Q: Price – what’s the cost of an SD5 fixed full body camera? An SD5 vandal resistant fixed dome camera?

 

A: we are delighted to say the pricing for both the fixed body and vandal resistant SD5 cameras will be the same at the current SD3 models but with much, much more in the way of functionality and features.

 

Q: The release of SD5 clear indicates that Panasonic retains a strong commitment to analogue surveillance camera technology, doesn’t it?

 

A: Yes the analogue products are still a major product line for Panasonic, Pacom and the CCTV market in general. Panasonic’s commitment to development of both analogue and IP technologies is evidence of its deep knowledge of security specialists’ need for both IP and analogue. Further evidence of this is the way in which the new Digital Recorders will compliment the range as well as taking advantage of new SD5 features that include I-VMD (Intelligent Video Motion Detection), which consists of Video Motion Detection, Object Detection (Abandoned and Removed) and Scene Change Detection.

 

Q: The heart of SDIII was a double speed CCD with advanced DSP to grab the bright and dark portions of the image and then recombine them into a single frame enhanced by digital contrast correction. Is SD5 the same in this regard?

 

A: It is dual speed CCD technology plus a lot more. Panasonic has added two existing technologies the double CCD technology plus the adaptive black stretch technology, these two wide dynamic technologies are combined to give an even wider dynamic picture. A third ingredient I-VMD (Intelligent video motion detection) is also added to the mix. I-VMD enhances the picture where motion is occurring. Add to this the 650TVL and you get a very smart camera. What is great is that the improvements are not subtle, they are a quantum improvement.

 

Q: Is it right to say that SD5 Super Dynamic technology represents a composite of a number of different capabilities like Image Stabilizer, Scene Change Detection, Auto Tracking, Motion Vector, Motion Area Edge Difference and Image Data Value – same as it was with SD3?

 

A: The term SD5 really relates to the image reproduction only but as with SD3, SD5 will quickly become generically identified as a technology that includes what you mentioned plus I-VMD, 650TVL, ABF, superior low light performance and scene change detections.

 

Q: What are the key differences between SD3 and SD5 in the simplest terms?

 

A: Key differences are 650VTL, 0.1 lux low light performance in colour. The wide dynamic technology for the SD5 is very different, since it now integrates three technologies together, SD (super dynamic) +ABS (adaptive black stretch) + I-VMD (intelligent video motion detection). The SD3 was simply super dynamic technology only.

In addition a lot more features have now been added to the SD5. Such as analytics, including left and removed object detection, loitering, and directional detection, plus scene change detection - all in one package!

 

Q: Which are best features of this new camera in your opinion, from the point of view of installers and end users?

 

A: For installers the ‘auto-back-focus’ is definitely up there. The one button push to focus a camera is brilliant. And for end users the superior wider dynamic range is great. My personal favourite is the built in edge analytics which will be a great feature for end users. Alarm handling and monitoring via existing coax back to the upcoming new DVR range will also benefit end users too.

 

Q: What is adaptive digital noise reduction and how does it improve picture quality in an SD5 camera?

 

A: The adaptive digital noise reduction in the SD5 prevents video noise in the image without the effect of image blurring due to moving objects.

 

Q: Could you further explain the functionality of I-VMD?

 

A: I-VMD when used together with the Super-Dynamic function and the adaptive back stretch, enhances the picture where motion is occurring. I-VMD also includes left/removed objects, loitering, and directional detection analytics.

 

Q: Has the dynamic range of the new camera been improved?

 

A: Yes since the adaptive black stretch (ABS) function has been added to the SD function, it allows the iris of the camera lens to close slightly giving better clarity in any bright areas of the picture.

 

Q: Let’s talk about resolution – 650 lines – that’s the highest resolution ever for an analogue camera. Given your experience, can you see the improvement in picture that SD5 delivers on a typical monitor? What about in playback? Does the higher resolution translate into superior recorded images all other things being equal?

 

A: What it means is that although the monitor or digital recorder may in some cases “only” have a 500TVL resolution limit. The clarity of the image is fully maintained right up to the 500TVL cut off. That is, there is no slight dropping of the image quality as it approaches the 500TVL limit. Therefore image display and recordings are improved. The SD3 camera was outstanding but when you compare to the new SD5 the clarity, sharpness and colour reproduction are an obvious quantum shift improvement.

