For those with an interest in all things optical, the acquisition of Axis Communications by Canon was an interesting prospect. Both companies have a reputation for imaging quality, and the complementary technologies offer a good fit. In the AXIS Q1659, Axis has leveraged Canon’s high quality optics to deliver an interesting camera for those seeking superior image capture.
Axis Communications has announced the introduction of the AXIS Q1659 network camera. The new device, which should be available in the first few months of 2017, combines a high-resolution image sensor with digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) Canon EF/EF-S lenses. It is the first Axis camera to feature such lenses, although some very high resolution cameras from other manufacturers have already taken this approach.
Axis Communications, which is a part of the Canon group of companies, states that it has designed the camera with flexibility, ease-of-use and efficiency in mind. However, the real driver is achieving image quality with extremely high levels of detail for a range of higher risk surveillance needs.
The camera leverages an advanced image sensor with the EF lens technology to deliver enhanced colour fidelity, higher contrast and sharper detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. The image sensor delivers a 20 megapixel resolution video stream at 8 frames per second. Aimed at applications where the observation of large open spaces across long distances is critical, the camera can be supplied with a choice of seven different EF/EF-S lenses, depending on the needs of any given site.
The camera is equipped with an EF lens mount, with Axis pointing out that this allows quick and easy lens changes. That said, surveillance requirements are unlikely to see many lens changes, so whilst this is a bonus for photographers the real value for security users will be the increased quality.
High resolution cameras with DSLR lenses come into their own when regions of interest are used, as sharp and detailed ‘virtual cameras’ can be created, allowing regions to be streamed independently of an overview image. While Axis
Communications does not currently state that this level of functionality will be available from the Q1659, we’d be very surprised if the camera does not offer the feature.
Axis has confirmed that the camera will support the video management and analytics applications available via the AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) platform. ONVIF support will also be included.
The new camera will support the latest enhancement of Axis’ Zipstream dynamic encoding technology, which offers storage and bandwidth savings.
In addition, an SFP slot for optional fibre connectivity gives the ability to connect to the network over long distances.