IP Camera Manufacturer Compression Comparison

By: Ethan Ace, Published on Nov 27, 2017

Despite the use of standards-based video compression (H.264/H.265), our tests show that default image quality settings for different manufacturers vary widely, with no standards for terminology or scale used. This can result in two cameras with the same resolution produced by two different manufacturers producing widely different out-of-the-box results. 

To help clear this confusion, IPVM has analyzed cameras from 10 manufacturers and answered these key questions:

  • What is the real H.264 and/or H265 quantization level for each camera manufacturer's default settings? How do they vary? Who defaults the lowest and highest?
  • To normalize the H.264/H.265 quantization levels so that each manufacturer had the same compression, what camera settings should be used?
  • What is the impact of bandwidth as H.264/H.265 quantization/compression levels are varied for different manufacturers?
  • What impact do smart codecs have on these settings?

Here is what we found for default settings from these manufacturers, showing manufacturer with the highest default compression (Bosch), 50% higher than the manufacturer with the lowest default compression (Arecont):

If you really care about image quality and optimizing bandwidth / storage use, this is a critical report.

******* *** *** ** *********-***** video *********** (*.***/*.***), *** tests **** **** ******* ***** quality ******** *** ********* manufacturers **** ******, **** no ********* *** *********** or ***** ****. **** can ****** ** *** cameras **** *** **** resolution ******** ** *** different ************* ********* ****** ********* out-of-the-box *******. 

** **** ***** **** confusion, **** *** ******** ******* from ** ************* *** answered ***** *** *********:

  • **** ** *** **** H.264 ***/** **** ************ level *** **** ****** manufacturer's ******* ********? *** do **** ****? *** defaults *** ****** *** highest?
  • ** ********* *** *.***/*.*** quantization ****** ** **** each ************ *** *** same ***********, **** ****** settings ****** ** ****?
  • **** ** *** ****** of ********* ** *.***/*.*** quantization/compression ****** *** ****** for ********* *************?
  • **** ****** ** ***** ****** **** ** ***** ********?

**** ** **** ** ***** for ******* ******** **** these *************, ******* ************ **** the ******* ******* *********** (Bosch), **% ****** **** the ************ **** *** lowest ******* *********** (*******):

** *** ****** **** about ***** ******* *** optimizing ********* / ******* use, **** ** * critical ******.

[***************]

Key ********

**** *** *** *** findings **** **** ****:

  • ******* ******* ************:***** ** *** *****, average ******* ************ ** ~25, **** ******* ******* widely, **** ~** ** 30.
  • *.*** ************ ****** ******* to *.***:******* ******** *************' *.*** cameras, ** ***** **** quantization *** ************* ******* when ***** *.*** *** H.264, ****** ********* *** notably ***** ***** *.***.
  • ****** ********* ******: ** * **** ** thumb, ***** **** ****** compressed *** ** **** average *** ******** ** a **-** ********* ********, varying ** ************. *** to *** *** * roughly **-*** ********. 
  • ** *********** ******* *************:** *** ** ************* tested, **** **** *** same ****** *********** *** scale, *** *** ******* terms (**** ** "******") result ** ******* ************ levels.

Video *********** ********

************* ***********, *** *** manufacturers *** ** **** actual ************ ***** ********, is **** *********. ******************* *** *********, *********** is ******** *** *** be * ****** ****** -**** *** ******* *** bandwidth.

*** ************ ***** ** compressed, ********** ** **********. And, **** ** *** cameras **** *** **** resolution, ***** *********** ****** can ** **** ********* (see *** ***** ******* / *********** Tutorial *** **** **********).

**********, *********** ** *.*** and *.*** ** ************ on * ***** ** 0 ** **, ****** quantization, ** ***** ** the ***** *****:

*******, ****** ************* ****** never ******** **** ************ levels ***** ******* ***. Instead, **** *** * variety ** ****** *** naming *******. *** *******, **** is **** ** ************* refer ** ***** *********** settings **:

** * ******, *** *************' cameras might **** *** **** resolution *** ************* ********* compression ******, *** ********* varying ***** ******* *** bandwidth ***********.

