Preview mode is ideal for installers when fine tuning the camera view during the installation. No login is required to access the camera view in preview mode. It is available only in factory defaulted state for a limited time from powering up the device.
This video demonstrates how to use preview mode.
Get started
Find the device on the network
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
Firefox®
EdgeTM
Safari®
Windows®
recommended
recommended
✓
macOS®
recommended
recommended
✓
✓
Linux®
recommended
recommended
✓
Other operating systems
✓
✓
✓
✓*
*To use AXIS OS web interface with iOS 15 or iPadOS 15, go to Settings > Safari > Advanced > Experimental Features and disable NSURLSession Websocket.
If you need more information about recommended browsers, go to AXIS OS Portal.
Open the device's web interface
Open a browser and type the IP address or host name of the Axis device.
If you do not 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 the controls and options in the device’s web interface, see The web interface.
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
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.
Verify 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.
Click Change.
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 focus
This product can have four focus modes:
Auto: The camera automatically adjusts focus based on the entire image.
Area: The camera automatically adjusts focus based on a selected area of the image.
Manual: The focus is set manually at a fixed distance.
Spot: The focus is set to a fixed area in the center of the image.
Spot focus
To turn off autofocus and adjust the focus manually:
In the live view window, if the Zoom slider is visible, click Zoom and select Focus.
Click and use the slider to set the focus.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To set the amount of WDR, select Low, Medium or High from the WDR level list.
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.
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.
Select Image and click .
Click Images.
Drag and drop an image.
Click Upload.
Click Manage overlay.
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 in the video stream.
Select a position. You can also drag the overlay text field 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.
Create a recorded guard tour
Go to PTZ > Guard tours.
Click Guard tour.
Select Recorded and click Create.
Enter a name for the guard tour and specify the pause length between each tour.
Click Start recording tour to start recording the pan/tilt/zoom movements.
When you’re satisfied, click Stop recording tour.
Click Done.
To schedule the guard tour, go to System > Events.
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 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 both H.264 and H.265.
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 > Image.
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.
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 the device should 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.
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.
Record video when the camera detects impact
Shock detection allows the camera to detect tampering caused by vibrations or shock. Vibrations due to the environment or to an object can trigger an action depending on the shock sensitivity range, which can be set from 0 to 100. In this scenario, someone is throwing rocks at the camera after hours and you would like to get a video clip of the event.
Turn on shock detection:
Go to System > Detectors > Shock detection.
Turn on shock detection, and adjust the shock sensitivity.
Create a rule:
Go to System > Events > Rules and add a rule.
Type a name for the rule.
In the list of conditions, under Device status, select Shock detected.
Click + to add a second condition.
In the list of conditions, under Scheduled and recurring, select Schedule.
In the list of schedules, select After hours .
In the list of actions, under Recordings, select Record video while the rule is active.
Select where to save the recordings.
Select a Camera.
Set the prebuffer time to 5 seconds.
Set the postbuffer time to 50 seconds.
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.
Send an email automatically if someone spray paints the lens
Activate the tampering detection:
Go to System > Detectors > Camera tampering.
Set a value for Trigger delay. The value indicates the time that must pass before an email is sent.
Turn on Trigger on dark images to detect if the lens is sprayed, covered, or rendered severely out of focus.
Add an email recipient:
Go to System > Events > Recipients and add a recipient.
Type a name for the recipient.
Select Email.
Type an email address to send the email to.
The camera doesn’t have it’s own email server, so it has to log into another email server to send mails. Fill in the rest of the information according to your email provider.
To send a test email, click Test.
Click Save.
Create a rule:
Go to System > Events > Rules and add a rule.
Type a name for the rule.
In the list of conditions, under Video, select Tampering.
In the list of actions, under Notifications, select Send notification to email and then select the recipient from the list.
Type a subject and a message for the email.
Click Save.
Audio
Add audio to your recording
Turn on audio:
Go to Video > Stream > Audio and include audio.
If the device has more than one input source, select the correct one in Source.
Go to Audio > Device settings and turn on the correct input source.
If you make any changes to the input source, click Apply changes.
Edit the stream profile that is used for the recording:
Go to System > Stream profiles and select the stream profile.
Select Include audio and turn it on.
Click Save.
Add audio capability to your product using portcast
With portcast technology, you can add audio capability to your product. It allows audio and I/O communication digitally over the network cable between the camera and the interface.
To add audio capability to your Axis network video device, connect the portcast compatible Axis audio device and I/O Interface between your device and the PoE switch which provides power.
Connect the Axis network video device (1) and the Axis portcast device (2) with a PoE cable.
Connect the Axis portcast device (2) and the PoE switch (3) with a PoE cable.
Axis network video device
Axis portcast device
Switch
Once the devices are connected, an audio tab becomes visible in the settings for your Axis network video device. Go to the audio tab and turn on Allow audio.
See your Axis portcast device’s user manual for more information.
Connect to a network speaker
Network speaker pairing allows you to use a compatible Axis network speaker as if it is connected directly to the camera. Once paired, the speaker acts as an audio out device where you can play audio clips and transmit sound through the camera.
Important
For this feature to work with a video management software (VMS), you must first pair the camera with the network speaker, then add the camera to your VMS.
Pair camera with network speaker
Go to System > Edge-to-edge > Pairing.
Type the network speaker’s IP address, username and password.
Select Speaker pairing.
Click Connect. A confirmation message appears.
The web interface
To reach the device’s web interface, type the device’s IP address in a web browser.
Note
Support for the features and settings described in this section varies between devices. This icon indicates that the feature or setting is only available in some devices.
Show or hide the main menu.
Access the release notes.
Access the product help.
Change the language.
Set light theme or dark theme.
The user menu contains:
Information about the user who is logged in.
Change account : Log out from the current account and log in to a new account.
Log out : Log out from the current account.
The context menu contains:
Analytics data: Accept to share non-personal browser data.
Feedback: Share any feedback to help us improve your user experience.
Legal: View information about cookies and licenses.
About: View device information, including AXIS OS version and serial number.
Legacy device interface: Change the device’s web interface to the legacy version.
Status
Device info
Shows the device information, including AXIS OS version and serial number.
Upgrade AXIS OS: Upgrade the software on your device. Takes you to the Maintenance page where you can do the upgrade.
Time sync status
Shows NTP synchronization information, including if the device is in sync with an NTP server and the time remaining until the next sync.
NTP settings: View and update the NTP settings. Takes you to the Time and location page where you can change the NTP settings.
Security
Shows what kind of access to the device that is active, what encryption protocols are in use, and if unsigned apps are allowed. Recommendations to the settings are based on the AXIS OS Hardening Guide.
Hardening guide: Link to AXIS OS Hardening guide where you can learn more about cybersecurity on Axis devices and best practices.
PTZ
Shows the PTZ status and the time of the last test.
Test: Start a test of the PTZ mechanics. During the test, there are no video streams available. When the test is finished, the device restores to its home position.
Connected clients
Shows the number of connections and connected clients.
View details: View and update the list of connected clients. The list shows IP address, protocol, port, state, and PID/process of each connection.
Ongoing recordings
Shows ongoing recordings and their designated storage space.
Recordings: View ongoing and filtered recordings and their source. For more information, see Recordings
Shows the storage space where the recording is saved.
Video
Click to play the live video stream.
Click to freeze the live video stream.
Click to take a snapshot of the live video stream. The file is saved in the ‘Downloads’ folder on your computer. The image file name is [snapshot_YYYY_MM_DD_HH_MM_SS.jpg]. The size of the snapshot depends on the compression that the specific web-browser engine where the snapshot is received applies, therefore, the snapshot size may vary from the actual compression setting that is configured in the device.
Click to show I/O output ports. Use the switch to open or close the circuit of a port, for example, to test external devices.
Click to manually turn on or turn off the IR illumination.
Click to manually turn on or turn off the white light.
Click to access onscreen controls:
Predefined controls: Turn on to use the available onscreen controls.
Custom controls: Click Add custom control to add an onscreen control.
Starts the washer. When the sequence starts, the camera moves to the configured position to receive the wash spray. When the whole wash sequence is completed, the camera returns to its previous position. This icon is only visible when the washer is connected and configured.
Starts the wiper.
Click and select a preset position to go to that preset position in the live view. Or, click Setup to go to the preset position page.
Adds or removes a focus recall area. When you add a focus recall area, the camera saves the focus settings at that specific pan/tilt range. When you have set a focus recall area and the camera enters that area in the live view, the camera recalls the previously saved focus. It’s enough to cover half of the area for the camera to recall the focus.
Click to select a guard tour, then click Start to play the guard tour. Or, click Setup to go to the guard tours page.
Click to manually turn on the heater for a selected period of time.
Click to start a continuous recording of the live video stream. Click again to stop the recording. If a recording is ongoing, it will resume automatically after a reboot.
