AXIS P3354 Network Camera

Setting Up the Product

H.264

H.264, also known as MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC, is a video compression standard that provides high quality video streams at low bit rates. An H.264 video stream consists of different types of frames such as I-frames and P-frames. An I-frame is a complete image whereas P-frames only contain the differences from previous frames.

The GOV length is the number of frames between two consecutive I-frames. Increasing the GOV length may save considerably on bandwidth requirements in some cases, but may also have an adverse affect on image quality.

The Axis product supports two H.264 profiles. The Main profile provides higher compression than the Baseline profile with the same video quality, but requires more processing power to decode.

The bit rate can be set as Variable bit rate (VBR) or Constant bit rate (CBR). VBR adjusts the bit rate according to the image complexity, using up more bandwidth for increased activity in the image, and less for lower image activity. When the activity in the scene increases, the bit rate would usually increase as well. If there is a surplus in bandwidth, this may not be an issue and selecting Variable bit rate (VBR) will be sufficient. But if bandwidth is limited, it is recommended to control the bit rate by selecting Constant bit rate (CBR). When the activity in the scene increases, VBR adjusts the bit rate according to the complexity, using up more bandwidth for increased activity in the scene, and less for lower scene activity. CBR allows you to set a target bit rate that limits the bandwidth consumption.

The CBR target bit rate works like the ceiling of a tent. It limits the bit rate, while maintaining some flexibility. The bit rate may bounce up and down within the set target but when it nears the set target value, the limitation kicks in. However, because CBR will always prioritize a continuous video stream, it allows temporary overshoots from the target bit rate. Because setting a target value prevents the bit rate from increasing, frame rate and image quality are affected negatively. To partly compensate for this, select which variable shall be prioritized, frame rate or image quality. Not setting a priority means that frame rate and image quality are equally affected.

The current bit rate can be set to appear as text overlay. Under Overlay Settings, select Include text and enter the modifier #b in the field.

To apply the settings, click Save.

MJPEG

Sometimes the image size is large due to low light or complex scenery. Adjusting the maximum frame size helps to control the bandwidth and storage used by the Motion JPEG video stream in these situations. Setting the frame size to the Default setting provides consistently good image quality at the expense of increased bandwidth and storage usage in low light. Limiting the frame size optimizes bandwidth and storage usage, but may give poor image quality. To prevent increased bandwidth and storage usage, the maximum frame size should be set to an optimal value.

Stream Profiles

A stream profile is a set of predefined stream settings including resolution, compression, frame rate and overlay settings. Stream profiles can be used:

When setting up recording using action rules. See Events, on page 31.

When setting up continuous recording. See Continuous Recording, on page 35.

In the Live View page – select the stream profile from the Stream profile drop-down list.

For quick setup, use one of the predefined stream profiles. Each predefined profile has a descriptive name, indicating its purpose. If required, the predefined stream profiles can be modified and new customized stream profiles can be created.

To create a new profile or modify an existing profile, go to Setup > Video > Stream Profiles.

To select a default stream profile for the Live View page, go to Setup > Live View Config.

Camera Settings

The Video > Camera Settings page provides access to advanced image settings for the Axis product.

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Axis Communications P3354 user manual Stream Profiles, Camera Settings, 264

P3354 specifications

Axis Communications P3354 is a high-performance network camera designed to meet the demands of modern security and surveillance applications. Engineered with advanced imaging technologies, this camera offers exceptional video quality, reliability, and versatility for various environments.

One of the key features of the P3354 is its high-resolution video capabilities. With a 2 MP sensor, the camera delivers crisp images at resolutions up to 1080p. This ensures clear and detailed video footage, making it suitable for identifying faces or reading license plates in security-critical applications. The camera supports multiple streaming formats, allowing users to select the appropriate compression and resolution for their specific needs.

The P3354 is built with Axis’ proprietary Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology, which enhances image quality in challenging lighting conditions. This is particularly useful in outdoor settings where there can be a significant contrast between light and dark areas. The camera can capture details in both bright highlights and dark shadows, ensuring comprehensive coverage of a scene.

Additionally, the P3354 features Lightfinder technology, which is designed to optimize performance in low-light environments. This innovative technology utilizes a sensitivity-enhancing mechanism that allows the camera to produce color images even in very low light, making it an ideal solution for nighttime security.

The camera's robust design is built to withstand environmental challenges. It comes with an IP66 rating, ensuring that it is dust-tight and can withstand heavy rain, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The P3354 is also equipped with a tamper-resistant casing to deter vandalism and unauthorized access.

Axis’ application platform enables users to integrate the P3354 with various video management systems and smart analytics features. The camera supports features such as motion detection, audio detection, and tampering alarm, ensuring proactive security monitoring.

Installation and configuration are user-friendly, thanks to the camera's Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, which simplifies wiring requirements. The P3354 can be easily mounted on walls or ceilings, providing flexible placement options to meet surveillance needs.

In summary, the Axis Communications P3354 is a versatile network camera that combines high-resolution imaging, advanced technologies like WDR and Lightfinder, along with a durable design suited for various environmental conditions. With these features, the P3354 stands as a reliable choice for comprehensive surveillance and security applications.