Wireless IP Camera buying guide - From Image Quality to Progressive scan

How to select best Wireless IP Camera? I know you may read many articles about this topic, but I'd like to share my some thoughts on this selection of Wireless Camera. Choosing the appropriate IP camera including many factors. IP cameras are widely used in many fields including industrial, military, civilian...etc. Today, we are going to narrow its scope, and merely discussing the selection of IP cameras for home. No perfect solution, only good camera to meet your needs, let me share my thoughts.

There are biggest 7 factors you should consider when choosing a Wireless IP Camera:

1. Image quality

Image quality is the most important feature of any camera. This is particularly so in surveillance and monitoring applications, where lives and property may be at stake. Superior image quality enables users to more closely follow details and changes in images, making for better and faster decisions. It also ensures greater accuracy for automated analysis and alarm tools, such as object recognition. When assessing image quality be sure to research the following factors: light sensitivity, the crispness of moving objects, and the clarity level. A camera’s datasheet will tell part of the story, but it is a good idea to field test a few cameras before making a decision. In addition, there are some simple steps you can take to ensure high quality images - use enough light, avoid backlight and reduce contrast whenever possible. It is also critical to take into account the location of the cameras, especially if the cameras will be used outdoors. An auto iris lens, which automatically adjusts the amount of light that reaches the image sensor, should always be used for outdoor applications. Direct sunlight should always be avoided. Mount the camera high above the ground to avoid a contrast effect from the sky. If the camera is mounted behind glass, the lens must be placed close to the glass to avoid reflections.

2. Power over Ethernet (PoE) 

In most buildings today, TCP/IP infrastructure is available by means of Cat 5 and 6 cabling. The cabling can be used for fast transport of data, and the distribution of power to devices connected to the network, using PoE technology. PoE reduces installation costs by eliminating the need for power outlets at the camera locations and enables easier application of uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) to ensure continual operation, even during a power outage. PoE technology is regulated by the IEEE 802.3af standard and is designed to not degrade the network data communication performance. When evaluating PoE-enabled network cameras, it is important to look for those that are based on the IEEE standard, to ensure that any brand network switch can be chosen, providing a truly open system.

3. Progressive scan

Progressive scan capability is found only in network cameras,but not all network cameras have this functionality. Progressive scan involves exposing and capturing the entire image simultaneously, as opposed to analog interlaced scanning which is the exposing and capturing of only half of the lines in the image and then the other half 17msec later. With interlaced scanning, if an object is moving the image will become blurry. In a progressive scan image all lines are scanned in perfect order so there is virtually no “flickering” effect. While interlaced scanning may be sufficient under certain conditions, progressive scan technology allows for far better image quality on moving objects. In a surveillance application, this can be critical in enabling the user to view detail within a moving image such as a person running away or the license plate on a moving vehicle. When cameras capture moving objects, the sharpness of the frozen images depend on the technology used, and progressive scanning consistently produces the best results in clarity and recognizing important details.

4. JPEG/MPEG4 standards

It is important for any network camera to follow JPEG and MPEG-4 standards in their entirety. Many vendors claim compliance with a standard, but do not adhere to that standard 100 percent. Full adherence ensures the flexibility to use video for many different applications. It also guarantees that you can view the video many years from now. If a camera uses one company’s proprietary compression technology and that company goes out of business, the video will be unreadable in the future. Also, if a company is following the MPEG-4 standards, ask if the licensing fees are paid, and how many licenses are included with each product. Proprietary compression technologies are also not always admissible in court, an im portant consideration for security and surveillance applications.

5. Day or night surveillance

Certainly, you want the camera watch your home at day/night. A day/night IP cam can provide you color images at day, and B/W (Black and White) images at night. What does make camera see at night? Typically, similar to our human eyes, camera also can't see under complete darkness. The camera utilizes infrared illuminator to help them see at night. Infrared light is invisible light for human being, but image sensor can see, with this feature, it becomes ideal light sources for cameras. How far the illumination of Infrared determines the night vision range. For interior protection, the night vision range shouldn't less than 5 meters, 10 meters is the minimum range for outdoor monitoring.

6. Extensive support of Video Management Applications 

The security industry migration to network video includes the use of open systems and platforms. Make sure to select a network camera that has open interfaces (an API or Application Programming Interface), which enables a large variety of software vendors to write programs for the cameras. This will increase your choices in software applications and will ensure that you are not tied to a single vendor. Your choice of network camera should never limit vendor options and functionalities.

7. Audio

If audio is required, consider whether one- or two-way audio is needed. Axis network cameras with audio support come with a built-in microphone and/or an input for an external microphone and a speaker or a line out for external speakers. Integrating audio into a surveillance system makes it possible for personnel to hear and speak with possible perpetrators. It can be easily integrated with video management systems. From a surveillance point of view it can also be used as an independent detection method triggering recordings and alarms when audio passes a certain threshold. 

Below is one of the most popular Home Security Cameras on the market.

JH08 Wireless IP Camera allows you to view your home on the monitor or remotely from anywhere in the world on a computer or smart phone, giving you instant monitoring from your Phone or Pad. It also offers both sound and motion sensors. Users can set the system to automatically record footage upon activation of the sensors.One wireless IP camera is equivalent to a set of CCTV system. More details at Jimi official store.