The Advantages and Limitations of Panoramic Security Cameras

In today's world, where security is a primary concern, advancements in technology offer a wide array of surveillance solutions. One such innovation is the panoramic IP security camera. These cameras offer a wide field of view, capturing a wide expanse of the surroundings in a single frame. But as with any technology, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider. CCTV Outlet has added a high-tech SPRO 180-degree panoramic colour camera to the IP collection on the website and we couldn’t resist comparing it to other panoramic cameras across the internet. What really knocked our socks off about this new SPRO addition was the built-in AI technology which includes people counting, intrusion and tripwire detection along with many more key features explained below. 

Whilst reading this favourable list of fancy tech, if you find that this security system is for you, make sure to visit the link at the end of this post to find our amazing value kit bundle.

Why is it amazing, you ask? Because with its wide-angle field of view, this camera provides comprehensive coverage, reducing the need for multiple units.

What is an IP camera?

An IP camera or Internet Protocol camera is a modern type of CCTV with the latest technology. These cameras receive higher resolution than the standard HD camera, also known as Analogue cameras, because they transmit digital signals to the recorder. This means that IP cameras can be directly connected to the recorder or switches on the local network. With an IP camera, you will need an NVR, short for Network Video Recorder. 

For more info on IP and Analogue systems and set ups, check our FAQ page here: CCTV Outlet FAQs.

Without further ado, to save you from long boring hours of research, let’s look at some pros and cons of owning a panoramic camera and what makes them different to the traditional one-lens CCTVs.

Pros and Cons

Pros of the average 180-Degree Panoramic Security Camera:

• Wide Coverage Area: One of the primary advantages of 180-degree panoramic cameras is their ability to cover a vast area with a single unit. This reduces the need for multiple cameras, simplifying installation and maintenance.

• Reduced Blind Spots: With their wide field of view, panoramic cameras minimise blind spots, providing comprehensive surveillance coverage. This helps in detecting and monitoring activities across the entire monitored area.

• Cost-Effective: Deploying 180-degree panoramic cameras can be cost-effective compared to installing multiple traditional cameras. Fewer units are required to cover the same area, resulting in savings on equipment and installation costs.

• Enhanced Situational Awareness: Panoramic cameras provide operators with a comprehensive view of the environment, enabling better situational awareness. This allows for quicker response times and more effective decision-making in security incidents.

• Ease of Installation: Installing a single panoramic camera is often simpler and requires less cabling compared to setting up multiple cameras. This saves time and effort during the installation process.

Let’s have a read of cons for the average 180-Degree Panoramic Security Camera:

• Distortion: Panoramic cameras may suffer from distortion, especially towards the edges of the image. This distortion can affect the accuracy of object size and distance measurements.

• Image Quality: Some panoramic cameras sacrifice image quality for wide-angle coverage. The overall resolution may be lower compared to traditional cameras, leading to reduced detail in captured footage.

• Bandwidth and Storage: Panoramic cameras generate large amounts of data due to their wide coverage area. This can strain network bandwidth and require more storage space for storing video recordings, leading to increased infrastructure costs.

• Limited Depth Perception: Panoramic cameras provide a flattened, 2D view of the scene, which may limit depth perception. This can make it challenging to accurately assess distances between objects or people in the monitored area.

• Cost of High-Quality Cameras: While panoramic cameras offer cost savings by reducing the number of cameras needed for coverage, high-quality panoramic cameras with advanced features may come with a higher upfront cost.

Comparing the average panoramic camera with the SPRO 4MP DUO IP Panoramic Colour Night Camera With AI-PRO:

Now, let's delve into the features of the SPRO 4MP DUO IP Panoramic Colour Night Camera With AI-PRO. This innovative camera combines advanced technology with enhanced surveillance capabilities.

• High Resolution: The SPRO 4MP DUO IP camera offers a high resolution of 4 megapixels in each lens, ensuring clear and detailed imagery. When paired with the recommended recorder, you can view live or recorded imagery up to 16 megapixels.

• Colour Night Vision: Unlike traditional cameras that switch to black and white in low-light conditions, this SPRO camera features COLOUR NIGHT vision technology, allowing for coloured image day and night.

• AI-PRO Technology: The inclusion of AI-PRO technology enhances the camera's capabilities, enabling features such as Smart Motion Detection and Perimeter protection.

• More Intelligent Features: Vehicle and human detection with Intrusion, tripwire, fast moving, loitering, people gathering with people counting and parking detection.

• No Distortion: The SPRO Panoramic camera has ‘No Splicing distortion’ as it finely joins two images together to look like one, meaning you won’t have any blind spots in-between the two images.

• 2-Way-Audio: With a microphone and speaker built in, this camera lets you listen and speak to anyone outside of your property.

• Bandwidth and storage: A big problem with a majority of IP CCTV is the large use of bandwidth and storage. SPRO’s DUO Panoramic Colour Night camera features up to 256Mbps incoming bandwidth when it’s connected to the recommended recorder: SPRO A7 16 Channel 16MP NVR. This recorder can store data from 2TB to 20TB, depending on how long you want to store footage for.

• Waterproof: All SPRO cameras are suitable to be fitted inside and outside buildings, meaning you don’t have to worry about your camera drowning in the rain, freezing over in the ice or melting in the heat.

• Remote access: You will have access to your CCTV feed anytime, anywhere. Hook up the camera and recorder to a monitor for constant look out or use your phone or tablet anywhere you go and receive push notifications.

In conclusion, while 180-degree panoramic security cameras offer several advantages in terms of wide coverage and cost-effectiveness, they also come with limitations such as distortion and reduced image quality. However, with advancements like the SPRO 4MP DUO IP Panoramic Colour Night Camera With AI-PRO, the landscape of surveillance technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions to meet the demands of modern security needs.

What do you think? Be sure to leave your thoughts below and to check out our kit bundle of two SPRO 4MP DUO IP Panoramic Colour Night Cameras With AI-PRO and the SPRO A7 16 Channel 16MP IP NVR recorder. Packed full of new features, this kit is easy to set up and will be running in a matter of time. This is a great solution for when you want fewer cameras but double the security with 180⁰ panoramic splicing image to cover all corners of your property.