Uniview Low-Cost Bullet PTZ Tested

Published Jun 21, 2017 17:13 PM

Uniview is offering a HD zoom bullet camera, the IPC742SR9-PZ30-32G [link no longer available], with an integrated pan / tilt positioner, for the price of a low-cost bullet.

This demo shows the camera panning and tilting through just part of its range:

We bought this camera and tested the following elements:

  • PTZ functions including speed, presets, and tours
  • VMS integration
  • Mounting issues
  • IR range and coverage
  • Image quality

And more. See our full results inside.

Summary

In our tests, the IPC742's PTZ features worked well, similar speed to pan / tilt positioners though slow compared to speeddomes. Presets and tours were easy to set and PTZ controls fully integrated in all VMSes tested (via ONVIF). Additionally, daytime image quality is solid, on par or better than typical 1080p models at similar price points.

However, night time imaging was poor, with much more digital noise than competitive cameras and a strong center hotspot at all zoom ranges. 

Long-Term Reliability Unknown

We cannot attest to the durability / long-term reliability of the mechanical pan / tilt functionality given our short-term test of a single unit. Historically, pan / tilt camera's greatest reliability risk is the moving / mechanical elements. On the plus side, the camera is so inexpensive that one could just replace it. On the other hand, prudence dictates concern about the long term reliability especially if the pan / tilt controls are used regularly.

Recommendations

For those who prioritize being able to reposition a camera, especially if there is a need to look up, this could be an excellent choice for its price. However, long term reliability should be a concern and the night time image quality is inferior, which are factors weighing against it.

Pricing

The estimated street price of the Uniview IPC742SR9-PZ30-32G is ~$300 USD. This is priced similarly to typical motorized zoom bullets, such as the Hikvision DS-2CD2622FWD-I (~$260), though these models do not typically pan or tilt.

Physical Overview

At a glance, the IPC742 is similar to typical full size bullet cameras, but upon closer inspection, its wall arm is longer than most competitors and its motorized pan/tilt mechanism is noticeable. 

We review the features of the camera in this video:

 

The IPC742 is similar in size to typical bullet cameras such as the DS-2CD2TXX shown here, though with a longer wall arm to accommodate its pan/tilt range (see more below).

Plastic Mount Weakness

The wall mount of the IPC742 is fully made of plastic, unlike many/most outdoor cameras which use cast aluminum for their mounting bases, which can be seen below. Because of this, users should be careful when mounting, as overtightened screws may crack the mount.

Over the course of our tests, mounting the camera actually damaged the mounting hole the screw was driven through, shown here:

Pan/Tilt Capability

The IPC742 has a pan range of 250°, and tilt of -50° to plus 50°, shown in the video below.

Note that the 742 is must slower than typical speeddomes in use today, more similar to pan/tilt positioners. By contrast, speed domes are typically 360°+ per second. 

Note that the camera also supports presets (up to 400), and up to 16 patrols. Users may add a preset from the camera's live view page. Presets were also able to be added via ONVIF, as were tours, demonstrated with Exacq in this video:

Note that PTZ controls and presets were integrated in all VMSes tested via ONVIF, including Avigilon, Exacq, and Milestone. Genetec Security Center supports the camera via a dedicated Uniview driver.

IR Range

The IPC742 has a long specified IR range of 100m/~328'. However, even at its most telephoto zoom setting (6mm/~56°), the field of view width at this range is over 350', reducing PPF to only ~5

Because of this, while in our tests it appears that the subject is illuminated at this distance, it is difficult to detect him unless the viewer is already aware of his presence, shown in the example below. More realistically, the subject is easily discernible between 80-90m (~260-295'). 

Bright IR Hotspot/Dark Edges

The IPC742's IR illumination was very bright in the center, washing out subject details, but dark at the edges, not illuminating the subject enough to show details. This is shown with the subject at ~20' distance, below, at center and edge.

Image Quality

We compared image quality to competitive low cost 1080p models from Axis, Hanwha, and Hikvision.

At near range, all cameras produce strong details of the subject and test chart due to very high PPF. 

However, at long range (~60' distance) with PPF low, the Uniview produces slightly better images than other cameras, with the first line of test chart text legible, and better facial detail.

However, at night, the IPC742's overexposure issues are clear at close range, with the subject partly washed out, while he is clear in other cameras.

At longer range, the subject is more clearly illuminated than in other cameras, making detection easier, but no details are delivered.

Test Parameters

Cameras were tested using default settings unless otherwise specified.

Firmware versions used: 

  • Uniview IPC742SR9-PZ30-32G: IPC_G6102-B5015P20D1702
  • Axis M2025-LE: 6.15.2.1
  • Hanwha QND-6010R: 1.02_170221
  • Hikvision DS-2CD2025FWD-I: 5.4.5 build 170124
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