Click to show the storage that is configured for the device. To configure the storage, you need to be logged in as an administrator.
Click to access more settings:
Video format: Select the encoding format to use in the live view.
Autoplay: Turn on to autoplay a muted video stream whenever you open the device in a new session.
Client stream information: Turn on to show dynamic information about the video stream used by the browser that shows the live video stream. The bitrate information differs from the information shown in a text overlay, because of different information sources. The bitrate in the client stream information is the bitrate of the last second, and it comes from the encoding driver of the device. The bitrate in the overlay is the average bitrate of the last 5 seconds, and it comes from the browser. Both values cover only the raw video stream and not the additional bandwidth generated when it’s transported over the network through UDP/TCP/HTTP.
Adaptive stream: Turn on to adapt the image resolution to the viewing client’s actual display resolution, to improve the user experience and help prevent a possible overload of the client’s hardware. The adaptive stream is only applied when you view the live video stream in the web interface in a browser. When adaptive stream is turned on, the maximum frame rate is 30 fps. If you take a snapshot while adaptive stream is turned on, it will use the image resolution selected by the adaptive stream.
Level grid: Click to show the level grid. The grid helps you decide if the image is horizontally aligned. Click to hide it.
Pixel counter: Click to show the pixel counter. Drag and resize the box to contain your area of interest. You can also define the pixel size of the box in the Width and Height fields.
Refresh: Click to refresh the still image in the live view.
PTZ controls: Turn on to display PTZ controls in the live view.
Click to show the live view at full resolution. If the full resolution is larger than your screen size, use the smaller image to navigate in the image.
Click to show the live video stream in full screen. Press Esc to exit full screen mode.
Installation
Capture mode: A capture mode is a preset configuration that defines how the camera captures images. When you change the capture mode, it can affect many other settings, such as view areas and privacy masks.
Mounting position: The orientation of the image can change depending on how you mount the camera.
Power line frequency: To minimize image flicker, select the frequency your region uses. The American regions usually use 60 Hz. The rest of the world mostly uses 50 Hz. If you're not sure of your region's power line frequency, check with the local authorities.
Rotate: Select the preferred image orientation.
Image correction
Important
We recommend you not to use multiple image correction features at the same time, since it can lead to performance issues.
Barrel distortion correction (BDC): Turn on to get a straighter image if it suffers from barrel distortion. Barrel distortion is a lens effect that makes the image appear curved and bent outwards. The condition is seen more clearly when the image is zoomed out.
Crop: Use the slider to adjust the correction level. A lower level means that the image width is kept at the expense of image height and resolution. A higher level means that image height and resolution are kept at the expense of image width.
Remove distortion: Use the slider to adjust the correction level. Pucker means that the image width is kept at the expense of image height and resolution. Bloat means that image height and resolution are kept at the expense of image width.
Image stabilization: Turn on to get a smoother and steadier image with less blur. We recommend that you use image stabilization in environments where the device is mounted in an exposed location and subject to vibrations due to, for example, wind or passing traffic.
Focal length: Use the slider to adjust the focal length. A higher value leads to higher magnification and a narrower angle of view, while a lower value leads to a lower magnification and a wider angle of view.
Stabilizer margin: Use the slider to adjust the size of the stabilizer margin, which determines the level of vibration to stabilize. If the product is mounted in an environment with a lot of vibration, move the slider towards Max. As a result, a smaller scene is captured. If the environment has less vibration, move the slider towards Min.
Straighten image: Turn on and use the slider to straighten the image horizontally by rotating and cropping it digitally. The functionality is useful when it’s not possible to mount the camera exactly level. Ideally, straighten the image during installation.
: Click to show a supporting grid in the image.
: Click to hide the grid.
The image before and after it has been straightened.
Image
Appearance
Scene profile: Select a scene profile that suits your surveillance scenario. A scene profile optimizes image settings, including color level, brightness, sharpness, contrast, and local contrast, for a specific environment or purpose.
Forensic: Suitable for surveillance purposes.
Indoor: Suitable for indoor environments.
Outdoor: Suitable for outdoor environments.
Vivid: Useful for demonstration purposes.
Traffic overview: Suitable for vehicle traffic monitoring.
License plate: Suitable for capturing license plates.
Saturation: Use the slider to adjust the color intensity. You can, for example, get a grayscale image.
Contrast: Use the slider to adjust the difference between light and dark.
Brightness: Use the slider to adjust the light intensity. This can make objects easier to see. Brightness is applied after image capture, and doesn’t affect the information in the image. To get more details from a dark area, it’s usually better to increase gain or exposure time.
Sharpness: Use the slider to make objects in the image appear sharper by adjusting the edge contrast. If you increase the sharpness, it may increase the bitrate and the amount of storage space needed as well.
Wide dynamic range
WDR: Turn on to make both bright and dark areas of the image visible.
Local contrast: Use the slider to adjust the contrast of the image. A higher value makes the contrast higher between dark and light areas.
Tone mapping: Use the slider to adjust the amount of tone mapping that is applied to the image. If the value is set to zero, only the standard gamma correction is applied, while a higher value increases the visibility of the darkest and brightest parts in the image.
White balance
When the camera detects the color temperature of the incoming light, it can adjust the image to make the colors look more natural. If this is not sufficient, you can select a suitable light source from the list.
The automatic white balance setting reduces the risk of color flicker by adapting to changes gradually. If the lighting changes, or when the camera is first started, it can take up to 30 seconds to adapt to the new light source. If there is more than one type of light source in a scene, that is, they differ in color temperature, the dominating light source acts as a reference for the automatic white balance algorithm. This behavior can be overridden by choosing a fixed white balance setting that matches the light source you want to use as a reference.
Light environment:
Automatic: Automatic identification and compensation for the light source color. This is the recommended setting which can be used in most situations.
Automatic – outdoors: Automatic identification and compensation for the light source color. This is the recommended setting which can be used in most outdoor situations.
Custom – indoors: Fixed color adjustment for a room with some artificial light other than fluorescent lighting and good for a normal color temperature around 2800 K.
Custom – outdoors: Fixed color adjustment for sunny weather conditions with a color temperature around 5500 K.
Fixed – fluorescent 1: Fixed color adjustment for fluorescent lighting with a color temperature around 4000 K.
Fixed – fluorescent 2: Fixed color adjustment for fluorescent lighting with a color temperature around 3000 K.
Fixed – indoors: Fixed color adjustment for a room with some artificial light other than fluorescent lighting and good for a normal color temperature around 2800 K.
Fixed – outdoors 1: Fixed color adjustment for sunny weather conditions with a color temperature around 5500 K.
Fixed – outdoors 2: Fixed color adjustment for cloudy weather condition with a color temperature around 6500 K.
Street light – mercury: Fixed color adjustment for ultraviolet emission in mercury vapor lights common in street lighting.
Street light – sodium: Fixed color adjustment that compensates for the yellow orange color of sodium vapor lights common in street lighting.
Hold current: Keep the current settings and do not compensate for light changes.
Manual: Fix the white balance with the help of a white object. Drag the circle to an object that you want the camera to interpret as white in the live view image. Use the Red balance and Blue balance sliders to adjust the white balance manually.
Day-night mode
IR-cut filter:
Auto: Select to automatically turn on and off the IR-cut filter. When the camera is in day mode, the IR-cut filter is turned on and blocks incoming infrared light, and when in night mode, the IR-cut filter is turned off and the camera’s light sensitivity increases.
Note
Some devices have IR-pass filters in night mode. The IR-pass filter increases IR-light sensitivity but blocks visible light.
On: Select to turn on the IR-cut filter. The image is in color, but with reduced light sensitivity.
Off: Select to turn off the IR-cut filter. The image is in black and white for increased light sensitivity.
Threshold: Use the slider to adjust the light threshold where the camera changes from day mode to night mode.
Move the slider towards Bright to decrease the threshold for the IR-cut filter. The camera changes to night mode earlier.
Move the slider towards Dark to increase the threshold for the IR-cut filter. The camera changes to night mode later.
IR light
If your device doesn’t have built-in illumination, these controls are only available when you connect a supporting Axis accessory.
Allow illumination: Turn on to let the camera use the built-in light in night mode.
Synchronize illumination: Turn on to automatically synchronize the illumination with the surrounding light. The synchronization between day and night only works if the IR-cut filter is set to Auto or Off.
Automatic illumination angle: Turn on to use the automatic illumination angle. Turn off to set the illumination angle manually.
Illumination angle: Use the slider to manually set the illumination angle, for example, if the angle needs to be different from the camera’s angle of view. If the camera has a wide angle of view, you can set the illumination angle to a narrower angle, which equals a greater tele position. This will result in dark corners in the image.
IR wavelength: Select the desired wavelength for the IR light.
