mule-ga:
Thank you for your Question regarding outdoor Ethernet cameras with
web-browser interfaces.
There are various options available to you, depending on your specific
needs. I will outline these options, along with examples of units that
would work for each situation.
Situation 1: Outdoor, Sheltered Location
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In this situation, the camera will be used to monitor an outdoor area,
but will be mounted in a sheltered location so that its exposure to
the elements is not extreme. In a situation such as this, almost any
Ethernet camera can be used, as long as some form of shelter is
provided. Consider a unit such as the Panasonic KX-HCM230 or KX-HCM270
(same as 230, but with Wi-Fi). This unit has pan, tilt, but no zoom.
It features a built-in web server and e-mail server, frame capture and
video streaming, and has various outdoor mounting options.
Panasonic KX-HCM230 Information:
http://panasonic.co.jp/pcc/products/en/netwkcam/lineup/hcm230.html
Here is a link to an online supplier:
http://www.123securityproducts.com/tcneca.html
Situation 2: Outdoor, Exposed Location
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In this second situation, the camera housing design must be more than
splash-resistant, it has to handle direct exposure to rain, sunlight,
wind, and everything else that Mother Nature can throw at it. Key
things to look for in this situation include a sunshade for the camera
lens, and wireless networking options to limit your cabling needs to
just power. A very useful feature to look for is infrared
capabilities, since you are likely not to have access to sources of
light in an exposed location. A good example of a unit that is
designed for this type of situation is the ExtremeCCTV EX82DXL-IP.
This is an industrial unit, that in many ways is close to military
specifications. I've actually visited the manufacturer on several
occasions, and can attest to their can-do attitude in working with
their end-customers to ensure that products fulfill the role for which
they are intended. However, this particular unit does not have
wireless networking built-in, nor does it have pan/tilt control.
ExtremeCCTV EX82DXL-IP:
http://www.extremecctv.com/products/index.cfm?img=50
online supplier:
http://www.123securityproducts.com/tcneca.html
Situation 3: Extreme Exposure/Vandalism Threat
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If the camera will be mounted somewhere where you are concerned about
violence directed at the camera itself, consider using a camera that
is mounted inside a toughened housing. An example of a camera that has
a full line of accessories including a toughened housing is the Sony
RZ30N. A bit more expensive, but you can mount this unit just about
anywhere (hot, cold, wet, dry, variable air pressure), and it can take
advantage of wireless networking to reduce your cabling needs to just
power. No infrared capabilities, though.
Sony RZ30N:
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/Professional/webapp/ModelInfo?m=10001&sm=0&p=2&sp=20075&id=67347
online supplier:
http://www.webcamproshop.com/product/main.asp?pro_id=119
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Therefore, depending on your needs and the situation you will be
placing the camera into, one of these solutions should work.
I hope you found this information useful. Please let me know if there
is any additional clarification you require.
Regards,
aht-ga
Google Answers Researcher
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Search Strategy:
IP camera surveillance outdoor
(along with personal knowledge and experience) |
