To find Axis devices on the network and assign them IP addresses in Windows®, use AXIS IP Utility or AXIS Device Manager. Both applications are free and can be downloaded from axis.com/support.
The default administrator username is root. If the password for root is lost, reset the device to factory default settings. See Reset to factory default settings
Support tip: Password security confirmation check
Type a password. Follow the instructions about secure passwords. See Secure passwords.
Retype the password to confirm the spelling.
Click Create login. The password has now been configured.
Secure passwords
Important
Axis devices send the initially set password in clear text over the network. To protect your device after the first login, set up a secure and encrypted HTTPS connection and then change the password.
The device password is the primary protection for your data and services. Axis devices do not impose a password policy as they may be used in various types of installations.
To protect your data we strongly recommend that you:
Use a password with at least 8 characters, preferably created by a password generator.
Don’t expose the password.
Change the password at a recurring interval, at least once a year.
Webpage overview
Live view control bar
Live view
Product name
User information, color themes, and help
Video control bar
Settings toggle
Settings tabs
Additional settings
Adjust the image
This section includes instructions about how to configure your device. If you want to learn more about how certain features function, go to Learn more.
Reduce noise in low-light conditions
To reduce noise in low-light conditions, you can adjust one or more of the following settings:
Note
A high max shutter value can result in motion blur.
To slow down the shutter speed, set max shutter to the highest possible value.
Reduce sharpness in the image.
Note
When you reduce the max gain, the image can become darker.
Set the max gain to a lower value.
Open the aperture.
Reduce motion blur in low-light conditions
To reduce motion blur in low-light conditions, adjust one or more of the following settings in Settings > Image > Exposure:
Note
When you increase the gain, image noise also increases.
Set Max shutter to a shorter time, and Max gain to a higher value.
If you still have problems with motion blur:
Increase the light level in the scene.
Mount the camera so that objects move toward it or away from it rather than sideways.
Maximize the details in an image
Important
If you maximize the details in an image, the bitrate will probably increase and you might get a reduced frame rate.
Make sure to select the capture mode that has the highest resolution.
Set the compression as low as possible.
Select MJPEG streaming.
Turn off Zipstream functionality.
Stabilize a shaky image with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS)
Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) can be used in environments where the product is mounted in an exposed location and subject to vibrations, for example, wind or passing traffic. Turn on EIS to get a smoother and steadier image without blur.
EIS also reduces the file size of the compressed image and lowers the bitrate of the video stream.
Note
When EIS is turned on the image is cropped slightly, lowering the maximum resolution.
Go to Settings > Image > Image correction.
Turn on EIS.
Show an image overlay
You can add an image as an overlay in the video stream.
Go to Settings > Overlay.
Click Image list.
Upload an image and click Done.
Click Create overlay.
Select Image and click Create.
Select the image from the drop-down list.
To position the image overlay, choose Custom or one of the presets.
Click Create.
Show the pan or tilt position as a text overlay
You can show the pan or tilt position as an overlay in the image.
Go to Settings > Overlay and click Create overlay.
Select Text and click Create.
In the text field, type #x to show the pan position.
Type #y to show the tilt position.
Choose appearance, text size, and alignment.
The current pan and tilt positions show up in the live view image and in the recording.
Adjust the camera view (PTZ)
Limit the pan, tilt, and zoom movements
If there are parts of the scene that you don’t want the camera to reach, you can limit the pan, tilt, and zoom movements. For example, you want to protect the privacy of residents in an apartment building, which is located close to a parking lot that you intend to monitor. To limit the movements, go to Settings > PTZ > Limits.
Control the camera with VISCA
There are two ways to control this camera with VISCA:
VISCA over IP –
Select this to communicate over the Ethernet.
VISCA over serial –
Select this to communicate over serial connection.
Control the camera with VISCA over IP
Note
Using the IP protocol for PTZ control increases the risk of unauthorized access. It enables UDP on ports 52380 and 52381, which allows anyone on the network to change settings without having to log in to the camera.
Go to Settings > System > Accessories.
Turn on VISCA.
Select VISCA over IP.
Control the camera with VISCA over serial
Connect a serial cable to the RS232 connector.