White light
Allow illumination: Turn on to let the camera use white light in night mode.
Synchronize illumination: Turn on to automatically synchronize the white light with the surrounding light.
Exposure
Select an exposure mode to reduce rapidly changing irregular effects in the image, for example, flicker produced by different types of light sources. We recommend you to use the automatic exposure mode, or the same frequency as your power network.
Exposure mode:
Automatic: The camera adjusts the aperture, gain, and shutter automatically.
Automatic aperture: The camera adjusts the aperture and gain automatically. The shutter is fixed.
Automatic shutter: The camera adjusts the shutter and gain automatically. The aperture is fixed.
Hold current: Locks the current exposure settings.
Flicker-free: The camera adjusts the aperture and gain automatically, and uses only the following shutter speeds: 1/50 s (50 Hz) and 1/60 s (60 Hz).
Flicker-free 50 Hz: The camera adjusts the aperture and gain automatically, and uses the shutter speed 1/50 s.
Flicker-free 60 Hz: The camera adjusts the aperture and gain automatically, and uses the shutter speed 1/60 s.
Flicker-reduced: This is the same as flicker-free, but the camera might use shutter speeds faster than 1/100 s (50 Hz) and 1/120 s (60 Hz) for brighter scenes.
Flicker-reduced 50 Hz: This is the same as flicker-free, but the camera might use shutter speeds faster than 1/100 s for brighter scenes.
Flicker-reduced 60 Hz: This is the same as flicker-free, but the camera might use shutter speeds faster than 1/120 s for brighter scenes.
Manual: The aperture, gain, and shutter are fixed.
Exposure zone: Use exposure zones to optimize the exposure in a selected part of the scene, for example, the area in front of an entrance door.
Note
The exposure zones are related to the original image (unrotated), and the names of the zones apply to the original image. This means, for example, that if the video stream is rotated 90°, then the Upper zone becomes the Right zone in the stream, and Left becomes Lower.
Automatic: Suitable for most situations.
Center: Uses a fixed area in the center of the image to calculate the exposure. The area has a fixed size and position in the live view.
Full: Uses the entire live view to calculate the exposure.
Upper: Uses an area with a fixed size and position in the upper part of the image to calculate the exposure.
Lower: Uses an area with a fixed size and position in the lower part of the image to calculate the exposure.
Left: Uses an area with a fixed size and position in the left part of the image to calculate the exposure.
Right: Uses an area with a fixed size and position in the right part of the image to calculate the exposure.
Spot: Uses an area with a fixed size and position in the live view to calculate the exposure.
Custom: Uses an area in the live view to calculate the exposure. You can adjust the size and position of the area.
Max shutter: Select the shutter speed to provide the best image. Low shutter speeds (longer exposure) might cause motion blur when there is movement, and a too high shutter speed might affect the image quality. Max shutter works with max gain to improve the image.
Max gain: Select the suitable max gain. If you increase the max gain, it improves the visible level of detail in dark images, but also increases the noise level. More noise can also result in increased use of bandwidth and storage. If you set the max gain to a high value, images can differ a lot if the light conditions are very different from day to night. Max gain works with max shutter to improve the image.
Motion-adaptive exposure: Select to reduce motion blur in low-light conditions.
Blur-noise trade-off: Use the slider to adjust the priority between motion blur and noise. If you want to prioritize low bandwidth and have less noise at the expense of details in moving objects, move the slider towards Low noise. If you want to prioritize the preservation of details in moving objects at the expense of noise and bandwidth, move the slider towards Low motion blur.
Note
You can change the exposure either by adjusting the exposure time or by adjusting the gain. If you increase the exposure time, it results in more motion blur, and if you increase the gain, it results in more noise. If you adjust the Blur-noise trade-off towards Low noise, the automatic exposure will prioritize longer exposure times over increasing gain, and the opposite if you adjust the trade-off towards Low motion blur. Both the gain and exposure time will eventually reach their maximum values in low-light conditions, regardless of the priority set.
Lock aperture: Turn on to keep the aperture size set by the Aperture slider. Turn off to allow the camera to automatically adjust the aperture size. You can, for example, lock the aperture for scenes with permanent light conditions.
Aperture: Use the slider to adjust the aperture size, that is, how much light passes through the lens. To allow more light to enter the sensor and thereby produce a brighter image in low-light conditions, move the slider towards Open. An open aperture also reduces the depth of field, which means that objects close to or far from the camera can appear unfocused. To allow more of the image to be in focus, move the slider towards Closed.
Exposure level: Use the slider to adjust the image exposure.
Defog: Turn on to detect the effects of foggy weather and automatically remove them for a clearer image.
Note
We recommend you not to turn on Defog in scenes with low contrast, large light level variations, or when the autofocus is slightly off. This can affect the image quality, for example, by increasing the contrast. Furthermore, too much light can negatively impact the image quality when defog is active.
Stream
General
Resolution: Select the image resolution suitable for the surveillance scene. A higher resolution increases bandwidth and storage.
Frame rate: To avoid bandwidth problems on the network or reduce storage size, you can limit the frame rate to a fixed amount. If you leave the frame rate at zero, the frame rate is kept at the highest possible rate under the current conditions. A higher frame rate requires more bandwidth and storage capacity.
P-frames: A P-frame is a predicted image that shows only the changes in the image from the previous frame. Enter the desired number of P-frames. The higher the number, the less bandwidth is required. However, if there is network congestion, there could be a noticeable deterioration in the video quality.
Compression: Use the slider to adjust the image compression. High compression results in a lower bitrate and lower image quality. Low compression improves the image quality, but uses more bandwidth and storage when you record.
Signed video: Turn on to add the signed video feature to the video. Signed video protects the video from tampering by adding cryptographic signatures to the video.
Zipstream
Zipstream is a bitrate reduction technology, optimized for video surveillance, that reduces the average bitrate in an H.264 or H.265 stream in real time. Axis Zipstream applies a high bitrate in scenes where there are multiple regions of interest, for example, in scenes with moving objects. When the scene is more static, Zipstream applies a lower bitrate, and thereby reduces the required storage. To learn more, see Reducing the bit rate with Axis Zipstream
Select the bitrate reduction Strength:
Off: No bitrate reduction.
Low: No visible quality degradation in most scenes. This is the default option and it can be used in all types of scenes to reduce the bitrate.
Medium: Visible effects in some scenes through less noise and a slightly lower level of detail in regions of lower interest, for example, where there’s no movement.
High: Visible effects in some scenes through less noise and a lower level of detail in regions of lower interest, for example, where there’s no movement. We recommend this level for cloud-connected devices and devices that use local storage.
Higher: Visible effects in some scenes through less noise and a lower level of detail in regions of lower interest, for example, where there’s no movement.
Extreme: Visible effects in most scenes. The bitrate is optimized for smallest possible storage.
Optimize for storage: Turn on to minimize the bitrate while maintaining quality. The optimization does not apply to the stream shown in the web client. This can only be used if your VMS supports B-frames. Turning on Optimize for storage also turns on Dynamic GOP.
Dynamic FPS (frames per second): Turn on to allow the bandwidth to vary based on the level of activity in the scene. More activity requires more bandwidth.
Lower limit: Enter a value to adjust the frame rate between minimal fps and the stream default fps based on scene motion. We recommend you to use lower limit in scenes with very little motion, where the fps could drop to 1 or lower.
Dynamic GOP (Group of Pictures): Turn on to dynamically adjust the interval between I-frames based on the level of activity in the scene.
Upper limit: Enter a maximum GOP length, that is, the maximum number of P-frames between two I-frames. An I-frame is a self-contained image frame that is independent of other frames.
Bitrate control
Average: Select to automatically adjust the bitrate over a longer time period and provide the best possible image quality based on the available storage.
Click to calculate the target bitrate based on available storage, retention time, and bitrate limit.
Target bitrate: Enter desired target bitrate.
Retention time: Enter the number of days to keep the recordings.
Storage: Shows the estimated storage that can be used for the stream.
Maximum bitrate: Turn on to set a bitrate limit.
Bitrate limit: Enter a bitrate limit that is higher than the target bitrate.
Maximum: Select to set a maximum instant bitrate of the stream based on your network bandwidth.
Maximum: Enter the maximum bitrate.
Variable: Select to allow the bitrate to vary based on the level of activity in the scene. More activity requires more bandwidth. We recommend this option for most situations.
Overlays
: Click to add an overlay. Select the type of overlay from the dropdown list:
Text: Select to show a text that is integrated in the live view image and visible in all views, recordings and snapshots. You can enter your own text, and you can also include pre-configured modifiers to automatically show, for example, time, date, and frame rate.
: Click to add the date modifier %F to show yyyy-mm-dd.
: Click to add the time modifier %X to show hh:mm:ss (24-hour clock).