Average ******* ************: ~**

***** ** ****** ******** of **+ ******* **** these ** *************, ** found ******** ***** ** the ***** *****.

  • ******* ******* ************ ***** was ** **** * range ** ** ** **.
  • ******* ******* ********* ** the ****** ************ ** all ******* ****** ** Q20, **** ********* *** Uniview ***** ** **.
  • *** ******* ******* ************ was *****, ************* *** by *******.

Terminology *********** 

**** ** *** ************* tested **** *********** ** scales ***** ****** *** directly ********** ** ***** manufacturers. **** *** ***** confusion **** ****** ** standardize ******** ******* ** one ************ *****.

*******, ****** *** **** different ****** ********* ** the ************, ****** ******** even **** *********. *** example, ******* *** ***** a ********* *****, ***** and **** **** **** Q ******/***** ******* **** compression ** *** ** "1", ***** ********, ****, and *****, **** *** Q ******/****** ******* **** compression *** ****** ** "1".

Normalizing ***********

** **** ********** **** camera's *********** ******** ** achieve * ************ ** ~28. **** *** ** useful *** ***** ******* to ********* *********** ******** on ***** *** *******, acting ** * ***** for ******* ****** **** the **** ************.

**** **** ***** *** vast ******** ** ******* allow ***** ** ******** adjust *********** ********, ***** are **** **********. *** *******, new ********** ****** *** Sony ******* **** ******* a ***-******** *** ************** which **** *** *** compression *** ******* **** only * ******* ****** and/or ***, **** *********** and ******* **** *******. See *** ****** **** *** ******* ******** VBR.

Quantization ************* ******* ***** *.***

***** ** *** ***** of ******** *************' *******, ******* and ************ ************ ****** were ************* ******* **** using **** *.*** *** H.265, ******** ******** **** notably ***** ** *.*** streams, ********* **-**%. ******* should *** *** *.*** / **** ***** Tutorial **** *** **** ***********.

Compression ****** ** *********

********* ** ******** ******** by ************ *****. ** demonstrate ****, **** ******** quantization **** * ******** of *** (****** **********) to * **** ******* Q28, ******** ** * lower *********** ***.

***** ** ***** *****, we *****:

  • Q35 ** ***: Changing quantization from Q34 to Q28 resulted in a 3x-5x bandwidth increase on cameras tested (Axis, Dahua, Hikvision, Panasonic).
  • Q36 ** ***: Changing from Q35 to Q22 resulted in drastic increases, ranging from about 5x to 11x, depending on manufacturer.

Smart ***** ******

*** **************** ********* ***** apply **** **** ***** codecs *** ****** *** or *** *********. ** nature, ***** **** ****** quantization *********** ***** ** objects ** *** ***** instead ** ********* ** on *** ****** *****, smart ****** *** **** difficult, ** *** **********, to ***********.

************, ************ ****** ** smart ***** ******* *** typically **** ****, **+, since **** ** **** scenes ** ******** ** static ********** *** ********* more ****** **********, **** only ****** ******* ********* average ** ***** ***********.

*** *******, ****, *****, *** Vivotek ********* ** ***** codecs ******* ** *** tests, *** *** ***** averaged ** ** ****** quantization:

******* ****** *** *** ***** ***** ***** *** **** ******* ** these ******** *** ******* issues.

Setting *********** *** ********* *******

***** ** **** *********** settings *** **** *************' cameras, **** ***** ********* defaults *** *************.

*******

******* ** *** ** few ************* ** ******** use *** ************ ***** in ***** *** *********. Quantization ** ********** **** 16 ** **, ********** to **.

********

********'* *********** ******** *** be ******* ***** *** compression *** ***** **** tab ** ***** *** UI, *** ** **** a ******* ****** ** "1" (****** ***********) ** "20" (******* ***********). ******* ******** to "*", ***** ** quantization.

