The Axis Communications AXIS 212 takes a unique and novel approach to PTZ camera technology. Unlike conventional PTZ cameras which use a motorized PTZ head susceptible to wear and tear, all of this camera's pan, tilt and zoom functions are completely digital. Equipped with a 3 megapixel imager plus a wide angle lens, this camera has the ability to display on a single monitor in super high resolution a full 140° view of an area up to 500 feet in length. When an operator spots something of interest, he simply drags and clicks the mouse, and the camera instantly closes in on that person and object. This makes it a great choice for banks, casinos, hotels and numerous other applications requiring the use of a single camera to monitor a large area and at the same time have the ability to quickly move in for a close detailed look when needed.
PTZ Operation with No Moving Parts
The AXIS 212 employs an ingenious method for performing PTZ operations without any actual moving parts, sort of a virtual PTZ. Instead of using a motorized PTZ head susceptible to inevitable wear and tear over time, all camera movements are completely digital. Because there are no moving parts involved, pan and tilt operation is not limited by the camera's physical pan and tilt speed limits. Simply by dragging the mouse, an operator can quickly follow a person or object moving across the screen regardless of their speed.
Instant Zoom
As with pan and tilt operation, zoom function is purely digital. Because the lens doesn't actually move, there's no need to wait for the lens to work its way through its optical stages. When an operator spots something of interest, he simply clicks the mouse and the person or object is instantly magnified many times. Clicking the mouse again instantly reverts the image to its original position.
3 Megapixel Imager & Wide Angle Lens
The key to this camera's amazing PTZ capabilities is its 3 megapixel CMOS imager and Fujinon wide angle lens. Together, these provide a user with a 140° view of an area up to 500 feet (150m) in length in super high resolution on a single monitor. By starting out with such high quality, this camera is capable of maintaining outstanding clarity and color depth even under high speed pan and tilt and extreme digital magnification.
Discreet & Quiet Operation
Another advantage of digital PTZ operation is the ability to quietly follow a person across an area without the noise or the camera's pointing direction alerting the person to the fact that they're being monitored.
Advanced Network Security & Management
Utilizing an elaborate password and encryption system, this camera does a superb job in keeping out hackers and other illicit network infiltrators. At the same time it makes it extremely easy for authorized users to access images and functions from a remote network location. Furthermore, with support for both IPv4 and IPv6 Internet protocols, this camera can easily be assigned an IP address from a large pool of available numbers without the need for translation.
Simultaneous MJPEG & MPEG-4 Video Transmission
Video is captured simultaneously in both the MJPEG and MPEG-4 image compression formats. This allows a user for example to choose the higher resolution MJPEG format for live image viewing and at the same time record video to a hard drive over the network using the faster and more versatile MPEG-4 format.
Built-In Microphone for 2-Way Voice Communication
By using an optional speaker together with this camera's built-in microphone, a PC user can hear and speak with a person at the camera location over the network. This is a very useful feature in numerous applications including retail stores, factories and transportation facilities.
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
In addition to operating on standard DC voltage, this camera, when used in conjunction with an optional PoE feeder, can be powered solely by its Ethernet cable. PoE makes it possible to install the camera in areas with no direct access to an AC outlet such as certain hallway and ceiling installations or when the camera is placed inside an outdoor housing. When used together with a UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply), PoE also has the ability to keep the camera running during a power outage.
Tamper Resistant Design
With its heavy duty chassis and polycarbonate dome this camera can be used in areas susceptible to light tampering.