Modifiers: Click to select any of the modifiers shown in the list to add them to the text box. For example, %a shows the day of the week.
Size: Select the desired font size.
Appearance: Select the text color and background color, for example, white text on a black background (default).
: Select the position of the overlay in the image.
Image: Select to show a static image superimposed over the video stream. You can use .bmp, .png, .jpeg, or .svg files.
To upload an image, click Images. Before you upload an image, you can choose to:
Scale with resolution: Select to automatically scale the overlay image to fit the video resolution.
Use transparency: Select and enter the RGB hexadecimal value for that color. Use the format RRGGBB. Examples of hexadecimal values: FFFFFF for white, 000000 for black, FF0000 for red, 6633FF for blue, and 669900 for green. Only for .bmp images.
Scene annotation: Select to show a text overlay in the video stream that stays in the same position, even when the camera pans or tilts in another direction. You can choose to only show the overlay within certain zoom levels.
: Click to add the date modifier %F to show yyyy-mm-dd.
: Click to add the time modifier %X to show hh:mm:ss (24-hour clock).
Modifiers: Click to select any of the modifiers shown in the list to add them to the text box. For example, %a shows the day of the week.
Size: Select the desired font size.
Appearance: Select the text color and background color, for example, white text on a black background (default).
: Select the position of the overlay in the image. The overlay is saved and remains in the pan and tilt coordinates of this position.
Annotation between zoom levels (%): Set the zoom levels which the overlay will be shown within.
Annotation symbol: Select a symbol that appears instead of the overlay when the camera is not within the set zoom levels.
Streaming indicator: Select to show an animation superimposed over the video stream. The animation indicates that the video stream is live, even if the scene doesn’t contain any motion.
Appearance: Select the animation color and background color, for example, red animation on a transparent background (default).
Size: Select the desired font size.
: Select the position of the overlay in the image.
Widget: Linegraph: Show a graph chart that displays how a measured value changes over time.
Title: Enter a title for the widget.
Overlay modifier: Select an overlay modifier as data source. If you have created MQTT overlays, they will be located at the end of the list.
: Select the position of the overlay in the image.
Size: Select the size of the overlay.
Visible on all channels: Turn off to show only on your currently selected channel. Turn on to show on all active channels.
Update interval: Choose the time between data updates.
Transparency: Set the transparency of the entire overlay.
Background transparency: Set the transparency only of the background of the overlay.
Points: Turn on to add a point to the graph line when data is updated.
X axis
Label: Enter the text label for the x axis.
Time window: Enter how long time the data is visualized.
Time unit: Enter a time unit for the x axis.
Y axis
Label: Enter the text label for the y axis.
Dynamic scale: Turn on for the scale to automatically adapt to the data values. Turn off to manually enter values for a fixed scale.
Min alarm threshold and Max alarm threshold: These values will add horizontal reference lines to the graph, making it easier to see when the data value becomes too high or too low.
Widget: Meter: Show a bar chart that displays the most recently measured data value.
Title: Enter a title for the widget.
Overlay modifier: Select an overlay modifier as data source. If you have created MQTT overlays, they will be located at the end of the list.
: Select the position of the overlay in the image.
Size: Select the size of the overlay.
Visible on all channels: Turn off to show only on your currently selected channel. Turn on to show on all active channels.
Update interval: Choose the time between data updates.
Transparency: Set the transparency of the entire overlay.
Background transparency: Set the transparency only of the background of the overlay.
Points: Turn on to add a point to the graph line when data is updated.
Y axis
Label: Enter the text label for the y axis.
Dynamic scale: Turn on for the scale to automatically adapt to the data values. Turn off to manually enter values for a fixed scale.
Min alarm threshold and Max alarm threshold: These values will add horizontal reference lines to the bar chart, making it easier to see when the data value becomes too high or too low.
Privacy masks
: Click to create a new privacy mask.
Privacy masks: Click to change the color of all privacy masks, or to delete all privacy masks permanently.
Cell size: If you choose mosaic color, the privacy masks appear as pixilated patterns. Use the slider to change the size of the pixels.
Mask x: Click to rename, disable, or permanently delete the mask.
Analytics
AXIS Object Analytics
Start: Click to start AXIS Object Analytics. The application will run in the background, and you can create rules for events based on the application’s current settings.
Open: Click to open AXIS Object Analytics. The application opens up in a new browser tab where you can configure its settings.
Not installed: AXIS Object Analytics is not installed on this device. Upgrade AXIS OS to the latest version to get the latest version of the application.
Metadata visualization
The camera detects moving objects and classes them according to object type. In the view, a classified object has a colored bounding box around it along with its assigned id.
Id: A unique identification number for the identified object and the type. This number is shown in both the list and the view.
Type: Classifies a moving object as Human, Face, Car, Bus, Truck, Bike, or License Plate. The color of the bounding box depends on the type classification.
Confidence: The bar indicates the level of confidence in the classification of the object type.
PTZ
Preset positions
Preset positions
A preset position is a specific pan, tilt, and zoom position stored in your camera’s memory. You can use preset positions to quickly navigate between different fields of view. If your device supports guard tours, you can use preset positions to create automated guard tours.
Create preset position: Create a new preset position based on the current position of your camera.
Thumbnail: Turn on to add a thumbnail image for the preset position.
Name: Enter a name for the preset position.
Home position: Turn on to set this position as your camera’s default field of view. The home position is marked with . Your camera will always have a home position.
Settings
Return to home position when inactive: Turn on to make the camera return to its home position after a specified period of inactivity.
Use thumbnails: Turn on to automatically add a thumbnail to any new preset position you create.
The context menu contains:
Create thumbnails: Create a thumbnail for all your preset positions.
Refresh thumbnails: Replace the thumbnails for your preset positions with new and updated thumbnails.
Delete all preset positions: Remove all your preset positions. This will also create a new home position automatically.
Guard tours
Guard tour: Create a guard tour.
Preset position: Select to create a guard tour with preset positions.
Recorded: Select to create a recorded guard tour.
Preset position
A guard tour with preset positions continuously streams footage from a selection of preset positions in a random or fixed sequence. You can choose how long the camera should stay at each preset position before moving on to the next. The guard tour will continue to run in an endless loop until you stop it, even when there are no clients (web browsers) streaming the footage.
Settings
General settings
Name: Enter a name for the guard tour.
Play guard tour in random order: Turn on to make the camera move unpredictably between the preset positions during the guard tour.
Pause between runs: Enter your desired time interval between guard tours. You can enter any interval from 0 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Step settings
Duration: Choose how long you want the camera to stay at each preset position. The default value is 10 seconds, and the maximum allowed value is 60 minutes.
Move speed: Choose how quickly you want the camera to move to the next preset position. The default value is 70, but you can select any value from 1–100.
Preset positions: To select multiple preset positions, press shift while selecting the preset positions. Click and drag the preset positions to the View order area.
View order: Displays the preset positions included in the guard tour.
Import all preset positions: Add all preset positions in the order they were created, starting from the oldest one.
: Start the guard tour.
Recorded
A recorded tour replays a sequence of recorded pan/tilt/zoom movements, including their variable speeds and lengths.
General settings
Name: Enter a name for the guard tour.
Pause between runs: Enter your desired time interval between guard tours. You can enter any interval from 0 minutes to 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Recorded tour
Start recording tour: Start recording the pan/tilt/zoom movements you want the guard tour to replicate.
Stop recording tour: Stop recording the pan/tilt/zoom movements you want the guard tour to replicate.
Re-record: Start a new recording of pan/tilt/zoom movements. This will overwrite your most recent recording.
Start the recorded tour.
Pause the recorded tour.
Stop the recorded tour.
Limits
To narrow down the area under surveillance, you can limit the PTZ movements.
Save as Pan 0ᐤ: Click to set the current position as zero-point for pan coordinates.
Pan-tilt limits: The camera uses the coordinates of the center of the image when you set pan-tilt limits.
Left pan limit: Click to limit the camera’s pan movements to the left. Click again to remove the limit.
Right pan limit: Click to limit the camera’s pan movements to the right. Click again to remove the limit.
Top tilt limit: Click to limit the camera’s tilt movements to the top. Click again to remove the limit.
Bottom tilt limit: Click to limit the camera’s tilt movements to the bottom. Click again to remove the limit.
Auto-flip: Enables the camera head to instantly reverse 360° and continue to pan beyond its mechanical limit.
E-flip: Automatically corrects the camera view by flipping the image 180° when the camera tilts beyond -90°.
Nadir-flip: Enables the camera to pan 180° when tilting beyond -90°, and then continue upwards.
Zoom limit: Select a value to limit the camera’s maximum zoom level. Optical or digital (e.g. 480x D) values can be selected. When using a joystick, only digital zoom levels can be used to set the zoom limit.
