Sony recently announced its new IPELA ENGINE EX™ cameras, the first range of models based on the IPELA ENGINE advanced signal processing platform and part of Sony’s V Series. The latest models represent a new breed of security cameras designed to deliver advances in dynamic range, frame capture speed and low-light performance for demanding imaging applications, in the mid-to-high level video surveillance marketplace.
The six new IPELA ENGINE EX cameras include the fixed-angle SNC-VB600 and SNC-VB630 Box cameras; the SNC-VM600 and SNC-VM630 Mini Dome cameras, and the SNC-VM601 and SNC-VM631 Vandal-Proof Indoor Mini Dome cameras. They incorporate improvements in core camera functionality, and are designed to provide extraordinary imaging even in the most challenging security scenarios.
The IPELA ENGINE EX cameras combine powerful signal processing and video analytics technologies to enhance the performance of IP video security systems. Teamed with Sony’s sensitive Exmor CMOS image sensor, IPELA ENGINE EX™ delivers the unique benefits of smoother moving pictures, excellent visibility in high-contrast scenes, clearer low-noise images even in low light, and enhanced face and object detection. In addition to setting new levels of camera performance, the unique IPELA ENGINE architecture also allows for unprecedented flexibility in developing new applications and refining or customising existing ones.
With the newly improved View-DR dynamic range enhancing technology, each IPELA ENGINE EX model provides astounding detail even when imaging brightly backlit figures. Noise reduction is significantly enhanced and low light sensitivity is tremendously improved to more than twice that of Sony’s previous pace-setting cameras. Maximum frame rates are doubled from 30 fps to 60 fps at both HD and full HD resolution.
The IPELA ENGINE platform marks a significant milestone for Sony, and will continue to play a central role in all of Sony’s upcoming indoor and outdoor security cameras,” said Mr. Riki Nishimura, General Manager of Security Solutions Division, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP) at Sony Electronics Asia Pacific. “These new cameras really set the pace for the market in terms of image quality, design features and technological capabilities. Being able to achieve more than double the sensitivity and frame rate of current models makes them ideal for use in traffic surveillance, casinos and other applications where smooth, detailed images are critical. More than that, the platform also offers great potential to the industry to create innovative, value-added solutions that will boost the industry as a whole,” he added.
Products built on the IPELA ENGINE platform are a key element of Sony’s focus on solutions. Having a common development platform for full dome, PTZ, and bullet cameras allows for remarkable levels of efficiency and economy when customising cameras and enables companies to realise new solutions for emerging areas like business intelligence.
Unique features of the IPELA ENGINE EX signal processing system include:
- High frame rate of 60 frames per second (fps) – provides smooth moving pictures
- View-DR Processing – delivers a wide dynamic range equivalent to 90 dB for Full HD (1080p) and 130 dB for HD (720p), for excellent visibility in high-contrast scenes
- XDNR (Excellent Dynamic Noise Reduction) – ensures clearer low-light images by combining single-frame noise reduction with reduction of differential noise signals from consecutive frames
- Enhanced DEPA™ Advanced Video Analytics – provides state-of-the-art video image analytics for improved face detection and rule-based alarm triggers
In addition to these new high performance models, Sony is announcing three affordable IP cameras – the SNC-VB600B box camera, SNC-VM600B Mini Dome camera and SNC-VM601B Vandal-Proof Indoor Mini Dome camera. These HD resolution IP cameras are designed to meet the demand for advanced capabilities at reduced prices, featuring the same low light capability and wide dynamic range as the IPELA ENGINE EX models using XDNR and View-DR with 30 fps streaming capability.