IPVM Camera Testing Procedures

JH
John Honovich
•Published May 09, 2013 00:00 AM

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Comments (10)
Avatar
Vincent Tong
•May 09, 2013

I am interested in that multi camera mount. Where did you get it? Or was that custom built?

JH
John Honovich
•May 09, 2013
IPVM
In reply to Vincent Tong

Vincent, we custom built our original one, but the new one Ethan is using is off the shelf. I'll let Ethan comment on the specifics.

Avatar
Ethan Ace
•May 09, 2013
In reply to Vincent Tong

Hi Vincent. You're not the first to ask, so I'll put together more details, but the short of it is I use a tripod lighting stand, with PanaVise camera mounts attached. I originally drilled multiple holes through the crossbar for extra mounts (it has four holes pre-drilled), but I've since switched to using conduit holders clamped to it, because they can be rearranged. I also have a higher weight capacity stand I use when doing the thermal camera tests, since they typically weighed about 15 lbs. each.

Avatar
Vincent Tong
•May 09, 2013
In reply to Ethan Ace

Cool thanks this was exactly what i was looking for.

KB
Keith Becker
•May 09, 2013

John, what light meter are you using to measure lux? I am having a difficult time finding lux meters that read below 1.0 lux and would like to get a new one for our lab.

JH
John Honovich
•May 09, 2013
IPVM
In reply to Keith Becker

We use the Extech LT300 which I believe has 0.1 lux sensitivity. At Sony's ISC West low light demo, they used a Gossen Mavolux 5032c usb. The Extech model we used costs ~$150, the Mavolux ~$900.

If anyone has any opinions of lux meter preferences, I am all ears. While that Extech has been solid the last few years, we are open to switching.

Btw, anyone who wants to learn more about lux meters, see our tutorial on using lux meters.

Avatar
Wanchai Siriwalothakul
•May 10, 2013
Smart Entry Systems • IPVMU Certified

How do I submit cameras to be tested?

JH
John Honovich
•May 10, 2013
IPVM
In reply to Wanchai Siriwalothakul

Wanchai, thanks, this leads to the broader question of "How Does IPVM choose what to test?" As a background for all manufacturers, I recommend IPVM for PR/Marketing People.

Manufacturers cannot submit cameras. While we sometimes accept loaners, we do not need nor 'want' cameras.

There are probably 5,000+ IP camera models currently available, so it's completely infeasible to test broadly. We focus on picking models that claim or look to be different. It could be higher pixel count, low light performance, different form factor, rare feature sets, low price, et.

We also listen to members. Right now, member's most common request top for a manufacturer to test, who we have not done yet, is Dahua.

If a manufacturer wants to suggest their cameras, best thing to do is send us an email explaining what differentiators justify coverage.

FP
Frank P De Fina
•Oct 10, 2013

Thank you, John.

Jv
J v E
•Feb 05, 2016
IPVMU Certified

Do you also set frame rates to specific values like 20fps@1080p? Or are you always using the default values?

I would like to test cameras here in my office as well, so I am looking for a how-to-do-it correctly. Any other suggestions, or manuals for this?