Near focus limit: Select a value to prevent the camera from autofocusing on objects close to the camera. This way, the camera can ignore objects such as overhead wires, streetlights, or other nearby objects. To make the camera focus on the areas of interest, set the near focus limit to a value greater than the distance at which the objects of no interest tend to appear.
Motion
Proportional speed: Turn on to set the maximum proportional speed.
Max proportional speed: Set a value between 1 and 1000 to limit the pan and tilt speed. Max proportional speed is defined as a percentage, where the value 1000 equals 1000%.
This is useful when the joystick is pushed all the way out. For example, if the image is approximately 44 degrees wide when fully zoomed out and the max proportional speed is set to 100 (100%), the maximum speed is about 44 degrees/second. If the image is then zoomed in from 44 to 10 degrees wide, the maximum speed reaches about 10 degrees/second, which is probably too fast for easy viewing. To limit the speed, set the max proportional speed to 50 (50%). This way, the maximum speed only reaches 50% of the maximum for the currently selected zoom level. This means that when the image is 44 degrees wide, the greatest possible speed is limited to about 22 degrees/second, and when the view is zoomed in to 10 degrees the speed is limited to about 5 degrees/second.
Adjustable zoom speed: Turn on to use variable speeds when controlling the zoom with a joystick or a mouse wheel. The zoom speed is automatically set through the command continuouszoommove in the VAPIX® Application Programming Interface (API). Turn off to use the highest zoom speed which is the same speed for moving to presets.
Freeze image on PTZ
Off: Never freeze image.
All movements: Freeze the image while the camera is moving. Once the camera reaches its new position, the view from that position is shown.
Preset positions: Freeze the image only when the camera moves between preset positions.
Pan-tilt speed: Select the speed of the camera’s pan and tilt movements.
OSDI zones
On-screen direction indicator (OSDI) gives information of the direction the camera is pointing at in the text overlay. The camera uses the coordinates of the center of the image when you set the lower left and upper right zone area.
Create OSDI zone: Click to create an OSDI zone.
Name: Enter a name for the zone.
Active: Turn on to display the zone in the live view.
Zone limits
: Navigate to your desired position, and click the icon to set the lower left point of the zone. Click again to unset the lower left point.
: Navigate to your desired position, and click the icon to set the upper right point of the zone. Click again to unset the upper right point.
Go to: Click to go to the lower left point or the upper right point of the zone.
The context menu contains:
Create multiple zones: Click to create multiple zones. Enter a name for the zone, and specify the coordinates for lower left and upper right of the zone.
Add zone coordinates: Click to specify the parameters for another zone.
Delete all zones: Click to delete all zones.
Orientation aid
Orientation aid: Turn on to activate overlays of user-defined points of interest at the correct bearing and a 2D-compass synchronized to the cameras movements, including a field of view.
Direction
Set north: Position the camera at north, and click Set north.
Preset positions: Select the preset positions used for orientation aid.
To select an individual preset position, click the preset position.
To select all preset positions, click .
Gatekeeper
A gatekeeper monitors an area such as an entrance gate. When motion is detected in the monitored area, the gatekeeper steers the camera to a selected preset position. Using a zoomed-in preset position can make it possible to, for example, read a license plate or identify a person. When motion is no longer detected, the camera returns to its home position after a defined time.
Control queue
User control queue
PTZ control queue: Turn on to place PTZ control requests in a queue. This displays the users status and position in the queue. To use the PTZ controls in AXIS Camera Station, turn off this setting.
Enter queue: Click to add your request for PTZ control to the queue.
Release control: Click to release the PTZ control.
The user groups are listed in a prioritized order with the highest priority on top. To change the priority of a user group, click and drag the user group up or down.
For each user group:
Timeout duration: Set the amount of time to wait before timeout. The default value is 1 minute, and allowed values are from 1 second to 60 minutes.
Timeout type
Timespan: Time out after reaching the set duration.
Activity: Time out after reaching the set duration since the last activity.
Infinity: Never to time out until a user with higher priority takes control.
Settings
Limit number of users in queue: Set the maximum number of users allowed in a queue. The default number is 20, and allowed values are 1–100.
Control queue poll time: Set how often to poll the camera to update the place of the users or user groups in the queue. The default value is 20 seconds, and allowed values are from 5 seconds to 60 minutes.
Recordings
Ongoing recordings: Show all ongoing recordings on the device.
Start a recording on the device.
Choose which storage device to save to.
Stop a recording on the device.
Triggered recordings will end when manually stopped or when the device is shut down.
Continuous recordings will continue until manually stopped. Even if the device is shut down, the recording will continue when the device starts up again.
Play the recording.
Stop playing the recording.
Show or hide information and options about the recording.
Set export range: If you only want to export part of the recording, enter a time span. Note that if you work in a different time zone than the location of the device, the time span is based on the device’s time zone.
Encrypt: Select to set a password for exported recordings. It will not be possible to open the exported file without the password.
Click to delete a recording.
Export: Export the whole or a part of the recording.
Click to filter the recordings.
From: Show recordings done after a certain point in time.
To: Show recordings up until a certain point in time.
Source: Show recordings based on source. The source refers to the sensor.
Event: Show recordings based on events.
Storage: Show recordings based on storage type.
Apps
Add app: Install a new app.
Find more apps: Find more apps to install. You will be taken to an overview page of Axis apps.
Allow unsigned apps: Turn on to allow installation of unsigned apps.
Allow root-privileged apps: Turn on to allow apps with root privileges full access to the device.
View the security updates in AXIS OS and ACAP apps.
Note
The device’s performance might be affected if you run several apps at the same time.
Use the switch next to the app name to start or stop the app.
Open: Access the app’s settings. The available settings depend on the application. Some applications don’t have any settings.
The context menu can contain one or more of the following options:
Open-source license: View information about open-source licenses used in the app.
App log: View a log of the app events. The log is helpful when you contact support.
Activate license with a key: If the app requires a license, you need to activate it. Use this option if your device doesn’t have internet access.
If you don’t have a license key, go to axis.com/products/analytics. You need a license code and the Axis product serial number to generate a license key.
Activate license automatically: If the app requires a license, you need to activate it. Use this option if your device has internet access. You need a license code to activate the license.
Deactivate the license: Deactivate the license to replace it with another license, for example, when you change from a trial license to a full license. If you deactivate the license, you also remove it from the device.
Settings: Configure the parameters.
Delete: Delete the app permanently from the device. If you don’t deactivate the license first, it remains active.
System
Time and location
Date and time
The time format depends on the web browser’s language settings.
Note
We recommend you synchronize the device’s date and time with an NTP server.
Synchronization: Select an option for the device’s date and time synchronization.
Automatic date and time (manual NTS KE servers): Synchronize with the secure NTP key establishment servers connected to the DHCP server.
Manual NTS KE servers: Enter the IP address of one or two NTP servers. When you use two NTP servers, the device synchronizes and adapts its time based on input from both.
Max NTP poll time: Select the maximum amount of time the device should wait before it polls the NTP server to get an updated time.
Min NTP poll time: Select the minimum amount of time the device should wait before it polls the NTP server to get an updated time.
Automatic date and time (NTP servers using DHCP): Synchronize with the NTP servers connected to the DHCP server.
Fallback NTP servers: Enter the IP address of one or two fallback servers.
Max NTP poll time: Select the maximum amount of time the device should wait before it polls the NTP server to get an updated time.
Min NTP poll time: Select the minimum amount of time the device should wait before it polls the NTP server to get an updated time.
Automatic date and time (manual NTP servers): Synchronize with NTP servers of your choice.
Manual NTP servers: Enter the IP address of one or two NTP servers. When you use two NTP servers, the device synchronizes and adapts its time based on input from both.
Max NTP poll time: Select the maximum amount of time the device should wait before it polls the NTP server to get an updated time.
Min NTP poll time: Select the minimum amount of time the device should wait before it polls the NTP server to get an updated time.
Custom date and time: Manually set the date and time. Click Get from system to fetch the date and time settings once from your computer or mobile device.
Time zone: Select which time zone to use. Time will automatically adjust to daylight saving time and standard time.
DHCP: Adopts the time zone of the DHCP server. The device must connected to a DHCP server before you can select this option.
Manual: Select a time zone from the drop-down list.
Note
The system uses the date and time settings in all recordings, logs, and system settings.
Device location
Enter where the device is located. Your video management system can use this information to place the device on a map.
Latitude: Positive values are north of the equator.
Longitude: Positive values are east of the prime meridian.
Heading: Enter the compass direction that the device is facing. 0 is due north.
Label: Enter a descriptive name for the device.
Save: Click to save your device location.
Network
IPv4
Assign IPv4 automatically: Select to let the network router assign an IP address to the device automatically. We recommend automatic IP (DHCP) for most networks.
