Need recommendation for surround cameras on hardtop

[La Rea]

I need four PoE cameras on my hardtop to provide look-around views when docking, and I'd appreciate any suggestions for brand/model.

The spec is simple, but online searches are tough because there are so many products.
* PoE day/night camera at least 1080p
* wide field of view (at least 120 deg)
* suitable for salt environment
* if possible, not crappy-looking

I'd rather not spend $500 each, but I will if it's the best solution. They will pull double duty as security cameras. Who can lend hands-on experience?
Thanks.

 

[Skybolt]

Are you also expecting plotter integration. If so, what brand do you have?

I wouldn't worry about POE, you can still provide power through the same cable with the right POE adapter.

If you have Garmin MFD's then look into Axis camera's or a multiplexer.

The multiplexer would provide the use of multiple camera's and interfaces with Garmin MFD's. You can then use the cheaper camera's connected to that. I use a 7401 (legacy) multiplexer for my engine room camera's. You can still find them used on ebay. But that is only standard definition views.

To get 1080p you will need a newer version and that will cost more. You can then buy Amazon camera's and save a bit. But I don't think this route will be less then $1K.

AXIS P7304 Video Encoder | Axis Communications

Full-featured, 4-channel video encoder with HD analog support

www.axis.com

The problem your going to have is selecting camera's. Most dome camera's are made for mounting to the "ceiling" and looking down. If the boat you have is your Avatar, you will need to make side mounts for these camera's. Or have recessed bullet camera's installed. That will bring you way over your budget. You could mount a couple along the rear hardtop underside. But you wouldn't have any forward views. Perhaps a mix in how you mount and what type of camera you get.

 

[La Rea]

Hey, thanks for the reply. The architecture for the camera system is already settled, and it's based on a fanless mini PC running Milestone XProtect as an NVR. I'm really just looking for the cameras themselves and, as you noted, they need to be mounted on the side of the hardtop looking down. I found a Hikvision camera in a wall-mount configuration and ordered one for evaluation.

A recessed bullet camera is a possibility.

 

[Skybolt]

... I found a Hikvision camera in a wall-mount configuration and ordered one for evaluation.

A recessed bullet camera is a possibility.

You will like Hikvision, they are a very nice camera. I've had good success with them.

Curious how you plan on viewing the cams, adapter to MFD or separate monitor?

 

[ttmott]

Be aware on how you do the integration with Garmin. Only the Garmin and Flir cameras will integrate with the Garmin Marine Network. All others must use the HDMI port on the Garmin MFD's. The Garmin MFD will provide camera switching and PTZ for compatible cameras but if using the HDMI port no such controls; all switching and camera control must be done from another device. I have a Lorex IP camera system with a recorder on the boat that is connected to the HDMI port on one of the MFD's. One camera is atop the bridge roof looking behind - I thought it would much more functional and helpful that it is..... Still a good security system.

 

[Irie308]

Saw these guys at the FLIBS and seems to be the only 3rd party camera system that you can integrate without too much trouble. However at these prices you might as well just go with the Garmin cameras. One nice feature of the iris system is that it doubles as security cams accessible via the web (provided you have internet onboard). No first hand experience but if I wanted to commit the time and money I would go this route for dual purpose cams.

Marine IP Boat Cameras - Iris Innovations

Iris Innovations marine IP boat cameras have been built and tested to handle the harsh marine environment, and confirm to Onvif standards.

www.boat-cameras.com

 

[La Rea]

I'm installing a new Furuno system. Furuno makes nice stuff, but their camera integration is disappointing. Only the engine room camera(s) will be integrated directly to the Furunos. For docking cameras and other security cameras, I have a fanless mini computer (which means I can use just about any IP camera).

Once I get the computer configured with a display that I like for docking, I'll show it on the center MFD via HDMI. Eventually, I might consider stitching the camera feeds into a 360-degree "birds-eye view" but that'll be a future "nice to have" project.

The bridge has poor docking visibility, and with no lower station I really want cameras. As a temporary solution last year, I installed a rear-facing camera and showed it on a TV in the bridge. That was a huge help.

@Irie308 - Those Iris cameras do look pretty nice. Not cheap, but they are some of the best I've seen.

 

[Skybolt]

Be aware on how you do the integration with Garmin. Only the Garmin and Flir cameras will integrate with the Garmin Marine Network. All others must use the HDMI port on the Garmin MFD's. The Garmin MFD will provide camera switching and PTZ for compatible cameras but if using the HDMI port no such controls; all switching and camera control must be done from another device. I have a Lorex IP camera system with a recorder on the boat that is connected to the HDMI port on one of the MFD's. One camera is atop the bridge roof looking behind - I thought it would much more functional and helpful that it is..... Still a good security system.

As I mentioned above, I am using an Axis multiplexer with off the self cameras connected to the GMN and it works great on three MFD's.

 

[Skybolt]

Saw these guys at the FLIBS and seems to be the only 3rd party camera system that you can integrate without too much trouble. However at these prices you might as well just go with the Garmin cameras. One nice feature of the iris system is that it doubles as security cams accessible via the web (provided you have internet onboard). No first hand experience but if I wanted to commit the time and money I would go this route for dual purpose cams.

Marine IP Boat Cameras - Iris Innovations

Iris Innovations marine IP boat cameras have been built and tested to handle the harsh marine environment, and confirm to Onvif standards.

www.boat-cameras.com

They have an html5 application that works with one helm.

CMAC Archives - Boat Cameras

Camera Management and Control Systems featuring integrated hybrid and network video records and hosting our state of the art IrisControl HTML5 user interface application

www.boat-cameras.com