Samsung's Budgetline Megapixels

Just a few months after introducing aggressively priced VGA IP cameras, Samsung is looking to do the same for megapixel. Is this pricing attractive enough to differntiate within the most competitive segment of video surveillance? In this note we take a look at Samsung's new offerings and compare them to other inexpensive MP cameras.

Overview

Several models of Samsung's value-line iPOLiS series [link no longer available] have been introduced with 1.3 and 3.0 megapixel resolutions. These new models are available in box and dome form factors. All models are day/night (electrical, not true day/night), support H.264 and MJPEG streaming and ONVIF.

The six models comprising this release are:

• SNB-5001 1.3MP box camera, no lens included: $429 USD MSRP
• SNB-7001 3.0MP box camera, no lens included: $529
• SND-5011 1.3MP indoor dome camera, 3.0mm fixed lens: $499
• SND-7011 3.0MP indoor dome camera, 3.0mm fixed lens: $679
• SND-5061 1.3MP indoor dome camera, 3-8.5mm varifocal lens: $569
• SND-7061 3.0MP indoor dome camera, 3-8.5mm varifocal lens: $829

Based on MSRP and online pricing of existing models, estimated street pricing of the SNB-5001 box camera is approximately $230-250 USD. Adding a megapixel lens (about $100) brings the total price to $325-350. At the high end of the spectrum, the SNB-7061 3.0MP dome camera has an estimated street price of about $440-460.

Competitive Comparison

Compared to rival 1.3MP cameras, Samsung's new line is priced among the lowest-cost competitive models, at least among major manufacturers:

• Samsung SNB-5001: ~$240 estimated street price, no lens included
• Samsung SNB-5000: ~$530 online, no lens included
• ACTi TCM-5111: ~$240 online, no lens included
• Arecont AV1115DN: ~$340 online, no lens included
• Axis M1114: ~$540 online, 2.8-8mm CS-mount lens included
• Panasonic WV-SP306: ~$560, no lens included
• Sony SNC-CH120: ~$550, including 2.8-8mm CS-mount lens

Based on these prices, Samsung's new line is in line with ACTi's TCM-5111, and about $100 less than Arecont, the second-least expensive. Also, it is priced about $200 below most mainstream models, including Samsung's SNB-5000, its current 1.3MP model. Note, however, that the SNB-5001 provides electrical day/night only, while most of these competitors (except the Axis M1114, which is color only) provide true day/night functionality with a mechanical IR cut filter, which generally provides much better nighttime performance.

Notice the sharp increase in rival 3.0 or equivalent MP cameras:

• Samsung SNB-7001: ~$284 estimated street price, no lens included
• Samsung SNB-7000: ~$600  online, no lens included
• ACTi KCM-5111: ~$464 [link no longer available], CS-mount, fixed 2.8mm lens included
• Arecont AV3115DN: ~$500 online, no lens included
• Axis P1346: ~$1,100 online, 3.5-10mm CS-mount lens included
• Panasonic WV-SP508: ~$550 online, no lens included
• Sony SNC-CH220:~$800 online, 2.8-6mm CS-mount lens included

Even adding $100 for a megapixel-rated lens, the SNB-7001 is priced below ACTi's 4MP KCM-5111, and substantially ($200+) below most other 3MP models. Note again that the Samsung model provides only electrical day/night, instead of a mechanical filter, which will be of more detriment at this higher resolution.

Potential Impact

The ultimate success of this offering depends upon the performance and build quality of the cameras. The Samsung name provides a familar brand among lesser-known Taiwanese cameras, which may diminish the perceived risk in using them.