IMS Research has predicted that lens technology will get more emphasis from manufacturers of surveillance systems this year. HD and megapixel resolution security cameras have been the main trend with the more pixels the better. The Arecont Vision ranges include a 20 megapixel camera. However, video quality is dependent on factors other than the number of megapixels on the sensor, such as the lens and image processing. IMS Research forecasts that by 2015, more than 70% of all network camera shipments will be megapixel resolution. Whilst some manufacturers are unlikely to desist from releasing higher megapixel cameras, IMS believes that for the vast majority of manufacturers, there will be a renewed focus on image quality in 2012.

For most general purpose video surveillance systems, there is a limit to the amount of image detail required; typically the ability to distinguish facial features and clearly identify a license plate is sufficient. This makes the market opportunity for “high” megapixel cameras relatively niche. But IMS think that with a growing number of HD resolution surveillance systems manufacturers will need to further develop their points of differentiation. They believe that advancements will be in low light capability and wide dynamic range as well as an increasing adoption of P-Iris lens technology and advances in live video enhancement.

Posted by Chris Williams