Q: What’s the difference between an all-in-one and any other sort of camera?
A: An all-in-one is a camera that’s supplied ready to use in a sealed enclosure, with the lens already fitted. All the installer needs to do is mount it, connect it up and set any required zoom parameters – everything else is taken care of. There’s no pre-assembly needed, no fiddly adjustments, no calibration and, as all-in-one cameras are almost always auto-focus, it’s not even necessary to adjust the back focus.
Q: What types of cameras are available as all-in-ones?
A: The description ‘all-in-one’ is usually applied to fixed cameras, and they are available in all of the usual types – bodied, dome, indoor colour, outdoor day/night, with and without alarm inputs, and so on. You could argue that PTZ domes are ‘all-in-one’ assemblies, but the term is most usually applied to static units with integral zoom and auto-focus functions.
Q: All-in-ones sound great from the installer’s point of view, but what do they offer end users?
A: Since all-in-ones are a big time saver for installers, end users can expect their installations to be completed with fewer complications and, possibly, at lower cost. All-in-ones are also small and discreet, which are big plus factors for end users in applications like filling stations and retail outlets. And, of course, since they’re set up by the manufacturer, they’re almost guaranteed to offer the best possible performance.
Q: How do all-in-ones compare in price with ordinary cameras?
A: The price of an all-in-one is, typically, about the same as an ordinary analogue camera assembly (inclusive of lens and housing). But don’t forget the big time savings during installation. When these are taken into account, all-in-ones usually work out less costly overall.
Q: What are the drawbacks of all-in-ones?
A: Actually, there are very few. Certain parameters, such as resolution and low light performance are, of course, fixed, but if the relevant camera model is carefully matched to the application (as should always be the case) these parameters are unlikely to be a problem. With the models from leading suppliers, there are certainly no compromises over performance. There may, however, be fewer mounting options than are available with conventional cameras and static ‘all-in-ones’ – with wipers for outdoor applications – don’t yet seem to be available. Nevertheless, for the vast majority of applications, all-in-ones are an extremely logical and practical choice.
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