Camera Course Fall 2021 Overview
This is the only independent surveillance camera course, based on in-depth product and technology testing.
Lots of manufacturer training exists but none of it really teaches the underlying technologies and tradeoffs of current 2021 camera technology. This IPVM course solves this.
Camera Course Video Introduction
What the IPVM Camera Course Covers
In 12 sessions, updated for 2021, including new training on AI, we cover surveillance cameras extensively.
(1) Basic Lenses
The course starts with the fundamentals - lens length, FoV/AoV, varifocal vs fixed focal, and focusing - to make sure everyone understands how to use, calculate and plan coverage area.
(2) Advance Lenses
We then proceed to F stops, DoF, lens irises, and shutter speed so attendees understand the impact on low light performance and image quality.
(3) Image Quality
With lensing covered, we turn to resolution and compression, breaking down quantization levels, quality tradeoffs, and measuring image quality variances.
(4) Streaming
Covering codecs (H.265, H.264, etc.), smart codecs, and streaming modes (MBR, VBR, CBR), we explain the tradeoffs between bandwidth, image quality, and network impact. [NOTE BANDWIDTH MOVES HERE]
(5) WDR / FPS / AGC / DNR
Here we teach the differences across WDR performance, show the impact of frame rate increases (up to 120fps) and explain the critical role and side effects of gain control and digital noise reduction (2DNR, 3DNR, etc.).
(6) Low Light
Covers D/N, IR, Integrated IR, Smart IR, 'super' low light, and thermal, contrasting these options and teaching the pros and cons of each one.
(7) PPF
We teach how to use PPF / PPM correctly, what mistakes to avoid and how to incorporate this to improve the quality of your designs.
(8) AI / Smart Cameras
New for 2020, we explain the options and tradeoffs amongst cameras offering VMD, video analytics, ‘AI’, ‘Deep Learning’ including performance issues, hardware options, and future trends.
(9) Form Factors
Covers domes, minidomes, turrets, boxes, bullets, PTZs, and cubes, plus IK and IP ratings, explaining the tradeoffs and key reasons for using one vs the other.
(10) Panoramic And PTZs
Fisheye, multi-imager panoramics, and PTZs are the most common choices for covering wide areas. We examine the tradeoffs amongst them, including resolution, range, usability, low light, and more.
(11) ONVIF / API & SDKs
Learn what API and SDKs are, going through practical examples of camera and VMS manufacturer's APIs. Plus, understand ONVIF S, G, C, Q, and T profiles, breaking down the strengths and limitations of these offerings.
(12) Camera Selection
In our capstone session, we pull all of the training together, showing you how to select and use different camera technologies in common scenarios including parking lots, offices, hallways, entrances, license plates, and more.
Who Should and Should NOT Take this Course
Even if you have lots of hands-on experience with surveillance cameras and manufacturer training, you should take this course. It teaches cameras at much greater depth than what regular fieldwork or product-specific training provides.
However, if you have no experience with IP cameras, you should not take this course unless you can commit to spending 10 to 15 hours per week studying. We have had many people take this course without experience and do very well, but only if they dedicate sufficient time to studying. You cannot pass this course simply by reading a few hours the night before the exam.
Course Instructor
The course will be lead by John Scanlan from IPVM. In addition to heading up several
training courses, John is an integral contributor to video coverage and testing. Before coming to IPVM, John worked as a FE for several retailers & banks, owned a small business dealing communications equipment to hedge funds, and before that was a regional IT Manager.
John will lead each session, with others from IPVM moderating questions and providing feedback on related IPVM research and testing.
Course Calendar
The Camera course will meet live online, starting August 31st, 12 times over 6 weeks (Tuesday and Thursday for 1 hour from 11am ET to 12pm ET).
Recorded Sessions
All sessions are recorded and posted for viewing on-demand anytime the same day the session is held.
Certification
At the end of classes, you will take a comprehensive final exam including multiple-choice and essay questions. If you pass, you will become IPMVU Camera certified (see list of IPVM Certified Professionals).
More About IPVM Courses
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