Best / Worst Camera Manufacturer Installation Shootout: Which Criteria To Test On?

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Brian Rhodes
•Aug 01, 2018
IPVMU Certified

We are planning a 'shootout' of camera installation / ease of installation.  We want to evaluate camera install criteria and features that are most important.

The first models we'll test are indoor domes. These parameters will be evaluated for sure:

  1. The Quality & Size of Hardware and Captive Screws 
  2. Design/Quality of Gimbals
  3. Usability of Safety Tethers/Wires
  4. Quality/Accuracy of Mounting Bases/Sticker Templates
  5. Size/Mandatory use of Cable Whips (ie: options to remove them?)

We are planning to test in common install locations, like drywall, ceiling tiles, masonry block walls, and so on.

IPVM recently surveyed 140+ integrators of both Top Features For Easy Camera Installation (Statistics) and Worst Features for Camera Installation (Statistics), and our preliminary list is based what integrators reported as important.

But, what other aspects or criteria should we include for indoor domes?  Image flip? Corridor Mode? Housing color options?

Thanks!

UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #1
•Aug 01, 2018

Indicator to show front direction, how much rotation/blind spot at back

Interior casing / protection - No exposed circuit boards/shock risk. 

Vandal screws/vandal rating 

Guide or marking to indicate dome cover attachment 

Alarm /low voltage / audio io /analog video output options.

JH
John Honovich
•Aug 07, 2018
IPVM

Include Install Pet Peeve: Loose Dome Gaskets

UI
Undisclosed Integrator #2
•Aug 07, 2018

Use the standing on top of a tall ladder in a commercial freezer test.  That’s how installers and service techs judge a product. 

How many times up and down the ladder?

How many little parts to hunt for when dropped?

How many different tools for one device?

How many different tools for 3 similar products from the same manufacturer?

Can I keep my gloves on?

These are questions techs care about. 

(1)
UM
Undisclosed Manufacturer #3
•Aug 08, 2018

How will you sum up all the different lines a manufacturer has? Lower cost models may be harder to install, but a higher cost line "camera family" of the same manufacturer might be much easier to install. For example, motorize lens with auto-focus button and/or PTRZ, modular design, or integrated recess brackets make installation much faster and easier, but cost more or are available on only a few cameras. 

-included documents/tools/accessories 

-Versitility of backplate to mount on junction boxes

-ease of unpacking.

-ease of setting up in lab for burn in and preconfiguring before installation. (I think one brand has a punchout in the camera box to access the rj45 port?)

 

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