Hanwha 20MP Multi-Imager Tested (PNM-9081VQ)
Hanwhwa has introduced the latest in their multi-imager camera line, the PNM-9081VQ, a Wisenet 5 20MP model with four repositionable 5MP camera heads.
We bought and tested this camera to see how it performs, examining:
- Physical construction
- Imager positioning issues
- Full light image quality
- WDR performance
- Low light image quality
- VMS compatibility
- Streaming capabilities
- Frame rate performance (including the 30fps claim)
- Bandwidth
Summary
In our tests, the Hanwha PNM-9081VQ offered solid image quality in day, night, and WDR scenes, as well as low bitrates due to Hanwha's Wisestream smart codec, both superior to many multi imager cameras we have tested.
However, there are several key drawbacks which must be considered:
- Large imagers limit positioning: The size of individual imagers and their attached shrouds limits how closely they may be positioned, making it difficult to aim multiple imagers in one general direction (less than 90° apart).
- Large overall size: Finally, the camera overall is very large, over 12" wide by 6" tall, much larger than other multi imager cameras and drastically larger than typical outdoor domes. Users prioritizing aesthetics may find its size and design a drawback, and due to its size and weight it may suffer from more vibration in strong winds than smaller models.
- Limited VMS Support: The PNM-9081VQ's H.264 and H.265 streams are officially supported by Milestone XProtect and Genetec Security Center, and worked in our tests, and Network Optix streamed all four imagers using H.264 (though stability issues were present, see below). However, Exacq was unable to stream all channels in H.264, with imagers 2-4 displayed as MJPEG only. Avigilon Control Center streamed only the first imager.
- Streams switching to MJPEG: Even for those VMSes which were able to properly add the camera, on multiple occasions imagers 2-4 switched to 1 FPS MJPEG instead of H.264 or H.265, requiring reboots, disabling and reenabling, or defaulting the camera to remedy.
Note: we would expect VMS support to improve as the camera has only been shipping for a short period of time. As we have updates, we will post here.
Physical Overview
The PNM-9081VQ is much larger than other multi-imager models, over 12" wide, and nearly 11 pounds. Much of this overall size is due to the size of the individual imagers, which are larger than most multi imager models, and covered with an additional shroud which partially obscures the lens's position and locks the imager into place against the dome (discussed further below).
For example, the image below shows the camera next to an Arecont SurroundVideo Omni and Avigilon HD Multisensor, both much smaller overall. The Hanwha camera's imagers are much larger than the Arecont model, though closer in size to Avigilon (which also includes remote focus/zoom).
We review other features of the camera in this video, more typical of standard dome models, including edge storage, audio, I/O, 3-axis gimbal, and more.
Limited Imager Positioning Flexibility
Because of their size and shroud design, imagers cannot be placed at angles shallower than 90° to each other. This means that it is difficult to aim two imagers in the same general direction, which limits potential applications, and prevents the camera from being used in a 180° panoramic configuration (Hanwha recommends those seeking 180° fields of view look at their PNM-9020 camera). Hanwha says users may remove the shrouds, but it is not recommended as reflections on the interior of the dome are possible. Doing so moderately improves how tightly imagers may be placed next to each other, but aiming multiple imagers in one direction is still difficult.
Sample Scenes
We shot the PNM-9081VQ in same scenes indoors and out to show potential configurations as well as positioning limitations due to the size of imagers, including:
- Indoor lobby (with WDR) and hallways
- Outdoor building corner
- Outdoor building side/loading dock/parking lot
Indoor Lobby/Hallways
Indoors, we set up the camera to view an entry lobby with double glass doors, along with two hallways, with these cameras rotated 90° using Hanwha's Hallway Mode to better cover the long/narrow area. The fourth imager was aimed straight down to cover the lobby/monitor subject direction, as it could not be focused on other areas.
Note that the overlap present in the downward facing imager may be reduced in some scenes but resulted in essentially closeups of the subject's head in this scene due to the 8-9' office ceiling mounting height, so we have zoomed the camera out to avoid this.
Building Corner
Next, the camera was configured to monitor a 270° area, mounted at a building corner, with three imagers monitoring the parking lot and one looking down. The camera is able to view the L shaped parking lot area as well as the area directly beneath the camera without issues.
Building Side/Loading Dock/Parking
Finally, imagers were moved as close together as possible in one direction, covering a rough 180° field of view (though with some overlap), with the fourth camera looking down, viewing the warehouse overhead door.
Note that there is no simple automatic way to align imagers in a 180° arrangement (similar to issues seen in Avigilon's HD Multi Sensor). Imagers in this scene were set up slightly wide with some overlap in order to best view the scene, keeping imagers level. Tilting outer imagers to better stitch results in skewed images and wasted FOV (seen in Axis' multi imager models). Those seeking a simple 180° field of view are likely better off using Hanwha's PNM-9020V non-positionable model.
Image Quality
The image below shows image quality at ~20' distance/~50' HFOV width, about 50 PPF. Subject details were strong during the day and in low light with some chart overexposure in low light. With exterior lights off, ~0.07lx, rough subject details are still visible, with several lines of the test chart legible.
Note: The camera was not shot against other multi imager models due to differences in construction, resolution, and other factors. We plan to shoot this camera against others as more similar multi imager options become available. However, compared to images at similar PPFs and light levels from past tests, the PNM-9081VQ performs well:
VMS Support
At the time of testing the PNM-9081VQ was fully supported only in Genetec and Milestone (H.265, H.264, MJPEG). Network Optix supported H.264 streams, but not H.265.
Exacq was able to connect to all four imagers, but only the first imager connected via H.264, with others streaming in MJPEG only. Exacq says they are working on these integration issues to be fixed in a future release.
Avigilon Control Center failed to connect to the camera at all, simply timing out when attempting to add it.
Stream Issues
During testing, we had frequent issues with stream stability, with streams changing to MJPEG, low resolution, and low framerate multiple times, even in those VMSes which fully supported the camera (Genetec/Milestone/NxWitness).
30 FPS On All Streams
The PNM-9081VQ is capable of streaming 5MP 30 FPS on all channels simultaneously, unlike many multi-imager models which stream at a max of 15 or 20 FPS. This makes it potentially more useful in applications with minimum FPS regulations, such as casinos, dispensaries, etc.
Due to stream and VMS compatibility issues, the only VMS we could confirm this with was Milestone XProtect, which confirms 30 FPS, shown below:
Bandwidth
Due to its inclusion of H.265 and Hanwha's Wisestream II smart codec (see our test), the PNM-9081VQ's bitrates were lower than average for multi imager models. Others, such as the Hikvision PanoVu and Pelco Optera produced higher bitrates in all scenes despite much lower resolution (8 and 12 MP, respectively, vs. 20MP).
Intrusion Analytics Performance
In our tests, the Hanwha intrusion analytics managed to avoid false alarms on common sources such as blinking lights in the scene, shadows, and drastic light changes. Although when taken outside, the camera frequently alerted on swaying trees in the scene.
Test Parameters
The following firmware version were used for this test:
- Hanwha PNM-9081VQ: v1.00