What our experts say …
One of the reasons that general purpose video surveillance cameras have been getting so much smaller (and cheaper) over the past few years has been the development of one-piece ‘board camera’ modules. At first glance that is what the highly compact Fujitsu TCZ-984P seems to be based on, but appearances can be deceptive. In fact this high-resolution colour camera is a masterpiece of miniaturisation and inside the smart-looking cast aluminium casing there are no less than five microchip encrusted printed circuit boards.
The unusually busy back panel also suggests that there is more to this camera than meets the eye and this is confirmed by the specifications. The CCD image sensor is a Sony item with a 440k-pixel array; low light sensitivity is down to 1.5 lux and resolution is a claimed 470 lines. Incidentally, there are three other models in the Fujitsu TCZ range: the TCZ-964P is a low-light colour model (0.75 lux/320 lines) and the TCZ-294C and TCZ-264C are monochrome types rated at 560 lines/0.15 lux and 360 lines/0.8 lux respectively.
Exposure facilities on the TCZ-984P, which we are looking at here, should cover most routine eventualities. It has provision for fixed-iris and DC or video controlled auto-iris lenses. A novel ‘Eclipser’ function – used in conjunction with an auto-iris lens – converts light backgrounds into a uniform grey-level, to maintain optimum contrast levels. It has a switchable AGC function, variable high-speed shutter or electronic sensitivity control (ESC) and backlight compensation (BLC); white balance adjustment is fully automatic. Synchronisation is internal or it can be line-locked when the camera is powered from a 24 volts AC source (power supply is nominally 12v DC).
As you can see from the photograph it is a compact shape with the body measuring just 54 x 58 x 77mm, or roughly half the length of most conventional cameras. Two standard .25 inch UNC threaded mounting bosses are moulded into the top and bottom of the housing.
The case is built in two parts; the image sensor board is mounted to the inside of the front cap and connected to the rest of the electronics by a short ribbon cable. The four other PCBs are mounted on a removable steel chassis and end plate that fits inside the tubular body. The end plate supports all of the sockets, switches and pre-set adjustments.
Five small screws hold the case parts and back panel together. Mechanically it is very rigid and overall the quality of construction is high. Weatherproofing is minimal but it is compatible with a wide range of outdoor housings, including some discreet Candid designs.
At the front there is a CS type lens mount collar, this screws in and out of the camera body for back-focus adjustment. It is held in place by a recessed Allen grub screw (an Allen key is provided). An adaptor ring is required for C-mount type lenses. On the back panel there is a standard BNC socket for the composite video output and a square four-pin socket for an auto iris lens (a blank plug is included with the camera). In the bottom left hand corner there is a bank of three spring terminals for the power supply connections and above that a four-way miniature DIP switch. This is used to switch the AGC, ESC, BLC and Eclipse functions.
To the right of that is a small slide switch for selecting a DC or video controlled lens and on the far right side there are two recessed buttons for setting line-lock phase. Lastly, next to the power connectors there are three rotary presets for adjusting the Eclipse function. The only notable absence is a power on indicator, which although not essential, can be a useful troubleshooting aid.
A threaded collar is our least favourite type of back focus adjustment and it would be just our luck if the camera is mounted in such a way that you cannot get the Allen wrench into the hole, or you fumble, drop and lose the microscopic key. The rotary presets on the back panel are also extremely fiddly – you will need your finest jeweller’s screwdriver – and it makes you appreciate cameras with on-screen set-up systems. The Eclipse function, if used, can add significantly to the time taken to set up the camera and it is quite a palaver, involving no less than three presets.
General performance is very good indeed and in line with the manufacturer’s specs when it comes to resolution and low-light sensitivity. In good light the image is crisp and clean, colour accuracy in natural light is on the button. It copes reasonably well with tube light though the image looks just a tad cold with a slight over-emphasis on the blue colour level. Some form of manual control or override would have been useful.
As light levels fall there is a small but acceptable increase in grain towards its lower operating limits. The exposure system is fast and responsive, capable of dealing with rapid changing light levels without any problems. The Eclipse function is interesting and could be worth getting to know in situations where the scene is dominated by a light and mostly featureless background, in which case it can yield a small but noticeable improvement in contrast balance. Be warned that it may involve a fair amount of fiddling around, especially if the scene is subject to fairly wide changes in light level. Mechanical stability is excellent and the image did not waver when the camera was subject to our rigorous intermittency checks.
What the distributor says …
This model represents a new camera generation by Fujitsu: a compact format for an even smaller price. At first sight you might think this is just a board camera in a nice housing – but that would be far from the truth!
The new 1/3 inch camera series by Fujitsu offers high-tech in a compact format. The new series TCZ includes four models: perfectly sharp black and white pictures are produced by the TCZ-264C and the TCZ-290C, brilliant colour pictures are delivered with the TCZ-964P and the TCZ-984P.
The cameras come with standard or high resolution and integrate the most modern technology on six plug-in boards as well as interesting features. Vertical aperture correction and Eclipser function are included.
DSP cameras nowadays offer electronic shutter control (ESC) and back light compensation (BLC) as standard. Fujitsu’s latest models now include an Eclipser function not only with the b&w models but also with the colour models. The horizontal and vertical aperture correction supports the outstanding picture quality – new to b&w models.
With the TCZ series you can also use DC or AI controlled (DD) lenses, besides the control via ESC. All cameras can be used with either 12v DC or 24v AC. In the case of AC power supply, the camera is line lock synchronised and the phase is adjustable. The integrated automatic gain control (AGC) – in combination with the latest CCD sensors made by Sony – guarantees highest sensitivity.
Due to its compact design this new camera series is ideal for use in our Candid weatherproof housing.
Overall assessment
The two key selling points on this camera are small size and performance, combining the dimensions of a board camera with the image quality of a high-resolution model. It also scores very highly in terms of build quality and flexibility.
Set-up has the potential to become a bit of a chore – especially if it is mounted in a tight spot – but once configured it can easily cope with a wide range of conditions.
