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.
You can use the device with the following browsers:
ChromeTM
EdgeTM
Firefox®
Safari®
Windows®
✓
✓
*
*
macOS®
✓
✓
*
*
Linux®
✓
✓
*
*
Other operating systems
*
*
*
*
✓: Recommended *: Supported with limitations
Open the device's web interface
Open a browser and type the IP address or host name of the Axis device.
If you don’t know the IP address, use AXIS IP Utility or AXIS Device Manager to find the device on the network.
Type the username and password. If you access the device for the first time, you must create an administrator account. See Create an administrator account.
For descriptions of all features and settings in the web interface of devices with AXIS OS, see AXIS OS web interface help.
Create an administrator account
The first time you log in to your device, you must create an administrator account.
The device has no default account. If you lose the password for your administrator account, you must reset the device. See Reset to factory default settings.
Secure passwords
Important
Use HTTPS (which is enabled by default) to set your password or other sensitive configurations over the network. HTTPS enables secure and encrypted network connections, thereby protecting sensitive data, such as passwords.
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.
Make sure that no one has tampered with the device software
To make sure that the device has its original AXIS OS, or to take full control of the device after a security attack:
Go to Video > Installation > Power line frequency.
Select a power line frequency and click Save and restart.
Adjust the image
This section includes instructions about configuring your device. If you want to learn more about how certain features work, go to Learn more.
Level the camera
To adjust the view in relation to a reference area or an object, use the level grid in combination with a mechanical adjustment of the camera.
Go to Video > Image > and click .
Click to show the level grid.
Adjust the camera mechanically until the position of the reference area or the object is aligned with the level grid.
Adjust the zoom and focus
To adjust the zoom:
Go to Video > Installation and adjust the zoom slider.
To adjust the focus:
Click to show the autofocus area.
Adjust the autofocus area to cover the part of the image that you want to be in focus.
If you don’t select an autofocus area, the camera focuses on the entire scene. We recommend that you focus on a static object.
Click Autofocus.
To fine tune the focus, adjust the focus slider.
Adjust the focus faster with focus recall areas
To save the focus settings at a specific pan/tilt range, add a focus recall area. Each time the camera moves into that area it recalls the previously saved focus. It’s enough to cover half of the focus recall area in the live view.
We recommend the focus recall feature in the following scenarios:
When there is a lot of manual operation in live view, for example with a joystick.
Where PTZ preset positions with manual focus are not efficient, for example movements where the focus setting changes continuously.
In low-light scenarios, where the autofocus is challenged by the lighting conditions.
Important
The focus recall overrides the camera’s autofocus at the specific pan/tilt range.
A preset position overrides the focus setting saved in the focus recall area.
The maximum number of focus recall areas is 20.
Create a focus recall area
Pan, tilt, and zoom into the area where you would like to have focus.
As long as the focus recall button shows a plus , you can add a focus recall area in that position.
Adjust the focus.
Click the focus recall button.
Delete a focus recall area
Pan, tilt, and zoom into the focus recall area you want to delete.
The focus recall button toggles to minus when the camera detects a focus recall area: .
Click the focus recall button.
Select scene profile
A scene profile is a set of predefined image appearance settings including color level, brightness, sharpness, contrast and local contrast. Scene profiles are preconfigured in the product for quick setup to a specific scenario, for example Forensic which is optimized for surveillance conditions. For a description of each available setting, see The web interface.
You can select a scene profile during the initial setup of the camera. You can also select or change scene profile later.
Go to Video > Image > Appearance.
Go to Scene profile and select a profile.
Reduce image processing time with low latency mode
You can optimize the image processing time of your live stream by turning on low latency mode. The latency in your live stream is reduced to a minimum. When you use low latency mode, the image quality is lower than usual.
Go to System > Plain config.
Select ImageSource from the drop-down list.
Go to ImageSource/I0/Sensor > Low latency mode and select On.
Click Save.
Select exposure mode
To improve image quality for specific surveillance scenes, use exposure modes. Exposure modes lets you control aperture, shutter speed, and gain. Go to Video > Image > Exposure and select between the following exposure modes:
For most use cases, select Automatic exposure.
For environments with certain artificial lighting, for example fluorescent lighting, select Flicker-free.
