Sony SNC-P5 and Axis 212

[murphycc]

Hi folks,

I just joined today, but had been reading some of the comparisons between various cameras before. I initially wanted to buy a wireless PTZ camera, but since I realized I can always purchase an ethernet to wireless bridge at some point in the future, it has opened the door wide for me to consider other good cameras which are less expensive than wireless versions.

I have read some discussions about the d-link 6620/g, the 4xem ipcamwlptz (if I recall), and even the Vivotek 6114. Those are all pretty similar cameras, but I have been hesitant to buy those since it seems like some people have had problems with either the camera or customer service on those.

Since I no longer need wireless (due to Bridge I can buy in future), I'm considering the Sony SNC-P5 or the Axis 212 PTZ. The Axis has no moving parts but still has 3x optical zoom, and the Sony also has 3x optical zoom.

I have had trouble finding many reviews of these two cameras.

Has anyone had experience with the Sony SNC-P5 or the AXIS 212?

My intended use is to use through my house window to view my birdfeeders in the backyard when I'm not there. Yes, I don't need the best camera, but if I want to be able to identify what bird I'm seeing, I will want an optical zoom on the thing.

Thanks for any help!

Chris

[4xem]

Hi Chris,
Both Sony and Axis make excellent cameras and you mostly likely couldn't go wrong with either. If you're concerned about customer support, I would suggest calling the manufacturer of whichever camera you're interested in and you might be able to gauge by the level of pre-sales support. If you get lousy pre-sales support, you might assume you'll get the same POST sales. As well, see if you can get a live demo of one of the cameras.
As for wireless, it's not my personal preference. You have to run power to the camera, so what's an extra Ethernet cable. If not, I like your idea of the Ethernet bridge. We have used Avalan Wireless with great success in the past.
As for the 4XEM PTZ cameras....feel free to check the link below for a link to our demo cameras, or call our customer support and see what you think!
Thanks,
Jay
_________________
4XEM Corporation
Specializing in IP Cameras, Network Cameras and Video Servers
www.4xem.com
Toll Free: 1-866-999-4936

[murphycc]

Thanks, Jay. That Avalan Wireless web site looks pretty cool. I had not heard of them before.

It seems with the three brands I mentioned, 4XEM, Vivotek, D-LINK, I have read reviews that are a mixed bag such as motors burning out in the first week, pan or tilt having too much 'hysteresis' in them before operating, some commands taking many seconds before executing remotely, needing to power-cycle frequently because some cameras will get 'stuck' in certain states, etc.

I'm sure those cameras are very good, and who knows if all the problems above are "operator error" or not. (ha!). But it makes me a little leary. I did have the IPCAMWLPTZ from 4XEM at the top of my list. I would still probably get that one if I needed to get wireless, but since I don't I have opened the search and see I can get the Sony SNC-P5 for less than $500 and the Axis for low $500s.

Does anyone else have experience with the Sony or Axis cameras, particularly the SNC-P5 or AXIS 212?

Thanks!
Chris