Sony Next Gen HD Dome Camera Tested (SNC-EM642R)
Sony has released their latest generation, claiming improved WDR and low light, increased IR range, and more. We tested the SNC-EM642R outdoor IR vandal dome to see how these new models stack up against the latest from others, including:
Testing multiple features and scenes, including:
- Daytime image quality
- Low light image quality
- IR illumination range
- IR illumination pattern/hotspots
- Wide dynamic range in static and changing scenes
- Install issues
- Bandwidth
And more. See our full results inside.
Related, see IPVM's Sony 6th generation cameras test, IPVM's Sony 20MP / 4K camera test and IPVM's Sony 35mm super low light test.
Summary
For those already installing/using Sony cameras, the EM642R is a clear performance upgrade over existing models in low light and WDR performance, at a similar price point to the current EM632R dome.
However, those using other manufacturers' cameras are unlikely to find its performance in any category compelling enough to switch, and its high bitrates compared to others may disqualify it for many.
Key Findings
Here are our key findings from this test:
- Below Average Low light: The EM642R produced moderately fewer details of both test subject and chart in low light scenes (<1lx) than Axis, Hanwha, and Hikvision cameras tested.
- Long IR Range: However, its IR illumination was the longest of cameras tested, along with Hanwha, ~200'/60m, though PPF is very low at this range, ~4.
- Even IR pattern: IR pattern coverage was more even than other cameras tested, with no center overexposure and less dimming at edges of the FOV.
- Solid WDR performance: The EM642R performed well in both WDR scenes tested, better than both Hanwha and Hikvision, though provided slightly less detail than the Axis P3225 in both scenes.
- High bandwidth consumption: The EM642R's bandwidth consumption was the highest of cameras tested by far due to its lack of smart codecs, which all other tested models include (as do most manufacturers in 2017).
Pricing
Based on MSRP and Sony's traditional dealer discounts, the EM642R's estimated street price is in line with other models tested, such as the Axis P3225-LVE Mk II, Bosch starlight 1080p, or Panasonic S2531L (all $700-800), but moderately higher than the Hanwha XNV-6080R and Hikvision 4526 (both ~$600-650).
Low Light Performance
In low light at ~20' the Sony provided less detail of the subject and test chart than all other cameras tested, with the subject's face appearing smeared/blurred. The Hanwha Wisenet X clearly displayed the best details of the subject (though with some slight overexposure of lower/small text lines), while both the Axis P3225-LVE and Hikvision 4526 produce more detail of the subject's features than the EM642.
Further from the cameras, with PPF reduced to ~26, no camera tested produced subject facial details in this scene, with all displaying digital noise or artifacting making him impossible to identify. However, notable differences in text legibility are visible.
The EM642R is outperformed by the Hanwha Wisenet X, which produces details of the chart to the second line, as well the Axis P3225-LVE which shows some legible letters. Both the EM642R and Hikvision 4526 produce no legible text.
IR Pattern
The SNC-EM642's IR illumination was relatively even across the full field of view, slightly darker at the edges, reducing details.
However, compared to others such as Axis, this illumination difference is much less severe, more similar to the even coverage pattern of Hikvision, shown below.
IR Range
In our tests, the Sony SNC-EM642R reached its specified IR range of 60m/~195', with the subject clearly visible at over 200'. However, pixels per foot at this distance is low, even at maximum telephoto focal length, only about 4 PPF, making anything but detection impossible. The Hanwha Wisenet X is the only other camera in this test with a specified IR range nearing the EM642 (50m/164') which it exceeds, reaching 200'+ shown below.
The video below shows the EM642 with the subject starting at ~200' distance, the camera's approximate max IR range. Details are low, but he is clearly illuminated.
Exterior Door WDR Performance
We tested cameras against an exterior door to see how they handled the harsh outside light and change in illumination as the door opened and closed. Lux levels varied from ~45 inside to 1,300lx outside (nearly 30x difference).
In this scene, the Axis P3225-LVE performs best, with the clearest subject details from outside to inside, while the EM642 suffers from some overexposure of the subject outside and lost details of the door and background. Both the Hikvision and Hanwha models experience some discoloration and loss of contrast, reducing details moderately.
The clip below shows these effects in motion as the subject enters, moving from outside to inside.
Overhead Door WDR Performance
We also tested WDR in a less dynamic scene with static lighting, a warehouse with open overhead door. Lux varied from ~1300 lux on target near the door to ~100 lux inside, a 13x variance.
The EM642R and Axis cameras perform best in this scene, showing clear details of the subject against the bright backlight, though reduced moderately in the darker area beside the door. The Hanwha and Hikvision cameras both lose subject facial details due to reduced contrast and discoloration on his face. Note that the XNV-6080R produced the best details here in the dark area of the scene.
Daytime Image Quality
In our tests, the SNC-EM642R performed similarly to the Axis, Hanwha, and Hikvision models tested. Though there were some very slight differences, practical details were roughly the same across all models.
This was true at short range (~20'/~52PPF):
As well as longer range, with PPF dropping to ~26.
Lens Distortion: Center vs. Edge
We tested with subject at the center and side of the field of view to see how clarity varied at the lens' edges, shown below:
The EM642R showed less clarity at the lens' edge than center with some moderate distortion. Note that this issue was similar in other cameras. However, as lens focal lengths and F stops varied among cameras in this test, we cannot directly compare the EM642 to others.
Sony Vs. Panasonic
We tested the Panasonic S2531L against the Sony EM642 in addition to the cameras above, but omitted it in other comparisons due to lack of space. We have included these comparisons for reference since Sony and Panasonic are frequent competitors.
In low light, the S2531L was much noisier than the EM642R, obscuring details of the subject's face and letters of the test chart.
Sony's WDR performance was also better than the S2531L. Both cameras were overexposed, but Panasonic suffered from blurring/artifacts on the subject as well.
No Smart Codec/High Bandwidth Consumption
The EM642R's bitrates were much higher than most cameras tested, due to its lack of smart codecs, with only the Bosch 1080p starlight approaching its nighttime bitrate (though still ~30% lower). Note that Sony includes VBR with a cap in the 642, unlike other recent models such as the VM772R and VB770, which do not have a true VBR implementation.
Physical Overview
The EM642R is similar to past Sony outdoor domes as well as other manufacturers' options such as the Hikvision 4526, but noticeably bigger than others, shown below:
Notably, the SNC-EM642R includes a composite output both inside and outside the camera. Combined with the zoom/focus controls found inside the dome, the camera may be aimed and focused using a test monitor instead of an IP installation tool or laptop, which may ease installation. This feature is not common, and is not included in the Axis, Bosch, or Hikvision domes tested.
We review these and other physical features of the camera in this video:
Test Parameters
The most up to date firmware was used at the time of testing:
- Sony SNC-EM642R: 2.8.0
- Axis P3235-LVE: 6.50.1.2
- Bosch Flexidome IP Starlight 7000VR: 6.32.0111
- Hanwha XNV-6080R: 1.01_170520
- Hikvision DS-2CD4526FWD-IZH: V5.4.41
- Panasonic WV-S2531L: 1.46