SmallNetBuilder

Image Quality - Indoor

The indoor day comparison image is more of what I was expecting in comparison between the M1031-W and the M1011-W, the differences are nearly indistinguishable. The first image is the control image taken with our Nikon D5000 DSLR and the images which follow are the M1011-W and M1031-W respectively.

Figure 4 is the Nikon D5000 DSLR.

Figure 4: Control image from the Nikon D5000 DSLR

Figure 5 is the M1011-W room light image.

Figure 5: Day image from the Axis M1011-W

Figure 6 is the M1031-W room light image.

Figure 6: Day image from the Axis M1031-W

Notice how these pictures are nearly the same. If contents of the room hadn't changed, it would probably be difficult to tell which image belongs to which camera.

As far as night image goes, the M1011-W has no night vision features so I can't post any good comparisons here. What I wanted to show however, is something that AXIS cameras do rather well, backlight compensation. Backlighting occurs when there is a light source behind an object being viewed. Some cameras have a really tough time with this, while others seem to be great.

Let's take a look at backlighting an object with the M1011-W and compare it with the TRENDnet TV-IP551WI I looked at a few weeks ago. Bear in mind, that while specs between these two cameras are relatively close, the M1011-W is a more expensive camera and you would expect image quality to be better.

Figure 7 is the M1011-W backlight image.

Figure 7: Backlight image of the M1011-W

Figure 8 is the TV-IP551WI backlight image.

Figure 8: Backlight image of the TRENDnet TV-IP551WI

Take a close look at the color and clarity of the items on the workbench between the two images. The colors are more vivid with the M1011-W and you can actually make out a few items on the storage shelf to the side of the window whereas in the TV-IP551WI image the shelf is dark and the items on the workbench are dark as well.

Closing Thoughts

The AXIS M1011-W is a third of the price as the M1031-W, which sports nearly identical hardware. What it is missing are the night vision features and audio capabilities, which may be a deal breaker for some.

Compared to some of the other cameras we have reviewed the M1011-W's price seems a little high. What are included however, are the great AXIS features that set it apart from many other run-of-the-mill network cameras.

If you don't need night vision or audio support and want AXIS' extensive feature set, this camera may be priced economically enough to get you into one.