Life through a lens

Five megapixel model

The AV5100 from Arecont Vision is claimed to be the "world's first 5 megapixel digital video camera, providing ultra-high resolution video at 15 frames per second". Scaling down from 2592 x 1944 pixels to 1280 x 1024 gives 30fps.

Distributor Premier Electronics says the AV5100 is able to substitute up to 12 analogue cameras, reducing the total cost of installation. The AV5100 is based on proprietary "massively-parallel MegaVideo image processing technology". Advanced features include concurrent transmission of different frame formats and simultaneous delivery of multiple zoomed and full field of view video streams at full frame rates. The software also allows for post-event zoom-in capability from archived footage, concurrent field of view and high-quality zoom.

Also offered is instantaneous, no-moving-parts pan and tilt, useful for the tracking of fast moving targets.

Reader Service No 102

Hi-res bullets

Vista has launched high resolution versions of its varifocal bullet cameras, which it says "gives users an exceptional picture quality in a highly discreet package".

Cased in a stylish silver housing, the cameras have been designed to provide video surveillance in modern business premises such as lobby and reception areas. As with other cameras in the bullet range, they come complete with a matching mounting bracket for ease of installation.

Vista says that because of the inherent flexibility of the camera, it is suited to a huge range of applications, including hotel delivery yards, modern offices, reception areas, storage areas, stairwells, nurseries and convenience stores.

Reader Service No 103

High performance compact

DeView has introduced its Varifocal Day/Night IR Bullet camera to meet the demand for high performance compact cameras. The manufacturer describes it as "an excellent choice for active monitoring and surveillance programmes".

The varifocal Sony 1/3-inch CCD compact camera features built-in infrared LED with automatic backlight compensation, and 480 TV lines of resolution. It is equipped to operate in various light conditions, automatically switching from colour images to high sensitivity monochrome mode in low light environments.

Designed for discreet surveillance and easy installation, the bullet camera has an attractive aluminium weatherproof housing together with slide-on sunshield and optional adjustable mounting bracket. The camera can be installed both internally and externally.

Reader Service No 104

Convenient installation

The SD-EX980 is a dome camera from Taiwan's Enta Technologies, which features a compact structure and convenient installation.

Its OSD menu can display parameters and other information, and set auto-presets, auto-scan, auto-cruise and AE mode. Pan and tilt position is displayed on screen. It features seven alarm inputs, two alarm outputs, and alarm linkage. There are 128 presets, and the camera can auto-cruise through preset positions.

The outdoor speed dome includes a heater which operates when the temperature falls below 5 deg C, and turns off when it rises to 10 deg C.

Reader Service No 106

Birth of an Icon

Dowshu has launched its Icon dome range, which use highly sensitive colour and colour/mono camera modules operating with 23x and 25x optical zoom, ideal for low light conditions. An extra 10x digital zoom function comes as standard on both models.

The domes are set up and adjusted using intuitive, multi-language on-screen display menu systems. Programmable functions include display options, camera set up, alarm actions, camera functionality, dome configuration, language selection and system information.

The Icon domes use the ARPC (auto recognition of position compensation) system to guarantee accurate, reliable and valid preset positioning, Dowshu says, which is "essential for large zoom capability domes with privacy zone, preset and guard tour facilities".

Reader Service No 107

Varifocal Genie

Genie CCTV has released a new compact high-resolution varifocal colour bullet camera suitable for use in a wide range of surveillance applications.

It features a Sony 1/3-inch super HAD colour CCD with automatic white balance and gain control and 9-22mm manual varifocal lens. It has a resolution of 480 TV lines and an effective pixel count of 752 x 582. It is designed to provide clean, noiseless and reliable images with a signal to noise ratio greater than 48dB (agc off).

The GCB922W is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications, and its integral swivel mounting bracket allows for flexible positioning during installation.

Reader Service No 108

Pan-Focus release

Sanyo has included Pan-Focus technology in its VCC-XZ200P, a new 520 TVL high resolution weatherproof day/night zoom camera. Sanyo says that Pan-Focus "ensures that the camera lens keeps all objects in focus, no matter how close or far away they are from the camera".

Housed in tough die-cast aluminium, the IP66-rated VCC-XZ200P has intelligent backlight compensation and Sanyo's motion detection capability. There are options to install the camera with RS485, coaxial control, or UTP video transmission network capability.

Reader Service No 109

Flexidome enhancements

Bosch Security Systems has enhanced the performance of its Flexidome CCTV camera series with advanced 15-bit imaging technology. Bosch says it "opens the way for a host of additional functions, enabling the new dome cameras to meet the most demanding surveillance requirements and extending the range of applications in which dome cameras can be used".

These functions include Auto Black, to counteract the effects of fog or glare, NightSense to compensate for fading light, and backlight compensation to ensure clear images when viewing entrances. Top of the range models incorporate Bosch's proprietary XF-Dynamic feature that dramatically broadens dynamic range to enable faithful reproduction of all details in both high and low-lit areas of a scene.

Reader Service No 110

Vandal-free deView

DeView is offering its 316 grade stainless steel vandal resistant dome range to assist in corrosive environments which can cause rapid deterioration of security cameras.

Suitable for indoor and outdoor installations, the deView series combines a tough polycarbonate exterior with a 316 marine grade stainless steel cover, providing what the company describes as "unmatched protection against the elements in addition to superior impact and scratch resistance".

Each housing is supplied with a choice of CCD cameras, with monochrome, colour and day/night variants. these are available in either standard or high resolution with fixed or vari-focal auto-iris lenses. All models are available with heaters to combat extremes of cold.

The series is available in surface, flush and corner mount configurations.

Reader Service No 111

Low light special

Honeywell has launched the HCC484TPX, a new high resolution camera that provides excellent low light video at night or in low light conditions, enabled through the digital slow shutter, which incorporates frame integration to form the image.

The camera features unshielded twisted pair video output, enabling long distance video transmission up to 3000 feet. It can be remotely controlled using the RS485 comms port, via the on-screen display menu. This allows full access to the menus from a central PC where multiple cameras can be controlled and reconfigured by the user. This makes it quick and easy to set up and adjust the camera to meet the requirements of the scene.

The HCC484TPX colour camera is suitable for use on large site applications such as warehouses or car parks, long drives, and building perimeters.

Reader Service No 112

Miniatures unveiled

Genie has unveiled two new additions to its miniature dome camera portfolio, both of which are designed to resist the unwelcome attention of vandals.

Available in two models – the MVD253C (surface mount) and MVD253C/F (flush mount) – both cameras pack a host of advanced functions and are designed to provide outstanding picture quality. Both incorporate Sony 1/3-inch colour super HAD CCD image sensors with three-axis positioning and automatic back light compensation, white balance and gain control.

A wide range of lens options is available to customers, with a 4mm lens unit fitted as standard. The mini domes are weatherproof to IP66 standards, and can be wall or ceiling mounted.

Reader Service No 113

Tough, fast, and sturdy

Geutebrück's new high resolution GVD-860/2 day/night dome camera is designed to be tough and fast. The sturdy metal case has a polycarbonate vandal resistant dome and is IP66 weather-proofed.

It has a top speed of 400 deg/second between presets and accuracy of 0.225 deg, and its proportional speed control slows the head as it nears the target. fast moving objects are tracked accurately with the 3.6-82.8mm 23x zoom.

The ¼-inch CCD camera has a wide dynamic range, high light sensitivity, back light compensation, automatic daylight/IR switching with associated focus and colour adjustments. Other facilities include eight privacy masking zones and position-related text-insertion.

Reader Service No 114