Outdoor PTZ CCTV cameras– devices intended for operation in facilities with a large adjacent territory. Especially for this, they are equipped with a Ptz mechanism that can rotate to change the position of the lens and the direction of the optical system. The operator can remotely turn the system into desired position, and also zoom in or out on the screen. If you install high-speed video cameras, you can replace an entire fleet of stationary devices. You no longer have to carefully select a suitable location for installation and installation, taking into account not only the viewing angle when observing, but also the presence of a light source nearby. All presented models have built-in IR illumination. Depending on the characteristics of the lens, you can purchase an outdoor PTZ video surveillance camera with 10, 20 or 30x optical zoom. Recording and storing the incoming video stream can be done on a hard drive, internal memory card or in a cloud storage service. Thus, even if the connection between the outdoor video camera and the recorder is temporarily lost, you will completely keep all your recordings intact and safe.

Outdoor PTZ CCTV cameras with zoom

Outdoor PTZ video surveillance cameras with zoom are the best option for organizing a security system. Unlike stationary ones, they have higher image resolution and greater capabilities for remote access via the Internet. With their help, you can not only control the position of the lens or the scale of the observed object, but also carry out analytics of video recordings aimed at identifying unauthorized access. Therefore, models with PTZ will be an excellent solution for monitoring sites such as office buildings, government agencies or large stores.

Choosing an outdoor PTZ CCTV camera

If you are faced with the task of choosing high-speed PTZ video cameras, then for correct selection suitable equipment, it is recommended to pay special attention to the following characteristics. These are image resolution, lens rotation angle, optical zoom value and IR illumination power.

• The first thing to take into account is the image resolution and the rotation speed of the optical system. Today, you can find street PTZ surveillance cameras with zoom and a full hd matrix, as well as a lens rotation angle of 240°/s. These models allow you to clearly recognize objects at a distance of up to 300 meters.
• The second is the range of infrared illumination and the ability to automatically patrol the territory (ptz). The values ​​of these parameters indicate how effective the video camera will be in monitoring an object at night, as well as whether it can patrol and control the protected area without an operator.

Price of outdoor PTZ CCTV cameras

What to look for when choosing an IP camera

Selecting cameras for CCTV systems has always been a difficult task. A large number of parameters and types of cameras, different video compression formats, the ability to shoot in the dark and work outdoors. All this can confuse or even frighten a person who is not previously familiar with the world of video surveillance and IP cameras in particular. We at the NICS Computer Supermarket and our colleagues from TRENDnet understand this and are rushing to help! In this article, we will briefly introduce the main types of IP cameras and their applications, using TRENDnet cameras as examples.

IP cameras can be divided according to many parameters, both physical and software. In any case, such a division will be conditional, since you can always find a camera that falls into several categories. The structure of this review is as follows: in the first part we will briefly talk about the main characteristics of IP cameras that affect image quality, installation complexity and, ultimately, cost. We will then select five categories and illustrate them in typical representative from a variety of TRENDnet IP cameras.

Permission

IP cameras are digital devices, so one of the most important parameters responsible for image quality is resolution. The higher it is, the more details there will be in a video or photo from an IP camera. The resolution of an IP camera directly depends on the sensor used in it. Thus, a 0.3-megapixel CMOS sensor will allow you to record video with a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 pixels - such sensors are used in cameras entry level. If more is required a high resolution, then you need cameras with a 1-, 1.3- or 2-megapixel sensor, which, for obvious reasons, will cost more. Currently, in video surveillance technologies there is a gradual transition to 1-megapixel cameras (WXGA, or 720p). This is due, among other things, to the fact that the 1280x720 resolution is equivalent to the standard HD-READY TV resolution and, accordingly, significantly simplifies the multi-channel layout on wide-format monitors and video walls, which are used at video control posts and other facilities. Almost all modern IP cameras have a resolution of 1280x720.