Go to Settings > System > Accessories.
Turn on VISCA.
Select VISCA over serial.
Select the camera’s Position in series.
Select Point to point if the device is directly connected to the VISCA controller.
Select Endpoint if the device is the last device in the daisy chain.
Select In-chain (daisy chain) if the device is in the middle of the daisy chain.
Select Baud rate.
View and record video
This section includes instructions about how to configure your device. To learn more about how streaming and storage works, go to Streaming and storage.
Reduce bandwidth and storage
Important
If you reduce the bandwidth it can result in loss of details in the picture.
Go to live view and select H.264.
Go to Settings > Stream.
Do one or more of the following:
Note
The zipstream settings are used for both H.264 and H.265.
Turn on dynamic GOP and set a high GOP length value.
Increase the compression.
Turn on dynamic FPS.
Note
Web browsers do not support H.265 decoding. Use a video management system or application supporting H.265 decoding.
View a live video stream on a monitor
Your camera can transmit a live video stream to a monitor even without a network connection.
Connect an external monitor using the HDMI connector or the SDI connector.
Set up network storage
To store recordings on the network, you need to set up your network storage.
Go to Settings > System > Storage.
Click Setup under Network storage.
Enter the IP address of the host server.
Enter the name of the shared location on the host server.
Move the switch if the share requires a login, and enter username and password.
Click Connect.
Record and watch video
To record video you must first set up network storage, see Set up network storage, or have an SD card installed.
Record video
Go to the live view.
To start a recording, click Record. Click again to stop the recording.
Watch video
Click Storage > Go to recordings.
Select your recording in the list and it will play automatically.
Set up rules and alerts
You can create rules to make your device perform an action when certain events occur. A rule consists of conditions and actions. The conditions can be used to trigger the actions. For example, the device can start a recording or send an email when it detects motion, or show an overlay text while the device is recording.
Trigger an action
Go to Settings > System > Events to set up a rule. The rule defines when the device will perform certain actions. Rules can be setup as scheduled, recurring, or for example, triggered by motion detection.
Select the Condition that must be met to trigger the action. If you specify more than one condition for the rule, all of the conditions must be met to trigger the action.
Select which Action the device should perform when the conditions are met.
Note
If you make changes to an active rule, you have to restart the rule for the changes to take effect.
Note
If you change the definition of a stream profile that is used in a rule, you have to to restart all the rules that use that stream profile.
Audio
Add audio to your recording
Turn on audio:
Go to Settings > Audio and turn on Allow audio.
Go to Input > Type and select your audio source.
Edit the stream profile which is used for the recording:
Go to Settings > Stream and click Stream profiles.
Select the stream profile and click Audio.
Select the checkbox and select Include.
Click Save.
Click Close.
Cleaning recommendations
NOTICE
Never use harsh detergent, for example gasoline, benzene, or acetone.
Use a can of compressed air to remove any dust or loose dirt from the device.
If necessary, clean the lens with a soft cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
Note
Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or at elevated temperatures, as this may cause stains when the water droplets dry.
Learn more
Capture modes
Capture mode defines the maximum resolution and maximum frame rate available in the Axis product. The capture mode also affects light sensitivity. A capture mode with a high maximum frame rate has reduced light sensitivity and vice versa.
Which capture mode to choose depends on the requirements of frame rate and resolution for the specific surveillance setup. For specifications about available capture modes, see the product’s datasheet at axis.com.
Overlays
Note
Overlays are not included in the video stream when using SIP calls.
Note
Image and text overlay will not be displayed on video stream over HDMI.
Note
Image and text overlay will not be displayed on video stream over SDI.
Overlays are superimposed over the video stream. They are used to provide extra information during recordings, such as a timestamp, or during product installation and configuration. You can add either text or an image.
Streaming and storage
Video compression formats
Decide which compression method to use based on your viewing requirements, and on the properties of your network. The available options are:
Motion JPEG
Note
To ensure support for the Opus audio codec, the Motion JPEG stream is always sent over RTP.
