Panasonic's latest i-PRO SmartHD dome network pan-tilt-zoom cameras to be showcased at ASIS 2011

The new dome cameras provide 720p High Definition images at 30 fps

Panasonic's latest i-PRO SmartHD dome network pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras combine full-frame 1,280x960 H.264 images, Mega Super Dynamic image processing and 36x optical zoom. Suitable for high-end applications such as casinos, airports, transportation and correctional facilities, the new dome cameras provide 720p High Definition (HD) images (1280x720 pixels) at 30 frames per second (fps) in addition to features such as auto-tracking, smooth PTZ control with 360-degree endless panning, and face detection.

The Panasonic i-PRO SmartHD WV-SC386 incorporates a newly-developed 1.3-megapixel double-speed MOS sensor and Panasonic's UniPhier® proprietary System LSI platform provides multiple H.264 (high profile) and JPEG video streams to ensure simultaneous real-time monitoring and high-resolution recording (H.264 and MPEG-4 are selectable for system migration). Total bit rate control allows flexible network traffic management, and frame rate priority mode controls bit rate and compression ratio to provide a specified frame rate. The 36x optical zoom combines with 12x digital zoom to enable 432x zoom. Under VGA resolution, the 72x extra optical zoom combined with 12x digital zoom enables 864x zoom.

The outdoor version, the Panasonic i-PRO Smart HD WV-SW396, is a weather-resistant HD dome network camera that is IP66-rated water and dust resistant and compatible with the IEC 60529 measurement standard. A dehumidification device is integrated into the camera for condensation removal and a built-in fan/heater/sun shield accommodates temperature extremes.

Both the WV-SC386 and WV-SW396 are ONVIF-compliant. Mega Super Dynamic image processing and Adaptive Black Stretch (ABS) technologies deliver 128x wider dynamic range compared to conventional cameras. Face Super Dynamic technology ensures the detection and capture of clear facial images. Additionally, the Adaptive Digital Noise Reduction function (integrated 2D-DNR and 3D-DNR) reduces noise and motion blur in various conditions.

PTZ control for both new dome network cameras is smoother, utilising a straightforward graphical user interface (GUI) with 16-speed pan/tilt and new "drag and zoom" operation to enable finer control. Each camera provides 256 pan-tilt speeds using Panasonic's WV-CU950 system controller. There are up to 256 preset positions. The use of a 360-degree map shot provides eight thumbnail images at 45-degree intervals; clicking on a thumbnail directs the camera easily. With auto-tracking, the cameras automatically pan and tilt to follow a moving subject, keeping it in the centre of the image.

"Whatever the application, Panasonic has an IP camera packed with features to meet system needs," said Bill Taylor, President, Panasonic System Networks Company of America. "We are introducing Panasonic's new PTZ network dome cameras at ASIS International 2011, and we believe their expanded functionality, user-friendly operation and higher resolution result in IP domes that are a perfect match for many high-end applications."

Each camera's face detection function detects the position of a human face, and the information is sent by XML or video stream. Video Motion Detection (VMD) has four programmable detection zones, 15-step sensitivity levels and 10-step detection size. Meta data from the VMD works with Panasonic's WJ-ND400 network video recorder's playback VMD function. Privacy zoom can mask up to eight private areas, such as house windows and entrances/exits.

Alarm sources include 3 terminal inputs, VMD and Panasonic alarm commands to trigger actions such as SDHC/SD Memory Card recording, FTP image transfer, e-mail notification, indication on the browser, alarm terminal output, and Panasonic protocol output. Still images (JPEG) from the cameras can be viewed on mobile phones via the Internet.

The WV-SC386 and WV-SW396 will be available in winter 2011.