Select the same frequency as the power line frequency.
For environments with certain artificial light and bright light, for example outdoors with fluorescent lighting at night and sun during daytime, select Flicker-reduced.
Select the same frequency as the power line frequency.
To lock the current exposure settings, select Hold current.
Benefit from IR light in low-light conditions by using night mode
Your camera uses visible light to deliver color images during the day. But as the visible light diminishes, color images become less bright and clear. If you switch to night mode when this happens, the camera uses both visible and near-infrared light to deliver bright and detailed black-and-white images instead. You can set the camera to switch to night mode automatically.
Go to Video > Image > Day-night mode, and make sure that the IR-cut filter is set to Auto.
To set at what light level you want the camera to switch to night mode, move the Threshold slider toward Bright or Dark.
If you use an accessory IR illuminator, turn on Allow illumination and Synchronize illumination to use IR light when the camera is in night mode.
Note
If you set the switch to night mode to occur when it’s brighter, the image remains sharper as there is less low-light noise. If you set the switch to occur when it’s darker, the image colors are maintained for longer, but there is more image blur due to low-light noise.
Reduce noise in low-light conditions
To reduce noise in low-light conditions, you can adjust one or more of the following settings:
Adjust the trade-off between noise and motion blur. Go to Video > Image > Exposure and move the Blur-noise trade-off slider toward Low noise.
Set the exposure mode to automatic.
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.
Note
When you reduce the max gain, the image can become darker.
Set the max gain to a lower value.
If there is an Aperture slider, move it towards Open.
Reduce sharpness in the image, under Video > Image > Appearance.
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.
Go to Video > Stream > General and set the compression as low as possible.
Below the live view image, click and in Video format, select MJPEG.
Go to Video > Stream > Zipstream and select Off.
Handle scenes with strong backlight
Dynamic range is the difference in light levels in an image. In some cases the difference between the darkest and the brightest areas can be significant. The result is often an image where either the dark or the bright areas are visible. Wide dynamic range (WDR) makes both dark and bright areas of the image visible.
Go to Video > Image > Wide dynamic range.
Use the Local contrast slider to adjust the amount of WDR.
Use the Tone mapping slider to adjust the amount of WDR.
If you still have problems, go to Exposure and adjust the Exposure zone to cover the area of interest.
Image stabilization is suitable in environments where the product is mounted in an exposed location where vibrations can occur, for example, due to wind or passing traffic.
The feature makes the image smoother, steadier, and less blurry. It also reduces the file size of the compressed image and lowers the bitrate of the video stream.
Note
When you turn on image stabilization, the image is slightly cropped, which lowers the maximum resolution.
Go to Video > Installation > Image correction.
Turn on Image stabilization.
Compensate for barrel distortion
Barrel distortion is a phenomenon where straight lines appear increasingly bent closer to the edges of the frame. A wide field of view often creates barrel distortion in an image. Barrel distortion correction compensates for this distortion.
Note
Barrel distortion correction affects the image resolution and field of view.
Go to Video > Installation > Image correction.
Turn on Barrel distortion correction (BDC).
Verify the pixel resolution
To verify that a defined part of the image contains enough pixels to, for example, recognize license plates, you can use the pixel counter.
Go to Video > Image.
Click .
Click for Pixel counter.
In the camera’s live view, adjust the size and position of the rectangle around the area of interest, for example where you expect license plates to appear.
You can see the number of pixels for each of the rectangle’s sides, and decide if the values are enough for your needs.
Hide parts of the image with privacy masks
You can create one or several privacy masks to hide parts of the image.
Go to Video > Privacy masks.
Click .
Click the new mask and type a name.
Adjust the size and placement of the privacy mask according to your needs.
To change the color for all privacy masks, click Privacy masks and select a color.
You can add an image as an overlay in the video stream.
Go to Video > Overlays.
Click Manage images.
Upload or drag and drop an image.
Click Upload.
Select Image from the drop-down list and click .
Select the image and a position. You can also drag the overlay image in the live view to change the position.
Show a text overlay
You can add a text field as an overlay in the video stream. This is useful for example when you want to display the date, time or a company name in the video stream.
Go to Video > Overlays.
Select Text and click .
Type the text you want to display, or select modifiers to show for example the current date.
