Examining Cisco's Two New SMB IP Cameras: VC220 and VC240

JH
John Honovich
•Published Oct 05, 2010 00:00 AM
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Cisco is adding two (2) new VGA resolution IP cameras to their SMB IP camera line up. The new VC220 (dome) and the VC240 (bullet) cameras use a different imaging sensor than the previous Cisco SMB IP cameras' 1/4" CCD and CMOS chips. The new additions will use a 1/3.3" Wide Dynamic Range capable CMOS sensor, which is meant to allow improved image performance in more challenging lighting environments.

  • Both the VC220 (MSRP $794) and VC240 (MSRP $921) are currently shipping
  • Both models support the same maximum resolution of 640x480 (VGA) and MPEG-4/MJPEG codecs as the existing models
  • Both new models provide a 4x optical zoom
  • The VC240 Bullet camera is outdoor rated IP66
  • Both models are true day/night with IR cut-filters, have integrated infrared LEDs that allow 0 Lux operations (from specifications sheet).
  • The VC220 Dome camera has a built-in PIR sensor for thermal based motion detection 

The new cameras don't support H.264 or HD/Megapixel resolutions. The emphasis appears to be on low-light performance and wide dynamic range scenes with the new CMOS sensor and built-in IR LED illuminators. For price comparison with the VC220, the D-Link DCS-6111 [link no longer available] SMB network camera retails for $659.99 (WDR, D/N, VGA, IR LED Illuminators, PoE). D-Link also offers a 1.3 megapixel D/N DCS-3110 [link no longer available]box style camera at MSRP $549.99.