IP address: Enter a unique IP address for the device. Static IP addresses can be assigned at random within isolated networks, provided that each address is unique. To avoid conflicts, we recommend you contact your network administrator before you assign a static IP address.
Subnet mask: Enter the subnet mask to define what addresses are inside the local area network. Any address outside the local area network goes through the router.
Router: Enter the IP address of the default router (gateway) used to connect devices that are attached to different networks and network segments.
Fallback to static IP address if DHCP isn’t available: Select if you want to add a static IP address to use as fallback if DHCP is unavailable and can’t assign an IP address automatically.
Note
If DHCP isn’t available and the device uses a static address fallback, the static address is configured with a limited scope.
IPv6
Assign IPv6 automatically: Select to turn on IPv6 and to let the network router assign an IP address to the device automatically.
Hostname
Assign hostname automatically: Select to let the network router assign a hostname to the device automatically.
Hostname: Enter the hostname manually to use as an alternative way of accessing the device. The server report and system log use the hostname. Allowed characters are A–Z, a–z, 0–9 and -.
DNS servers
Assign DNS automatically: Select to let the DHCP server assign search domains and DNS server addresses to the device automatically. We recommend automatic DNS (DHCP) for most networks.
Search domains: When you use a hostname that is not fully qualified, click Add search domain and enter a domain in which to search for the hostname the device uses.
DNS servers: Click Add DNS server and enter the IP address of the DNS server. This provides the translation of hostnames to IP addresses on your network.
HTTP and HTTPS
HTTPS is a protocol that provides encryption for page requests from users and for the pages returned by the web server. The encrypted exchange of information is governed by the use of an HTTPS certificate, which guarantees the authenticity of the server.
To use HTTPS on the device, you must install an HTTPS certificate. Go to System > Security to create and install certificates.
Allow access through: Select if a user is allowed to connect to the device through the HTTP, HTTPS, or both HTTP and HTTPS protocols.
Note
If you view encrypted web pages through HTTPS, you might experience a drop in performance, especially when you request a page for the first time.
HTTP port: Enter the HTTP port to use. The device allows port 80 or any port in the range 1024-65535. If you are logged in as an administrator, you can also enter any port in the range 1-1023. If you use a port in this range, you get a warning.
HTTPS port: Enter the HTTPS port to use. The device allows port 443 or any port in the range 1024-65535. If you are logged in as an administrator, you can also enter any port in the range 1-1023. If you use a port in this range, you get a warning.
Certificate: Select a certificate to enable HTTPS for the device.
Network discovery protocols
Bonjour®: Turn on to allow automatic discovery on the network.
Bonjour name: Enter a friendly name to be visible on the network. The default name is the device name and MAC address.
UPnP®: Turn on to allow automatic discovery on the network.
UPnP name: Enter a friendly name to be visible on the network. The default name is the device name and MAC address.
WS-Discovery: Turn on to allow automatic discovery on the network.
LLDP and CDP: Turn on to allow automatic discovery on the network. Turning LLDP and CDP off can impact the PoE power negotiation. To resolve any issues with the PoE power negotiation, configure the PoE switch for hardware PoE power negotiation only.
Global proxies
Http proxy: Specify a global proxy host or IP address according to the allowed format.
Https proxy: Specify a global proxy host or IP address according to the allowed format.
Allowed formats for http and https proxies:
http(s)://host:port
http(s)://user@host:port
http(s)://user:pass@host:port
Note
Restart the device to apply the global proxy settings.
No proxy: Use No proxy to bypass global proxies. Enter one of the options in the list, or enter several separated by a comma:
Leave empty
Specify an IP address
Specify an IP address in CIDR format
Specify a domain name, for example: www.<domain name>.com
Specify all subdomains in a specific domain, for example .<domain name>.com
One-click cloud connection
One-click cloud connection (O3C) together with an O3C service provides easy and secure internet access to live and recorded video from any location. For more information, see axis.com/end-to-end-solutions/hosted-services.
Allow O3C:
One-click: This is the default setting. Press and hold the control button on the device to connect to an O3C service over the internet. You need to register the device with the O3C service within 24 hours after you press the control button. Otherwise, the device disconnects from the O3C service. Once you register the device, Always is enabled and the device stays connected to the O3C service.
Always: The device constantly attempts to connect to an O3C service over the internet. Once you register the device, it stays connected to the O3C service. Use this option if the control button on the device is out of reach.
No: Disables the O3C service.
Proxy settings: If needed, enter the proxy settings to connect to the proxy server.
Host: Enter the proxy server’s address.
Port: Enter the port number used for access.
Login and Password: If needed, enter username and password for the proxy server.
Authentication method:
Basic: This method is the most compatible authentication scheme for HTTP. It’s less secure than the Digest method because it sends the username and password unencrypted to the server.
Digest: This method is more secure because it always transfers the password encrypted across the network.
Auto: This option lets the device select the authentication method depending on the supported methods. It prioritizes the Digest method over the Basic method.
Owner authentication key (OAK): Click Get key to fetch the owner authentication key. This is only possible if the device is connected to the internet without a firewall or proxy.
SNMP
The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) allows remote management of network devices.
SNMP: Select the version of SNMP to use.
v1 and v2c:
Read community: Enter the community name that has read-only access to all supported SNMP objects. The default value is public.
Write community: Enter the community name that has read or write access to all supported SNMP objects (except read-only objects). The default value is write.
Activate traps: Turn on to activate trap reporting. The device uses traps to send messages for important events or status changes to a management system. In the web interface, you can set up traps for SNMP v1 and v2c. Traps are automatically turned off if you change to SNMP v3 or turn off SNMP. If you use SNMP v3, you can set up traps through the SNMP v3 management application.
Trap address: Enter the IP address or host name of the management server.
Trap community: Enter the community to use when the device sends a trap message to the management system.
Traps:
Cold start: Sends a trap message when the device starts.
Warm start: Sends a trap message when you change an SNMP setting.
Link up: Sends a trap message when a link changes from down to up.
Authentication failed: Sends a trap message when an authentication attempt fails.
Note
All Axis Video MIB traps are enabled when you turn on SNMP v1 and v2c traps. For more information, see AXIS OS Portal > SNMP.
v3: SNMP v3 is a more secure version, which provides encryption and secure passwords. To use SNMP v3, we recommend you to activate HTTPS, as the password is then sent through HTTPS. This also prevents unauthorized parties’ access to unencrypted SNMP v1 and v2c traps. If you use SNMP v3, you can set up traps through the SNMP v3 management application.
Password for the account “initial”: Enter the SNMP password for the account named “initial”. Although the password can be sent without activating HTTPS, we don’t recommend it. The SNMP v3 password can only be set once, and preferably only when HTTPS is enabled. Once the password is set, the password field is no longer displayed. To set the password again, you must reset the device to factory default settings.
Security
Certificates
Certificates are used to authenticate devices on a network. The device supports two types of certificates:
Client/server certificates
A client/server certificate validates the device’s identity, and can be self-signed or issued by a Certificate Authority (CA). A self-signed certificate offers limited protection and can be used before a CA-issued certificate has been obtained.
CA certificates
You can use a CA certificate to authenticate a peer certificate, for example to validate the identity of an authentication server when the device connects to a network protected by IEEE 802.1X. The device has several pre-installed CA certificates.
These formats are supported:
Certificate formats: .PEM, .CER, and .PFX
Private key formats: PKCS#1 and PKCS#12
Important
If you reset the device to factory default, all certificates are deleted. Any pre-installed CA certificates are reinstalled.
Add certificate : Click to add a certificate.
More: Show more fields to fill in or select.
Secure keystore: Select to use Secure element or Trusted Platform Module 2.0 to securely store the private key. For more information on which secure keystore to select, go to help.axis.com/en-us/axis-os#cryptographic-support.
Key type: Select the default or a different encryption algorithm from the drop-down list to protect the certificate.
The context menu contains:
Certificate information: View an installed certificate’s properties.
Delete certificate: Delete the certificate.
Create certificate signing request: Create a certificate signing request to send to a registration authority to apply for a digital identity certificate.
Secure keystore:
Secure element (CC EAL6+): Select to use secure element for secure keystore.
Trusted Platform Module 2.0 (CC EAL4+, FIPS 140-2 Level 2): Select to use TPM 2.0 for secure keystore.
Network access control and encryption
IEEE 802.1x
IEEE 802.1x is an IEEE standard for port-based network admission control providing secure authentication of wired and wireless network devices. IEEE 802.1x is based on EAP (Extensible Authentication Protocol).
To access a network protected by IEEE 802.1x, network devices must authenticate themselves. The authentication is performed by an authentication server, typically a RADIUS server (for example, FreeRADIUS and Microsoft Internet Authentication Server).
