Examining IQinVision's Alliance-mx Series H.264 Megapixel Cameras

Published Oct 05, 2010 00:00 AM
PUBLIC - This article does not require an IPVM subscription. Feel free to share.

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.