Compro Technologies IP540 PTZ Camera
by Cameron Butterfield on October 12, 2010 9:03 PM EST- Posted in
- IP cameras
- camera
- camcorder
- Gadgets
Special attention to the camera installation process is apparent in Compro's literature and software. Installation was very easy. At first glance, the installation process appeared quite long, having over 9 steps in all. However the reason for so many steps was because Compro assumed that the end-user would know nothing about networking.
The first step in the installation process even includes three videos; one for Wired Router setup, one for Wired Switch Setup, and one for Wireless setup. The videos walked the user through connecting the devices together with networking cables. They are set to very soothing music and also quite simplistic, once again taking the approach that the end user knows nothing about networking.
The next few steps find the camera on the network, allowing the user to setup a username and password to access the device and set the date and time using manual, NTP or computer synchronization methods. The user is allowed to either set manual IP address and port details or rely on the automatic settings selected by default. The orientation of the device is chosen next and this is useful if you have the device ceiling mounted.
Compro also includes a dynamic IP service configuration page in the setup process. This lets the user actually search for available iDDNS.org addresses that can be used to access the camera over the internet.
The final step lets you install ComproView, a Compro-developed security system software suite that we will cover elsewhere in the review.
The videos and the installation process were quite simple, and almost refreshing since they did not take any shortcuts and showed even something as simple as how to plug in not only the camera, but also the router and the PC. This seems quite rare as manufactuers sometimes tend to gloss over the basics because they seem so obvious and simplistic.
Overall the setup process was very good; however it was not without its flaws. I had a problem with the ComproView software which upon the first time running asks for a username and password combination. I automatically assumed that the username and password were the ones that I had just barely configured during the setup process. This was not the case. After retyping and opening and closing the ComproView program several times, I read in the paper manual that the default username/password combination for the ComproView Software was [admin:admin]. This was mildly confusing and could be improved upon in later builds of the ComproView Software.
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fausto412 - Tuesday, October 12, 2010 - link
Can we get a round up so we know what else the competition offers. i can't compare and see what i get at different price levels without a roundup.ganeshts - Tuesday, October 12, 2010 - link
I understand :) This is only our 2nd IP camera review. Look for a roundup towards the later part of the year.Right now, there are two options which we have used and tested :
1. Dropcam Echo : Perfect for the AnandTech readers' parents and those who don't want to read up manuals and documentation. Cost : $279 ; has cloud based support, easy sharing with friends by email address with sharing settings as private or public for a given time duration (all the stuff that comes in with cloud based services)
2. Compro IP540 : Perfect for the tech users who don't want to trust their security to the cloud. More business oriented compared to the Dropcam. Cost : $200
Zoomer - Friday, October 15, 2010 - link
Congrats compro for this major coup. :) However, activex support seems a little...quaint these days.Cameron Butterfield, what about reviewing these DVR-like systems that uses analog cameras? They seem to provide a ton of channels, record to hdd, etc, for a very affordable price. Like $300 for a 4 way system with recording capability.
gifpaste - Thursday, October 21, 2010 - link
Awesome! Looking forward to your roundupnanfy - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link
This camera looks great but it isn't even for sale yet. Its on notify from mwave. They also have a PoE version and the optical zoom version but there is no place to buy them from yet.Dk0524 - Tuesday, May 10, 2011 - link
Hi All,I have seen the Compro NC570 in stock at www.ipcam-central.com. That's the Compro HD camera with 12x optical zoom, Pan and Tilt and night vision.
Seems to be a quite powerful offering.
ganeshts - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link
I am quite sure there must be some encryption for the stream.Cameron has the review unit in hand, and he will respond ASAP.
cbutters - Thursday, October 14, 2010 - link
Although there is obviously username/password protection on the interface, this camera does not currently support encryption on the stream, compro plans to offer https connection in future professional camera lines starting Q1 2011.nanfy - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link
Some video samples with both IR on and off in 640x480@30fps and 1280x1024@15 fps would be nice.Thanks
vol7ron - Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - link
agreed. also, is it just one camera per package? or are there packages that come with 4-8 like other comparable devices?