Camera Technologies — 5MP, POC, ColorVu & Smart Hybrid

Purpose

This document explains the camera technologies Wilsons installs — what they are, how they work, and how to choose the right camera for a given location. A good engineer doesn't just mount what's on the van — they understand the technology and match it to the job.

Camera Form Factors

Dome Camera

A compact housing that mounts flush to a ceiling or soffit. The lens sits behind a tinted dome cover.

Best for: Internal ceilings, covered external soffits. Discreet and tamper-resistant — the dome makes it harder to tell exactly where the lens points.

Bullet Camera

A cylindrical housing that extends outward from the mounting surface with an integrated sunshield. Usually larger than a dome, with greater range.

Best for: External walls, gable ends, long-range coverage. Visually prominent — a strong deterrent.

Turret Camera (Eyeball)

A ball-and-socket design where the camera body rotates within a fixed base. Similar size to a dome but the lens direction is clearly visible, making aiming easy.

Best for: Wall or ceiling mounting under soffits, external corners. Easier to aim precisely than a dome.

Choosing the Form Factor

Lens Types

Fixed Focal Length

A single, non-adjustable focal length. Must be chosen at survey stage — it cannot be adjusted on site.

Varifocal Lens

An adjustable focal length — typically 2.8–12mm or 2.7–13.5mm. Adjusted by turning the lens barrel, or remotely via DVR menu on motorised models.

Use when: Exact coverage can't be determined at survey, or precise long-range framing is needed. For most residential installs, fixed focal length cameras in the correct size are the right choice — varifocal adds cost and complexity.

Resolution — Why 5MP

Wilsons' standard camera is 5MP (5 megapixel) at 2560 × 1944 pixels.

Why 5MP is the right choice:

• Enough detail for face and vehicle registration identification at typical distances (5–15m)
• Digital zoom into playback still yields a usable image
• Storage-efficient compared to 4K — which offers marginal real-world improvement at residential distances
• No significant cost premium over 2MP cameras at current pricing

POC Cameras

POC cameras receive operating power via the coax cable from the DVR — no separate power supply needed at the camera.

How to identify: Hikvision model numbers include "POC" — e.g. DS-2CE16H0T-ITPF. Check the datasheet if unsure.

Requirements:

• POC-capable DVR
• Good quality RG59 solid copper coax
• Cable run within POC distance limits

What POC changes on site:

• No 12V DC adaptor at the camera
• No local 230V power source needed
• Single cable from DVR to camera — faster, cleaner install

Image setup, aiming, and DVR configuration are identical to non-POC cameras.

ColorVu Cameras

ColorVu delivers full-colour video in complete darkness. Standard cameras switch to black and white at night because infrared light (which illuminates the scene) has no colour. ColorVu cameras maintain full colour at all times.

How ColorVu Works

1. F1.0 aperture lens — An extremely wide aperture that lets in ~16× more light than a standard F4.0 lens. The sensor is working with far more ambient light, even in very dark conditions.

2. Supplemental white light LEDs — When ambient light alone is insufficient, built-in visible-light LEDs activate. These produce a warm white glow in the direction the camera faces. Range: typically 20–40m depending on the model.

ColorVu at Different Light Levels

When to Specify ColorVu

• Driveways and car parks — vehicle colour is critical evidence
• Main entrances — clothing colour identifies individuals
• Anywhere the customer needs colour at night for evidence or reassurance
• High deterrence locations — the visible glow signals to an intruder the camera is active

What to Tell the Customer

• There will be a visible glow from the camera at night — normal and intentional
• It is directional and low intensity — not like a security floodlight
• The glow range matches the camera's coverage area

Smart Hybrid Light Cameras

Smart Hybrid Light cameras combine both IR LEDs and white light LEDs in a single unit with three configurable modes.

The Three Modes

Why Smart Mode Is Recommended

• Covert monitoring overnight — no glow until triggered
• Full colour precisely when it matters — when someone is in frame
• Deterrent flash on trigger — startling and visible
• Better evidence — colour footage of the actual event

Smart Hybrid Light on Smart mode is Wilsons' default recommendation for most residential installs. It outperforms both pure IR and pure ColorVu in most situations.

Smart Hybrid vs ColorVu — When to Use Which

IP Rating — Outdoor Suitability

All external cameras must be IP67 minimum. For high-risk locations (car parks, industrial, public-facing), specify IK10 vandal-resistant models.

Choosing the Right Camera — Quick Reference

Related Documents

• DVRs & NVRs — Understanding the Difference
• Analogue Wiring — Coax, Shotgun & POC
• Camera Siting & Mounting
• Smart Detection — Motion 2.0 Setup