In cooperation with Seetec, GIT SECURITY tests current and new video cameras under standardised conditions in the test laboratory of the SeeTec Hardware Competence Center. The Hardware Competence Center was set up because the data and performance specifications of network cameras as stated by manufacturers are often measured under different conditions and are not always reliable in practice. The results provided a sound basis for planning IP video projects and help to avoid unpleasant surprises. For the testing procedure, video sequences are produced under defined lighting scenarios and are then evaluated. Here, movements in the picture as well as night and backlight situations are taken into consideration.

GIT SECURITY and Seetec did test the new IP Cameras Axis P3344 and Panasonic WV-NW 502. Here are the results:

Axis P3344

The Axis P3344 fixed dome network camera with tamper-proof housing is a fixed direction dome camera, which is specially designed for inconspicuous interior video surveillance. It provides 1 MP or HDTV 720p resolution and fulfils the SMPTE standard with regard to resolution, colour reproduction and image rate. The wide dynamic range and day and night functionality provides clear images both in daylight and under poor lighting conditions. Several H.264 video streams and motion JPEG video streams can be produced simultaneously, either at full image rate or individually optimised for various quality requirements and bandwidth restrictions.

Panasonic WV-NW503 and the WV-NP502

The vandal-proof fixed dome network camera WV-NW503 and the WV-NP502 network camera, which is equivalent except for the physical design and the lens, are new to the Panasonic range this year. Both cameras are equipped with the Panasonic Super Dynamic Technology. The cameras should provide jerk-free images with 1,280 x 960 pixels and excellent dynamic characteristics due to the combination of a 3 megapixel CCD and the Super Dynamic Digital Signal Processor (DSP). The cameras support the transmission of several parallel image streams (multiple streaming) and can transmit H.264/MPEG-4 and JPEG simultaneously, to enable both real-time surveillance and high resolution saved images.