20 May 2010
New range of CCTV dome cameras from Axis displayed at IFSEC 2010
Axis Q6034-E PTZ dome network camera, a top-of-the-line, outdoor-ready HDTV camera

Axis Communications, a global market leader in the network video market, introduced a series of high-performance, outdoor-ready pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) domes, including two HDTV models, for demanding surveillance applications such as city surveillance, airports, harbours and outdoor stadiums, at IFSEC 2010.

"Axis' successful PTZ camera design now enables not only easy and reliable installation in demanding weather conditions, but also outstanding HDTV coverage of large areas and great detail when zooming in," said Phil Doyle, Regional Director for Northern Europe, at Axis. "The new PTZ network cameras will offer customers greater choice of quality PTZ domes, with different performance and price levels to meet different installation needs."

The outdoor-ready surveillance cameras range from top-of-the-line Axis Q6034-E PTZ dome with high-speed pan/tilt performance and HDTV 720p, to Axis P5534-E PTZ dome, which also offers HDTV 720p, and Axis P5532-E PTZ dome with D1 resolution (720 x 480/576 pixels).

The HDTV 720p performance of Axis Q6034-E and Axis P5534-E is in compliance with the SMPTE 296 M standard regarding resolutions, full frame rate, HDTV colour fidelity and 16:9 format. The 18x zoom in combination with the HDTV resolution on the HDTV PTZ domes provides zoomed-in views that offer not only the same level of detail as a 36x-zoom, standard resolution camera, but also the extra advantage of a wider (16:9) field of view.

All three cameras have automatic day and night functionality, enabling superb image quality round the clock. The PTZ cameras provide H.264 video compression format, which greatly optimises bandwidth and storage use without compromising image quality. Motion JPEG is also supported for increased flexibility.

The HDTV 720p performance of Axis Q6034-E and Axis P5534-E is in compliance with the SMPTE 296 M

Intelligent features offered by the Axis P55-E Network Camera series include the Advanced Gatekeeper functionality, which enables the cameras to automatically pan, tilt and zoom in to a pre-set position when motion is detected in a pre-defined area and return to the home position after a set time. Axis Q6034-E's Active Gatekeeper offers a similar function, but with the added ability to follow the detected objects. The auto-tracking feature in Axis Q6034-E can also be used as an alarm trigger.

The easy installation features incorporated in all three PTZ domes enable significant reduction in installation costs. They do not require an external housing since they are delivered out-of-the-box ready for installation outdoors. They have IP66 and NEMA 4X ratings for protection against water and dust, and are equipped with built-in heater, fan and sunshield. The Axis P55-E cameras can operate in temperatures ranging from -20 °C to 50 °C (-4 °F to 122 °F). Axis Q6034-E, meanwhile, can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 50 °C (-40 °F to 122 °F) with Arctic Temperature Control, which allows the camera to not only function at -40 °C (-40 °F) but also power up at that temperature following a power failure.

The cameras and the mounting brackets (sold separately) are also designed with a bayonet connector, which allows the cameras to be quickly mounted to the brackets with a simple twist of the cameras into position.

The PTZ domes are powered through high Power over Ethernet (High PoE), which simplifies installation since only one cable is needed for carrying power, as well as video and pan/tilt/zoom controls. With high PoE, the camera can continue to operate even during a power failure as the network can be connected to an Uninterruptible Power Supply. A high PoE mid-span is supplied with the cameras.

With a built-in SD/SDHC memory card slot, recordings can be stored locally on all three cameras. The high-performance network cameras offer advanced network capabilities for improved security, efficiency and manageability.

The new PTZ cameras are supported by the industry's largest base of video management software through the Axis Application Development Partner programme as well as by Axis Camera Station. Axis Q6034-E, Axis P5534-E and Axis P5532-E will be available to order in July 2010.