Product Description

Panasonic Outdoor Pan/Tilt PoE Network Camera

Product Details

• Brand: Panasonic
• Model: BB-HCM531A
• Dimensions: 7.50" h x 8.80" w x 9.80" l, 2.75 pounds

Features

• Outdoor High-speed pan/tilt control with presets, PoE (802.3 af compliant)
• Progressive Scan
• Simultaneous MPEG-4 and JPEG recording onto SD card with audio
• 0.09 Lux Color Night View Mode
• Built-in Web Server/IP Address (IPv4/v6)

Customer Reviews

Great Little IP camera
For an outdoor IP camera, this camera rates high with me and even more so after comparing it with the Toshiba IK-WB15A IP camera. I set it up as a weather cam, but found it did really great as a security cam. With a 2GB SD memory card in it, I have seen over 10,000 images on it. I record every passing vehicle, triggered by motion, and every 60 seconds for the weather. Looking forward to getting the MegaPixel version soon.

Down side of this camera, no optical zoom options in this body style. The camera has a 10X digital zoom which is not something I see as not being good for much.

Now the good side:
Nice sharp images during the day time, even of moving objects like cars and people running past the camera.
Automatically adjusts the shutter speed at night, and does good in low light level, but not good enough for sharp images of moving objects at night.
Multiple alarm settings (5) really nice and easy to set up.
Records a great sharp image of moving objects in day time. I see all who drive by! Makes a great stand-alone security camera.
SD Memory card slot, with 2gb, I have about 10,000 images on it.
Multi view Screen, view 4 cameras at one time.
Can view and move PTZ over cell phone/PDAs.
Fast PTZ.
PTZ limits are nice and wide, both up and down, and side to side.
Audio I/O are located where they are protected from the weather, unlike the Toshiba IK-WB15A, that you cannot use if you use the sun shield.
Built in mic, very sensitive!! Not only can I see you, but I can hear you!
POE, makes for easy installation! Would not have it any other way. Love it!
Small body size.
Good WB control, the colors are true.

In general, I am very pleased with the way this camera works.

Panasonic BB-HCM531A
First off like to thanks Panasonic customer service for helping me make my decision on the Camera Model: BB-HCM531A. I end up geting 2 of them and had them up now for three weeks. I Order the software that you can record up to 64 cameras at one time. Still testing out the cameras, works wonderful and been in in 3 rain stroms and held up great. The Software i got for the cameras Model:BB-HNP15A is nice and easy to record with. the Cameras are easy to set up but if you need help Panasonic Tech support will walk you through setup for each and every camera. You cant go wrong guys Panasonice Tech support will help you get up and running . I look for weeks for a camera set up and read up on forms and not allot of help out there when looking for IP Cameras, but i went with Panasonic after calling them first. I told them what i needed They will give you recommendation on cameras for your Needs. I Seen some Post on this Camera about not having a power source, YOU WILL NEED PoE "Power Over Ethernet" I got D-link DES-1008PA This is a 4 port PoE switch there are others out there but for under $200 good name brand. Hope this helps Oh one more thing Cat5E cable make sure you get the UV for out side will last longer from the weather.

Very good for the price
I was looking for an outdoor camera for my home and decided on the BB-HCM531A after taking to the Panasonic tech people. I was tempted to go with the less expensive BB-HCN511A because it has very similar performance specification and I was mounting the camera under an eve and I felt like I could provide it adequate protection from the rain. However, despite assumptions posted several places that suggest the 511A is the same as the 531A without the protective shell, I discover 2 key points that made me select the 531A for my outdoor location over the 511A. First, the 531A has extra filters in the lens to protect it from sun directly in the lens. Second, the 531A allows opperation in very cold and hot conditions. The 511A does not handle either of these circumstances. So far, the BB-HCM531A has performed well for.
The only con I have so far is that this model has been discontinued even though it is still widely available. Since no replacement model has been identifed yet and I need several cameras immediately, I went ahead and installed the BB-HCM531A.