i-PRO have announced 16 new, high-speed pan, tilt and zoom (PTZ) cameras with up to 4K resolution and powerful IR illumination. Called Rapid PTZ, the company is launching the new models as part of its X and S Series lineup.

The new PTZ cameras are the smallest in their category and feature comprehensive edge AI capabilities and a broad range of resolution options.

Thanks to their small form factor, the new cameras can be discreetly deployed. With pan and tilt speeds up to 700°/s, operators are assured quick and precise surveillance coverage as they move the camera through multiple preset positions in the blink of an eye.

Powerful IR LED capabilities enable the cameras to monitor in complete darkness up to 250 meters (820.2ft) while advanced analytics and AI-based auto-tracking make sure that persons and vehicles of interest stay locked on target and in focus. 

Featuring a discreet design that allows for direct installation on low ceilings or eaves on rooftops, the new Rapid PTZ models includes i-PRO’s new fail-safe waterproof ethernet connector along with multiple mounting options.

For the ultimate protection from corrosive environments such as offshore applications, all X Series Rapid PTZ models are salt- and ISO 14993 rated to withstand the harshest conditions. 

“These new Rapid PTZ cameras are truly industry leading designs. The small, discreet form factor, perfect for city surveillance, combined with higher resolutions and edge-based AI features such our Privacy Guard simplifies GDPR compliance,” said Gerard Figols, President, i-PRO EMEA. “Adding best-in-class WDR, powerful IR, and flexible mounting options for even the harshest environments demonstrates i-PRO’s continuing market leadership.”

Benefits of higher resolution

The 4K and 6MP Rapid PTZ models deliver an industry leading wide dynamic range (WDR) of 132 dB for clear images in extremely variable lighting conditions.

Having higher resolution delivers additional digital zoom advantages over and above the optical zoom built into the cameras. As an example, the 30x optical zoom on the 4K model ensures that images remain sharp, but when adding a 4K pixel density, the additional digital zoom extends the effective zoom range much further without pixelisation for precise visibility of vehicles and persons.

The additional pixels delivered by higher resolution models also result in enhanced AI performance and accuracy for objects at a distance.

Pre-installed AI-based analytics

All Rapid PTZ models include AI-based edge processing to detect motion for people, including direction of travel, line-crossing, and loitering. The cameras use AI object detection to precisely track objects as they move within the camera’s field of view. AI sound classification are also included when an external microphone is added.

Additional AI apps can be installed as required for vehicle detection, occupancy detection, Privacy Guard masking, and scene change detection.

Up to three AI apps in total are supported on the 4K/6MP models and up to two AI apps are supported on the 2MP models. Privacy Guard is a unique i-PRO feature that masks/blurs the bodies or faces of individuals with edge-based processing in the camera.

Durability

Many PTZ cameras utilise a belt drive system which deteriorates with use. Belts stretch over time leading to less precision when panning to the desired area in the scene. i-PRO PTZ cameras rely on gears to deliver consistent, repeatable panning accuracy and require no routine maintenance avoiding system downtime.

Cybersecure

i-PRO’s Rapid PTZ cameras are FIPS 140-2 level 3 certified thanks to their use of an EdgeLock secure element which supports identity-based authentication, strong encryption and an extra layer of security that protects critical security parameters on the device. This makes the i-PRO Rapid PTZ models one of the only FIPS 140-2 Level 3 certified PTZs in the market.