The Axis M3024-LVE network camera is designed primarily for locations where the installation of a vandal-resistant dome is indicated or required. The M3024-LVE is one of three models in the M30-VE Series. The M3024-LVE camera has a 1-megapixel (MP) imager and built-in infrared (IR) illuminators, while the M3025-VE has a 2MP imager and the M3026- VE a 3MP imager.

Construction

The M3024-LVE has a solid feel to the camera assembly with its cast aluminum design. The camera housing is designed with a mounting plate that is easily separated from the main assembly to allow the camera to be flush mounted to any surface. The camera assembly is also designed to be installed on an adapter plate that allows the camera to be mounted to a standard 4×4 electrical box. There is also a pendant kit and a ceiling mount kit (which gives the appearance of a recessed light) available for this series of cameras. The unit’s clear dome is constructed of durable polycarbonate plastic to also resist damage to the unit’s assembly. The enclosure is IP-66 and NEMA 4 rated. The M3024-LVE has one design feature that I, from an installer’s point of view, do not like. The camera has a premade Cat-5 cable with a male RJ45 plug molded on the end. This type of premade connection requires the installer to use a network cable coupler to make the camera connection to the network. It would be better if the premade cable had a female RJ45 jack that could eliminate one set of contact points (and potentially one point of failure in an installation).

Features

As with most of today’s IP cameras, the M3024-LVE is powered via its network connector. It is designed to draw 6.3W of power, which allows it to utilize a standard PoE power connection for operation. The camera can also be configured to alert on remote alarm contacts that can allow the camera to do “double duty” at a location. The M3024-LVE also has a built-in slot for a Micro SD memory card to allow remote video storage at the camera assembly. This can be very useful should the network connection be lost.

Setup

Axis is one of the manufacturers that still ships every camera with the same default IP address. This, to me, is much preferred over having to use proprietary software to assign a camera’s IP address and other parameters. I prefer to test a new camera before it is installed in the field and knowing the IP address makes it much easier. The setup menu on Axis cameras and video encoders has the same basic design for the older and newer cameras. This is a plus as it allows an installer to readily set up a camera or encoder on the fly without having to remember a bunch of different programming parameters for different cameras. The menu is easy to navigate and allows the camera to be tailored to environmental surroundings. Axis also provides a mini-disc with setup software to make the installation of static IPs an easier task for the novice. Also available is a more robust camera management platform to end users that have registered on Axis’ Web site.

Testing

The M3024-LVE is shipped from the factory in a “ready-to-go” condition. The installer would install the camera, configure the IP address and place the camera into service. More complicated applications take just a bit more configuring. The system setup menu for the M3024-LVE features tabs with optional settings that are easy to navigate. The M3024-LVE’s camera adjustments were easy to accomplish and the camera’s performance was excellent. The camera easily switched from color to b&w and provided a very good image in low light conditions. A feature I really like with certain Axis cameras is the Corridor Format View, where the FOV is set to a rectangular shape that provides a detailed coverage area, of a hallway for example. This also eliminates the camera sampling unnecessary pixels of the FOV that have no relevance to the video being recorded.

Conclusions

The Axis M3024-LVE is a solid network camera. The design is first rate and the camera’s
programming and operation settings are very easy to navigate. This camera would be a welcome addition to a company’s CCTV system.