SmallNetBuilder

Introduction

I recently looked at the surveillance features of the ReadyNAS Ultra-2 NAS. With the ReadyNAS Surveillance kit were included two AXIS M1011-W network cameras. While the features of the AXIS line of cameras have been covered in-depth in the M1031-W and M1054 reviews, I wanted to look at hardware differences with the M1011-W, as well as image comparisons between the M1011-W and some of the other cameras we've reviewed.

Hardware Comparison

First, let's take a look at a table of comparisons between the three AXIS cameras we've reviewed:

As you look at the specs, you can see the M1011-W has much hardware in common with the M1031-W. It sports the AXIS ARTPEC-B processor, capable of three maximum simultaneous video streams. It also has 64 MB of RAM and 32 MB of flash like the M1031-W.

Figure 1: ARTPEC-B processor of the Axis M1011-W

Also, in common with the M1031-W is the 802.11b/g wireless interface with built-in antenna, secured by WEP 64/128 bit and WPA/WAP2-PSK. Like the M1031-W, it does not support 802.11n and could present problems in a predominantly 802.11n network by slowing down faster N devices.

The M1011-W also shares the same lens, same horizontal field of view, same maximum resolution and same video compression formats as the M1031-W. What differs between the M1011-W and the M1031-W is the exclusion of audio and any night vision capabilities. With so much in common with the M1031-W, we would expect that image comparison pictures will be about the same.

Image Quality - Outdoor

The maximum resolution of the M1011-W is 640 x 480 and it will deliver that at 30 fps, which I verified within the ReadyNAS Surveillance software. Horizontal field of view is 47 degrees, which as you will see in the comparison pictures below, is the same as the M1031-W. Figure 2 is the M1011-W, while Figure 3 is the M1031-W.

Figure 2: 47° Field of View from the Axis M1011-W

Figure 3 is the M1031-W horizontal field of view.

Figure 2: 47° Field of View from the Axis M1031-W

As you can see, horizontal field of view is identical. Note that we have added a few pavers to my outdoor test bed since the M1031-W image. The M1011-W image does seem to be brighter and more vivid, although I believe that can be chalked up to being tested on different days in slightly different conditions. I no longer have the M1031-W or I could have run another comparison just to be sure.