BUILD QUALITY 82% 80% 85% 80% 79% OPTICAL QUALITY 81% 80% 82% 80% 80% IMAGE RENDITION 81% 80% 82% 80% 80% LOW LIGHT PERFORMANCE 82% 81% 84% 80% 78%

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Cassandra Sara Poole
5 years ago
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1 An Optical Illusion? PRODUCT CBC TG3Z2910FCS HLD28V8F95L TS3VP213ED-M SLA3580DN VDD28V1114IRP TG10Z0513FCS-3 HLD5V50F13L HS5VP814ED-M SLA550DA VDD5V5014PU BUILD QUALITY 82% 80% 85% 80% 79% OPTICAL QUALITY 81% 80% 82% 80% 80% IMAGE RENDITION 81% 80% 82% 80% 80% LOW LIGHT PERFORMANCE 82% 81% 84% 80% 78% OVERALL RATING 82% 80% 83% 80% 79% To identify products quickly and easily, always mention Benchmark when contacting suppliers and manufacturers. CONTACT: CBC Tel Tel: Tel: When it comes to CCTV lenses, too many installers will still simply select the cheapest option. However, this could be detrimental to the final image quality. In this test, Benchmark looks at the performance of branded quality lenses compared with that of a low cost unbranded lens to ascertain whether the branded units represent value for money. The lens is effectively the eye of the CCTV system, in that it is a device which focuses light onto the sensing area of the camera: the CCD or CMOS chip. The chip then converts the level of light into a corresponding electrical signal, and when that has been transmitted from the camera, the signal is transferred back into its relative luminosity and chrominance values, and that - in a very simplistic way - is how CCTV images are created. Of course, there is much more to it than that, but the simplistic explanation serves to underline one fact; focussing the light as best possible onto the chip is a vital part of creating good quality CCTV images. There are many different types of CCTV lenses, with variations for differing camera CCD formats, focal lengths, auto or manual iris requirements, video types, zoom requirements, low light applications, day/night applications, megapixel lenses - this list, as you will be aware, is not exhaustive! When choosing a lens there are a number of points you should always bear in mind. Cameras are currently available with differing CCDs fitted, and this is an important factor to be aware of when selecting a lens. The common formats for CCDs are 1/3 inch and 1/2 inch. Most 1/4 inch CCDs are used in zoom modules and subsequently come with lenses fitted, although because of advances in 40

But why trade down lenses? Firstly, it allows selections of lenses to be used in a wider range of applications.

2 quality and reductions in cost driven by the consumer electronics market, 1/4 inch chipsets are increasing in popularity. The size of the CCD can have an effect on the angle of view, especially if your are involved in the practice of 'trading down'. This is where a larger format lens is used with a smaller CCD. But why trade down lenses? Firstly, it allows selections of lenses to be used in a wider range of applications. For example, a 1/2 inch 6mm lens fitted to 1/3 inch CCD camera gives an effective field of view comparable with an 8.7mm lens. Another benefit of trading down is that the resolution and quality of the image can be increased, as the image area being used comes only from the centre of the lens; the area of the glass that usually will have been ground most accurately! The focal length (which is always measured in millimetres) relates directly to the angle of view given by a lens. Short focal lengths give a wide angle of view, and as the focal lengths increase, so the view becomes narrower until it reaches the tight angle of view normally associated with zoom equipment. The focal length is best explained as the distance between the CCD device and the point at which light converges on the lens (the optical centre). The aperture size of lens is usually quoted as an F number. The degree to which the aperture is open is known as an F stop. Maximum aperture will be referred to by a low F number, and minimum aperture is referred to by a high F number. Aperture is simply explained when related to the pupil in the human eye. In dark situations where a larger amount of light is required, maximum aperture allows a better picture to be transmitted. In situations where there is a strong incidence light or reflected light, use of minimum aperture stops the camera from giving a bleached or white image. However, aperture also has an effect on depth of field, which is often a critical consideration in CCTV surveillance applications. Whilst much of the battle in low light applications is to get as wide an aperture as possible, a narrower aperture gives greater depth of field! The lenses in the test include two of the more common varifocal ranges for CCTV. The specification for the test lenses was approximately mm, and 5-50mm. Where the focal ranges of the submitted units differ, that will be noted. All lenses were set to the TEST CAMERAS Bosch Security Systems LTC0495 The LTC0495 from Bosch uses 15 bit digital signal processing. It utilises a 1/3 inch interline transfer CCD to deliver a quoted horizontal resolution of 540 TV lines. Minimum sensitivity is quoted at less than 0.24 lux in colour mode, and lux in monochrome mode. Other features include noise reduction and extended dynamic range. The LTC0945 features adjustments for day/night operation, and this includes 30 potential settings for the switching level. There is also an option to put a priority on retaining colour detail or on ensuring that motion isn t blurred. By using other features, such as Sens-Up and noise reduction, it is possible to get the camera to switch at around 0.8 lux without any processing artefacts, frame rate loss or other adverse effects. Sensitivity is quoted as lux in monochrome mode. Tel: SCB-3001P The SCB-3001P uses a double density CCD, which boasts 610,000 pixels. The effective pixel count is 568,000 pixels (976 x 582). claims a resolution of 650 TV lines for the camera. Sensitivity is claimed as 0.1 lux for a 50IRE image, or lux with Sens-Up set at x512. Signal to noise ratio is quoted as 52dB. With regard to functionality, the usual suspects are all accounted for: iris control, electronic shutter speed, gain control, white balance, backlight compensation and sens-up. As is usual with SV-chipset cameras, SSNR is present. This camera features SSNR III, as included in the SV-4 chipset. You also get wide dynamic range (SSDR) as well as true day/night switching (triggered by the camera or externally through the Lamp input). One of the hot topics at present is intelligent video analysis, and the SCB has on-board analytics, albeit in a basic form. This includes detection, tracking and object-based triggering. same focal length, with the same subject viewed, in identical conditions. Two differing specification cameras were used: the SCB-3001P from, and the LTC0495 from Bosch Security. In previous camera tests carried out by Benchmark, the camera scored 90 per cent, and received Outstanding status. The Bosch camera scored 84 per cent and received Recommended status. Full details of both cameras are included in the box above. The test process was simple. The cameras were set up with all processing disabled, and then were fitted with the unbranded lenses. 41

