Axis Daybreak App Tested

Author: Ethan Ace, Published on Dec 07, 2015

Many users complain about cameras cutting over from day to night too early or too late. On the one hand, you want to have color as long as possible, presuming it is light out. On the other, if you stay too long in color, the video quality can be materially degraded. Cameras typically try to sense changes in light levels but many users find that imprecise or not to their liking.

Now, a new app, called Daybreak Me, that runs on Axis cameras but is not officially affiliated with Axis has released a new approach / solution for this:

We tested this app to see how it works and how it would help or hurt camera D/N switchover.

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Comments (8)

Thumbnail mg 3870

ROSS Vanderklok

IPVMU Certified | 12/08/15 05:25pm

Are these example cameras on a VMS? The reason I ask is we have found that with so many of a cameras settings either dependent on what is set in the VMS or even controlled by the VMS it is hard to get the proper settings locked in for day/night. I am thinking using this app would muddy the waters even further.

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Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to ROSS Vanderklok | 12/08/15 06:19pm

The camera was connected to Exacq. From what I've seen in our tests, Exacq generally leaves camera settings alone once connected, so I don't think it would impact the Daybreak Me performance. Genetec and Milestone are a different story and tend to push settings to the camera periodically, but that doesn't always include things like WDR, brightness, contrast, etc. It's more in reference to CODEC settings.

So in short, your mileage may vary. There is a member who has been using this app. I'll try and get him to add input here.

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Ethan Ace

IPVM | 12/08/15 06:24pm

Also, for users interested in Axis camera apps, we also tested another free, independently developed app, called Monitor Me, which allows you to monitor CPU, bandwidth, and ACAP status, with history, graphs, alarms, and more.

Both of these apps are interesting examples of what can be done with ACAP, which has historically been dominated by paid analytic apps.

Brian Elias

12/08/15 09:17pm

I've been using Daybreak Me with Milestone and Axis' own ACC VMS for a while with no issues at all. I also integrate Axis cameras with automation controllers and frequently send VAPIX commands to adjust things like WDR, white balance, exposure, etc. I've never seen Milestone overwrite any of these settings (with the possible exception of at initial install or if those settings are changed within the XProtect management interface). This should be no different.

For my camera installs that don't interface with an automation controller this is my go-to solution for adjusting those settings based on sunset/sunrise. At least in the Northeast, this can have a +/- 4 hour difference depending on time of year.

Also related: I can't believe Axis doesn't have a method for disabling WDR at night. The difference is pretty crazy, especially in cameras without an IR cut filter (like the F41) that run color all the time. In low light, leaving WDR on easily doubles the bandwidth and adds lots of noise.

Overall a great app in my experience...

Rogier van der Heide

12/10/15 06:34am

It's features like these, where Axis really shines in comparison to other brands. It's just a dang shame they're so expensive.

John Honovich

IPVM | In reply to Rogier van der Heide | 12/10/15 12:21pm

The app's free, and technically it's not from Axis! :)

Rogier van der Heide

In reply to John Honovich | 12/10/15 12:35pm

True. But as far as I know, there are no other brands on the martket who offer such a wide usage of API and SDK which allow for these applications to be developed by 3rd parties.

It's not weird, that in the Machine building industry, Axis is quite popular. It's configurability allows for a wide useage with other systems.

If it wasn't for the steep price, I would use only Axis camera's. But as it stands, it's only really benificial to use Axis when you want to use more of the camera then just an videostream.

Matt Ion

12/10/15 08:31pm

If this will toggle between WDR and Lightfinder on a P3384, then I SO need it in my life!

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