Sony has announced four new CCTV cameras. They are: the SNC-HM662 and X series (SNC-XM632, SNC-XM636, SNC-XM637). All of the cameras encapsulate the best of Sony’s technology and expand Sony’s offering for new applications.
The SNC-HM662, pictured, is a 360 degree hemispheric-view Mini dome IP camera.
The SNC-HM662 makes it possible for users to have five megapixel (MP), high-resolution video and a 360-degree view of an area with just the one camera. It is the makers say suitable for indoor and outdoor uses such as in retail, campuses and commercial buildings. It can help users eliminate blind spots and enhance situational awareness, according to the manufacturers.
The product features a 360-degree panomorph lens from ImmerVision which is said to provide better clarity and resolution towards the edge of the lens, whereas traditional lenses it is claimed perform better in the centre. This camera is also optimised to maximise the sensor coverage resulting in a higher resolution where necessary. The SNC-HM662 also supports fast, responsive electronic pan/tilt/zoom (ePTZ) and 11 different viewing modes through the Sony Web viewer.
Ryan Kawashima, Strategic Marketing Manager for Video Security, Sony Europe, said: “As security needs have evolved, users expect an IP camera to provide usable video for multiple applications. Sony has developed the SNC-HM662 for that very reason. The circular field of view and five megapixel resolution means the camera’s images can be used on their own or used to complement any type of surveillance system and improve functionality.”
The SNC-HM662 is designed to be used with video management software so that ‘de-warping’ (correcting image distortion and straightening the viewed image) can be fulfilled on the client side. This feature lets viewers always see a complete overview of the recorded video scene, regardless of the live view being digitally cropped and zoomed to an area of interest. The client side ePTZ can be used for live capture and playback, so even events happening out of shot in the live view can be reviewed in playback. The SNC-HM662 also supports two-way audio with an optional microphone and speaker, power over Ethernet (PoE), and edge storage capabilities.
Sony’s SNC-HM662 camera is expected to be available from February 2014.
X Series IP Cameras
The three new X Series cameras are ruggedised, outdoor, Full HD minidome models. They are Sony’s first rugged IP cameras with image stabilisation and a built-in microphone, making them suitable the makers say for use on board buses and trains. All of the cameras include the IPELA ENGINE EX platform. This includes Sony’s wide-dynamic range View-DR, XDNR noise reduction, and frame rates 30 frames a second in full HD.
The SNC-XM632 is compliant with the ISO 16750 standard for bus surveillance. It is also suitable the makers add for outdoor applications such as retail, banking and education where the compact form and flat finish can blend with surroundings. The SNC-XM636 and SNC-XM637 are designed with different horizontal viewing angles (85 degrees and 115 degrees, respectively) and comply with the EN50155 and EN45545 standards for use aboard trains. All of the X Series cameras are rated as IK08 vandal resistant and Ingress Protection rated to be dust proof and protected from water due to jets (IP66).
The X Series cameras are expected to be available through Sony’s product distribution channel in February 2014.