BOSCH LTC-0495 - LENSES WITH 2.8-10MM FOCAL LENGTH BOSCH LTC-0495 - LENSES WITH 2.

3 BOSCH LTC LENSES WITH MM FOCAL LENGTH BOSCH LTC LENSES WITH MM FOCAL LENGTH BOSCH LTC LENSES WITH 5-50MM FOCAL LENGTH A visual inspection of the image was carried, before the lighting was adjusted and measurements taken to ascertain the point at which the camera lost a 1 volt peak-to-peak signal, and then a 0.7 volt signal. As stated, all processing was disabled on the cameras, and measurements were taken at the viewed scene. Lenses The unbranded lenses were sourced via an on-line retailer, and were billed as professional high quality CCTV lenses from a world famous UK manufacturer. The units actually arrived from China. Build quality was acceptable. The first unit was a mm focal length unit with an aperture of F1.2. Although not advertised as an aspherical lens, the unit did have the word etched on the side, although the spelling was wrong! The second lens was a 5-50mm unit, this time with an aperture of F1.4. Both lenses were DC-Drive auto-iris units. At first glance, both lenses delivered images that seemed cleanish. Colours were slightly muted, and a degree of murkiness did exist, even in good light conditions. When looking at test charts, it became obvious that the 5-50mm lens did suffer from a fairly significant aberration, causing a loss of focus in the lower right hand corner of the image. On the camera, the mm unbranded lens lost a 1V video signal at a very early 26 lux! The output then fell below 0.7V - the point at which most would agree the video signal gets too weak to be credible - at around 11 lux. The story was pretty much the same on the Bosch camera with a 1V signal dropping away at 29 lux, and a 0.7V signal dropping at 12 lux. The 5-50mm unbranded lens delivered a worse level of performance. On the Bosch camera, a 1V signal was lost at 32 lux, and a 0.7V signal at 18 lux. The loses on the camera were 29 lux and 17 lux respectively. CBC Lenses The range of lenses is well established, and the units have performed well in recent Benchmark tests. The TG3Z2910FCS is a mm focal length unit with an aperture of F1.0. The second lens was the TG10Z0513FCS-3, a 5-50mm F1.3 unit. Both were DC drive lenses. Build quality was good. The 5-50mm felt slightly more solidly built, and not just because it s bigger. It also has a metal thread, as opposed to the smaller unit s plastic one. Image quality was high on both lenses, and colours were sharp and clean, even as light levels dropped. On the Bosch camera, the TG3Z2910FCS lens lost a 1V video signal at 16.8 lux. The output then fell below 0.7V at around 4 lux. Similarly, when mounted on the camera a 1V signal dropped away at 15 lux, and a 0.7V signal fell away at 3.7 lux. On the Bosch camera, the TG10Z0513FCS-3 lost a 1V signal at 19.7 lux, and a 0.7V signal 42

BOSCH LTC-0495 - LENSES WITH 5-50MM FOCAL LENGTH SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH 2.8-10MM FOCAL LENGTH SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH 2.8-10MM FOCAL LENGTH at 6 lux. The loses on the camera were 19.

