● StarDot Technologies● Hawking Technologies● IQeye -- very pricey but amazing quality● Linksys -- bizarre-looking egg-shaped model● Q-SEE -- many models, some rebranded
from other OEMs● Googling "network cameras" will get you
135,000,000 results
Other considerations
● If several people decide on a single company's product to buy, we could easily negotiate a bulk order discount.
● Do we make the images from everyone's cameras available on a Web site? (it's easy to do)
● Do we let everyone see the images, or just certain people?
● Who pays for the online image storage?
Questions?
● Andrew BrandtNCPC [at] amishrabbit [dot] com
Thanks!
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