Extra features
Baxall recently launched a new range of cameras – the CDX series – based on the popular CDSP range but with extra features and more configurable options.
Alongside the standard features of a Baxall camera, the CDX models also offer S-VHS video output; variable peak-white inversion; gen lock; and eight BLC window configurations. The peak white inversion feature allows extra detail to be seen at night, such as car number plates that would normally be impossible to read due to the headlamps ‘blinding’ the camera. There are three 1/2in models in the range: DSP colour; infrared DSP monochrome; and a colour/monochrome version that automatically switches between the two so that it can be used in both daylight and night-time conditions.
Easier to conceal
The plettac Space Camera comprises a separate camera head and control unit connected by a single cable, which means it can be installed in confined places and is easier to conceal or integrate within furnishings and fittings.
Bench Tested by our experts in the December 2000 edition of Security Installer, they pointed out that the Space Camera is exceptionally well specified and has an unusually wide range of operating parameters that can be remotely configured from a dedicated camera control unit or a Windows PC. Their conclusion was that: “The FAC 838IS is a formidable piece of kit…a potential problem solver in situations where the requirement is for a small high performance camera, capable of operating in difficult conditions.” It obviously caught readers’ eyes, too, and featured in March’s ‘hot products’ section.
For corner mounting
With GBC’s CM-550IR/A corner-mounted camera, which features built-in IR illumination, you can get the company’s Chameleon treatment – this means you can have it painted to merge into the background or deliberately stand out, depending on the colour you choose.
The unit itself comprises a miniature high-resolution camera and 180 LEDs, all housed in a 45mm x 80mm x 230mm casing designed to fit into the corner of a room. It also works in natural light conditions, so there are no adjustments to make during the day or when the lights are on. It comes with a free power supply and free audio capability.
For compact systems
JVC’s TK-C1310E is a fully-featured camera that’s high on quality but low on price, says the company. It is suitable for when more compact systems are being put together but where there is a need to maintain digital signal quality.
A 1/2in CCD high-performance colour digital camera, it offers 470 TV lines and will operate in low light levels down to 0.95 lux. The main differences between the TK-C1310E and a larger, higher specification JVC model is the fact that it is not menu-driven and has slightly fewer parameters.
Small zoom model
The VCP401 from Videcon is a high-resolution colour CCD camera with a 32x (16x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom) zoom capacity. It measures just 62mm x 62.2mm x 102.2mm.
Features include: on-screen display; numerical id (1-255), which can be assigned to each camera; auto white balance; auto focus and auto iris; AGC; on/off colour; and remote control via telemetry, hard-wired control or plug-in keypad.
For tight spaces
Videor Technical offers the high-resolution, 1/3in black-and-white CCD VK-1312 board camera for tight spaces. It is also suitable for when the camera needs to be concealed, says VT, such as in lifts, door intercom systems or vehicles, and for use with the Candid Junior housing, or the dome case of the VT-DIT5/10 series. The camera features high light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F2.0, 500 TVL, automatic BLC, electronic shutter control and aperture correction.
Built-in motion detection
The VCC-6975P 1/3in digital colour camera from Sanyo can operate in very low light conditions down to 0.05 lux and features 480 TV lines.
All functions can be set up and modified from a simple-to-use on-screen menu.
The camera also features built-in motion detection (DDMD) – it analyses the image and then controls the camera to zoom into a specific part to get a close-up of the intruder. To reduce false alarms, DDMD can be programmed to react only to movement in a certain direction, and to ignore sudden changes such as lights going on or off.
No dazzling
The LTC 0600 low-light camera from Philips CSI provides colour operation down to 0.3 lux, while the 0500 monochrome model operates down to 0.02 lux, eliminating the need for extra lighting or infrared illumination.
The 0600 models can even identify vehicle number-plates where ordinary cameras would be dazzled by the headlights or have problems with poor light.
Our experts Bench Tested both models in the July 2000 edition of Security Installer. They said: “The monochrome camera lives up to all expectations and although there are plenty of cheaper models on the market, few if any can match the 0500 for performance, build quality, ruggedness plus, of course, the fine Philips pedigree and reputation for reliability. The 0600 does almost as well, though it does depend on the optional PC software package to a slightly greater extent in order to exploit its flexibility to the full.” Advanced DSP
The SSC-DC132P series CCD colour cameras are suitable for where cost-effective monitoring is a must, says Sony. They feature a Super HAD sensor and advanced DSP for optimum images under all lighting conditions. A wide-range auto tracing white balance function adjusts white balance to optimum settings, even under sodium discharge illumination, which makes the cameras ideal for night-time use in streets and car parks, etc.
No tweaking, no fuss!
ISO/Rainbow offers a camera series that allows installers to set the backfocus with just the touch of a button. No tweaking and no fussing, says the company – just push the button, focus and you’re done! Said to work in any environment, these cameras use 12vDC or 24vAC, and the compact body design makes them easier to fit into tight spaces. The CLD46D offers 460 lines resolution at 0.3 lux, while the CLD33D offers 330 lines at 0.2 lux. Both NTSC-standard cameras feature DSP, electronic iris, built-in isolated power supply and BLC.