4 BOSCH LTC LENSES WITH 5-50MM FOCAL LENGTH SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH MM FOCAL LENGTH SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH MM FOCAL LENGTH at 6 lux. The loses on the camera were 19.5 lux and 5.8 lux respectively. Lenses This was the first time any of the Benchmark test team has handled lenses, and so performance of the units was a bit of an unknown. The HLD28V8F95L is a mm lens with an aperture of F0.95. The second lens was the HLD5V50F13L, a 5-50mm F1.3 unit. Both were DC drive lenses. There was a concern that the wider aperture of the HLD28V8F95L might lead to a stunted depth of field, but there weren t any issues with this at all. Build quality was good, but the HLD28V8F95L is a small lens - some might call it delicate - and whilst the solidity wasn t an issue, the tightness of the focus ring against the camera housing was a bit of a pain. Image quality was good on both lenses, and colours were sharp and clean, with no issues as light levels decreased. On the Bosch camera, the HLD28V8F95L lens lost a 1V video signal at 17 lux. The output then fell below 0.7V at around 4 lux. When mounted on the camera a 1V signal dropped away at 15 lux, and a 0.7V signal fell away at 4.1 lux. The HLD5V50F13L lost a 1V signal at 20.8 lux, and a 0.7V signal at 6.7 lux on the Bosch camera, with figures of 18.8 lux and 5.2 lux respectively on the camera. Lenses Like, has offered lenses to the CCTV market for many years now. In the past it could have been argued that the manufacturer was better known for its zoom lenses, and its standard lenses were offered just to serve that market segment. Well, that certainly isn t still the case! The TS3VP213ED-M is a 2.6-8mm focal length unit with an aperture of F1.3. The second lens was the HS5VP814ED-M, an 8-40mm F1.4 unit. Both were DC drive lenses. Build quality was very good. Even focusing the units gives a sense of a superior quality, the focus rings gently clicking through graduations to ensure that you don t get that slight shift in focus as you remove your hand. Yes, it s true that the HS5VP814ED-M is a bit bulky - we have an 8-80mm lens that is smaller - but that can be forgotten when you feel the quality of the unit. Image quality was very good on both lenses, and colours remained sharp and faithful, even as the ambient light level fell. Both of the lenses produced the best low light performance, on both of the test cameras. On the Bosch camera, the TS3VP213ED-M lens lost a 1V video signal at 13.9 lux. The output then fell below 0.7V at around 2.8 lux. Mounted on the camera, the lens held a 1V signal until 12 lux, and a 0.7V signal fell away at 2.4 lux. On the Bosch camera, the HS5VP814ED-M lost a 1V signal at around 18 lux, and a 0.7V signal at 4.7 lux. The loses on the 44

SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH 5-50MM FOCAL LENGTH SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH 5-50MM FOCAL LENGTH camera were 18 lux and 4.4 lux respectively; again the best figures achieved.

5 SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH 5-50MM FOCAL LENGTH SAMSUNG SCB-3001P - LENSES WITH 5-50MM FOCAL LENGTH camera were 18 lux and 4.4 lux respectively; again the best figures achieved. Lenses Like the lenses, the lenses were a new-comer to the Benchmark team. The manufacturer has shown its metal in the electronic equipment market, but could it do the same with optics? The SLA3580DN is a 3.5-8mm focal length unit with an aperture of F1.0. The second lens was the SLA550DA, a 5-50mm F1.4 unit. Both were DC drive lenses. Build quality was good. The 5-50mm lens did feel more sturdy, predominantly because of the design of the casing, but even so the SLA3580DN is well put together. Image quality on both lenses saw sharp detail, accurate colour and rendition and no noticeable aberrations. Focus was retained, even as light levels dropped. The SLA3580DN saw a 1V signal fall away at 16.4 lux, and a 0.7V signal drop away at 4.2 lux on the Bosch camera. When mounted on the camera, the lens helped deliver a 1V signal until 14.8 lux, and a 0.7V signal fell away at 4 lux. On the Bosch camera, the SLA550DA lost a 1V signal at 20.6 lux, and a 0.7V signal at 6 lux. The loses on the camera were 20 lux and 6.9 lux respectively. Lenses lenses have been tested by Benchmark in the past, and represent a cost-effective alternative. The VDD28V1114IRP is a mm focal length unit with an aperture of F1.4. The second lens was the VDD5V5014PU, a 5-50mm F1.4 unit. Both were DC drive lenses. Build quality was fairly good, although the lenses do feel a little delicate compared to the best units on this test. Image quality was good on both lenses, with clear detail and accurate colour fidelity in varying light conditions. On the Bosch camera, the VDD28V1114IRP lens lost a 1V video signal at 20.7 lux. The output then fell below 0.7V at around 6 lux. Similarly, when mounted on the camera a 1V signal dropped away at 20 lux, and a 0.7V signal fell away at 6 lux. On the Bosch camera, the VDD5V5014PU lost a 1V signal at 24 lux, and a 0.7V signal at 9 lux. The loses on the camera were 24 lux and 8.2 lux respectively. Verdict It must be reiterated that the sensitivity figures here are high. This is intentional. We didn t want to test the cameras, but wanted to assess the impact the lenses would have in a worse-case scenario! The reality is that every lens tested was significantly better than the low cost unbranded lenses. That much wasn t a surprise. The difference in price between the unbranded Chinese lens and the branded units isn t huge. Indeed, when compared to the difference in cost of cameras capable of delivering better low light performance, the option of choosing branded quality lenses makes a lot of sense and maximises performance too. 46

Enhanced Performance & Ease of Installation. High Resolution Day & Night Built-in Varifocal Lens Camera

480TV lines 530TV lines Enhanced Performance & Ease of Installation High Resolution Day & Night Built-in Varifocal Lens Camera Built-in auto iris 3X varifocal lens (f 3~9mm) High resolution of 530TV lines