Panasonic BL-C131A vs BL-C30A

[step.off.the.x]

I've decided I want to go with a Panasonic IP Camera since it seems to have solid reviews all around. I'm stuck between these 2 cameras. I know that the 131 has a faster processer and 3.0lux. The 30 has a slower processer and better lux (1.0). What camera should I go with? Does the 2.0 difference in lux make that much of a difference?

I would be using this camera in a townhouse, indoors, mounted in the corner of a 12ft ceiling. Max viewing distance would be 40 feet.

 

[CollinR]

I've decided I want to go with a Panasonic IP Camera since it seems to have solid reviews all around. I'm stuck between these 2 cameras. I know that the 131 has a faster processer and 3.0lux. The 30 has a slower processer and better lux (1.0). What camera should I go with? Does the 2.0 difference in lux make that much of a difference?

I would be using this camera in a townhouse, indoors, mounted in the corner of a 12ft ceiling. Max viewing distance would be 40 feet.

2.0 lux is a massive difference, both of these cameras are not for low light use.

Usually Panasonic isn't full of it though so you should at least get some functionality at 1 lux.

 

[step.off.the.x]

How about the processor speed difference. 30fps (131) vs 7.5 (30). Will I notice a huge difference? I assume yes?

 

[fcwilt]

How about the processor speed difference. 30fps (131) vs 7.5 (30). Will I notice a huge difference? I assume yes?

Yes indeed you will.

As regards to the sensitivity I have an AXIS 214 monitoring my boat dock and and it will provide a usable image down to .005 lux.

As regards to image my daughter wanted a camera to keep an eye on the boys while napping so I put in a BL-C30A. While it serves its purpose for her there is a huge difference in image quality and a large difference in price, something like $300 versus $1300.

 

[step.off.the.x]

How about the processor speed difference. 30fps (131) vs 7.5 (30). Will I notice a huge difference? I assume yes?

Yes indeed you will.

As regards to the sensitivity I have an AXIS 214 monitoring my boat dock and and it will provide a usable image down to .005 lux.

As regards to image my daughter wanted a camera to keep an eye on the boys while napping so I put in a BL-C30A. While it serves its purpose for her there is a huge difference in image quality and a large difference in price, something like $300 versus $1300.

No arguments there. I don't have that much budgeted for a camera right now and would love a $1000+ one. The camera would mainly be used during daylight hours and occasionally when the wife and I are out and about on weekend nights. When we go out we always leave a lamp on. I'm assuming that the the bl-c131 will be ok at night with a lamp? I'm thinking that I should go with the bl-131 since it has a higher processing speed if the lux will be ok getting illumination from a lamp. Comments?

 

[fcwilt]

No arguments there. I don't have that much budgeted for a camera right now and would love a $1000+ one. The camera would mainly be used during daylight hours and occasionally when the wife and I are out and about on weekend nights. When we go out we always leave a lamp on. I'm assuming that the the bl-c131 will be ok at night with a lamp? I'm thinking that I should go with the bl-131 since it has a higher processing speed if the lux will be ok getting illumination from a lamp. Comments?

Tonight I will run a few informal tests on the BL-C30A and how it performs with various light levels.

 

[gcimmino]

Additional features of the 131 over the 30:

- supports MPEG, which translates to lower bandwidth requirements
- adds one way audio for monitoring
- supports wireless encryption better than just WEP. In other words, you can setup your access point for WPA and not have to dumb it down to WEP.
- another benefit of the faster processor is that the 131 can do motion detection on-board in addition to using the PIR sensor. The 30 only has the PIR.

Also, FWIW, my distributor says the C10 is on closeout, being replaced by the C111. That may well mean the C30 is on the way out too.

Last, but not least, check out the Operating Instructions for both models here

 

[recidivist]

Hi, these may help you choose:

Panasonic BL-C131 evaluation
BL-C131 help and docs

I used these when deciding which IP cam to get. I got the BL-C131 and it's an awesome camera for the price. It has a color night view mode which I find a little grainy, but as long as there's a little light I get a decent image. I can at least see what's going on anyway.

Most companies don't seem to stock the 30 anymore and I doubt it has any long term support from Panasonic, so I personally would go for the 131 to make sure you'll get firmware updates and the like for the next couple years.

