Axis Communications is with-
out doubt one of the biggest
manufacturers in the field of
network cameras, and since
its creation in 1994 the com-
pany has delivered many innovative
designs to the market. Its latest 221
Network Camera takes surveillance to
the next level as not only can it function
in any lighting condition, but it also
offers simultaneous, Motion-JPEG and
MPEG-4 playback with support for
Power over Ethernet, with one of the
fastest frame rates currently available.
Build quality is superb as the alumini-
um body is very well engineered. It uses
a decent Pentax lens with manual focus
and zoom controls and the small power
cable on the body allows the camera to
automatically adjust the iris for chang-
ing lighting conditions. The bundled IP
Utility makes installation a cinch, as it
searches the network for Axis cameras
and displays them ready for initial con-
figuration. Once it has an IP address
assigned, you can access the camera
via Internet Explorer over HTTP or
secure HTTPS sessions.
The browser interface is very easy to
use and opens with a live view. The 221
employs a Sony progressive scan CCD
sensor, as opposed to the interlaced
varieties used in analogue cameras -
and it shows, as once the focus had
been adjusted correctly, we found over-
all picture quality the best we've yet
seen from any IP camera. Supported
frame rates are out of this world as the
221 runs at up to 45 frames per second
(fps) for all supported resolutions and
can even deliver 60fps at the lower 480
x 360 pixel setting. The bottom line is
that this allows the 221 to deliver an
extremely smooth video feed which can
pick up even fast moving objects.
In Motion-JPEG playback, up to twenty
users can access the camera simulta-
neously; user and group administration
maintained on the camera determine
whether they can simply view the image
or access the camera controls. There's
no user limit in multicast MPEG-4
mode, but bear in mind that each user
will require a valid license. Bandwidth
consumption can be a concern for
administrators, but a number of options
are provided for limiting the impact
these cameras can have on the net-
work. Selecting a lower resolution helps,
but image compression can be
increased - and you can also determine
the length of time the video stream is
active for and limit the frame rate for
multiple viewers.
The camera incorporates an infra-red
sensor, allowing it to switch to a mono
image in very low light levels; and Axis
offers optional infra-red illuminators, so
that areas can be discretely monitored
in the pitch black. A removable IR-cut
filter is also fitted, allowing colour
images to be displayed under IR light-
ing. This can be removed if you want a
high quality mono image at night
instead. Motion detection also comes
into the frame, and you can specify up
to ten areas in the video image where
you want motion to be detected or
ignored. The size and position of each
object can be customised, as can the
camera sensitivity and how long detec-
tion is to be triggered for. Event actions
are comprehensive, as motion triggers
can be used to download images to an
FTP or HTTP server and email them to
multiple recipients. I/O connector
blocks on the rear of the camera can
also be used to trigger an event if an
external security device, such as a door
sensor or alarm is activated.
There's no denying that Axis network
cameras just keep getting better - and
the 221 is one of the best yet. It delivers
excellent image quality plus top frame
rates and works in any lighting condi-
tion, making it ideally suited to a wide
range of IP-based, surveillance applica-
tions. NC
Product:
221
Day
&
Night
Network
Camera
Supplier:
Axis
Communications
Tel:
0870
162
0047
Web
site:
www.axis.com
Price:
£699
exc
AXIS COMMUNICATIONS
221 DAY & NIGHT
NETWORK CAMERA
PRODUCT review
Free Copies at www.networkcomputing.co.uk/register
NetworkComputing
