Axis 214 PTZ camera

[etalk]

Hi:

The Axis 214 PTZ just came out. I like to know how it performs. Any feedbacks would be appreciated. I really like its https feature, but curious how it impacts video streaming performance. I think https feature is the key to getting wide-spread deployment into households.

I currently own 4xEM IPCAMWLPTG and IPCAMWLPTZ cameras. They work pretty well, except for the lack of https feature. I contacted 4xEM tech support and got confirmation that 4xEM has no plan to support https. That is too bad. I think for 4xEM to compete and sell more of its network cameras to those whose security is of great concern, https feature needs to be introduced. Without it, lots of people will not install it in-house as some internet users smart enough could obtain the username/password and view the camera. Once they access into the camera, they can basically see my personal lives. That is not acceptable! I certainly will not install 4xEM in-house myself because it does not have https. For future business location deployment, I am looking at Axis 214 right now. It is $400 more than the 4xEM IPCAMWLPTG, but certainly it has lots of good features and 18x optical zoom.

Also, please share a axis 214 PTZ demo link if you are aware of one. I searched the www, but found nothing. I was able to find one last week in google search, but not any longer.

Please let me know.

Thank you very much!

Peter

[Administrator]

Hello etalk,

Yes, not many cameras support https which would be a great feature to have. I know a few AXIS cameras have the feature but you are looking at a big price jump. I find AXIS runs off their branding. That is the reason the price is so high. They also don't include software so you will need to pay extra for that.

Many manufacturers are coming out now that have cameras that compare very well to AXIS cameras and they are a heck of a lot cheaper!

4XEM could support https down the road, I don't think they will release an update for their current cameras however for that feature because it would be more work than its worth.

Regarding the AXIS 214 IP Camera, Considering its new I don't know much about it and I have not seen a demo for it. If I run across a demo I will PM you or post a message.

Cheers!
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[Administrator]

I forgot to ask,

Are you setting up your cameras for surveillance? Or, are you broadcasting your cameras to many different users?
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[etalk]

Hi Wes:
Thanks for the inputs. I setup cameras only for surveillance and recording. They are private cameras, and not for public access. Without https, the username/password I enter everytime I access the camera could be compromised.

You're right. I have to spend another $300 on the software for recording and monitoring, with Axis cameras. I really like the fact that the 4xEM cameras have free monitoring/recording software come with the price. The 4xEM 10x optical camera' performance is pretty solid. I did lots of testing (ftp, recording, email, etc) for 1 week or so, the 10x optical zoom wireless camera works pretty well. I am pretty happy (except for 2 features: the https, and the ability to move between preset locations according to scheduled times) with its features and performance, given its price range. So, if 4xEM cameras have https, it will be a hit, beating out most competitors at price range.

You're right. Axis jacked up the price big time. It's so expensive with their products. The Axis 214 should be $900 or less, given the fact that there is no recording/monitoring software included with the price. If I had to buy the Axis 214 for my business customers who are willing to pay for that price, I would purchase 3rd-party Visual Hindsight (http://www.visualhindsight.com/). For $300, I can cover up to 50 cameras! Seems to be a good software.

Peter

[Administrator]

Hi Peter,

I haven't used Visual Hindsight software. I'm hoping one day I will have the time to test out every software on the market.....find out the pros and cons of each one

Maybe one day down the road 4XEM will have cameras that support https. It is a feature that would help out a lot. From my experience, I haven't had many users too concerned about their camera not having https. Just like you said though it is great to have as it doesn't compromise your username and password.
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