Select a position. You can also click-and-drag the overlay in the live view to change the position.
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 Video > Overlays and click .
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.
Add street names and compass direction to the image
Note
The preset positions and compass direction will be visible in the compass field in all video streams and recordings.
To activate the compass:
Go to PTZ > Orientation aid.
Turn on Orientation aid.
Position the camera view at north with the crosshair. Click Set north.
To add a preset position to show in the compass field:
Go to PTZ > Preset positions.
Use the crosshair to position the view where you want to add a preset position.
Click Add preset position to create a new preset position.
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 PTZ > Limits.
Set the limits as needed.
Create a guard tour with preset positions
A guard tour displays the video stream from different preset positions either in a predetermined or random order, and for configurable periods of time.
Go to PTZ > Guard tours.
Click Guard tour.
Select Preset position and click Create.
Under General settings:
Enter a name for the guard tour and specify the pause length between each tour.
If you want the guard tour to go to the preset positions in a random order, turn on Play guard tour in random order.
Under Step settings:
Set the duration for the preset.
Set the move speed, which controls how fast to move to the next preset.
Go to Preset positions.
Select the preset positions that you want in your guard tour.
Drag them to the View order area, and click Done.
To schedule the guard tour, go to System > Events.
Turn on heater
The heater turns on and off automatically depending on the ambient temperature. You can turn on the heater manually for a pre-defined period of time.
Go to the live view.
Click .
Set a duration and click Start.
View and record video
This section includes instructions about configuring your device. To learn more about how streaming and storage works, go to Streaming and storage.
Reduce bandwidth and storage
Important
Reducing the bandwidth can lead to loss of detail in the image.
Go to Video > Stream.
Click in the live view.
Select Video format AV1 if your device supports it. Otherwise select H.264.
Go to Video > Stream > General and increase Compression.
Go to Video > Stream > Zipstream and do one or more of the following:
Note
The Zipstream settings are used for all video encodings except MJPEG.
Select the Zipstream Strength that you want to use.
Turn on Optimize for storage. This can only be used if the video management software supports B-frames.
Turn on Dynamic FPS.
Turn on Dynamic GOP and set a high Upper limit GOP length value.
Note
Most web browsers don’t support H.265 decoding and because of this the device doesn’t support it in its web interface. Instead you can use a video management system or application that supports H.265 decoding.
Set up network storage
To store recordings on the network, you need to set up your network storage.
Go to System > Storage.
Click Add network storage under Network storage.
Type the IP address of the host server.
Type the name of the shared location on the host server under Network share.
Type the username and password.
Select the SMB version or leave it on Auto.
Select Add share without testing if you experience temporary connection issues, or if the share is not yet configured.
Click Add.
Record and watch video
Record video directly from the camera
Go to Video > Stream.
To start a recording, click .
If you haven’t set up any storage, click and . For instructions on how to set up network storage, see Set up network storage
To stop recording, click again.
Watch video
Go to Recordings.
Click for your recording in the list.
Verify that no one has tampered with the video
With signed video, you can make sure that no one has tampered with the video recorded by the camera.
Go to Video > Stream > General and turn on Signed video.
Use AXIS Camera Station (5.46 or later) or another compatible video management software to record video. For instructions, see the AXIS Camera Station user manual.
indicates that no one has tampered with the video.
Note
To get more information about the video, right-click the video and select Show digital signature.
Set up rules for events
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.
Go to System > Events and add a rule. The rule defines when the device will perform certain actions. You can set up rules as scheduled, recurring, or manually triggered.
Enter a Name.
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 to perform when the conditions are met.
Note
If you make changes to an active rule, the rule must be turned on again for the changes to take effect.
If you change the definition of a stream profile that is used in a rule, you need to restart all the rules that use that stream profile.
Record video when the camera detects an object
This example explains how to set up the camera to start recording to the SD card when the camera detects an object. The recording will include five seconds before detection and one minute after detection ends.
Before you start:
Make sure you have an SD card installed.
Start the application if it is not already running.
Make sure you have set up the application according to your needs.
Create a rule:
Go to System > Events and add a rule.
Type a name for the rule.
In the list of actions, under Recordings, select Record video while the rule is active.
In the list of storage options, select SD_DISK.