IEEE 802.1AE MACsec
IEEE 802.1AE MACsec is an IEEE standard for media access control (MAC) security that defines connectionless data confidentiality and integrity for media access independent protocols.
Certificates
When configured without a CA certificate, server certificate validation is disabled and the device tries to authenticate itself regardless of what network it is connected to.
When using a certificate, in Axis' implementation, the device and the authentication server authenticate themselves with digital certificates using EAP-TLS (Extensible Authentication Protocol - Transport Layer Security).
To allow the device to access a network protected through certificates, you must install a signed client certificate on the device.
Authentication method: Select an EAP type used for authentication.
Client certificate: Select a client certificate to use IEEE 802.1x. The authentication server uses the certificate to validate the client’s identity.
CA certificates: Select CA certificates to validate the authentication server’s identity. When no certificate is selected, the device tries to authenticate itself regardless of what network it is connected to.
EAP identity: Enter the user identity associated with the client certificate.
EAPOL version: Select the EAPOL version that is used in the network switch.
Use IEEE 802.1x: Select to use the IEEE 802.1x protocol.
These settings are only available if you use IEEE 802.1x PEAP-MSCHAPv2 as the authentication method:
Password: Enter the password for your user identity.
Peap version: Select the Peap version that is used in the network switch.
Label: Select 1 to use client EAP encryption; select 2 to use client PEAP encryption. Select the Label that the network switch uses when using Peap version 1.
These settings are only available if you use IEEE 802.1ae MACsec (Static CAK/Pre-Shared Key) as the authentication method:
Key agreement connectivity association key name: Enter the connectivity association name (CKN). It must be 2 to 64 (divisible by 2) hexadecimal characters. The CKN must be manually configured in the connectivity association and must match on both ends of the link to initially enable MACsec.
Key agreement connectivity association key: Enter the connectivity association key (CAK). It should be either 32 or 64 hexadecimal characters long. The CAK must be manually configured in the connectivity association and must match on both ends of the link to initially enable MACsec.
Prevent brute-force attacks
Blocking: Turn on to block brute-force attacks. A brute-force attack uses trial-and-error to guess login info or encryption keys.
Blocking period: Enter the number of seconds to block a brute-force attack.
Blocking conditions: Enter the number of authentication failures allowed per second before the block starts. You can set the number of failures allowed both on page level and device level.
Firewall
Activate: Turn on the firewall.
Default Policy: Select the default state for the firewall.
Allow: Allows all connections to the device. This option is set by default.
Deny: Denies all connections to the device.
To make exceptions to the default policy, you can create rules that allows or denies connections to the device from specific addresses, protocols, and ports.
Address: Enter an address in IPv4/IPv6 or CIDR format that you want to allow or deny access to.
Protocol: Select a protocol that you want to allow or deny access to.
Port: Enter a port number that you want to allow or deny access to. You can add a port number between 1 and 65535.
Policy: Select the policy of the rule.
: Click to create another rule.
Add rules: Click to add the rules that you have defined.
Time in seconds: Set a time limit for testing the rules. The default time limit is set to 300 seconds. To activate the rules straight away, set the time to 0 seconds.
Confirm rules: Confirm the rules and their time limit. If you have set a time limit of more than 1 second, the rules will be active during this time. If you have set the time to 0, the rules will be active straight away.
Pending rules: An overview of the latest tested rules that you are yet to confirm.
Note
The rules that have a time limit appear under Active rules until the displayed timer runs out, or until you confirm them. If you don't confirm them, they will appear under Pending rules once the timer runs out, and the firewall will revert to the previously defined settings. If you confirm them, they will replace the current active rules.
Confirm rules: Click to activate the pending rules.
Active rules: An overview of the rules you are currently running on the device.
: Click to delete an active rule.
: Click to delete all rules, both pending and active.
Custom signed AXIS OS certificate
To install test software or other custom software from Axis on the device, you need a custom signed AXIS OS certificate. The certificate verifies that the software is approved by both the device owner and Axis. The software can only run on a specific device which is identified by its unique serial number and chip ID. Only Axis can create custom signed AXIS OS certificates, since Axis holds the key to sign them.
Install: Click to install the certificate. You need to install the certificate before you install the software.
The context menu contains:
Delete certificate: Delete the certificate.
Accounts
Accounts
Add account: Click to add a new account. You can add up to 100 accounts.
Account: Enter a unique account name.
New password: Enter a password for the account. Passwords must be 1 to 64 characters long. Only ASCII printable characters (code 32 to 126) are allowed in the password, for example, letters, numbers, punctuation, and some symbols.
Repeat password: Enter the same password again.
Privileges:
Administrator: Has full access to all settings. Administrators can also add, update, and remove other accounts.
Operator: Has access to all settings except:
All System settings.
Viewer: Has access to:
Watch and take snapshots of a video stream.
Watch and export recordings.
Pan, tilt, and zoom; with PTZ account access.
The context menu contains:
Update account: Edit the account properties.
Delete account: Delete the account. You can’t delete the root account.
Anonymous access
Allow anonymous viewing: Turn on to allow anyone access the device as a viewer without logging in with an account.
Allow anonymous PTZ operating: Turn on to allow anonymous users to pan, tilt, and zoom the image.
SSH accounts
Add SSH account: Click to add a new SSH account.
Restrict root access: Turn on to restrict functionality that requires root access.
Enable SSH: Turn on to use SSH service.
Account: Enter a unique account name.
New password: Enter a password for the account. Passwords must be 1 to 64 characters long. Only ASCII printable characters (code 32 to 126) are allowed in the password, for example, letters, numbers, punctuation, and some symbols.
Repeat password: Enter the same password again.
Comment: Enter a comment (optional).
The context menu contains:
Update SSH account: Edit the account properties.
Delete SSH account: Delete the account. You can’t delete the root account.
Virtual host
Add virtual host: Click to add a new virtual host.
Enabled: Select to use this virtual host.
Server name: Enter the name of the server. Only use numbers 0-9, letters A-Z, and hyphen (-).
Port: Enter the port the server is connected to.
Type: Select the type of authentication to use. Select between Basic, Digest, and Open ID.
The context menu contains:
Update: Update the virtual host.
Delete: Delete the virtual host.
Disabled: The server is disabled.
OpenID Configuration
Important
If you can't use OpenID to sign in, use the Digest or Basic credentials you used when you configured OpenID to sign in.
Client ID: Enter the OpenID username.
Outgoing Proxy: Enter the proxy address for the OpenID connection to use a proxy server.
Admin claim: Enter a value for the admin role.
Provider URL: Enter the web link for the API endpoint authentication. Format should be https://[insert URL]/.well-known/openid-configuration
Operator claim: Enter a value for the operator role.
Require claim: Enter the data that should be in the token.
Viewer claim: Enter the value for the viewer role.
Remote user: Enter a value to identify remote users. This assists to display the current user in the device’s web interface.
Scopes: Optional scopes that could be part of the token.
Client secret: Enter the OpenID password
Save: Click to save the OpenID values.
Enable OpenID: Turn on to close current connection and allow device authentication from the provider URL.
Events
Rules
A rule defines the conditions that triggers the product to perform an action. The list shows all the currently configured rules in the product.
Note
You can create up to 256 action rules.
Add a rule: Create a rule.
Name: Enter a name for the rule.
Wait between actions: Enter the minimum time (hh:mm:ss) that must pass between rule activations. It is useful if the rule is activated by, for example, day-night mode conditions, to avoid that small light changes during sunrise and sunset activate the rule repeatedly.
Condition: Select a condition from the list. A condition must be met for the device to perform an action. If multiple conditions are defined, all of them must be met to trigger the action. For information about specific conditions, see Get started with rules for events.
Use this condition as a trigger: Select to make this first condition function only as a starting trigger. It means that once the rule is activated, it remains active for as long as all the other conditions are met, no matter the state of the first condition. If you don’t select this option, the rule will simply be active whenever all the conditions are met.
Invert this condition: Select if you want the condition to be the opposite of your selection.
Add a condition: Click to add an additional condition.
Action: Select an action from the list and enter its required information. For information about specific actions, see Get started with rules for events.
Recipients
You can set up your device to notify recipients about events or send files.
Note
If you set up your device to use FTP or SFTP, don’t change or remove the unique sequence number that’s added to the file names. If you do that, only one image per event can be sent.
The list shows all the recipients currently configured in the product, along with information about their configuration.
Note
You can create up to 20 recipients.
Add a recipient: Click to add a recipient.
Name: Enter a name for the recipient.
Type: Select from the list:
FTP
Host: Enter the server's IP address or hostname. If you enter a hostname, make sure that a DNS server is specified under System > Network > IPv4 and IPv6.
Port: Enter the port number used by the FTP server. The default is 21.
Folder: Enter the path to the directory where you want to store files. If this directory doesn’t already exist on the FTP server, you will get an error message when uploading files.
