Sony has announced four new security cameras, the SNC-HM662 and X series (SNC-XM632, SNC-XM636,  SNC-XM637). All of the cameras  encapsulate the best of Sony’s technology and expand Sony’s offering for new applications.

SNC-HM662 360 degree hemispheric-view Mini dome IP camera
     The SNC-HM662 makes it  possible for users to have five megapixel (MP), high-resolution video and a  360-degree view of an area with just the one camera. It is ideal for both  indoor and outdoor environments such as retail outlets, campuses and commercial  buildings. It helps users eliminate blind spots and enhances situational  awareness.
The SNC-HM662 features a  360-degree panomorph lens from ImmerVision which provides better clarity and  resolution towards the edge of the lens, whereas traditional lens technology  performs better in the centre. This outstanding camera is also optimised to  maximise the sensor coverage resulting in a higher resolution where necessary.  These features combined make the camera an ideal choice for panoramic overview.  The SNC-HM662 also supports fast, responsive electronic pan/tilt/zoom (ePTZ)  and 11 different viewing modes through the Sony Web viewer.
 
  “As security needs have  evolved, users expect an IP camera to provide usable video for multiple  applications,” said Ryan Kawashima, Strategic Marketing Manager for Video Security, Sony  Europe. “Sony has developed the  SNC-HM662 for that very reason. The circular field of view and five megapixel  resolution means the camera’s images can be used on their own or used to  complement any type of surveillance system and improve functionality.”           

The SNC-HM662 is designed  to be used with a VMS solution so that ‘de-warping’ (correcting image  distortion and straightening the viewed image) can be fulfilled on the client  side. This feature gives viewers the advantage of always seeing a complete  overview of the recorded video scene, regardless of the live view being  digitally cropped and zoomed to an area of interest. The client side ePTZ  functionality can be used for live capture and playback, so even events happening out of shot in the live view can be quickly reviewed in playback. The  SNC-HM662 also supports two-way audio with an optional microphone and speaker,  power over Ethernet (PoE), and edge storage capabilities.
Sony’s SNC-HM662 security  camera is expected to be available from February of 2014.

X Series IP Cameras
     The three new X Series cameras  are ruggedised, outdoor, Full HD minidome models. They are Sony’s first rugged IP cameras with image stabilisation technology and a built-in  microphone, making them ideal for use on board transportation vehicles such as  buses and trains. All of the cameras include the IPELA ENGINE EX technology  platform. This includes Sony’s wide-dynamic range technology View-DR, XDNR  noise reduction technology, and frame rates 30 frames a second in full HD.

    The SNC-XM632 is compliant  with the ISO 16750 standard and therefore recommended for bus surveillance. It  is also suitable for outdoor applications such as retail, banking and education  where the compact form and flat finish will blend appropriately with the  installation surroundings. The SNC-XM636 and SNC-XM637 are designed with different  horizontal viewing angles (85 degrees and 115 degrees, respectively) and comply  with the EN50155 and EN45545 standards for surveillance aboard trains. All of  the X Series cameras are rated as IK08 vandal resistant and Ingress Protection  rated to be dust proof and protected from water due to powerful jets (IP66).

The X Series cameras are  expected to be available through Sony’s product distribution channel in  February 2014.