 

Q: Will DVRs, encoders, network hardware and all the rest need to be tuned to handle the additional image quality or will the camera simply deliver better images under all circumstances?

 

A: No tuning will be required. SD5 cameras just deliver superior visual performance. In addition the new Panasonic Digital recorders will feature an HDMI output to improve the display of high resolution cameras and extend display options.

 

Q: In terms of installing and configuring an SD5 camera – is it as easy as SD3 or are there additional steps and considerations?

 

A: You still have the superb ABF (auto back focus) which is a massive time saver that will remove many hours of setup, so focus is as easy as ever, and ensures 24/7 perfect focus in both colour and black and white mode. You now also have analytics on board to configure but now you are able to download camera settings to a Panasonic DVR, so you now have back-up capability for CCTV camera configurations!

 

Q: If you were installing a camera to get the best performance – what sort of general configuration would you employ – taking into account the variables of a given site?

 

A: In most cases factory default is going to be just fine, Panasonic has chosen the default camera settings to cater for most applications. Changes may be necessary for some site specific conditions, for example use of shutter to capture number plates on moving cars. Also the new SD5 camera can use camera scene files to optimise for day and night conditions.

 

Q: Panasonic’s claimed minimum scene illumination numbers are the most realistic in the industry – what sort of low light performance can reasonably be expected from an SD5 camera in the field?

 

A: We are glad you mention this. Panasonic has always been very sensible in stating sensible minimum usable scene illumination levels. SD5 is now a low 0.1 lux for Colour at F1.4 and 0.01 lux black and white!

 

Q16: Is there going to be an SD5 PTZ camera and if so, when will it be available?

 

A: Yes SD5 in PTZ domes is coming, but date of release is not finalized yet.

 

Q: What are the external IP ratings of the fixed dome and full body camera?

 

A: The WV-CP500 series fixed camera requires camera housing. The WV-CW500 series fixed vandal resistant dome has an IP66 weatherproof rating. It also features a dehumidification device to prevent moisture build up in the dome due to condensation.

 

Q: Is there any difference with the lenses on the new SD5 cameras?

 

A: The new SD5 camera cannot use the old video servo-type lens this is because SD5 performance is better with DC servo lens. We recommend that like a high performance car you not put retreads on it, so we recommend a Panasonic lens or a well known quality branded lens.

 

Q: In terms of getting the new SD5 cameras onto a network, does this require an encoder? There’s no IP connectivity onboard is there?

 

A: No there is no IP connectivity and yes you would have to use an encoder. But watch this space there is more to come in the new Panasonic i-pro range.

 

Q: This is the first big Panasonic release since distribution was taken on by Pacific Communications – it must be an exciting time for the team?

 

A: One of the reasons we took on Panasonic was that they could clearly demonstrate their development path on both IP and analogue. Only 6 months into the relationship and they have delivered with spades. We are over the moon.

 

Q: What else can we expect from Panasonic and Pacific Communications over the next 12 months – will there be additional releases?

 

A: In the coming months we will see new Digital Video Recorders with HDMI outputs and there will be widescreen monitors and some great new IP cameras. The Security 2009 exhibition in Sydney late August will be a launching pad for many new products from Pacom all which take huge leaps forward in both analogue and IP.

 

Q23: Alongside this release of SD5 is Panasonic MEGA SD megapixel camera – do you see these 2 products as offering end users a perfect combination of high end analogue and megapixel performance across a range of applications?

 

Ans: Yes, the Panasonic product offers a great range to suit all applications. The new I-Pro Mega super Dynamic megapixel camera will be launched at the Security 2009 exhibition as well. This new range will include Super Dynamic technology as well as sensational IP/megapixel camera features all with the Panasonic renowned stamp of quality, reliability and the backing and support of Pacific Communications. Pacom’s product road map has never been more exciting and the next 6 months will be the packed full of new releases.

 

Q: How do you feel about SD5 yourself, Kieron? How good is it? Is this undisputedly the best analogue camera available today?

 

A: You know, analogue camera development has been incrementally small over the last few years and we were wondering where an analogue camera could really improve. But Panasonic has jumped the field and set a new benchmark that places it clearly above all others. It is amazing how good this new camera is, you can see the difference clearly and I just love all the great features the camera has - I-VMD is my personal favourite.