Temple of dome

Pan-Focus lens

The VDC-DP7585P from Sanyo is a 520 TV lines Day/Night vandal resistant dome which is the first camera from the manufacturer to incorporate its Pan-Focus lens.

Sanyo says the lens keeps all objects in focus no matter how close or far away they are from the camera. The x2.6 lens depth of field is such that it does not require any manual focus adjustment to deliver clear images of the whole view.

Housed in an exceptional tough die-cast aluminium enclosure and a polycarbonate dome for extra durability, the VDC-DP7585P is IP66 rated and has "intelligent" backlight compensation and Sanyo's motion detection capability. It can be surface mounted on a wall, ceiling or even installed on a roof top application. There are also options to install the VDC-DP7585P with either RS485, coaxial control, or UTP video transmission (NVT) network capability.

A high resolution colour version will shortly be added to the range as well as an internal dome.

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High IP

IndigoVision claims that its new domes constitute "the first professional high-end IP Dome range".

The IP Domes incorporate a high quality Sony 480 camera module, slip-ring based 360 deg free rotation, robust pan, tilt and zoom mechanisms and IndigoVision's world-leading MPEG-4 encoder technology.

"This is the first IP Dome to incorporate a high-quality camera with leading edge compression/transmission technology," IndigoVision says.

Two versions are available: internal and external, with options for wall, ceiling and flush mounting on false ceilings.

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Performing chip

Samsung Techwin's SPD-3300 dome comes equipped with a 30x optical auto focus zoom lens, providing an overall motorised zoom capability of 240x with the built-in 8x digital zoom.

The camera achieves a minimum illumination of 0.4 lux in colour and 0.08 lux in mono. It also has day and night (ICR) capability, and provides colour images in significantly low lighting conditions at full frame-rate.

As with its other new cameras, Samsung Techwin provides SSNR as standard, which it claims offers "unrivalled low light performance and superb disk saving through proven noise removal".

"The SVIII chip also ensures superior low light capabilities associated with the fixed camera range from Samsung, as well as enhanced Wide Dynamic Range performance," the company says.

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Endless rotation

Sony's SNC-RX550P is its first intelligent network speed dome camera, offering 360 degree endless rotation for precise tracking.

"The new SNC-RX550P network speed dome camera is ideal for live monitoring situations where security operators need seamless 360 deg visibility alongside advanced functionality to prompt action support efficient workflow," says Sony UK channel manager Helen Sheldrake.

"In applications that are lightly manned, a combination of intelligent detection functionality and speed dome capability are even more advantageous when it comes to improving workflow."

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Going mini

Pelco has launched the newest member of its Spectra dome family – the Spectra Mini, which it claims is the world's smallest full-featured dome.

A 4.1-inch dome houses a high resolution colour integrated optics package, with 10x optical zoom and 8x digital zoom. It utilises Pelco's Proportional Pan and Tilt technology for precise camera control at full zoom.

Spectra Mini can continuously track subjects, even as they move directly below the camera's location. The spectra family on-screen menus allow setup of the Mini's 64 presets, single pattern and window blank features.

Mounting options are flexible and the Mini can be recessed or surface mounted out of the box with no additional hardware requirements. Pelco says the standard on-board UTP circuit and 24v power make installing the Spectra Mini simple.

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Indoor, outdoor IP

IndigoVision has developed a range of IP dome cameras for internal and external applications. The units are compatible with IndigoVision's 'Control Center' video and alarm management software and its range of NVRs.

The domes incorporate a Sony camera module, robust PTZ mechanisms and IndigoVision's MPEG-4 encoder technology. Options are available for wall mounting, ceiling mounting and flush mounting on false ceilings.

The domes only require local power and a single CAT 5 cable connection to the network.

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Outstanding performance

Panasonic has launched the WV-CW960 colour dome camera. The company says it "delivers outstanding performance for outdoor surveillance applications".

It features Panasonic's Super Dynamic III technology, and integrates weatherproof housing, a 360 degree high speed pan and tilt base, and a 30x optical zoom lens. It also features new intelligent functions, including Auto Image Stabiliser, Scene Change Detection, and Auto Tracking. The WV-CW960 is ready to use with one coaxial cable; transmitting video image signals, control data, synchronisation signals (VD2), and alarm signals over one cable up to 1,200m long. The system also supports RS-485 data communication for use over extended distances and with expanded services.

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Dynamic dome

The PIH-7625DWPF wide dynamic high speed dome from Merit Li-Lin is based on the successful PIH-7625, and offers several performance improvements and new features.

This version can have 16 character preset tiling for 64 presets, an automatic home position, and up to eight dynamic privacy zones.

"The slow speed shutter enhances the low light performance by increasing the number of stored fields from the CCD, effectively building up a brighter image from the available light and providing video down to 0.001 lux," the company says.

