Axis 'Best' Q3517-LVE 5MP Camera Tested

Published Feb 05, 2018 12:54 PM

Axis boasts of its Q3517-LVE:

Simply put, AXIS Q3517-LVE delivers the best video quality possible.

But is it really the 'best'?

We bought and tested the Q3517 to see how well it performed.

The Axis Q3517-LVE, their latest generation 5MP model including Lightfinder super low light, true WDR, and features including image stabilization, leveling assistance, and shock detection (below):

Inside, we cover:

  • Physical features
  • Installation issues
  • IR coverage
  • IR range
  • Low light image quality
  • Full light image quality
  • WDR performance
  • Bandwidth
  • Advanced features

Readers should also see our test of the Dahua 5MP starlight dome. Tests of the Hanwha XNV-8080R and Hikvision DS-2CD4565-IZH are upcoming. 

Summary

The Axis Q3517 provides excellent low light images both in color mode and with IR on, as well as strong WDR performance, resulting in clear advantages over existing 1080p Lightfinder/WDR models, as well as low bitrates due to Zipstream and high end features such as shock detection, audible/visible leveling assistance, and image stabilization.

However, these advantages come at a significant price, as the Q3517 sells for several hundred dollars more than competitive 5MP/6MP models, making its most likely fit high-end systems where image quality is more important than budget.

Higher Priced Than Competitive Models

The Axis Q3517 sells for ~$1,200 USD online, significantly higher than most models, including the Hanwha 5MP (~$800) and Hikvision 6MP (~$700) models in this test.

Integrated Box Mounting

The Q3517 includes an integrated box adapter plate on the bottom of the housing, with hole patterns for single and double gang, as well as octagon and 4" square boxes. This simplifies installation, as many/most competitive options require a separate part for box mounting, an additional cost and easily forgotten when ordering.

Cable Routing Guides

Additionally, the backplate of the Q3517 housing includes two posts meant to retain slack cabling. Users bring cable through the conduit adapter or rear of the backplate, loop it, and secure it with these posts before entering the camera. This helps to secure cable slack so the backbox may be more easily removed from the backplate, instead of a very short length of cable entering the housing directly, or pushed back into the wall/ceiling where it may tangle.

Snap-In Camera Module

Finally, the Q3517 uses a snap in camera module, which simply clips into the backbox via two spring clips. Because of this, the backbox may be more easily mounted and pre-cabled prior to painting, with installers only needing to snap in the module and attach the dome afterwards.

Physical Overview

We review the options above, as well as other physical features in this video:

Size Comparison

The Q3517 is slightly larger than typical outdoor domes, such as the Hikvision 4565 and Hanwha XNV-8080R in this test. Compared to others such as the Dahua N52BM3Z shown below, it is significantly larger.

IR Spec Exceeded

Despite using only two small LEDs, the Q3517 exceeds its specified 40m IR range. The clip below shows our subject moving from ~200' range to the camera, with illumination clearly visible at about 180'/~55m, beyond its specified range. 

Near Range Overexposure

However, at very near ranges (<10') as seen in the clip above, the Q3517 overexposed the subject, washing out facial and clothing features. Users should beware of this issue if cameras will be mounted lower/closer to subjects.

 

Even IR Illumination 

In addition to long range, the Q3517's IR illumination was even across its field of view, even at its widest angle (92°), with only a slight drop off in clarity with the subject at the edge of the field of view, shown in the comparison below.

Excellent IR Image Quality

The Q3517's even IR and increased resolution provide drastically better images of the subject and test chart than the 1080p Lightfinder P3225, shown below. The subject is identifiable, with 4-5 more legible lines of the test chart.

At greater distance, advantages are lessened, but the Q35 still provides better detection of the subject, who is more difficult to discern in the P32.

Solid Low Light Color 

Forced into color mode in a brighter scene, the Q35 again provides better details of the subject and especially the test chart which becomes overexposed in the P32. Color information is moderately better as well, with the grass and subject's clothing more true to life.

Full Light

Finally, in a well-lit scene, outdoors on an overcast day, the additional details provided by the Q35 are clear, with the subject's eyes and facial features much easier to discern than the P32.

We saw no distortion or blurring at the edges of the camera's lens in full light, with details similar to the center of the lens visible.

Wide Dynamic Range

In a WDR scene, the Q3517 produced more even images of the subject and chart, especially in darker areas of the scene. Both Axis cameras display dark edges/halos around the subject (called chromatic aberration), but facial and clothing details are still easily recognizable. 

 

Zipstream Bitrates

The Q3517's bitrates were low in all scenes with Zipstream turned on (low, default), most notably in daytime scenes. Nighttime bitrates with IR on were lower than color mode, as in other models, due to the Q35's even IR coverage.

Other Advanced Features

The Q3517 includes a number of other advanced features due to its on-board gyro sensor, also found on other Q series cameras (see our test of Axis' Q1615 which includes these features, as well), including:

  • Shock detection
  • Electronic image stabilization
  • Leveling assist

Shock Detection

The Q3517 includes shock detection in addition to other camera tampering functions, which detects impacts to the camera with adjustable sensitivity. On alarm, the camera may display a text overlay, send emails, TCP serial strings, or other functions supported by Axis' events settings. Note that these alerts are not integrated to most VMSes, but are available in Genetec and Milestone.

Electronic Image Stabilization

The Q3517's image stabilization was sufficient to improve video quality when subject to vibrations or moderate shaking/swaying, shown below. 

Leveling Assistant

By holding the function button on the camera for 10 seconds, the camera starts a visible/audible indication of when the camera is level. When level, the tone stops beeping and remains steady, and both status lights turn green, shown in this demo:

Versions Used

The following firmware versions were used in this test:

  • Axis Q3517-LVE: 7.15.3.1
  • Axis P3225-LVE Mk II: 7.40.1
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