Network Cameras

Andrew Brandt

Wyman St.block captain

NCPC*at*amishrabbit*dot*com

As an introduction...

● PC World contributing editor

● Specialize in computer security & privacy

● I don't work for any of the companies whose products are represented here

● I do use these myself, at home

● We don't have time to cover all the companies that make these types of cameras

Network Cameras● What they can & can't do

● Product comparisons

● Technical requirements

● Setup

● Costs involved

Network vs. CCTV cameras(the good)

Network CameraPros

● Ethernet cable● Existing network● Inexpensive storage

(hard drives & flash memory cards)

● Decent picture quality

CCTVPros

● TV cable

● Inexpensive storage (VHS video tapes)

● Decent picture quality

Network vs. CCTV cameras(the bad)

Network CameraCons

● More features and better picture quality costs a bit more

● Setup can be complicated (but you only have to do it once)

CCTVCons

● Prohibitively expensive to buy

● So-so picture quality (can you ID the perp from a fuzzy tape?)

● Daily management

Network vs. CCTV cameras(the wrapup)

Network Camera

● Easier setup

● Can control cameras over the net from anywhere

● Much simpler recording management

CCTV

● Difficult setup

● Can't (cheaply) be remotely controlled; sharing = tapes

● Requires you to manually change & store bulky tapes

So...

In my opinion, network cameras are far superior

to 'traditional' CCTV cameras for

a variety of reasons.

Let's compare features

● Wired and wireless cameras

● Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) vs fixed-position

● Mounting options

● Image storage & networking

● Remote control panels & user interface

Wireless vs Wired

Wired● Requires some data

cabling

● On some models, power and data travel on one wire

● Very dependable

Wireless● Requires Wi-Fi

gateway to work

● You still have to run electricity to the cam

● Not always entirely dependable, due to Wi-Fi problems

Each has its advantages and drawbacks

Pan-tilt-zoom vs fixed position

Fixed● You have to manually

aim the camera

● Motion detection triggered only by true motion

● Subject to weather-related misalignment

PTZ● You can redirect it at

different locations

● Panning is often slow and kind of clunky

● Better for watching multiple spots (but not at the same time)

More advantages and drawbacks

Mounting your camera

● Orbital mount (ball and socket)

● Wall and ceiling brackets

● Weatherproof housings

● Window mounts (suction cups)

● Good old-fashioned camera tripod

Image storage:Not all cameras do all of these

● FTP (file transfer protocol) Sends images over the 'net to a server

somewhere Doesn't have to be at your home

● Local file server Images go to a 'server' (a computer) on the

same network● Emailed file attachments● Built-in flash memory● Removable flash memory cards in the

camera

Control panels

● All cameras let you adjust the following: Brightness and contrast Image size and compression "Triggers" to take photos (timed and/or motion) Basic network settings they need to function

● Some have additional features: Built in microphone and/or speaker Can compensate for changing lighting conditions

(DC iris) Support for multiple users, with different

permissions for each user

Let's look at the cameras

It's about time

Axis 20x serieswww.axis.com

● Extremely small cameras with decent image quality (640x480)

● Prices around $300 for Axis 207w● True network camera-does not require PC● 20x series cannot FTP images● Wired and wireless models available● Manually-focusable lens● Not weatherproof - mount in sheltered spot● Well-established Swedish company with a

track record for high quality products, and good service and support

Axis 21x and 22x serieswww.axis.com

● Standard-size cameras with very good to excellent image quality (640x480)

● Prices start around $500 for Axis 210● Wired and wireless ● Can FTP, email, or move files to server● Manually-focusable and -zoomable lenses

with DC iris; hookups for passive IR receiver● Some are weatherproof (housing anyway)● Extremely reliable-run for years without

needing any management whatsoever

Toshiba network camerastoshiba.com/taisisd/security● Standard and dome-style cameras with good

to very good image quality (640x480 to 1280x960)

● Prices start around $470 for IK-WB02A● Wired and wireless ● Optional SD flash memory card slot● No focus, digital zoom, pan-and-tilt● Most are weatherproof● User interface is quirky● Definitely would be noticed: They're big

Swann Max-IP Camwww.swann.com.au

● Smallish standard-size camera with OK image quality (640x480)

● $250 (available online)● Wired model only● Manual focus● Not weatherproof● Includes built-in infrared illumination (nice

feature!)● Upload images or store on SD card in cam● Established Australian CC camera company

making an intro to the US with this product

Mobotixwww.mobotix.com

● Large cameras that look kind of like the "Number 5" robot from the movie Short Circuit

● Models include one or two lenses, speaker and microphone, passive IR detector

● Wired & wireless models● Manual focus, wide-angle, daylight & infrared● Most are weatherproof, built like a tank● German company makes security cameras used by

many European & Asian banks● Really, really attention-getting● Expensive: Prices start at $1200

Veo Wireless Observerwww.veo.com

● Smallish, odd-sized (UFO on a cone) camera with OK image quality (640x480)

● $350 (available from mfr. website only)● Wired & wireless models● Fixed-focus lens, built in microphone● Not weatherproof● Comes with wall mount● Almost all Veo network cameras are PTZ● Has a few gimmicky features (LCD display

on cam for IP setup, external antenna)● Requires Windows to view images (bleh!)

WiLife LukWerkswww.lukwerks.com

● SRP is $300 for a starter kit, sold online or at Radio Shack ($230 for add'l cameras)

● Cool window mount● Screwy requirements:

a Windows PC● The PC has to be on all the time for it to record● All recording is done using software running on the

always-on PC● It won't work on Macs

a wired network hub or router with a free ethernet port

(but it's not precisely a wired camera)

Other companies that make or sell rebranded network cameras● D-Link -- haven't been impressed● Panasonic -- expensive● StarDot Technologies● Hawking Technologies● IQeye -- very pricey but amazing quality● Linksys -- bizarre-looking egg-shaped model● Q-SEE -- many models, some rebranded

from other OEMs● Googling "network cameras" will get you

135,000,000 results

Other considerations

● If several people decide on a single company's product to buy, we could easily negotiate a bulk order discount.

● Do we make the images from everyone's cameras available on a Web site? (it's easy to do)

● Do we let everyone see the images, or just certain people?

● Who pays for the online image storage?

Questions?

● Andrew BrandtNCPC [at] amishrabbit [dot] com

Thanks!