Select a camera and a stream profile.
Set the prebuffer time to 5 seconds.
Set the postbuffer time to 1 minute.
Click Save.
Show a text overlay in the video stream when the device detects an object
This example explains how to display the text “Motion detected” when the device detects an object.
Start the application if it is not already running.
Make sure you have set up the application according to your needs.
Add the overlay text:
Go to Video > Overlays.
Under Overlays, select Text and click .
Enter #D in the text field.
Choose text size and appearance.
To position the text overlay, click and select an option.
Create a rule:
Go to System > Events and add a rule.
Type a name for the rule.
In the list of actions, under Overlay text, select Use overlay text.
Select a video channel.
In Text, type “Motion detected”.
Set the duration.
Click Save.
Note
If you update the overlay text it will be automatically updated on all video streams dynamically.
Direct the camera to a preset position when the camera detects motion
This example explains how to set up the camera to go to a preset position when it detects motion in the image.
Start the application if it is not already running.
Make sure you have set up the application according to your needs.
Add a preset position:
Go to PTZ and set where you want the camera to be directed by creating a preset position.
Create a rule:
Go to System > Events and add a rule.
Type a name for the rule.
In the list of actions, select Go to preset position.
Select the preset position you want the camera to go to.
Click Save.
Zoom in on a specific area automatically with gatekeeper
This example explains how to use the gatekeeper functionality to make the camera zoom in automatically on the license plate of a car that passes through a gate. When the car has passed, the camera zooms out to the home position.
Create the preset positions:
Go to PTZ > Preset positions.
Create the home position that includes the entrance of the gate.
Create the zoomed-in preset position so that it covers the area in the image where you assume that the license plate will appear.
Create a rule:
Go to System > Events and add a rule.
Name the rule “Gatekeeper”.
In the list of actions, under Preset positions, select Go to preset position.
Select a Video channel.
Select the Preset position.
To make the camera wait a while before it returns to the home position, set a time for Home timeout.
Click Save.
Provide visual indication of an ongoing event
You have the option to connect the AXIS I/O Indication LED to your network camera. This LED can be configured to turn on whenever certain events occur in the camera. For example, to let people know that video recording is in progress.
Required hardware
AXIS I/O Indication LED
An Axis network video camera
Note
For instructions on how to connect the AXIS I/O Indication LED, see the installation guide provided with the product.
The following example shows how to configure a rule that turns on the AXIS I/O Indication LED to indicate that camera is recording.
Go to System > Accessories > I/O ports.
For the port that you connected the AXIS I/O Indication LED to, click to set the direction to Output, and click to set the normal state to Circuit open.
Go to System > Events.
Create a new rule.
Select the Condition that must be met to trigger the camera to start recording. It can, for example, be a time schedule or motion detection.
In the list of actions, select Record video. Select a storage space. Select a stream profile or create a new. Also set the Prebuffer and Postbuffer as required.
Save the rule.
Create a second rule and select the same Condition as in the first rule.
In the list of actions, select Toggle I/O while the rule is active, and then select the port the AXIS I/O Indication LED is connected to. Set the state to Active.
Save the rule.
Other scenarios where AXIS I/O Indication LED can be used are for example:
Configure the LED to turn on when the camera starts, to indicate the presence of the camera. Select System ready as a condition.
Configure the LED to turn on when live stream is active to indicate that a person or a program is accessing a stream from the camera. Select Live stream accessed as a condition.
Direct the camera and open the lock to a gate when someone is nearby
This example explains how to direct the camera and open a gate when someone wants to enter during daytime. This is done by connecting a PIR detector to the product’s input port and a switch relay to the product’s output port.
Required hardware
Mounted PIR detector
Switch relay connected to the gate lock, in this case the switch is normally closed (NC)
Connecting wires
Physical connection
Connect the wires from the PIR detector to the input pin, see I/O connector.
Connect the wires from the switch to the output pin, see I/O connector
Configure I/O ports
You need to connect the switch relay to the camera from the camera’s web interface. First, configure the I/O ports:
Set the PIR detector to an input port
Go to System > Accessories > I/O ports.
Click to set the direction to input for port 1.
Give the input module a descriptive name, for example “PIR detector”.