I hope this helps.

Recidivist

 

[step.off.the.x]

I understand that the BL-C131A has a faster processor and lower lux and the BL-C30 has a slower processor and higher lux so I'm still a bit undecided but I'm leaning towards the 131. But first another question:

I'm planning on getting 3 cameras:

1) Second floor window looking out onto my front steps and driveway that is illuminated with a decorative house light and also with a security pole light (those black ones that stick out of the ground).

2) The back yard has a motion light that has a steady illumination of 75 watts and a full illumination of 150 watts when motion is detected.

3) In the middle level pointed across our kitchen/living room covering both stairwells (I live in a townhouse). When we leave at night we always leave the lamp on with a timer.

Based on the 3 situations listed above do you think that there is enough light for a 131A @ 3lux to see? I understand that this is not a professional grade camera system and I'll not be able to make out a face. I'm just looking for enough vision to see if there is someone in the front/back/house.

 

[electron]

IMO, You will regret going with a 3 LUX camera unless you have really bright lights (75W won't do). I would purchase one from a store that has a good return policy / customer service, and try it out, before spending more money (assuming you really want that 3 LUX cam).

 

[CollinR]

I think you should just flat out open your possiblities as both of these cameras IMHO have pretty poor bang:buck. However they posses a few features that some really appreciate.

Nonetheless 2 low light bullets or a single vandal dome will do a better job for around the same if not less $.

 

[step.off.the.x]

Sadly I have a budget for this project. I'd love to go all out and spend thousands of dollars but that just isn't in the cards. Any sort of camera mounted outside is a no-go due to HOA restrictions. They're pretty anal about everything (last year they checked door knockers). I live in a 3 story townhouse and I can't run wire unless I want to tear down drywall and repaint, which I do not want to do.

If you can suggest a wireless low light bullet camera I'm all ears. Panasonic seems to be the best solution for me (at least in my research).

I think you should just flat out open your possiblities as both of these cameras IMHO have pretty poor bang:buck. However they posses a few features that some really appreciate.

Nonetheless 2 low light bullets or a single vandal dome will do a better job for around the same if not less $.

 

[BraveSirRobbin]

Any sort of camera mounted outside is a no-go due to HOA restrictions.

Actually (as a former president of my HOA) I think there is precedence that will counter this. You can simply state that you need the decision not to install security cameras in writing from your HOA, then also state that if you ever get burglarized, or worse yet, have physical distress/damage from a worse situation, you will sue the HOA as the security cameras would have prevented that situation from happening.

If they don't believe you have this capability have them ask their attorney (that they should have on retainer) to look for precedence on such a case(s).

Similar cases that I have read about stemmed from HOA's not wanting people to put up security signs in their yard, and I'm pretty certain has evolved to items such as security cameras.

 

[step.off.the.x]

Actually I think it might have to do with what state you live in as well. Ill run the idea by my wife (she is a lawyer) and see what she says. Absent that are there any better solutions that are wireless or close to no wires that will help me in my current situation? The only reason I zero'd in on the bl-c30a was the 1lux and wireless. Are there wireless low light bullet cams?

ETA should I look at the AXIS 207W and add a IR illuminator to better see at night?

Any sort of camera mounted outside is a no-go due to HOA restrictions.

Actually (as a former president of my HOA) I think there is precedence that will counter this. You can simply state that you need the decision not to install security cameras in writing from your HOA, then also state that if you ever get burglarized, or worse yet, have physical distress/damage from a worse situation, you will sue the HOA as the security cameras would have prevented that situation from happening.

If they don't believe you have this capability have them ask their attorney (that they should have on retainer) to look for precedence on such a case(s).

Similar cases that I have read about stemmed from HOA's not wanting people to put up security signs in their yard, and I'm pretty certain has evolved to items such as security cameras.

 

[CollinR]

My HOA and a couple of the higher ranks all went into bankruptcy when a guy's house was struck by lighting and burned to the ground.

A few years prior he had replaced his wood shingled roof with composite shingles, this was at the time against the rules. He fought, the HOA won and he paid to install another this time wood shingled roof. Along with the second roof came a letter similar to the one in discussion.