Examining IQinVision's Alliance-mx Series H.264 Megapixel Cameras
IQinVision will be offering SD, 720p, and 1080p resolution H.264 IP dome cameras in an all weather IP66 form factor. The Alliance-mx series will be available for commercial shipping November 15, 2010. The new products underscore a notable shift in the manufacturer's historically candid pro-MJPEG position.
Feature Highlights:
- Only three (3) models
- Day/Night and Wide Dynamic Range
- One lens option 3-13mm Vari-focal
- One form-factor option Vandal resistant IP66 Dome
- 30fps maximum for SD and 720p; 1080p is 15fps maximum
- PSIA and ONVIF standards compliance
IQEye Alliance-mx models:
- IQM30NEB5 - SD (720x480), Day/Night, IP66, 3-13mm vari-focal lens
- IQM31NEB5 - 720p, Day/Night, IP66, 3-13mm vari-focal lens (MSRP $699)
- IQM32NEB5 - 1080p, Day/Night, IP66, 3-13mm vari-focal lens (MSRP $799)
IQinVision has traditionally been a firm advocate of using MJPEG compression [link no longer available] for megapixel camera video compression. A look at an IQinVision comparison chart indicates only 3 of 28 megapixel cameras supporting H.264 prior to the addition of the Alliance-mx line (we don't consider H.264 at sub-megapixel resolutions relevant such as in the Alliance-Pro H.264 models). The Alliance-mx series results in the addition of two (2) more units to the IQinVision H.264 megapixel fold, representing a 67% jump in H.264 megapixel cameras within IQinVision's portfolio.
A search, using the Camera Finder tool, with criteria of 720p resolution, 1.3MP resolution, H.264 codec, outdoor rated, and dome form-factor yields 16 results averaging an MSRP $1381. The same search omitting the 1.3MP resolution yields only two (2) results averaging MSRP $800. The Alliance-mx 720p offering is priced competitively within the market at MSRP $699.