If you want to trigger an event whenever the PIR detector senses motion, click to set the normal state to circuit open.
Set the switch relay to an output port
Click to set the direction to output for port 2.
Give the output module a descriptive name, for example “Gate switch”.
If you want to open the gate whenever an event is triggered, click to set the normal state to circuit closed.
Create the preset position
Go to PTZ > Preset positions.
Create the preset position that covers the entrance of the gate and name it, for example, “Gate entrance”.
Create rules
For the camera to open the gate when the PIR detector senses someone nearby, you need to create a rule in the camera:
Go to System > Events and add a rule.
Type a name for the rule, for example “Open gate”.
In the list of conditions, select PIR detector.
In the list of actions, select Toggle I/O once.
In the list of ports, select Gate switch.
Set state to Active.
Set the duration.
Click Save.
Create another rule with the name “Direct the camera to the gate".
Select the same input signal as before, but as action select the previously created “Gate entrance” preset position.
Click Save.
Set up washer
Note
The washer is optional.
Go to System > Accessories > I/O Ports.
For the port used with the washer — set Output as the direction.
Go to the live view and use the joystick (or mouse) to position the washer nozzle in the center of the image.
Go to System > Accessories > Washer.
Turn on Lock nozzle position.
Under Pump connection, select the pin (I/O port) the washer is connected to.
To set the duration of the washer sequence in seconds, enter a value under Pump time. The wiper starts when there is 5 seconds left of this time.
To set the duration of the wiper sequence in seconds, enter a value under Wiper time.
The below table provides some examples of different washer-wiper sequence setups.
Time elapsed (seconds)
Washer pump time: 10 s Washer wiper time: 10 s
Washer pump time: 20 s Washer wiper time: 12 s
0
Washer starts
Washer starts
5
Wiper starts
—
10
Washer stops
—
15
Wiper stops
Wiper starts
20
—
Washer stops
22
—
Wiper stops
The web interface
To read about all the features and settings available in the web interface of devices with AXIS OS, go to AXIS OS web interface help.
Learn more
Capture modes
A capture mode is a preset configuration that defines how the camera captures images.
The capture mode setting can affect the maximum resolution and maximum frame rate available in the device.
The capture mode with a lower resolution than the maximum can reduce the field of view.
The capture mode also affects the shutter speed, which in turn affects the light sensitivity. This is because a capture mode with a high maximum frame rate has a reduced light sensitivity, and the other way around.
With some capture modes you can’t use WDR.
The lower resolution capture mode might be sampled from the original resolution, or it might be cropped out from the original, in which case the field of view could also be affected.
The image shows how the field of view and aspect ratio can change between two different capture modes.
What capture mode to choose depends on the requirements for the frame rate and resolution of the specific surveillance setup. For specifications about available capture modes, see the product’s datasheet at axis.com.
Remote focus and zoom
The remote focus and zoom functionality allows you to make focus and zoom adjustments to your camera from a computer. It is a convenient way to ensure that the scene’s focus, viewing angle and resolution are optimized without having to visit the camera’s installation location.
Privacy masks
A privacy mask is a user-defined area that covers part of the monitored area. In the video stream, privacy masks can appear as blocks of solid color, mosaic patterns, or in chameleon mode, which dynamically adapts to the scene to enhance privacy protection.
The privacy mask is relative to the pan, tilt, and zoom coordinates, so regardless of where you point the camera, the privacy mask covers the same place or object.
You’ll see the privacy mask on all snapshots, recorded video, and live streams.
You can use the VAPIX® application programming interface (API) to hide the privacy masks.
Important
If you use multiple privacy masks it may affect the product’s performance.
You can create several privacy masks. Each mask can have 3 to 10 anchor points.
Important
Set the zoom and focus before you create a privacy mask.
Overlays
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.
The video streaming indicator is another type of overlay. It shows you that the live view video stream is live.
Pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ)
Preset positions
A preset position is a saved view that can be used to quickly move the camera view to a specific position.
A preset position can consist of the following values:
Zoom position
Focus position (manual or automatic)
Iris position (manual or automatic)
The preset positions can be reached at any time:
from the drop-down list in the live view window
as actions in the event system
as triggers in the event system
when setting up a guard tour
Guard tours
A guard tour displays the video stream from different preset positions either in a predetermined or random order, and for configurable periods of time. Once started, a guard tour continues to run until stopped, even when there are no clients (web browsers) viewing the images.
