Understanding Fisheye Cameras: 5MP vs. 12MP, Dewarping, and Choosing the Right VMS

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Fisheye cameras are becoming very common as they offer a full 360-degree view from a single vantage point. This expansive coverage reduces blind spots and minimizes the number of cameras needed to monitor a space effectively. 

The global market for infrared fisheye cameras is expected to expand significantly, growing from an estimated USD 1.5 billion in 2023 to approximately USD 4 billion by 2032. 

To maximize the potential of these cameras, it's crucial to understand the key differences between 5-megapixel (5MP) and 12-megapixel (12MP) fisheye cameras, their ideal use cases, the importance of dewarping technology, and how the choice of video management software (VMS) impacts their performance. 

In this blog, we'll explore these aspects and introduce Coram's universal dewarping software as a solution to common challenges.

5MP vs 12MP Fisheye Cameras

When selecting a fisheye camera, one of the primary considerations is the resolution. Both 5MP and 12MP fisheye cameras have their unique advantages and are suited to different environments.

5MP Fisheye Cameras are ideal for smaller spaces such as small conference rooms, reception areas, or compact lobbies. Their resolution provides sufficient image clarity for close-range monitoring where high detail isn't critical. These cameras are also generally more cost-effective, making them a suitable choice for businesses with budget constraints.

12MP Fisheye Cameras, on the other hand, are better suited for larger areas with high ceilings, such as warehouses, expansive retail stores, or outdoor perimeters. The higher resolution captures finer details, which is crucial for identifying faces or objects at a distance. This enhanced image quality over a larger area can reduce the number of cameras needed, offsetting the higher cost of each unit.

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When to Use 5MP vs 12MP Fisheye Cameras

Choosing between a 5MP and a 12MP fisheye camera depends on specific surveillance needs.

Opt for a 5MP Fisheye Camera When:

• Monitoring small, confined spaces where detailed imagery isn't critical.
• Budget constraints are a significant consideration.
• The surveillance area doesn't require high-resolution detail for identification purposes.

Choose a 12MP Fisheye Camera When:

• Covering large, open areas with high ceilings where enhanced detail is necessary.
• Detailed image quality is essential for identifying individuals or objects at a distance.
• You aim to minimize the number of cameras by maximizing coverage area.

Fisheye Dewarping

While fisheye cameras provide extensive coverage, their wide-angle lenses create a circular, distorted image that can be challenging to interpret. This distortion can hinder effective surveillance, as it makes it difficult to understand the scene accurately.

Dewarping is the process of correcting this distortion to produce usable, flat images. It transforms the circular fisheye image into multiple conventional views, such as panoramic or quad views, which are easier to interpret.

Types of Dewarped Views Include:

• Perspective View: Simulates the view of a standard camera, focusing on a specific area within the fisheye image. In this view, the users can navigate and generate different viewpoints which are not distorted.
• Panoramic View: Provides a wide, horizontal view of the environment, ideal for monitoring large areas.
• Quad View: Divides the image into four sections, each covering different angles, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple areas.

Dewarping enhances the usability of fisheye cameras by making it easier for users to interpret scenes, respond to incidents, and perform detailed analysis.

Who’s Using Fisheye Cameras?

Fisheye cameras are versatile and can be deployed in various settings due to their wide-angle coverage.

In retail stores with high ceilings, a single 12MP fisheye camera can monitor the entire sales floor, tracking customer behavior and deterring theft. This broad coverage simplifies surveillance and reduces equipment costs.

For warehouses, where large spaces need to be monitored, 12MP fisheye cameras provide comprehensive oversight of inventory and employee activities. They help ensure compliance with safety protocols and protect valuable assets.

In small offices and lobbies, 5MP fisheye cameras are sufficient to monitor entrances, reception areas, and meeting rooms. They offer adequate coverage without the need for higher resolution, which might be unnecessary for close-proximity surveillance.

For outdoor surveillance, fisheye cameras can be mounted to monitor building perimeters, providing 360-degree coverage from a single point. This is particularly useful for security-sensitive facilities where monitoring all directions is essential.

Choice of Video Management Software for Dewarping

The effectiveness of dewarping largely depends on the capabilities of the VMS used in conjunction with the fisheye camera. There are two primary methods for dewarping images:

Camera-Based Dewarping involves cameras that have built-in dewarping capabilities. These cameras automatically generate multiple views from the fisheye image. However, relying on camera-based dewarping has limitations:

• It ties you to specific camera models or brands, reducing flexibility.
• Built-in dewarping features may be limited in functionality, such as it may not generate all the views the user may need
• Upgrading or replacing cameras can be costly if you need enhanced dewarping features.

