Avigilon H4 HD Cameras Released

By: John Honovich, Published on Feb 01, 2016

Avigilon has announced a new generation of cameras, the H4.

In this note, based on speaking with Avigilon, we examine what is new, what has changed and how this impacts Avigilon's competitive positioning.

******** *** ********* * new ********** ** *******,*** **.

** **** ****, ***** on ******** **** ********, we ******* **** ** new, **** *** ******* and *** **** ******* Avigilon's *********** ***********.

[***************]

Existing ******** ***** *******

** ********** *** *** H4 ****, ****** *** existing * ****** ** Avigilon ***** *******:

  • ** *********- ***** **** ******, lower **** ********
  • ** *** *** - mid ***** ****** **** options **** *** ******* analytics (*.*., '*')
  • ** ***- **** *** ****** with *********** **** ** to ** (****)

 *** ** ** *** successor *** ** / H3A, ***** *** ***** two ****** ****** ** is.

H4 *** ************

**** *** **** ******* improvements *** *** ** series **** *** ** / ***:

  • ******** *** ***** ** 1MP ** *** ****** ("LightCatcher"), ******** *** ** 1MP ** *** ******
  • ********* ******** ** *** cameras, *********** *** ** vs *** ********
  • ******** ** * ** (non-Pro) ****** **** **** use * ******* ****** than *** *** ***** *** offer ********** **** *** outdoor ******* *** ***** cost *** ******* *****
  • ***** ****** ** ****; previously ** ****** **** did *** **** ********** IR
  • **** *.* *** *** and ** ****** **** ONVIF *** *** ****** (like **)

******** ** **** ******** some **** ** ************ improvements, *********:

  • ***** **** ** *** HD ****** ****** ******** box
  • ******-****** ************ *** **-******* dome ******
  • ******** *** ******* ****** included **** ******/******* ******* mount *****
  • ********* **** ****** ******* (seen ** *********** ** *********** ******, ** ****)

******* ****** ** ****** these ******** *********, ** are *** **** *** much ** ** *********** they ***** ***.

**** ***** ****

*** ** ******* **** support ********* ******* ******* an '**** ***** ****'. When ****** ** *** detected, **** **** ****** reducing *** ********* ***/** increasing *** *********** *****. Depending ** *** ****** level ** * *****, this ***** ******* *********** bandwidth *******. **** ** somewhat ** * '***** codec' ****** ** *** a *** *********** ******** to**** *********:

  • ** ******* **** ***** is ****** ****** **** Zipstream ***** *** ***** provide ******* **** ******** compression *** ***** **** are ****** ****** ******
  • *** ********* ***** **** Avigilon **** ***** **** whereas ********* ***** ********* the **** **** ********* / ********** *** * frame ********

Pricing *** ************

******** **** **** ******* will ** ******* ******* to ** ******* ****** differences **** ***** ********* on *** *****.

** ******* ****** **** ~$500 *** **** *** 1.0 ********* ****** *****, to ***** $*,*** *** outdoor *** ******.

*** ******* ********** ** H4 ******* ** *** inclusion ** *********, ***** previously ***** ***** $***-*** to *** ******'* ****.

******** **** ** **** be ********* ** ******** 2016.

H4 ***-*******

***** *** * *** important ***** **** ****** the ****:

  • ** ********* *** ** the **** **** / quality ** ***
  • ***** ******* **** ** similar, **** **** *** close *** ***** *** with ***** **** ******* providers
  • *******, *** ** ********* remains ********'* ****** **** cameras, ***** **, ******** to ******* *********, *** that ***

Overall ***********

*******, ** ***** ***** are ******** ********** ************ that **** **** **** pace **** ***** ******* manufacturers *** **** *** significantly ******* ***** ******** competitive ***********.

 

Comments (18)

Kyle Morden

02/01/16 05:08pm

Don't forget about the Wi-Fi Camera set-up tool

Kyle Morden

In reply to Kyle Morden | 02/01/16 05:09pm

All 30 fps capable up to 8 MP

Steve Nauman

In reply to Kyle Morden | 02/02/16 06:56pm

The Wi-Fi setup dongle and the new mobile-friendly web UI for the cameras are going to be very, very nice.

Undisclosed #1

02/01/16 06:05pm

"Overall, we think these are moderate structural improvements that will help keep pace with other Western manufacturers but does not significantly improve their existing competitive positioning."