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
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 older MPEG formats. 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
H.265 can, without compromising image quality, reduce the size of a digital video file by more than 25% compared to H.264.
Note
H.265 is licensed technology. The Axis product includes one H.265 viewing client license. Installing additional unlicensed copies of the client is prohibited. To purchase additional licenses, contact your Axis reseller.
Most web browsers don’t support H.265 decoding and because of this the camera doesn’t support it in its web interface. Instead you can use a video management system or application supporting H.265 decoding.
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
Bitrate control helps you to manage the bandwidth consumption of your video stream.
Variable bitrate (VBR) Variable bitrate allows the bandwidth consumption to vary depending on the level of activity in the scene. The more activity, the more bandwidth you need. With variable bitrate you are guaranteed constant image quality, but you need to make sure you have storage margins.
Maximum bitrate (MBR) Maximum bitrate lets you set a target bitrate to handle bitrate limitations in your system. You might see a decline in image quality or frame rate as the instantaneous bitrate is kept below the specified target bitrate. You can choose to prioritize either 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 in case there is a high level of activity in the scene.
Target bitrate
Average bitrate (ABR) With average bitrate, the bitrate is automatically adjusted over a longer period of time. 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 in scenes with a lot of activity if you use 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
Analytics and apps
With analytics and apps you can get more out of your Axis device. AXIS Camera Application Platform (ACAP) is an open platform that makes it possible for third parties to develop analytics and other apps for Axis devices. Apps can be preinstalled on the device, available for download for free, or for a license fee.
To find the user manuals for Axis analytics and apps, go to help.axis.com.
Note
Several apps can run at the same time but some apps might not be compatible with each other. Certain combinations of apps might require too much processing power or memory resources when run in parallel. Verify that the apps work together before deployment.
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 connected preset position.
Important
Autotracking is designed for areas with a limited amount of movement.
Autotracking does not track objects behind privacy masks.
If both autotracking and guard tour are enabled, guard tour takes priority over autotracking. This means autotracking stops if a guard tour starts.
Set up Autotracking 2
This example explains how to set up the camera to track moving objects in an area of interest.
In the device’s web interface:
Go to PTZ > Preset positions.
Direct the camera view to the area you want to track, and click Add preset position to create a preset position.
Go to PTZ > Autotracking.
Click Autotracking to start and open the application.
In the application interface:
Go to Settings > Profiles.
Click and select the preset position you created in the device’s web interface.
Click Done.
Select a Trigger area.
Go to Settings > Filters:
To exclude small objects, set width and height.
To exclude short-lived objects, set a time between 1 and 5 seconds.
Click Autotracking to start tracking.
AXIS Object Analytics
AXIS Object Analytics is an analytic application that comes preinstalled on the camera. It detects objects that move in the scene and classifies them as, for example, humans or vehicles. You can set up the application to send alarms for different types of objects. To find out more about how the application works, see AXIS Object Analytics user manual.
Metadata visualization
Analytics metadata is available for moving objects in the scene. Supported object classes are visualized in the video stream through a bounding box surrounding the object, along with information about the object type and confidence level of the classification. To learn more about how to configure and consume analytics metadata, see AXIS Scene Metadata integration guide.
Cybersecurity
For product-specific information about cybersecurity, see the product's datasheet at axis.com.
Axis Edge Vault provides a hardware-based cybersecurity platform that safeguards the Axis device. It offers features to guarantee the device’s identity and integrity and to protect your sensitive information from unauthorized access. It builds on a strong foundation of cryptographic computing modules (secure element and TPM) and SoC security (TEE and secure boot), combined with expertise in edge device security.
Signed OS
Signed OS is implemented by the software vendor signing the AXIS OS image with a private key. When the signature is attached to the operating system, the device will validate the software before installing it. If the device detects that the integrity of the software is compromised, the AXIS OS upgrade will be rejected.
Secure boot
Secure boot is a boot process that consists of an unbroken chain of cryptographically validated software, starting in immutable memory (boot ROM). Being based on the use of signed OS, secure boot ensures that a device can boot only with authorized software.