Motion JPEG, or MJPEG, is a digital video sequence that is made up of a series of individual JPEG images. These images are then displayed and updated at a rate sufficient to create a stream that shows constantly updated motion. For the viewer to perceive motion video the rate must be at least 16 image frames per second. Full motion video is perceived at 30 (NTSC) or 25 (PAL) frames per second.
The Motion JPEG stream uses considerable amounts of bandwidth, but provides excellent image quality and access to every image contained in the stream.
H.264 or MPEG-4 Part 10/AVC
Note
H.264 is a licensed technology. The Axis product includes one H.264 viewing client license. To install additional unlicensed copies of the client is prohibited. To purchase additional licenses, contact your Axis reseller.
H.264 can, without compromising image quality, reduce the size of a digital video file by more than 80% compared to the Motion JPEG format and by as much as 50% compared to the MPEG-4 standard. This means that less network bandwidth and storage space are required for a video file. Or seen another way, higher video quality can be achieved for a given bitrate.
H.265 or MPEG-H Part 2/HEVC
Note
H.265 is licensed technology. The Axis product includes one H.265 viewing client license. To install additional unlicensed copies of the client is prohibited. To purchase additional licenses, contact your Axis reseller.
How do Image, Stream, and Stream profile settings relate to each other?
The Image tab contains camera settings that affect all video streams from the product. If you change something in this tab, it immediately affects all video streams and recordings.
The Stream tab contains settings for video streams. You get these settings if you request a video stream from the product and don’t specify for example resolution, or frame rate. When you change the settings in the Stream tab, it doesn’t affect ongoing streams, but it will take effect when you start a new stream.
The Stream profiles settings override the settings from the Stream tab. If you request a stream with a specific stream profile, the stream contains the settings of that profile. If you request a stream without specifying a stream profile, or request a stream profile that doesn't exist in the product, the stream contains the settings from the Stream tab.
Bitrate control
With bitrate control, you can manage the bandwidth consumption of your video stream.
Variable bitrate (VBR) With variable bitrate, the bandwidth consumption varies based on the level of activity in the scene. The more activity in the scene, the more bandwidth you need. You are guaranteed constant image quality but it requires storage margins.
Maximum bitrate (MBR) With maximum bitrate, you can set a target bitrate to handle bitrate limitations in your system. You may see a decline in image quality or frame rate when the instantaneous bitrate is kept below the specified target bitrate. You can choose to either prioritize image quality or frame rate. We recommend that you configure the target bitrate to a higher value than the expected bitrate. This gives you a margin for additional complexity that needs to be captured.
Target bitrate
Average bitrate (ABR) With average bitrate, the bitrate is automatically adjusted over a longer timescale. This is so you can meet the specified target and provide the best video quality based on your available storage. Bitrate is higher in scenes with a lot of activity, compared to static scenes. You are more likely to get better image quality when needed when using the average bitrate option. You can define the total storage required to store the video stream for a specified amount of time (retention time) when image quality is adjusted to meet the specified target bitrate. Specify the average bitrate settings in one of the following ways:
To calculate the estimated storage need, set the target bitrate and the retention time.
To calculate the average bitrate, based on available storage and required retention time, use the target bitrate calculator.
Target bitrate
Actual average bitrate
You can also turn on maximum bitrate and specify a target bitrate within the average bitrate option.
Target bitrate
Actual average bitrate
Applications
AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) is an open platform that enables third parties to develop analytics and other applications for Axis products. To find out more about available applications, downloads, trials and licenses, go to axis.com/applications.
To find the user manuals for Axis applications, go to axis.com.
Note
Several applications can run at the same time but some applications might not be compatible with each other. Certain combinations of applications might require too much processing power or memory resources when run in parallel. Verify that the applications work together before deployment.
How to download and install an application
How to activate an application licence code on a device
Autotracking
With autotracking, the camera automatically zooms in on and tracks moving objects, for example a vehicle or a person. You can manually select an object to track, or set up trigger areas and let the camera detect moving objects. The application is best suited for open areas with no obscuring objects and where movement is unusual. When the camera doesn't track an object, it returns to its home position.
Important
Autotracking is designed for areas with a limited amount of movement.