****

**** ********* **** *** different *** **********, ** many ** ***** ******* have *** *** ************ to ******** ***** ***** **. **** *** *** old *** *** ******* to *** **** ********: ** compression. *** *** *** interface **** * ******/****** entry:

***** *** *** ********* simply ****** **** *****:

*****

*****'* ***** ***** ***** quantization ** *-******, **** I-frames ******* ** **** by * ******** ****** ("I/P-frame ***** **" *****). To *********** ** ******* 28Q, ***** ****** *** "Min. *-***** **" ** 26, *** *** */*-***** delta ** *. 

*****

*****'* *********** ******** *** found ** *** ***** tab, *** *** "*******" can ** *** ******* "1" (**** ***********) ** "6" (***** ***********), **** 2 ******** ** ~** quantization ** **** ****** ******.

*********

*********'* *********** ******** *** under *** *****/***** ***, ** a ***** ** "******" (**** compression) ** "*******" (***** compression), ********** ** "******." Based ** *** ***** of ******** ********* ******, "Medium" ******* ** ~***.

******/*******

*** ***** ****** ******* do *** ******* *** way ** *** *********** of *** ******, **** both ******* *** ************ varying. *** **** *******, see *** ****** **** *** ******* ******** VBR.

 

***** ****** (******* ***/****) include *********** ** * scale **** "**** (*)" (***** compressed) ** "***** (**)" (most **********), ********** ** 4. ***** ****** ****** be *** ** ~** on **** ***** *** average ** ************.

*********

** ***** ** ****** image ******* ** ********* models, ***** ****** *** transmission ******** ** *** (defaults ** ***** ****). Image ******* ** ******** on * ***** ** 0-9 (***** **** ** Low), ********** ** * (Normal), **** * ******* quantization **.

**** **** ** ******* tested, *********'* *** ******* series **** *** **** models ***** ********* ** H.265, ***** *****. 

****

** **** ***/*** *** video ***** ********, *********** ** *** in *** "***** ******* 1: ******** ****, ***** ranges **** "*" (**** compressed) ** "**" (**** compressed), ********** ** * (roughly ***).

**** **** ******* ** Hanwha, ****'* *** *** cameras ** *** ***** compression ** ** ***** to * *** *****. See **** *** ******* ******** VBR *** **** *******.

*******

******* ******* **** ***** quality ** * ****** ranging **** ****** "*******" to "*** ****", **** no ****** ** ******** enter * *****. *** slider ****** ** *** to ~*/* ** *** way ****** *** **** for ~***.

*******

*******'* *********** ******* ** named "****** *******", ***** below, **** * ***** of "******" (*****) ** "Excellent" (****). "****" ****** be **** *** ************ ~28.

Test ********

***** ******* **** ******, you ****** ** **** to ****** *** * ********* on **** ****.

[****: **** ****** *** originally ********* ** **** and ************* ******* ** 2017]

Comments (14)

Undisclosed Manufacturer #1

11/27/17 07:01pm

Great report! Can you elaborate on the impact of altering P frame interval (or some say, I frame interval or keyframe interval)? Is there any significant relationship between keyframe interval and quantization? Clearly the shorter the time between P frames, the higher the bandwidth but what are the other impacts on the video? It's another opportunity for confusion on which way the scale goes and its impact on quality and bandwidth. Thanks!

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #1 | 11/27/17 07:45pm

We have a report on P-frame/I-frame impact here.

In general, P and I frames don't directly impact quantization levels. They will impact the visual artifacts in video, though. So when I-frame interval is long, you'll see trails form behind moving objects, and additional noise throughout the image until the next I-frame. Conversely, when I-frames are close, you'll see less of this issue, but there is generally not much of a practical improvement from intervals shorter than a second.

This video from our test shows I-frame intervals varying from long to short.