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Like a Hawk

Dynacolour has released its DynaHawk 500/600 mini domes and the 200 vandal proof dome camera. The 500 and 600 models are mini speed dome cameras designed for economical surveillance solutions, with features such as Speed by Zoom, and Back Light Compensation. They also have 256 preset points, eight sequence, four auto pan, and one cruise feature to support automatic operations. The DH 200 has been designed for harsh environment applications, and is rated to IP66. It features high sensitivity, low smear and high S/N ratio. It also has CCD Blemish Compensation, BLC, anti-colour rolling, AGC, flickerless mode, and built-in anti-aliasing optical low pass filter.

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Indoors and out

DM's Dennard 2060 outdoor and 2040 indoor IP domes have been designed to deliver all of the features and functionality of existing Dennard units, while also offering the advantages of built-in IP connectivity, out of the box, so allowing them to be controlled and recorded directly over an IP network.

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Advanced model

Cieffe claims its Nettuno dome is "the most advanced dome security camera".

The company says it implements the H.264 compression algorithm. "The synergy deriving from the use of ultra-low noise technology and the inherent separation of luminance and chrominance delivers a video signal quality never seen before and a level of detail with compression as much as 10 times greater than traditional approaches," Cieffe says.

"Nettuno Dome is a winning factor in high performance video surveillance systems, combining simplicity and flexibility with amazing performance in terms of video quality, fluidity and operability of the optical unit."

Reader Service No 129

Version excursion

Bewator has launched a new version of its popular Solaris dome camera. The latest version has several new and powerful features.

The most significant of the new features is the 'Back up/Restore' functions, which provide the ability to back-up configuration settings from the camera head and store them within the External Termination Unit, or XTU. This allows for quick and easy replacement of either the camera head or the XTU without the need to manually re-programme all settings.

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Going progressive

Dallmeier's DDF3000IPV-DN IP dome features the sensor concept of the Cam_in PIX technology, based on the progressive scan CMOS DPS chip generation.

"The ultra high dynamic range of the camera (102dB typical), the high resolution sensor technology (540 TVL) and the software developed especially for the security field provide clear, colour-true and detailed pictures without any blooming or smearing at all times," Dallmeier says.

Reader Service No 131

Dynamic Genie

Genie has added a new high resolution DNR colour mini dome camera to its range. The GD5351VA1 camera features a Sony 1/3-inch colour super HAD CCD image sensor, and also incorporates Genie's digital noise reduction technology to produce a high signal to noise ratio and prevent ghost effects. The new camera incorporates three axis positioning, day/night automatic selection, selectable electronic shutter control, selectable gain control, white balance and back light compensation, all accessed via a built-in OSD menu.

Reader Service No 132

Axis of good

The Axis 216FD fixed dome network camera is simple to install, and the manufacturer says its discreet, compact design provides effective protection against tampering and is easy to power-up using Power over Ethernet.

"The camera lens adjusts to any angle and even in low light the 216FD delivers crisp images at up to 30 frames per second," Axis says. "Two-way audio support is possible as it has a built-in microphone to listen in and communicate orders or requests back to visitors or intruders."

Reader Service No 133

24 hour protection

We Bench Tested Panasonic's WV-CS950 dome in January this year. This is what our experts had to say about it.

"Panasonic has managed to breathe new life into dome camera design with the CS950. It doesn't offer any significant new features or performance enhancements, but it does show that there is still room for improvement when it comes to drive mechanisms and cosmetics.

"The combination of a high-performance day/night camera, advanced video processing, flexible operation and that eye-catching housing has set a new standard for compact dome cameras and hopefully started a trend that other manufacturers will seek to emulate."

Reader Service No 134

Dome rangers

JVC's range of domes includes the day and night model TK-C676E, which is IR-switchable and has an easy focus function, 27x zoom lens, variable pan, tilt and zoom speeds, as well as auto-patrol, area title and motion detection capability.

The 360 deg endless panning dome camera, the TK-C655EB includes Super LoLux to capture sharp colour images, optional IR function, easy auto focus, 25x zoom lens, variable PTZ speeds, and auto patrol, area title and motion detection.

Reader Service No 135

Lite up your life

Vista's PowerDome Lite was Bench Tested by Security Installer in May this year. This is what we said about it: "The optics, electronics and mechanics all appear to be high-grade components and built to an impressively high standard.

"Camera performance and pan/tilt motion are both outstanding and it easily stands comparison with dome cameras three or four times its size, and several times the cost...

"The overall impression it gives is of a highly competent and remarkably compact dome camera and the few rough edges will be of only limited concern once the camera is in service, and hopefully earning its keep."

Reader Service No 136