Panasonic Australia has released two new security cameras with a number of weather-resistant features for clear vision and reliable performance in harsh outdoor applications.

The VW-SW598 and VW-SW396A feature the company’s ‘Rain Wash’ coating for clearer vision; an IP66 water and dust resistant rating; a dehumidification device that is integrated into the camera for condensation removal; and can accommodate temperature extremes from -50 to +55 degrees Celsius.

The new i-PRO SmartHD pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) dome network cameras are suitable for a wide range of safety surveillance needs, from high-traffic city areas and transport hubs where cameras often get splashed and dirty, as well as outdoor public use areas and shopping centres.

Both models offer image quality and incorporate a high-sensitivity MOS sensor. The Full HD VW-SW598 offers full-frame 1,920×1,080 images at up to 30 frames per second; while the HD VW-SW396A offers 1,280×960 images. Simultaneous real-time monitoring and high-resolution recording is achieved with Panasonic’s UniPhier proprietary System LSI platform that provides multiple H.264 (high profile) and JPEG video streams.

The cameras provide super dynamic and adaptive black stretch image processing for high performance in a range of lighting conditions, as well as 0.5 lux high sensitivity for day/night recording, advanced auto-tracking, smooth PTZ control with 360-degree endless panning, and face detection. The VW-SW396A has 36x optical zoom; and the VW-SW598 offers 30x optical zoom, as well as the convenience of a camera head that moves horizontally by 18.6 degrees to compensate for lost angle of view caused by the camera rim.

Panasonic security product marketing manager Marcus Vongpraseuth says, “Our new outdoor cameras have a ‘Rain Wash’ coating for better visibility. Cameras can often be splashed with rain or dirt, reducing their efficiency. With a conventional dome camera, water droplets that remain on the dome cover have a globular shape, which blurs the field of view.

“In comparison, with Panasonic’s Rain Wash coating, water droplets on the camera dome become flat, which minimises blurring and allows for clearer visibility. In addition, the coating resists the sticking of dirt to the dome cover so dirt washes off more easily during rainfall or other exposure to water.”

The VW-SW598 also offers Fog and Sandstorm compensation, using technology which combines a number of images to create one clearer picture in these conditions. This feature is now available across Panasonic’s 2013 1080p IP Camera range.