Secure keystore
A tamper-protected environment for the protection of private keys and secure execution of cryptographic operations. It prevents unauthorized access and malicious extraction in the event of a security breach. Depending on security requirements, an Axis device can have either one or multiple hardware-based cryptographic computing modules, which provide a hardware-protected secure keystore. Depending on security requirements, an Axis device can have either one or multiple hardware-based cryptographic computing modules, like a TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) or a secure element, and/or a TEE (Trusted Execution Environment), which provide a hardware-protected secure keystore. Furthermore, selected Axis products feature a FIPS 140-2 Level 2-certified secure keystore.
Axis device ID
Being able to verify the origin of the device is key to establishing trust in the device identity. During production, devices with Axis Edge Vault are assigned a unique, factory-provisioned, and IEEE 802.1AR-compliant Axis device ID certificate. This works like a passport to prove the origin of the device. The device ID is securely and permanently stored in the secure keystore as a certificate signed by Axis root certificate. The device ID can be leveraged by the customer’s IT infrastructure for automated secure device onboarding and secure device identification
Signed video
Signed video ensures that video evidence can be verified as untampered without proving the chain of custody of the video file. Each camera uses its unique video signing key, which is securely stored in the secure keystore, to add a signature into the video stream. When the video is played, the file player shows whether the video is intact. Signed video makes it possible to trace the video back to the camera origin and verifies that the video has not been tampered with after it left the camera.
To learn more about the cybersecurity features in Axis devices, go to axis.com/learning/white-papers and search for cybersecurity.
Specifications
Product overview
Power button
Control button
SD memory card slot
Input power connector
I/O connector
RJ45 connector
SFP slot for SFP module (SFP module not included)
Sunshield
Wiper
Front window
Top cover
Inner cover
Status LED
Lens
Lid
Base unit
SD card slot
NOTICE
Risk of damage to SD card. Don’t 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. Unmount the SD card from the device’s web interface before removing it. Don’t remove the SD card while the product is running.
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 a one-click cloud connection (O3C) service over the internet. To connect, press and release the button, then wait for the status LED to flash green three times.
Power button
The power button is used with the control button to reset the camera to factory default settings. See Reset to factory default settings.
Connectors
Network connector
RJ45 Ethernet connector.
SFP connector.
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 VDC reference point and power (12 V 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, through an event or from the device’s web interface.
6-pin terminal block
Function
Pin
Notes
Specifications
DC ground
1
0 VDC
DC output
2
Can be used to power auxiliary equipment. Note: This pin can only be used as power out.
12 VDC Max load = 50 mA
Configurable (Input or Output)
3–6
Digital input – Connect to pin 1 to activate, or leave floating (unconnected) to deactivate.
0 to max 30 VDC
Digital output – 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 VDC, open drain, 100 mA
Example
DC ground
DC output 12 V, max 50 mA
I/O configured as input
I/O configured as output
Configurable I/O
Configurable I/O
Power connector
4-pin terminal block for power input.
Clean your device
You can clean your device with lukewarm water.
NOTICE
Harsh chemicals can damage the device. Don’t use chemicals such as window cleaner or acetone to clean your device.
Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight or elevated temperatures, since this can cause stains.
Use a can of compressed air to remove dust and loose dirt from the device.
If necessary, clean the device with a soft microfiber cloth dampened with lukewarm water.
To avoid stains, dry the device with a clean, nonabrasive cloth.
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:
Press and hold the control button and the power button for 15–30 seconds until the status LED indicator flashes amber. See Product overview.
Release the control button but continue to hold down the power button until the status LED indicator turns green.
Release the power button and assemble the product.
The process is now complete. The product has been reset to the factory default settings. If no DHCP server is available on the network, the device IP address will default to one of the following:
Devices with AXIS OS 12.0 and later: Obtained from the link-local address subnet (169.254.0.0/16)
Devices with AXIS OS 11.11 and earlier: 192.168.0.90/24
Using the installation and management software tools to assign an IP address, set the password and access the video stream.
You can also reset parameters to factory default through the device’s web interface. Go to Maintenance > Factory default and click Default.
AXIS OS options
Axis offers device software 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 AXIS OS 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 device software strategy, go to axis.com/support/device-software.