VMS-Based Dewarping relies on the video management software to perform dewarping, offering several advantages:

• Universal Compatibility: Works with various camera brands and models, providing greater flexibility in hardware selection.
• Enhanced Functionality: Offers multiple dewarping options and views, improving the user experience.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Eliminates the need for specialized cameras with built-in dewarping, allowing the use of existing hardware.

When selecting a VMS, it's crucial to ensure it can dewarp images from any fisheye camera, regardless of the manufacturer. This ensures that you're not limited by hardware constraints and can fully utilize your surveillance equipment.

Coram's Universal Dewarping Software

At Coram, we recognized the challenges users face with fisheye camera distortion and the limitations imposed by certain VMS solutions. To address these issues, we developed software with universal dewarping capabilities. It can dewarp any fisheye camera, of any resolution, with no prior knowledge of the camera vendors or any camera-specific parameters.

Key Features of Coram's Dewarping Software:

• Vendor-Agnostic Dewarping: Our software can dewarp images from any 5MP or 12MP fisheye camera, regardless of the manufacturer.
• Multiple Viewing Modes: Users can select from perspective views, panoramic views, and quad views, providing flexibility in how they monitor spaces.
• No Reliance on Camera Capabilities: Since dewarping is handled entirely by our software, there's no need for cameras with built-in dewarping features.
• Scalability: Ideal for businesses looking to expand their surveillance systems without being restricted by hardware limitations.

Benefits of Using Coram's Solution:

• Cost Savings: Utilize existing fisheye cameras without the need for expensive upgrades or replacements.
• Flexibility: Easily integrate with a variety of camera models and brands, allowing for a tailored surveillance system.
• Enhanced Security: Improved image interpretation leads to better decision-making and quicker responses to incidents.

By processing dewarping within the software, Coram provides a comprehensive solution that enhances the effectiveness of fisheye cameras while offering users greater control over their surveillance environments.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Fisheye Camera

Field of View: Fisheye cameras offer either 180-degree or 360-degree coverage. Consider the size and layout of the area you need to monitor when deciding between these two options. A 360-degree camera is ideal for larger, open spaces, while 180-degree cameras work well for more confined areas.

Resolution: Higher resolution translates to clearer images, which is especially important for larger spaces where you need to capture more detail. For general use, a 5MP camera may suffice, but for areas where image clarity is critical—such as for identifying people or objects at a distance—a 12MP camera would be a better choice.

Dewarping Technology: Since fisheye lenses produce a curved image, dewarping is necessary to convert that distortion into a usable, flat view. Cameras equipped with dewarping software allow for clearer analysis of the footage, providing multiple viewing angles such as panoramic or quad views.

Night Vision: If your surveillance needs extend into low-light conditions or nighttime monitoring, it's essential to select a camera with night vision capabilities. Infrared sensors or low-light technology will ensure the camera can capture clear footage even in the dark.

Installation Location: Proper placement is crucial to getting the most out of your fisheye camera. For 360-degree cameras, positioning them in a central location will maximize coverage and minimize blind spots.

Weather and Tamper Resistance: If the camera will be installed in outdoor or high-risk areas, make sure it has a high IP or IK rating. IP67-rated cameras are weather-resistant, while IK10-rated models are designed to withstand vandalism and physical damage.

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Conclusion

Fisheye cameras are powerful tools in modern surveillance, offering extensive coverage and reducing the need for multiple cameras. However, to fully realize their benefits, it's essential to choose the right resolution for your specific needs, understand the importance of dewarping, and select a VMS that enhances their capabilities.

Both 5MP and 12MP fisheye cameras have valuable applications, with 5MP cameras being suitable for smaller spaces and 12MP cameras excelling in larger, more demanding environments. Dewarping is a critical component in making fisheye images usable, and relying solely on camera-based solutions can limit your system's effectiveness.

By opting for a VMS like Coram's universal dewarping, you ensure compatibility with any fisheye camera and gain access to advanced dewarping features that improve image interpretation. This flexibility not only enhances current surveillance capabilities but also provides scalability for future expansion.

Key Takeaways:

• Fisheye cameras provide significant surveillance advantages, but their effectiveness depends on the right combination of resolution, dewarping technology, and VMS capabilities.
• Both 5MP and 12MP fisheye cameras are useful; selecting the appropriate one depends on the size of the area and the level of detail required.
• Dewarping is essential for interpreting fisheye camera footage effectively, transforming distorted images into usable views.
• Choosing a VMS with universal dewarping capabilities, like Coram's software, ensures flexibility and avoids being locked into specific camera brands or models.
• Investing in compatible and scalable technology today sets the foundation for a secure and efficient surveillance system in the future.