How to choose audio input type
Unbalanced inputs are the most commonly used as they are affordable, easily available and compatible with most inputs thanks to the 3.5 mm connector. Use the Unbalanced line input for signals coming from a media player or computer.
However, some considerations need to be made when installations require a longer cable between the source and the camera, or if there is interference from external sources. This is because the cables can act like an antenna and pick up unwanted noise and interference from external sources such as power cables or even wireless devices. Always make sure that your unbalanced cable is no longer than it needs to be, and plan the cable run carefully. For example, do not run them parallel to other cables, especially power cables. This is especially true for unbalanced microphones as all microphone level inputs need to be amplified considerably, resulting in the amplification of the unwanted noise and interference. Most small unbalanced (electret type) microphones require a small voltage to power them. In this case, select the Powered unbalanced microphone option.
When longer cable runs are required, and if your equipment at each end is compatible, using an XLR input with a balanced cable is highly recommended. Apart from allowing the use of more specialized microphones, this professional system rejects outside interference, allowing for much longer cable runs. Select the Balanced microphone input when using dynamic type microphones. If you are using a condenser type microphone, they will typically require a 48 V phantom power supply. This can be provided by the camera through the XLR connector when Phantom-powered balanced microphone is selected.
Troubleshooting
Reset to factory default settings
Important
Reset to factory default should be used with caution. A reset to factory default resets all settings, including the IP address, to the factory default values.
To reset the product to the factory default settings:
Disconnect power from the product.
Press and hold the control button while reconnecting power. See Product overview.
Keep the control button pressed for 15–30 seconds until the status LED indicator flashes amber.
Release the control button. The process is complete when the status LED indicator turns green. The product has been reset to the factory default settings. If no DHCP server is available on the network, the default IP address is 192.168.0.90.
Use the installation and management software tools to assign an IP address, set the password, and access the video stream.
The installation and management software tools are available from the support pages on axis.com/support.
It is also possible to reset parameters to factory default through the web interface. Go to Settings > System > Maintenance and click Default.
Firmware options
Axis offers product firmware management according to either the active track or the long-term support (LTS) tracks. Being on the active track means continuously getting access to all the latest product features, while the LTS tracks provide a fixed platform with periodic releases focused mainly on bug fixes and security updates.
Using firmware from the active track is recommended if you want to access the newest features, or if you use Axis end-to-end system offerings. The LTS tracks are recommended if you use third-party integrations, which are not continuously validated against the latest active track. With LTS, the products can maintain cybersecurity without introducing any significant functional changes or affecting any existing integrations. For more detailed information about Axis product firmware strategy, go to axis.com/support/firmware.
Check the current firmware
Firmware is the software that determines the functionality of network devices. One of your first actions when troubleshooting a problem should be to check the current firmware version. The latest version may contain a correction that fixes your particular problem.
To check the current firmware:
Go to the product’s webpage.
Click the help menu .
Click About.
Upgrade the firmware
Important
Preconfigured and customized settings are saved when the firmware is upgraded (provided that the features are available in the new firmware) although this is not guaranteed by Axis Communications AB.
Important
Make sure the product remains connected to the power source throughout the upgrade process.
Note
When you upgrade the product with the latest firmware in the active track, the product receives the latest functionality available. Always read the upgrade instructions and release notes available with each new release before upgrading the firmware. To find the latest firmware and the release notes, go to axis.com/support/firmware.
Go to Settings > System > Maintenance. Follow the instructions on the page. When the upgrade has finished, the product restarts automatically.
Technical issues, clues and solutions
If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, try the troubleshooting section at axis.com/support.
Problems upgrading the firmware
Firmware upgrade failure
If the firmware upgrade fails, the device reloads the previous firmware. The most common reason is that the wrong firmware file has been uploaded. Check that the name of the firmware file corresponds to your device and try again.
Problems after firmware upgrade
If you experience problems after a firmware upgrade, roll back to the previously installed version from the Maintenance page.
Problems setting the IP address
The device is located on a different subnet
If the IP address intended for the device and the IP address of the computer used to access the device are located on different subnets, you cannot set the IP address. Contact your network administrator to obtain an IP address.