Auto-iris varifocal lenses
Li-Lin’s range of varifocal cameras are available in colour and monochrome, and with either 12vDC or 24vAC inputs. All of them incorporate an auto-iris varifocal lens with a focal length of 4-9mm on a 1/3in Sony CCD sensor.
The integral lens is suitable for internal or external applications, and adjustments for angle and focus are behind a magnetic flap on the side of the camera. Iris level can be controlled via a potentiometer on the rear panel, while BLC and shutter speeds are automatically set via DSP circuitry.
More than meets the eye
The Fujitsu TCZ-984P compact colour camera, available from Videor Technical, measures just 54 x 58 x 77mm – roughly half the length of a conventional camera. But there’s more to this unit than meets the eye, said our Bench Test experts in the January issue of Security Installer.
The CCD image sensor is a Sony item with a 440k-pixel array; low light sensitivity is down to 1.5 lux and resolution is 470 lines. Other features include: provision for fixed-iris and DC or video controlled auto-iris lenses; an ‘Eclipser’ function that converts light backgrounds into a uniform grey-level to maintain optimum contrast; switchable AGC function; variable high-speed shutter or ESC and BLC; and automatic white balance adjustment.
Our experts concluded that: “The two key selling points on this camera are small size and performance, combining the dimensions of a board camera with the image quality of a high-resolution model. It also scores very highly in terms of build quality and flexibility.”
Digital enhancement
Panasonic says its WV-CP460 Super Dynamic II colour camera, which is equipped with a 1/3in colour CCD and recently developed digital signal processing, delivers a dynamic range 80 times that of standard CCD cameras.
Using an F1.4 lens for low light conditions, the camera operates down to 0.8lux, and offers digital enhancement to boost sensitivity up to 32 times. Additional features include motion detection and error-prevention camera title displays.
General surveillance
The 300 series cameras from Hitachi offer built-in varifocal lens with auto iris, mains voltage operation and simple on-screen set up. All it takes to install is a screwdriver and 10 minutes, says Hitachi.
Other features include: 1/4in colour CCD imager; AI/fuzzy picture control with advanced DSPIII; auto white balance; backlight compensation; internal/external synchronisation (AC-line pulse signal); and 2x digital zoom.
Low-light colour unit
The PIH-7030H SuperEye camera from Merit Li-Lin offers low light colour performance down to 0.1 lux. Available in three different voltages, it incorporates DSP features for improved BLC and reduced glare.
Given the Bench Test treatment in the February issue of Security Installer, our experts said: “Despite the lumpy shape, somewhat dated appearance and limited manual controls, the 7030H works well and is worth considering for installations where the lighting conditions prove challenging. It is well built, installation should not cause too many problems, and it is sensibly priced.”
Motorised zoom
The VariCam from Ernitec is a high-resolution compact colour camera (117 x 54 x 62mm) with a motorised zoom that gives 10x magnification and a horizontal angle of view of 4.7 to 45.9 degrees.
Bench Tested in the October 1999 edition of Security Installer, our experts concluded: “It is difficult not to be impressed by the VariCam. As far as performance is concerned, it compares well with most camera/ lens combinations in just about every respect…In the end, it is the simplicity of installation and flexibility that sets this camera apart.”
Low power consumption
The TRC 1/2in Sony Ex-view IR camera from TRC is a colour and black-and-white model that automatically switches between modes depending on lighting conditions. It features eight infrared LED-projecting lights that give the camera a viewing distance of 15-25m indoors and 60-90m outdoors.
The on-screen display function allows setting of brightness, sharpness, gamma, colour, white balance, BLC etc, and the unit offers low power consumption of 100mA (internal) or 400mA (external).
General-purpose unit
The KC7500CP from Ultrak is a 1/3in CCD colour camera that offers quick, simple installation. It provides sensitivity of 1.0 lux at F1.4 and 470 TV lines. Our experts Bench Tested it in the February 2000 edition of Security Installer: “The KC7500CP and 7502 (mains version) easily qualify as well-specified, general-purpose surveillance cameras, with the kind of performance you can expect to find these days on mid-range and top-end models from the better-known manufacturers.”
Economy models
EverFocus Electronics offers a series of 1/3in cameras that are described as an economy range suitable for use in changing light conditions.
The EB/EM/ED 220 models are equipped with an electronic shutter of 1/100,000 sec, automatic gain control, BLC, and auto white balance.
Wide range
Baxall’s range of CDR cameras consists of eight models covering both mono and colour applications in both 1/2in and 1/3in high resolution and Exview variants.
The range offers full control and configuration from the control room. With both basic and advanced menu options, the display menus can be accessed via a selection of Baxall telemetry control products, such as the ZMX Plus range of multiplexers and the ZTX3, 4, 5 and 6 range of transmitters.
High speed optics
The Ganz LC/LCH series from CBC Europe includes monochrome, colour, fixed iris, auto iris, internal and external cameras, all of which feature a built-in varifocal lens.
Said to be easy to install, using two adjustments for focus and focal length, the cameras are available in three power input options.