Undisclosed Manufacturer #2

In reply to Ethan Ace | 11/27/17 11:37pm

Hi Guys

You've used the term "artifacting" - but it looks more like motion blur. Did you have the shutter speed at default (usually 1/30 or 1/60 sec)? This is probably not a fast enough shutter speed to stop motion blur - even in this scenario.

By the way - really enjoy reading your reviews, commentary on the industry, etc. - keep up the good work.

Cheers

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed Manufacturer #2 | 11/27/17 11:50pm

There is definitely some blur present in those videos, yes, but we specifically are calling out issues with artifacts. 

We show the trails of compression artifacts behind the train, e.g.:

Avatar

Sergey Bystrov

NetworkOptix
11/27/17 09:13pm

Besides quantization levels, final image quality would depend on:
- spatial filter
- temporal filter
- motion vectors search( a type of macroblocks) 

- motion vectors search( accuracy: pixel, half a pixel, quarter pixel etc )

- macroblocks type selection 

- CBAC vs CAVLC 

- bitrate control( how well does it handle changes)

- etc 

Quantization parameters is a small part of the overall equation, and making some conclusions based on it is likely misleading. 

 

 

If I would explore how advanced codecs are from different vendors, I would analyze other parameters as well: so you can see that this vendor uses macroblocks of such type, motion vectors of such accuracy etc... I know nobody would be interested in reading:-)

But only real criteria of image quality/bitrate is subjective "I like it more" or "I like it less", not quantization by itself. 

 

 

 

 

Ashley Schofield

11/28/17 12:31am

Great report, but curious to know the firmware versions tested of each camera.

Cheers

Avatar

Franky Lam

RICOH (HONG KONG) LTD
11/28/17 01:55am

Details report and end-user must always care about the bandwidth and storage issue. But Chinese Band Distributor always hidden this issue to the end-user.

Thank you, IPVM.

Undisclosed #3

In reply to Franky Lam | 11/28/17 02:06am

But Chinese Band Distributor always hidden this issue to the end-user.

Like which ones?

Avatar

Franky Lam

RICOH (HONG KONG) LTD
In reply to Undisclosed #3 | 11/28/17 03:08am

If you would like to know, and do use your REAL identity. I don't talk with stranger...:-P

Undisclosed #3

In reply to Franky Lam | 11/28/17 05:09am

...and do use your REAL identity. I don't talk with stranger...

No problem, I wouldn’t want you to compromise your principles, “Franky”.

Avatar

Franky Lam

RICOH (HONG KONG) LTD
In reply to Undisclosed #3 | 11/28/17 06:00am

Haha, I don't know WHY, and I had the feeling I know you, "Mr. Undisclosed #3"

Undisclosed End User #4

11/29/17 02:12pm

Thank you for another great report IPVM.  Question, how did you measure image quality?  Did you use some type of tool or did you just manually review the video?  Also what tool did you use to watch the video?  The viewer inside the camera, another third party tool (ie- VMS)?  These details can affect the perceived quality, hence I'm asking.  Thanks!!!

Avatar

Ethan Ace

IPVM | In reply to Undisclosed End User #4 | 12/04/17 04:44am

Do you mean "image quality" as in visible image quality? Or as in compression?

Compression was measured using AVInaptic, as well as Elecard StreamEye for H.265 streams.

If you mean image quality as in visible image quality, we visually compare cameras. There are software tools that measure "image quality", but I would not trust software measurements to determine what is or is not a usable image.

We view video multiple ways. Practically every cameras in this test was viewed using Exacq, VLC Player, and the camera's web interface. We don't rely on just one, but that being said, rarely are there practical differences between one VMS and another or between the web interface and a VMS, etc.

 

Undisclosed Integrator #5

11/18/18 02:07am

Well done as usual. 

Login to read this IPVM report.
Why do I need to log in?
IPVM conducts unique testing and research funded by member's payments enabling us to offer the most independent, accurate and in-depth information.

