IP camera vendor Mobotix has launched what it claims in the world’s first 360-degree, high-definition fixed security camera with a few local organisations already using it.

The Q22 captures video at 2048 x 1536, is 160mm in diameter and has no moving parts.

The camera also has video management capabilities built in with internal storage options up to 16GB using the SD expansion slot.

Derek Priest, director of NSW-based security systems installer AUSTCO IP, said one Q22 covers the same area as two to three CCTV cameras, with higher resolution.

"We have installed the Q22 camera in the foyer area at Canada Bay Club in Five Dock, NSW, which saved the customer enormously on hardware and cabling,” Priest said. “We have also started specifying the Q22 for monitoring lifts and have won a project for a set of high-rise apartments in Sydney. We have saved the client around $8500 per lift in cabling alone, as the Q22 can record locally to a small storage device, without the need for a dedicated computer.”

Priest said the Q22 enables the control room to remotely communicate to the patrons in the lift in the [event] of a break down or other incident.

“Control room operators can remotely monitor the internals of the lift using pan and zoom within the image enabling them to view the entire area of the lift,” he said. “One of the key features of the Q22 that end-users like is that it doesn't look like a camera, it actually looks like a ceiling speaker."

Power over Ethernet and integration with VoIP systems via its internal speaker and microphone system are also features.

Mobotix’s Australian regional manager, Graham Wheeler, said the Q22 is already popular with local retail outlets, clubs, financial institutions and government sites.

"The Mobotix camera range offers full SIP support, firewalling, bandwidth management and other network housekeeping features that IT managers want,” Wheeler said. “The IT guys particularly like the fact that the camera can record directly to attached storage [NAS] eliminating the need for a dedicated PC."