One of the market leaders in traffic cameras and network video systems has introduced six new pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) dome cameras that feature improved performance and efficiency, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
Swedish camera manufacturer Axis Communications has released six new models to its Q60 PTZ Dome Network Camera series for demanding video surveillance applications. The cameras, which provide exceptional coverage of wide areas, high detail when zooming in, and outstanding light sensitivity and dynamics, are ideal for city and highway traffic surveillance, transit terminals, logistics hubs and freight yards, and indoor or outdoor parking facilities. The top-of-the-line Q60 series now includes four models with focus recall, and also offers versions that include an enhanced processor for higher analytics capacity, and higher light sensitivity.
The focus recall feature, available in the Q6052/-E and Q6054/-E models, provides instant focus in predefined areas, making it easier to use a PTZ camera optimally in challenging light conditions. With focus recall, there is no need to manually focus or wait for the autofocus to adjust, a step that can take several seconds. Focus recall is especially beneficial in scenes with low contrast and point-shaped light sources, such as strong headlights from oncoming traffic. It is also useful in scenarios that require a lot of manual operation using a joystick.
The Q6055/-E units comes with several built-in Axis video analytic applications for greater efficiency or added business value, enabling time and cost reduction for the customer. Detection of incidents through automatic monitoring of the video feed enables instant alerts and integration of video data into other third-party applications, such as number plate recognition, from Axis’ partners contributes to business insights.
The new Q60 cameras deliver up to 36x optical zoom and up to 1080p resolution, depending on model. They all include day/night functionality, WDR and a memory card slot. The indoor models all offer two-way audio, audio detection, I/O ports, and 24V AC/DC power and IP52-rated protection against dust and dripping water. The rugged outdoor models are vandal resistant (IK10 rating) and have IP66- and NEMA 4X-rated protection against dust, rain and snow. They also feature Arctic Temperature Control, which ensures safe start-up at temperatures down to -40°C/°F, even after a power failure. The new cameras are the first cameras in Axis Q60 series to offer Zipstream, a H.264 compatible compression technology that reduces bandwidth and storage requirements by up to 50% even during camera movements. Zipstream provides control over bandwidth peaks, allows users to preserve more forensic detail where needed, and lowers installation and maintenance costs significantly.
“With these new PTZ cameras, we have raised the bar again in terms of performance and efficiency,” said Kent Fransson, global product manager at Axis. “The new features are ideally suited for the most demanding surveillance applications, both in regards to the required image quality, as well as the cameras’ operating conditions. And, with the addition of the highly efficient Zipstream technology, users will benefit from significant cost savings and bandwidth efficiency.”
