P-Iris Claims to Improve Megapixel Cameras

Axis announced an upcoming product enhancement that aims to improve megapixel image quality. Called P-Iris (for Precise Iris), it is an alternative to DC auto-iris lenses. P-Iris is a combination of a new lens and software. The lens, provided by Kowa [link no longer available], provides finer grain motor control to more precisely position the iris. The software, provided by Axis, allows the Axis camera to gain feedback on the positioning of the lens and to adjust more precisely. Today, most megapixel cameras use manual iris lenses. The P-Iris lens will be available in the Summer-Fall time frame. At that point, we will be better able to assess actual imagining improvements.

Axis made a point that they are not patenting any of the technology. They are encouraging third parties to adopt and use similar technology. It will be interesting to see how this develops.

[Update: Our test results show P iris offers marginal image quality improvements at best.]