Check the current AXIS OS version
AXIS OS determines the functionality of our devices. When you troubleshoot a problem, we recommend that you to start by checking the current AXIS OS version. The latest version might contain a correction that fixes your particular problem.
To check the current AXIS OS version:
Go to the device’s web interface > Status.
Under Device info, see the AXIS OS version.
Upgrade AXIS OS
Important
When you upgrade the device software, your preconfigured and customized settings are saved. Axis Communications AB can't guarantee that the settings are saved, even if the features are available in the new AXIS OS version.
Starting from AXIS OS 12.6, you must install every LTS version between your device’s current version and the target version. For example, if the currently installed device software version is AXIS OS 11.2, you have to install the LTS version AXIS OS 11.11 before you can upgrade the device to AXIS OS 12.6. For more information, see AXIS OS Portal: Upgrade path.
Make sure the device remains connected to the power source throughout the upgrade process.
Make sure the cover is attached during upgrade to avoid installation failure.
Note
When you upgrade the device with the latest AXIS OS version 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 you upgrade. To find the latest AXIS OS version and the release notes, go to axis.com/support/device-software.
If the upgrade fails, the device reloads the previous version. The most common reason is that the wrong AXIS OS file has been uploaded. Check that the name of the AXIS OS file corresponds to your device and try again.
Problems after AXIS OS upgrade
If you experience problems after the upgrade, roll back to the previously installed version from the Maintenance page.
Problems setting the IP address
Can’t set the IP address
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 can’t set the IP address. Contact your network administrator to obtain an IP address.
The IP address could be in use by another device. To check:
Disconnect the Axis device from the network.
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 might 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.
There could be a 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 could be problems accessing the device.
Problems accessing the device
Can’t log in when accessing the device from a browser
When HTTPS is enabled, make sure that you use the correct protocol (HTTP or HTTPS) when you try to log in. You might need to manually type http or https in the browser’s address field.
If you’ve lost the password for the root account, you must reset the device to the factory default settings. For instructions, see Reset to factory default settings.
The IP address has been changed by DHCP
IP addresses obtained from a DHCP server are dynamic and could 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, you can assign a static IP address 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 System > Date and time.
To access the device externally, we recommend you to use one of the following applications for Windows®:
AXIS Camera Station Edge: free of charge, ideal for small systems with basic surveillance needs.
AXIS Camera Station Pro: 90-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 you need to configure the router settings between the client and the device. You might need to increase the TTL (Time To Live) value.
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 that prevents viewing.
Poor rendering of H.264 images
Ensure that your graphics card uses the latest driver. You can usually download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
Color saturation is different in H.264 and Motion JPEG
Modify the settings for your graphics adapter. Check 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 web interface and set a capture mode that prioritizes frame rate. If you change the capture mode to prioritize frame rate it 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 don’t support H.265 decoding. Use a video management system or application that supports H.265 decoding.
Problems with MQTT
Can’t connect over port 8883 with MQTT over SSL
The firewall blocks traffic that uses port 8883 since it’s regarded insecure.
In some cases the server/broker might not provide a specific port for MQTT communication. It might still be possible to use MQTT over a port normally used for HTTP/HTTPS traffic.
If the server/broker supports WebSocket/WebSocket Secure (WS/WSS), typically on port 443, use this protocol instead. Check with the server/broker provider to see if WS/WSS is supported and which port and basepath to use.
If the server/broker supports ALPN, the use of MQTT can be negotiated over an open port, such as 443. Check with your server/broker provider to see if ALPN is supported and which ALPN protocol and port to use.
Problems with operating the device
Front heater and wiper aren’t working
If the front heater or wiper are not turning on, confirm that the top cover is properly fastened to the bottom of the housing unit.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for here, try the troubleshooting section at axis.com/support.
Performance considerations
When you set up your system, it’s important to consider how different settings and situations affect performance. Some factors affect bandwidth (bitrate), others affect frame rate, and some affect both.
The most important factors 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 can increase the product's CPU load.
Removing or attaching the cover will restart the camera.
Access by large numbers of Motion JPEG clients or unicast H.264/H.265/AV1 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 video streams with different codecs simultaneously affects both frame rate and bandwidth. For optimal performance, use streams with the same codec.
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.
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.