Specifications

Day/Night Cameras
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Up (x 256), gain control, backlight
compensation and the much highlighted SSNR
noise reduction system – in this case, SSNR II.
The SHC735P features some less used
functions too; flip, mirror and sharpness all
being evident. However, it also boasts more
useful features such as video motion detection,
privacy masking and – for those seeking pole
mounting – digital image stabilisation.
Day/night switching can either be activated
via the camera itself, or from an external input
using a push-fit connection. Other connectivity
includes an output for motion detection and
RS485 ports.
One final word about the SHC735P is that it
does carry a slight price premium over some of
the cameras in this test. However, it is also very
feature-rich.
Accessing the menu is done via a five button
pad on the rear of the camera. The menu
structure will immediately be familiar to
anyone who has used a Samsung camera
before. For those who haven’t, it is very
straightforward.
Once the camera is set, the image is
impressive. At first it seems a little cold,
especially when viewed alongside other
cameras. However, a colour chart will reveal
that the camera has very good colour fidelity,
with no bias towards cool or warm tones.
Detail is high, and varying light levels typical
with daytime use cause little in the way of
tonal variation. Greyscale reproduction is also
accurate.
Functionality is high, and all the features
work as expected. Motion detection is a little
basic, but that’s all you can expect from a
camera! Otherwise, there’s enough flexibility to
deal with most applications.
Resolution is quoted at 560 TV lines, and our
unit showed well over 500 lines. You can argue
the figures all you like, but the reality is that
detail is higher than some of the other units.
Samsung quotes sensitivity as 0.3 lux for a 50
IRE image. Sensitivity was measured in the
Benchmark way (see note on page 13), and we
achieved a figure of 7 lux. It seems that the
SHC735P prefers life with processing activated!
With regard to day/night switching, set-up
options are for dwell time (5 seconds through
to one minute) and Duration as Fast or Slow. To
explain, Fast should see the camera switch at
2.5 lux, switching back at 4 lux, and Slow sees
these figures fall to 0.8 lux and 6 lux,
respectively. We opted for the Fast mode, and
our camera switched at around 2.75 lux, which
was just right as colours were starting to lose
their edge at this point. In Slow mode, we felt
the camera stayed in colour mode for too long.
Verdict
The Pelco C10DN-6X is a work-horse. Compared
to some other cameras, it lacks features and
functions, but as a standard day/night camera,
it delivers the performance that you require,
and has to be considered.
The SHC735P from Samsung bristles with
functionality, but it does carry a slightly higher
cost. Performance is good, and image quality is
very high. If picture quality is a must-have,
then you need to consider this unit.
Sony’s SCCE473P misses out on a
Recommended status by the slimmest of
margins. Whilst the lack of functionality is
obvious, it also means that the colour issue
cannot be adjusted out. We have no doubt that a
tad more adjustability would have done the job.
The Vista VPC524DN was slightly
disappointing, because it lacked an input for
external switching of the day/night feature. If
installers are happy to rely on the AGC-based
camera processing, it might not be an issue, but
it is a limitation. Otherwise, the camera’s overall
quality is good.
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