The cameras bring superior image quality and advanced features to Panasonic's security portfolio

Panasonic unveils the newest i-PRO Full HD network cameras at this year’s International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) in Las Vegas, Nevada, March 28th to 30th. The cameras bring superior image quality and advanced features to Panasonic’s security portfolio. All of the HD cameras offer full 1080p video with Mega Super Dynamic picture quality, 1080p/360p dual streaming and smart features such as face detection, sequential cropping function and efficient H.264 compression. Ideal for demanding, high-end applications, the i-PRO SmartHD “5 series” full 1080p HD cameras also incorporate Panasonic's Enhanced UniPhierLSI Processor to offer added functionality.

Panasonic's Enhanced UniPhier LSI Processor delivers new functions such as variable image quality on specified areas (VIQS) and lens distortion compensation (LDC), which provides a natural image without distortion when viewed through a wide angle lens. VIQS enables up to two areas in an image, such as the sky, to be encoded at a lower resolution to save bandwidth while maintaining maximum detail in critical areas. The Enhanced UniPhierLSI Processor also employs a new H.264 codec engine to provide additional image compression to lower bandwidth and storage needs by up to half when used in combination with VIQS. Images are provided by a 3.1 megapixel high-sensitivity MOS sensor.

Panasonic's WV-SW559 i-PRO Super Dynamic Full HD Vandal Resistant Dome Network Camera provides dual-streaming to simultaneously supply full HD (1,920 x 1,080 pixel) H.264 video and 360p video, both at 30 frames per second (fps). The camera’s dual streaming capability provides both real-time monitoring and high-resolution recording. Up to four cropped image capture areas can be specified and transmitted sequentially. The WV-SW559 incorporates an infrared (IR) cut filter that switches on/off for greater light sensitivity of 0.06 lux in black-and-white (B/W) mode. Auto Back Focus (ABF) ensures stable focus in both colour and black-and-white modes and simplifies installation.

Panasonic's i-PRO SmartHD WV-SW558 offers day/night electrical function and light sensitivity of 0.3 lux in B/W mode. Both the WV-SW558 and WV-SW559 offer colour light sensitivity of 0.5 lux. Each dome camera features a 2.8-10.0mm, 3.6x varifocal auto-iris lens. Both outdoor models feature IP66-rated water and dust resistance.

“Panasonic is applying its core expertise in HD imaging technology to deliver more advanced imaging solutions for professional video surveillance and security applications. Our new line of i-PRO Full HD network cameras delivers exceptional resolution combined with advanced features for the most demanding applications,” said Greg Peratt, National Sales Director, Video Solutions Integration, Panasonic. “We believe the performance and versatility of these new HD cameras provides a new foundation for designers to build new video surveillance systems upon.”

Also being introduced at ISC West are indoor box cameras offering similar features: Panasonic's i-PRO Smart HD WV-SP509 Super Dynamic Full HD Network camera (with IR day/night function) and WV-SP508 (with electrical day/night). A 2x varifocal (high-resolution) lens is an optional accessory for either.

Additional cameras in Panasonic's i-PRO full-HD line include a fixed dome indoor vandal-resistant camera (WV-SF549) providing picture-in-picture function enabling a selected area to be monitored in a single image screen and 3x extra optical zoom at 360p resolution, available in June 2012. Also coming in June is the WV-SF539 fixed dome indoor camera. Both provide IR day/night function. WV-SF548 and WV-SF538 are electrical day/night cameras with similar features, also including picture-in-picture and 3x extra optical zoom at 360p resolution.

Each full HD camera offers high-efficiency 1080 bit-rate control. Mega Super Dynamic and ABS (Adaptive Black Stretch) technologies deliver 128x wider dynamic range. Face Super Dynamic Range technology ensures clear face images. Video Motion Detection offers four programmable detection areas, 15-step sensitivity levels and 10-step detection sizes. Face detection function detects the position of the human face and sends the information as XML data.

The MOS sensor and Enhanced UniPhier processor save energy by requiring less power to operate, and simpler overall system design (system doesn't require a PC) also contributes to environmental considerations as part of Panasonic's Eco Ideas initiative.