The IP address is being used by another device
Disconnect the Axis device from the network. Run the ping command (in a Command/DOS window, type ping and the IP address of the device):
If you receive: Reply from <IP address>: bytes=32; time=10... this means that the IP address may already be in use by another device on the network. Obtain a new IP address from the network administrator and reinstall the device.
If you receive: Request timed out, this means that the IP address is available for use with the Axis device. Check all cabling and reinstall the device.
Possible IP address conflict with another device on the same subnet
The static IP address in the Axis device is used before the DHCP server sets a dynamic address. This means that if the same default static IP address is also used by another device, there may be problems accessing the device.
The device cannot be accessed from a browser
Cannot log in
When HTTPS is enabled, ensure that the correct protocol (HTTP or HTTPS) is used when attempting to log in. You may need to manually type http or https in the browser’s address field.
If the password for the user root is lost, the device must be reset to the factory default settings. See Reset to factory default settings.
The IP address has been changed by DHCP
IP addresses obtained from a DHCP server are dynamic and may change. If the IP address has been changed, use AXIS IP Utility or AXIS Device Manager to locate the device on the network. Identify the device using its model or serial number, or by the DNS name (if the name has been configured).
If required, a static IP address can be assigned manually. For instructions, go to axis.com/support.
Certificate error when using IEEE 802.1X
For authentication to work properly, the date and time settings in the Axis device must be synchronized with an NTP server. Go to Settings > System > Date and time.
The device is accessible locally but not externally
To access the device externally, we recommend using one of the following applications for Windows®:
AXIS Companion: free of charge, ideal for small systems with basic surveillance needs.
AXIS Camera Station: 30-day trial version free of charge, ideal for small to mid-size systems.
For instructions and download, go to axis.com/vms.
Problems with streaming
Multicast H.264 only accessible by local clients
Check if your router supports multicasting, or if the router settings between the client and the device need to be configured. The TTL (Time To Live) value may need to be increased.
No multicast H.264 displayed in the client
Check with your network administrator that the multicast addresses used by the Axis device are valid for your network.
Check with your network administrator to see if there is a firewall preventing viewing.
Poor rendering of H.264 images
Ensure that your graphics card is using the latest driver. The latest drivers can usually be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.
Color saturation is different in H.264 and Motion JPEG
Modify the settings for your graphics adapter. Go to the adapter’s documentation for more information.
Reduce the number of applications running on the client computer.
Limit the number of simultaneous viewers.
Check with the network administrator that there is enough bandwidth available.
Lower the image resolution.
Log in to the device’s webpage and set a capture mode that prioritizes frame rate. Changing the capture mode to prioritize frame rate might lower the maximum resolution depending on the device used and capture modes available.
The maximum frames per second is dependent on the utility frequency (60/50 Hz) of the Axis device.
Can't select H.265 encoding in live view
Web browsers do not support H.265 decoding. Use a video management system or application supporting H.265 decoding.
Performance considerations
When setting up your system, it is important to consider how various settings and situations affect the performance. Some factors affect the amount of bandwidth (the bitrate) required, others can affect the frame rate, and some affect both. If the load on the CPU reaches its maximum, this also affects the frame rate.
The following factors are the most important to consider:
High image resolution or lower compression levels result in images containing more data which in turn affects the bandwidth.
Rotating the image in the GUI will increase the product's CPU load.
Access by large numbers of Motion JPEG or unicast H.264 clients affects the bandwidth.
Simultaneous viewing of different streams (resolution, compression) by different clients affects both frame rate and bandwidth.
Use identical streams wherever possible to maintain a high frame rate. Stream profiles can be used to ensure that streams are identical.
Accessing Motion JPEG and H.264 video streams simultaneously affects both frame rate and bandwidth.
Heavy usage of event settings affects the product’s CPU load which in turn affects the frame rate.
Using HTTPS may reduce frame rate, in particular if streaming Motion JPEG.
Heavy network utilization due to poor infrastructure affects the bandwidth.
Viewing on poorly performing client computers lowers perceived performance and affects frame rate.
Running multiple AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) applications simultaneously may affect the frame rate and the general performance.
Shows steady green for 10 seconds for normal operation after startup completed.
