Bosch Starlight Falls Shy of Security Camera Heaven
Is Bosch Dinion IP Starlight 8000 MP the best solution for your installation jobs? Security industry expert T. Riley Pierce answers in the latest SSI’s Bench Test.
The Dinion IP Starlight 8000 MP network camera from Bosch Security Systems is the top of the line in its series of box cameras and, at 5 megapixels (MP), has the highest resolution within the product line. There are 10 models in the line, ranging from the traditional box camera design to outdoor bullet-style camera assemblies to a compact assembly that can be discreetly mounted as needed. The 8000 MP I received was shipped with a Bosch LVF-5005C HD lens for my testing. It is designed for MP camera use and has a focal range of 4.1-9mm. The lens is also IR corrected to provide optimal viewing when the camera assembly switches from color to black-and-white in low light conditions.
Construction
The 8000 MP is one of a handful of IP-based box cameras I have dealt with and I was certainly surprised at its heft when I removed it from the box. The assembly is very heavy when compared to analog units, weighing in at almost 2 pounds without a lens attached, or roughly twice the weight of other units I have worked with. Its bulk can be attributed to its sturdy aluminum shell construction and all of the camera’s electronics that are packed inside the case. As with most box cameras, the unit’s housing has a 1â„4-inch 20 threaded socket on the top and bottom of the assembly to allow it to be secured on a pendant mount or inside an enclosed camera housing. The 8000 MP is constructed with a standard CS mount to accept the installation of a lens of your choosing (a C mount lens with adapter can also be used). The camera also has a standard four-pin connector located on the camera’s lower section to allow the use of DC-iris lenses.
Bosch Dinion IP Starlight 8000 MP
SPECS
- Network IP camera
- Better for specialized applications where camera orientation does not need to be masked
PROS
- Easy to set up with direct connection
- Easy to install, just need the right enclosure/mount
- Excellent video images in varying light conditions
CONS
- Heavy!
- Requires camera housing and mount for security/protection
- Specialized video connector and cable required for external monitor
- Cable connector for lens poorly designed
- Lack of dual voltage for retrofit applications
The camera is designed to be powered via PoE through the RJ45 connector, or it can also be powered via 12VDC through a phoenix connector on the rear of the housing. I was surprised the 8000 MP only accepts a 12VDC power source considering the majority of box camera housings require 24VAC power for the heater and blower assemblies. Alluding to this issue is a very prominent sticker covering the phoenix socket on the rear of the housing advising the installer not to use 24VAC. As the 8000 MP is an ideal camera to be used as a replacement model for existing analog installations utilizing a coax/Ethernet adapter, the ability for dual voltage should have been a “no-brainer” for the designers as it certainly would have simplified installation in a lot of situations.
The camera is also equipped with a composite video output on the back of the housing, which allows the installing technician to attach an analog monitor and perform initial setup and alignment. The connection to the camera is made with a special cable from Bosch consisting of a male BNC connector on one end and a female SMB connector on the other end. Again, I have to wonder what the designers were thinking when they designed the analog video output. I have a handheld monitor that I use for projects and I have about four different connectors I carry with me that have always allowed me to connect to analog and IP cameras alike. The last time I saw and used an SMB connector was many years ago on a wired antenna connection for a body mic. Surely, the chassis space assigned for this could have accepted a sub-mini (2.5mm) phone jack as easily as the SMB connector.
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