Video encoding

The video stream received by the camera is compressed with a specific codec using the processor built into the camera. Depending on the processor performance, the camera can use one of three codecs - MJPEG, MPEG4 or H.264. The cheapest cameras use the MJPEG codec, a feature of which is the compression of each individual frame of the video stream using the JPEG image compression algorithm. This codec is the least demanding of camera processor resources, which is why it is used everywhere. However, the size of a video file compressed using MJPEG is several times larger than that of a video file compressed with more modern codecs.

More expensive cameras compress the video stream using MPEG4 or H.264 codecs. A video stream compressed by such codecs loads the network channel significantly less when transmitting video to network storage or a server for viewing video in real time. The video file, in turn, takes up less storage space, be it an FTP server or a memory card installed in the camera itself. Thus, if you are going to constantly record video, but do not want to take up a lot of storage space, then your choice is an IP camera with H.264 support. The table provides a more detailed comparison of codecs used in IP cameras.

Infrared illumination

Some cameras have infrared illumination - a necessary thing if you need to not only monitor the production process, but also see what is happening at night - for example, to facilitate the work of the security service. Please note that the presence of backlight does not guarantee high-quality viewing at night. If you will be viewing a large room, you need to choose a camera with maximum range backlight. If none of existing options does not suit you, you can take additional IR illuminators and any of the cameras with built-in illumination, since they are guaranteed to turn off the built-in infrared filter.

Pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ)

Sometimes it is necessary for the camera to rotate itself in the desired direction and enlarge the image. PTZ cameras have this capability (PTZ is an abbreviation for “Pan” - rotation, “Tilt” - tilt, “Zoom” - increase). The first two options allow you to expand the observation area. Magnification will allow you to see finer details at some distance, however, you should not expect the miracles that Hollywood filmmakers love so much: from a distance of 100 meters, you can see the time wristwatch, of course, it won't work. Please note that there are two types of zoom - optical and digital. The first provides the highest possible quality due to magnification due to the movement of lenses inside the lens, the second, on the contrary, noticeably degrades the quality of the image due to the fact that the effect is achieved by enlarging part of the frame using software.

Cloud technologies

Cloud cameras feature support for various cloud services that allow you to access the camera and view video in real time from anywhere you have an Internet connection. Typically, having a cloud service means having an application for mobile devices running Android and iOS.

A good example is free application TRENDnet CloudView. For access from a laptop or desktop computer, cloud cameras have their own web interface. Cloud IP cameras are often used for remote apartment monitoring. Even if you went on vacation or a business trip, all you need to check is a smartphone and an Internet connection.

Connection and setup

Setting up an IP camera may seem complicated, but in reality it is very simple. Each TRENDnet camera comes with a set software, which will allow you to access the camera interface and configure its settings. In addition, clear instructions will help you install and connect the camera correctly.

Optional equipment

In addition to cameras, a video surveillance system must have a server and storage system filmed video. To help you calculate the required parameters, our colleagues from TRENDnet have created a convenient calculator that will help you understand what equipment you will need when creating a system from scratch and which of your existing equipment can be used.

TRENDnet IP Cameras: Practice

Universal IP cameras

Typical representative: TRENDnet TV-IP450PI

IN this group includes cameras that can work in almost any conditions. Such cameras, as a rule, are flagships in manufacturers' IP camera lines and combine maximum amount technologies. The advantages of such cameras are obvious - they are universal and easy to use, capable of producing clear and high-quality images in a wide range of conditions. They have, by and large, one drawback - higher cost compared to IP cameras, which are designed for niche applications.

IP cameras with optical zoom

Typical representative: TRENDnet TV-IP612WN

This group includes all cameras that are equipped with an optical zoom lens. The presence of such a lens provides obvious advantages: when the image is enlarged, its quality does not deteriorate, but the number of details increases. IP cameras with optical zoom are used in cases where you need to consider the details of what is happening: people’s faces, car license plates, the presence of small objects in their hands, etc. As a rule, in addition to optical zoom, such cameras have the ability to automatically change the viewing angle. The use of PoE technology makes it possible to simplify the installation of IP cameras, because you do not need to run a second power cable to the camera, and you also do not need to look for an outlet nearby.