Amber
Steady during startup. Flashes during firmware upgrade or reset to factory default.
Amber/Red
Flashes amber/red if network connection is unavailable or lost.
Red
Firmware upgrade failure.
Microphone power LED
Indication
Unlit
Phantom power off.
Blue
Phantom power on.
Note
The tally LED (indication LED) only indicates network transmission. If video or audio is only transmitted through HDMI or SDI the tally LED will be unlit.
Tally LED
Indication
Unlit
Camera idle.
Red
Active network transmission or recording.
SD card slot
NOTICE
Risk of damage to SD card. Do not use sharp tools, metal objects, or excessive force when inserting or removing the SD card. Use your fingers to insert and remove the card.
Risk of data loss and corrupted recordings. Do not remove the SD card while the product is running. Unmount the SD card from the product’s webpage before removal.
SD, SDHC, and SDXC Logos are trademarks of SD-3C LLC. SD, SDHC and SDXC are trademarks or registered trademarks of SD-3C, LLC in the United States, other countries or both.
Connecting to an AXIS Video Hosting System service. To connect, press and hold the button for about 3 seconds until the status LED flashes green.
Connectors
BNC connector
The BNC connector is used for connecting broadcast equipment using SDI. Connect a 75 Ohm coaxial SDI cable.
CAUTION
The connector may be hot during normal operation in elevated ambient temperatures.
HDMI connector
Use the HDMITM connector to connect a display or public view monitor.
Network connector
RJ45 Ethernet connector.
Audio connector
3.5 mm connector
Audio in – 3.5 mm input for a digital microphone, an analog mono microphone, or a line-in mono signal (left channel is used from a stereo signal).
Audio in – 3.5 mm input for a stereo microphone, or a line-in stereo signal.
Audio out – 3.5 mm output for audio (line level) that can be connected to a public address (PA) system or an active speaker with a built-in amplifier. A pair of headphones can also be attached. A stereo connector must be used for audio out.
Audio input
1 Tip
2 Ring
3 Sleeve
Unbalanced microphone (with or without electret power) or line
Electret power if selected
Ground
Digital signal
Ring power if selected
Ground
Audio output
1 Tip
2 Ring
3 Sleeve
Stereo unbalanced line, “left”
Stereo unbalanced line, “right”
Ground
For audio in, the left channel is used from a stereo signal.
XLR connector
Left – 3-pin XLR connector for balanced audio input. Use left connector for mono.
Right – 3-pin XLR connector for balanced audio input.
Pin
1
2
3
Function
Ground
Balanced Microphone Hot (+) In
Balanced Microphone Cold (-) In
I/O connector
Use the I/O connector with external devices in combination with, for example, motion detection, event triggering, and alarm notifications. In addition to the 0 V DC reference point and power (DC output), the I/O connector provides the interface to:
Digital input –
For connecting devices that can toggle between an open and closed circuit, for example PIR sensors, door/window contacts, and glass break detectors.
Digital output –
For connecting external devices such as relays and LEDs. Connected devices can be activated by the VAPIX® Application Programming Interface, trough an event or from the product’s webpage.
4-pin terminal block
Function
Pin
Notes
Specifications
DC ground
1
0 V DC
DC output
2
Can be used to power auxiliary equipment. Note: This pin can only be used as power out.
12 V DC Max load = 25 mA
Digital Input
3
Connect to pin 1 to activate, or leave floating (unconnected) to deactivate.
0 to max 30 V DC
Digital Output
4
Internally connected to pin 1 (DC ground) when active, and floating (unconnected) when inactive. If used with an inductive load, e.g., a relay, connect a diode in parallel with the load, to protect against voltage transients.
0 to max 30 V DC, open drain, 100 mA
Example
DC ground
DC output 12 V, max 25 mA
Digital input
Digital output
Power connector
DC connector. Use the supplied adapter.
VISCA connector (RS-232)
6-pin terminal block for the RS232 serial interface. This is used to control the camera using the VISCA protocol.
SD, SDHC, and SDXC Logos are trademarks of SD-3C LLC. SD, SDHC and SDXC are trademarks or registered trademarks of SD-3C, LLC in the United States, other countries or both.