Things to Consider for Wide Area Video Surveillance

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Panoramic video surveillance cameras support situational awareness in a security application similarly to how a rear-view mirror in a car keeps a driver informed about the road and nearby vehicles. This level of understanding of the surrounding environment helps users make better assessments of situations that arise, react more quickly, and act with confidence and authority that they’re making the best decision.

As panoramic cameras become more popular, installers are finding them to be a highly effective method of providing broad coverage without blind spots. The uninterrupted, wide-angle view achieved by panoramic cameras simply can’t be replicated by multiple single-sensor cameras. Deliberating between a stitched image versus a unstitched image can be a pain point in spec-ing these cameras, so we’ve laid out the differences below to make this process as seamless as possible — no pun intended!

Stitched Multi-Sensor Technology

Stitched images are the best choice for busy scenes where wide-area surveillance is a necessity. Dahua offers single-sensor panoramic cameras that boast 180- and 360-viewing and recording without visual distortion, as well as the ability to capture up to 12MP of detail at extremely wide angles. When wide-area surveillance is needed, Dahua’s family of multi-sensors include cameras with three, four, or eight sensors that are precisely aligned in a single housing for a seamless, 180- to 360-degree image. No blind spots here, just a widescreen, contiguous view.

For security systems where operators are required to observe multiple cameras at once, stitched images alleviate some of the mental fatigue inherent to switching one’s focus among several different cameras. Stitched images are recommended for large areas with heavy pedestrian or automobile traffic such as stadiums, shopping malls, or metropolitan neighborhoods.

Unstitched Multi-Sensor Technology

Don’t equate unstitched images with inferior cameras! When more customization is required, unstitched images are the way to go. Look for multi-sensors that are made up of two or more single-sensor cameras in one housing. These allow for wide-area surveillance with the added benefit of being able to position each individual sensor independently. This brings users the functionality of multiple single-sensor cameras with the convenience of using a single camera: it’s great for intersecting hallways and multiple, targeted monitoring points. For example, in a convenience store, one sensor could be pointed at the front door and another at the register, with wide-angle views to observe activity in detail. The remaining two sensors could be aimed on the aisles, using a telephoto view.

Dahua’s Multi-flex™ is a great example of a high-performing, multi-directional camera that provides an unstitched image. Its four independent, 2MP, STARVIS™ CMOS sensors are rotatable and motorized, and can be positioned around a track for 180-, 270-, or 360-degree fields of view. Each module has two IR LEDs that move along with the sensors and produce IR illumination.

Whether you go with stitched or unstitched, both of these options are represented by panoramic cameras that replace multiple single-sensor cameras, giving you more bang for your buck and providing a higher return on investment for your clients.

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