Who are we?

just curious:)

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Undisclosed #1 | 02/02/16 07:05am

JEB

Undisclosed #2

02/01/16 07:33pm

I'm confused, hasn't Avigilon had H4 cameras for a couple of years already?

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Undisclosed #2 | 02/01/16 08:07pm

So the H4 platform was announced June 2014.

These are technically H4 HD cameras.

And technically, they're all HD cameras so why didn't they just go H5?

Saving it for the future H.265 launch?

Avatar

Brian Karas

In reply to Undisclosed #2 | 02/01/16 08:24pm

You're thinking of the H4 HD-PRO cameras, these.

This is the H4 HD (ie: NOT PRO) lineup.

The PRO cameras have generally been the higher-resolution cameras (for the H4-PRO series, they start at 8MP and go up to 30MP, or 4K-7K). The PRO series have also only come in one form-factor, a "body" camera that accepts a Canon EF or EF-S lens (depending on model/generation).

The HD cameras range from 1MP to now 8MP, and come in a variety of form-factors (indoor bullet, dome, outdoor bullet, PTZ, etc.)

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Brian Karas | 02/01/16 09:03pm

You're thinking of the H4 HD-PRO cameras.

The article said "Avigilon has introduced a new generation of cameras, the H4."

The HD-Pro cameras are H4 cameras, right?

The article didn't mention H4 HD and says the HD-Pro is part of the H3 line.

I stand by my confusion. ;)

Avatar

Brian Karas

In reply to Undisclosed #2 | 02/01/16 09:16pm

Avigilon announced the first cameras in the H4 series, the HD Pro, back in January 2014 here: Avigilon H4 Pro Announcement

The most recent camera line update, the topic of this thread, is the H4 ("non-Pro") camera lineup.

Both of these are part of the overall H4 product lineup.

For the last several years (maybe longer, I don't know off the top of my head) Avigilon's camera lineup has included "Standard" and "Pro" product lines. Until recently the PRO line was on a newer generation platform (H4) than the "Standard" line (which is not really called "Standard"), which was the H3.

Now the majority of products (excluding microdome, PTZ, HD Multisensor) are on the H4 platform/technology.

John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Brian Karas | 02/01/16 09:36pm

I added 'HD' after 'H4' in the title.

Net/net, leaving aside the naming issues, from 1 to 8.3MP, these cameras are new.

Andrew Thomas

02/03/16 03:57pm

Who are the other western manufacturers?

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Andrew Thomas | 02/04/16 08:33pm

Geographically speaking from Avigilon's point of view and longitude (~123), all other manufacturers are Eastern. ;)

Avatar

Kevin Bennett

02/08/16 04:35pm

I was provided a hands-on introduction to the H4 products last week. (bullet, dome, box)

The bullet has been reshaped slightly, and is a bit "fatter" than the older version. I liked the lower profile of the old bullets better than the larger H4 model. The domes have gone from rounded to square(ish) with rounded corners. I think the new domes look better from an aesthetic perspective.

The new swing hook on the bullet is a nice added feature. The dome base has a wire hanger attached to it.

In the box camera, they offer a 4.7-84.6 mm lens option (web site shows 1 and 2 MP models, but the rep told me the 3 MP as well, I believe). Wish this was available in the 5 MP model . . .

I did not have time to connect and test video functionality and new firmware. I did, however, order one of the new 8MP bullets. (only available with 3-9mm lens). I would love to see the 4.7-84.6 lens on the bullet line as well (including the 5 and 8 MP models).

I was told the micro dome camera models are unchanged and do not have the built-in analytics that the new H4 models have.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Kevin Bennett | 02/08/16 04:52pm

The domes have gone from rounded to square(ish) with rounded corners.

Call me old school but, Boxes should be square, Bullets shouldn't be, and Domes can't be. ;)

Avatar

Kevin Bennett

In reply to Undisclosed #2 | 02/08/16 04:55pm
Well, technically speaking, the dome itself is hemispherical (rounded) as any self-respecting dome should be. ;-) The base is what has been changed in shape.

Undisclosed #2

In reply to Kevin Bennett | 02/08/16 04:57pm

Ah, the proverbial round peg...