Related Reports

Glossary / Acronyms for Video Surveillance on Feb 10, 2020
This directory provides definitions and explanations for over 70 common video surveillance industry terms, including links to related IPVM...
Bandwidth Fundamentals For Video Surveillance on Jan 13, 2020
Bandwidth is the most fundamental element of computer networking for video surveillance systems. Because video surveillance can consume an immense...
Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) Guide on Oct 01, 2019
Understanding wide dynamic range (WDR) is critical to capturing high quality images in demanding conditions. However, with no real standards, any...
False Verkada 'Unrivaled' Low Light Performance Claim Removed on Jun 12, 2019
Verkada falsely claimed that it delivered 'UNRIVALED LOW LIGHT PERFORMANCE' until IPVM questioned. In fact, Verkada's low light performance is...
Smart CODEC Usage Statistics 2019 on Jun 03, 2019
Smart codecs are now nearly a standard feature in IP cameras, but our statistics show integrator adoption has not increased at the same rate. In...
Verkada Video Quality Problems Tested on May 23, 2019
Verkada suffers from numerous video quality problems, not found in commercial IP cameras, new IPVM testing of Verkada vs Axis and Hikvision...
Average Frame Rate Video Surveillance 2019 on May 23, 2019
What is the average frame rated used in video surveillance systems? In IPVM's 2011 statistics, the average was 6-8fps increasing to ~10fps in...
Axis ~$150 Outdoor Camera Tested on May 21, 2019
Axis has released the latest in their Companion camera line, the outdoor Companion Dome Mini LE, a 1080p integrated IR model aiming to compete with...
Speco Ultra Intensifier Tested on Apr 22, 2019
While ISC West 2019 named Speco's Ultra Intensifier the best new "Video Surveillance Cameras IP", IPVM testing shows the camera suffers from...
H.265 Usage Statistics on Apr 19, 2019
H.265 has been available in IP cameras for more than 5 years and, in the past few years, the number of manufacturers supporting this codec has...

Most Recent Industry Reports

Dahua Faked Coronavirus Camera Marketing on Apr 01, 2020
Dahua has conducted a coronavirus camera global marketing campaign centered around a faked detection. Now, Dahua has expanded this to the USA,...
Video Surveillance Trends 101 on Apr 01, 2020
This report examines major industry factors and how they could impact video surveillance in the next 5 - 10 years. This is part of our Video...
USA's Seek Scan Thermal Temperature System Examined on Apr 01, 2020
This US company, Seek, located down the road from FLIR and founded by former FLIR employees is offering a thermal temperature system for the...
Terrible Convergint Coronavirus Thermal Camera Recommendation on Apr 01, 2020
A week after Convergint disclosed falling revenue, pay and job cuts, Convergint is touting 'extensive research' that is either grossly incompetent...
The IPVM New Products Online Show April 2020 Opens With 40+ Manufacturers on Mar 31, 2020
IPVM is excited to announce the first New Products Online show, with 40+ manufacturers, to be held April 14 to the 16th, free to IPVM members,...
USA's Feevr Thermal Temperature System Examined on Mar 31, 2020
This US company has burst on to the scene, brashly naming itself 'feevr' and branding itself as a "COVID 19 - AI BASED NON CONTACT THERMAL...
JCI Coronavirus Cuts on Mar 31, 2020
JCI has made coronavirus cuts, the company told employees in an email that IPVM has reviewed. Inside this note, we examine the cuts made, the...
Add Door Operators To Fight Coronavirus on Mar 31, 2020
IPVM recommends that integrators advocate and end-users consider adding door operators to fight the spread of coronavirus. This delivers...
Video Surveillance Business 101 on Mar 30, 2020
This report explains the fundamental elements of the video surveillance business for those new to the industry. This is part of our Video...
FDA Gives Guidance on 'Coronavirus' Thermal Fever Detection Systems on Mar 30, 2020
The US FDA has given IPVM guidance on the use of thermal fever detection systems being marketed for coronavirus, as an explosion of such devices...