Vivotek's 5 MP Camera Line Reviewed

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Brian Rhodes
•Published May 22, 2012 00:00 AM
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Vivotek is the latest 'big name' to jump into the 5MP product market. While the true value of multi-megapixel cameras are debatable, the market mantra in IP Video has been "more pixels, more cheaply" for several years. Does this latest announcement from Vivotek magnify this trend? In this note, we examine this new release and its impact.

Overview

Vivotek has announced four 5 MP camera models scheduled for release this year. The first model being released in the outdoor rated, IR LED enabled FD8372 dome. This particular camera has been announced with the following features:

  • Max Framerate is 30 FPS @1080p, and 13 FPS @ 2560 x 1920
  • 1/2.5" Progressive CMOS imager
  • H.264 CODEC
  • WDR Specified
  • Integrated IR LED ring
  • Remote Focus utility
  • 802.3af PoE
  • Estimated Street Price: around $850

Here is an image of this new dome:

Competitive Comparison

Vivotek is entering the 5MP category somewhat late, as multiple manufacturer 5MP are already available. Contrast the FD8372 at ~$850 USD street price with other 5 MP domes from these manufacturers:

  • Avigilon 5.0MP-H3-D1 [link no longer available]: Street price of around $800 (H.264, remote focus, 13 FPS @ 5MP)
  • Arecont AV5255AM: Street price of $875 (H.264, remote focus, 14 FPS @ 5MP)
  • Axis P3367 [link no longer available]; Street price of $1100 (H.264, remote focus, P33 IR, 12 FPS @ 5MP)

Pricing for this Vivotek camera is roughly equal to the Avigilon and Arecont models, but has the addition of IR illuminators built-in to the camera.

The FD8372 is notably less expensive than the 5MP Axis P3367 (~$250 USD). While Vivotek has integrated IR which the 5MP Axis lacks, the Axis P3367 incorporates 'Lightfinder' low light technology. Indeed, Axis rates their 5MP dome's minimum illumination the same as their own SD camera (0.04 lux each), implying that Axis believes their new 5MP dome is as light sensitive as their existing SD offerings. Ultimately, testing will be needed to evaluate the low light positioning of these entrants.

Characteristic of multi MP cameras, all cameras above have a maximum frame rate between 12 FPS - 14 FPS at full resolution.

More on the Horizon

Other Vivotek 5MP models are projected for release later this year, but final pricing and specifications are not yet available. The additional cameras models slated to mid/late year availability include:

  • FE8172V: a higher-resolution version of Vivotek's 'fisheye' camera
  • IP8172: 5MP V-Series indoor box camera model
  • IP8372: 5MP, IR LED, WDR enabled bullet camera