Avatar

Paul Grefenstette

04/01/16 06:43pm

Here is the h3 bullet compared to the h4 bullet (physically) on my instagram:

I thought I would hate the hooks but they work out well - I'll still complain about the mounting holes on the jbox are too small for the size tapcons we use so we still need to make the holes larger with a bit

Overall picture quality is better as they have upgraded the glass they use for the lens, the camera also feels about 2x as heavy as the h3.

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports

Mobotix 7 Line Camera Tested on Mar 12, 2020
Mobotix is attempting a turn-around, struggling for years, then releasing the OEMed Move line, Mobotix is aiming for its new 7th generation line to...
Hanwha Wisenet X Plus PTRZ Tested on Feb 14, 2020
Hanwha has released their PTRZ camera, the Wisenet X Plus XNV-6081Z, claiming the "modular design allows for easy installation". We bought and...
Glossary / Acronyms for Video Surveillance on Feb 10, 2020
This directory provides definitions and explanations for over 70 common video surveillance industry terms, including links to related IPVM...
Hanwha Announces 32MP Camera + AI Line on Sep 10, 2019
In the first rise in maximum megapixel resolution in 5 years, Hanwha has announced a 32MP / 8K camera directly competing with Avigilon's H4 30MP /...
How To See If Your Camera Uses Huawei Hisilicon Chips on Aug 30, 2019
Rarely do manufacturers disclose what SoCs (System on a Chip) they use, even though it is the core of IoT devices. Interest in this has increased...
Hikvision 4K Camera Shootout on Aug 02, 2019
With their latest Smart Series 5 cameras, Hikvision is claiming cameras "fully loaded" with "state-of-the-art technology for high performance and...
FLIR Saros Visible / Thermal Analytic Camera Tested on Jun 26, 2019
FLIR's Saros claims "accurate, actionable alerts" with a combination of 1080p visible and dual thermal sensors along with IR and white light...
Axis ~$150 Outdoor Camera Tested on May 21, 2019
Axis has released the latest in their Companion camera line, the outdoor Companion Dome Mini LE, a 1080p integrated IR model aiming to compete with...
Axis ARTPEC-7 Chip Release Examined on Apr 08, 2019
For years, Axis essentially de-promoted their own chips. Now, they are reversing course. Axis has announced ARTPEC-7, their latest chip, which...
Spring 2019 50+ New Products Directory on Apr 08, 2019
We are compiling a list of new products for Spring 2019 and have over 50 already. Contrast to Fall 2018 New Products Directory and Spring 2018...

Most Recent Industry Reports

FLIR New Coronavirus Prioritized Temperature Screening Camera Examined on Apr 03, 2020
FLIR has announced a new series of thermal cameras "prioritized for entities working to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 virus", the A400/A700...
ADI Branch Burglary on Apr 03, 2020
A security systems distributor branch is an odd target for burglary but that happened this week at ADI's Memphis location. Vehicle Smash &...
YCombinator AI Startup Visual One Tested on Apr 02, 2020
Startup Visual One, backed by Silicon Valley's powerful Y Combinator, aims to be "Your 24/7 Watchman" with advanced analytics and object...
Free IPVM Memberships For The Unemployed on Apr 02, 2020
IPVM is giving 3-month free memberships (regular price $99) for the unemployed, no questions asked. To get it, just contact us, your request...
Dahua Faked Coronavirus Camera Marketing on Apr 01, 2020
Dahua has conducted a coronavirus camera global marketing campaign centered around a faked detection. Now, Dahua has expanded this to the USA,...
Video Surveillance Trends 101 on Apr 01, 2020
This report examines major industry factors and how they could impact video surveillance in the next 5 - 10 years. This is part of our Video...
USA's Seek Scan Thermal Temperature System Examined on Apr 01, 2020
This US company, Seek, located down the road from FLIR and founded by former FLIR employees is offering a thermal temperature system for the...
Terrible Convergint Coronavirus Thermal Camera Recommendation on Apr 01, 2020
A week after Convergint disclosed falling revenue, pay and job cuts, Convergint is touting 'extensive research' that is either grossly incompetent...
The IPVM New Products Online Show April 2020 Opens With 40+ Manufacturers on Mar 31, 2020
IPVM is excited to announce the first New Products Online show, with 40+ manufacturers, to be held April 14 to the 16th, free to IPVM members,...