ï On the left is a NEW color Sony double board camera that "specs" at 480 (horizontal TV) lines of resolution and 0.08 lux for color. On the right is our latest upgrade equipped with the newest generation Sony SuperHAD CCD imager- which specs at 380 lines and 0.5 lux. Well, if they're both new and they're both Sony- the giant one with the much better specs has got to provide a better picture.... right?

ï WRONG. In fact, the one on the right is providing images unseen by ANY previous board, bullet or even box type security camera for that matter- this is truly the greatest imaging for color you've ever seen- and it's in ALL of our color cameras. We do also carry the latest Sony Ex-view and high resolution 480 line Ex-view (that's right- all Ex-view HAD chipset cameras are NOT high resolution as many would have you believe). How much better are they? Good question. It mostly depends on the monitoring and/ or recording equipment used- and actually how good your individual eyesight is. Many customers will choose the latest SuperHAD after seeing both side by side. Ex-views tend to provide a bit lower light performance (Ex-view should not to be confused with so-called "X-Vision" purporting similar specs at high prices- BEWARE). The factories can say whatever they want regarding horizontal lines resolution and low light (or lux) factor ability. Over the years, we've learned to never trust these factory spec sheets because the very best ones are usually overshadowed by the inferior units which purport even better specs. The only real way to tell which cameras are better is to purchase and field test them in side by side comparisons in a variety of lighting conditions. That is exactly what we do for you. Many of the items we evaluate are so bad, they should be declared toys and not real video equipment.

ï DO YOU WANT THE BETTER SPECS-OR THE BETTER CAMERA??!!

ï We've learned throughout the years that shopping those "specs" (or technical specifications) is a hot button for many of our customers. For these customers, we have provided a ton of specifications for each item. However, what happens to you as a consumer when recent changes for this technology ARE NOT reflected in those specifications??
This is an exciting time for video and, to no real surprise- Sony Semiconductor, Japan has once again led the way. The very instant that we evaluated the newest upgrades in color SuperHAD technology, all standing inventory was frozen and all current orders immediately were upgraded to the new cameras. This isn't even close to the best cameras we had before. We're both proud and a little sad (for those who spent their money just before we unexpectedly received the new batches) to say that these units make yesterday's "best" for color look terrible in comparison. These cameras have truly revolutionized the world of security and covert video surveillance for color applications- which is what everyone would like to have if it's small enough, relatively inexpensively priced and can actually perform with high resolution in a variety of lighting conditions. THE WAIT IS OVER FOLKS.
Sony's Super HAD (hole acquisition diode) image sensor (aka imager) broke all of the "rules" for board and bullet security camera performance- including for covert pinhole lens types. And now the latest SuperHAD upgrade- which began emerging in certain models in the end of 2002- has even blown away the existing HAD models- which you'll likely see even our fiercest of competion liquidating for the next projected 12-24 months or more while factories, distributors and dealers scramble to model, copy or just deal with the camera we're providing to our ever appreciated customers. And, beware- not only are "last year's models" abundant- there are cameras out there being purchased every day with antique (5-8 year old) imagers in them as well. So they may be Sony- and even "first grade".... but there are a few more things you may want to consider that your 'spec' shopping may not reveal until it's too late.
Sure, you'll find other cameras out there that are priced cheap and sound great- we've seen them and don't represent them for many good reasons. So much of the junk that's floating around out there right now can't really even be compared. This decision isn't like buying a car where you have to decide between the V-6 and the V-8. In many cases, this can be more like comparing a Cadillac to a push scooter . The old rule of "you get what you pay for" may be extinct as well. In this industry, you may easily get much more or much less than you paid for. We strongly feel that the best value is obtained by the consumer when they choose us. We are proud to represent the very best video surveillance and security equipment available at the best prices.
There is not a single customer in since arrival who has been anything less than thrilled with these new units. Please give them a try- they are truly the best we've ever seen by FAR. They are providing the most CRISP and VIBRANT colors imaginable.... way beyond our expectation or even desire. And when the lights go dim and most color cameras go barely visible (if not totally dark)- these units EXCEL. It would be interesting to see how much better this technology could even get at this point- it's just that great.