The TRENDnet TV-IP262PI IP camera doesn't just have PoE support. It is assembled in a dome housing, which makes it as compact as possible, has a built-in infrared illuminator, which allows you to shoot in complete darkness, and a 2-axis rotating mechanism for manually adjusting the initial position of the camera in the dome. This combination of characteristics makes the TV-IP262PI camera an ideal solution for video surveillance in rooms, small offices, corridors, etc.

Cloud IP Cameras

Typical representative: TRENDnet TV-IP862IC

In this case, the TRENDnet TV-IP862IC IP camera not only supports cloud services, but is also wireless, which makes installation and configuration easier. The rotating lens makes it easy to find the right camera position and see what really matters.

Outdoor cameras are used, as you might guess, for outdoor video surveillance. Such cameras are distinguished by a durable body and protection from dust and moisture. The degree of protection varies depending on external conditions and temperature delta, so the outdoor IP camera needs to be selected for your specific conditions. Typically, outdoor cameras are equipped with backlighting and PoE support for easier installation.

These are the advantages that TRENDnet TV-IP310PI has. It not only has protection from dust and moisture according to the IP-66 standard, but also has infrared illumination and PoE support. It has compact dimensions that allow it to be installed in the most suitable places and not attract unnecessary attention to the camera.

For observation at a distance of 100-200 m, special equipment is required that will help to obtain the best image detail at high magnification; this function is successfully performed by PTZ IP cameras with optical zoom for indoor or outdoor use with a degree of protection up to IP66. These models are considered the most convenient to use because they have the ability to remotely control horizontal rotation, tilting and magnification of the observation object from 6 to 40 times.

High-speed PTZ IP surveillance camera with built-in zoom lens is classified as to the last generation developments among security system equipment and has a high-tech package that includes:

• noise reduction functions, advanced dynamic range and digital image stabilization;
• maximum rotation speed up to 350° per second and 360° panoramic rotation;
• Russian-language user-friendly web interface with support for standard browsers, as well as the ability to control via a smartphone;
• two-way audio control, high quality images and videos, as well as remote viewing of recordings;
• water- and dust-proof housing and high degree anti-vandal protection.

Optical zoom will provide high-quality images at multiple magnifications

An outdoor PTZ IP camera with optical zoom is designed for use outdoors at temperatures ranging from -30 to +50. Equipped with a lens with automatic iris and focus adjustment, allowing you to change the distance and range of viewing angles from wide to narrow. It has a complex design and is considered more flexible in use, unlike a fixed lens. This option guarantees a detailed image when objects approach or move away. When choosing a PTZ video camera, it is necessary that technical characteristics An image stabilizer must be specified.

In addition to all the listed properties, a PTZ IP camera has the following advantages in operation:

• night vision with a range of up to 15 m;
• the ability to store a video archive;
• no need to purchase an expensive DVR.

Image quality is determined not only by the resolution and the presence of optical zoom, but also by other factors, including the characteristics and quality of the dome glass. Therefore, these models of PTZ IP cameras have a temperature stabilization system that reduces the risk of dome fogging and ensures uninterrupted operation.

Outdoor and indoor PTZ equipment with optical zoom

All outdoor IP cameras guarantee a panoramic and detailed view of the territory, as well as a full frame rate of the video stream, making it easy to detect and record any movement in the field of view of the equipment. The catalog of our online store in Moscow presents many models with optical zoom, among them: dome, cubic, cylindrical, as well as rotating internal cameras with many additional functions. By using such IP equipment over large areas, you can easily replace several standard cameras.

IP video surveillance using cameras with optical zoom involves monitoring large areas in the following areas:

• in shopping and warehouse complexes, large parking lots and parking lots;
• monitoring of urban infrastructure;
• when managing traffic flows.

Of particular importance is that the powerful zoom capabilities guarantee high-quality close-ups object for any weather conditions or in poor lighting.