Username: Enter the username for the login.
Password: Enter the password for the login.
Use temporary file name: Select to upload files with temporary, automatically generated filenames. The files get renamed to the desired names when the upload completes. If the upload is aborted/interrupted, you don’t get any corrupt files. However, you probably still get the temporary files. This way you know that all files that have the desired name are correct.
Use passive FTP: Under normal circumstances, the product simply requests the target FTP server to open the data connection. The device actively initiates both the FTP control and data connections to the target server. This is normally needed if there is a firewall between the device and the target FTP server.
HTTP
URL: Enter the network address to the HTTP server and the script that will handle the request. For example, http://192.168.254.10/cgi-bin/notify.cgi.
Username: Enter the username for the login.
Password: Enter the password for the login.
Proxy: Turn on and enter the required information if a proxy server must be passed to connect to the HTTP server.
HTTPS
URL: Enter the network address to the HTTPS server and the script that will handle the request. For example, https://192.168.254.10/cgi-bin/notify.cgi.
Validate server certificate: Select to validate the certificate that was created by HTTPS server.
Username: Enter the username for the login.
Password: Enter the password for the login.
Proxy: Turn on and enter the required information if a proxy server must be passed to connect to the HTTPS server.
Network storage
You can add network storage such as NAS (network-attached storage) and use it as a recipient to store files. The files are stored in the Matroska (MKV) file format.
Host: Enter the IP address or hostname for the network storage.
Share: Enter the name of the share on the host.
Folder: Enter the path to the directory where you want to store files.
Username: Enter the username for the login.
Password: Enter the password for the login.
SFTP
Host: Enter the server's IP address or hostname. If you enter a hostname, make sure that a DNS server is specified under System > Network > IPv4 and IPv6.
Port: Enter the port number used by the SFTP server. The default is 22.
Folder: Enter the path to the directory where you want to store files. If this directory doesn’t already exist on the SFTP server, you will get an error message when uploading files.
Username: Enter the username for the login.
Password: Enter the password for the login.
SSH host public key type (MD5): Enter the fingerprint of the remote host’s public key (a 32-digit hexadecimal string). The SFTP client supports SFTP servers using SSH-2 with RSA, DSA, ECDSA, and ED25519 host key types. RSA is the preferred method during negotiation, followed by ECDSA, ED25519, and DSA. Make sure to enter the right MD5 host key that is used by your SFTP server. While the Axis device supports both MD5 and SHA-256 hash keys, we recommend using SHA-256 due to stronger security over MD5. For more information on how to configure an SFTP server with an Axis device, go to the AXIS OS Portal.
SSH host public key type (SHA256): Enter the fingerprint of the remote host’s public key (a 43-digit Base64 encoded string). The SFTP client supports SFTP servers using SSH-2 with RSA, DSA, ECDSA, and ED25519 host key types. RSA is the preferred method during negotiation, followed by ECDSA, ED25519, and DSA. Make sure to enter the right MD5 host key that is used by your SFTP server. While the Axis device supports both MD5 and SHA-256 hash keys, we recommend using SHA-256 due to stronger security over MD5. For more information on how to configure an SFTP server with an Axis device, go to the AXIS OS Portal.
Use temporary file name: Select to upload files with temporary, automatically generated filenames. The files get renamed to the desired names when the upload completes. If the upload is aborted or interrupted, you don’t get any corrupt files. However, you probably still get the temporary files. This way, you know that all files that have the desired name are correct.
SIP or VMS:
SIP: Select to make a SIP call.
VMS: Select to make a VMS call.
From SIP account: Select from the list.
To SIP address: Enter the SIP address.
Test: Click to test that your call settings works.
Email
Send email to: Enter the email address to send emails to. To enter multiple addresses, use commas to separate them.
Send email from: Enter the email address of the sending server.
Username: Enter the username for the mail server. Leave this field empty if the mail server does not require authentication.
Password: Enter the password for the mail server. Leave this field empty if the mail server does not require authentication.
Email server (SMTP): Enter the name of the SMTP server, for example, smtp.gmail.com, smtp.mail.yahoo.com.
Port: Enter the port number for the SMTP server, using values in the range 0-65535. The default value is 587.
Encryption: To use encryption, select either SSL or TLS.
Validate server certificate: If you use encryption, select to validate the identity of the device. The certificate can be self-signed or issued by a Certificate Authority (CA).
POP authentication: Turn on to enter the name of the POP server, for example, pop.gmail.com.
Note
Some email providers have security filters that prevent users from receiving or viewing large amount of attachments, from receiving scheduled emails and similar. Check the email provider's security policy to avoid your email account being locked or missing out on your expected emails.
TCP
Host: Enter the server's IP address or hostname. If you enter a hostname, make sure that a DNS server is specified under System > Network > IPv4 and IPv6.
Port: Enter the port number used to access the server.
Test: Click to test the setup.
The context menu contains:
View recipient: Click to view all the recipient details.
Copy recipient: Click to copy a recipient. When you copy, you can make changes to the new recipient.
Delete recipient: Click to delete the recipient permanently.
Schedules
Schedules and pulses can be used as conditions in rules. The list shows all the schedules and pulses currently configured in the product, along with information about their configuration.
Add schedule: Click to create a schedule or pulse.
Manual triggers
You can use the manual trigger to manually trigger a rule. The manual trigger can, for example, be used to validate actions during product installation and configuration.
MQTT
MQTT (Message Queuing Telemetry Transport) is a standard messaging protocol for the Internet of Things (IoT). It was designed for simplified IoT integration and is used in a wide variety of industries to connect remote devices with a small code footprint and minimal network bandwidth. The MQTT client in Axis device software can simplify integration of data and events produced in the device to systems which are not video management software (VMS).
Set up the device as an MQTT client. MQTT communication is based on two entities, the clients and the broker. The clients can send and receive messages. The broker is responsible for routing messages between clients.
ALPN is a TLS/SSL extension that allows for the selection of an application protocol during the handshake phase of the connection between the client and server. This is used to enable MQTT traffic over the same port that is used for other protocols, such as HTTP. In some cases, there might not be a dedicated port open for MQTT communication. A solution in such cases is to use ALPN to negotiate the use of MQTT as the application protocol on a standard port, allowed by the firewalls.
MQTT client
Connect: Turn on or off the MQTT client.
Status: Shows the current status of the MQTT client.
Broker
Host: Enter the hostname or IP address of the MQTT server.
Protocol: Select which protocol to use.
Port: Enter the port number.
1883 is the default value for MQTT over TCP
8883 is the default value for MQTT over SSL
80 is the default value for MQTT over WebSocket
443 is the default value for MQTT over WebSocket Secure
ALPN protocol: Enter the ALPN protocol name provided by your MQTT broker provider. This is only applicable with MQTT over SSL and MQTT over WebSocket Secure.
Username: Enter the username that the client will use to access the server.
Password: Enter a password for the username.
Client ID: Enter a client ID. The client identifier is sent to the server when the client connects to it.
Clean session: Controls the behavior at connection and disconnection time. When selected, the state information is discarded at connect and disconnect.
HTTP proxy: A URL with a maximum length of 255 bytes. You can leave the field empty if you don't want to use an HTTP proxy.
HTTPS proxy: A URL with a maximum length of 255 bytes. You can leave the field empty if you don't want to use an HTTPS proxy.
Keep alive interval: Enables the client to detect when the server is no longer available without having to wait for the long TCP/IP timeout.
Timeout: The time interval in seconds to allow a connect to complete. Default value: 60
Device topic prefix: Used in the default values for the topic in the connect message and LWT message on the MQTT client tab, and in the publication conditions on the MQTT publication tab.
Reconnect automatically: Specifies whether the client should reconnect automatically after a disconnect.
Connect message
Specifies if a message should be sent out when a connection is established.
Send message: Turn on to send messages.
Use default: Turn off to enter your own default message.
Topic: Enter the topic for the default message.
Payload: Enter the content for the default message.
Retain: Select to keep the state of client on this Topic
QoS: Change the QoS layer for the packet flow.
Last Will and Testament message
The Last Will Testament (LWT) lets a client provide a testament along with its credentials when connecting to the broker. If the client disconnects ungracefully at some point later (maybe because his power source died), it can let the broker deliver a message to other clients. This LWT message has the same form as an ordinary message and gets routed via the same mechanics.
Send message: Turn on to send messages.
Use default: Turn off to enter your own default message.
Topic: Enter the topic for the default message.
Payload: Enter the content for the default message.
Retain: Select to keep the state of client on this Topic
QoS: Change the QoS layer for the packet flow.
MQTT publication
Use default topic prefix: Select to use the default topic prefix, that is defined in the device topic prefix in the MQTT client tab.
Include topic name: Select to include the topic that describes the condition in the MQTT topic.
Include topic namespaces: Select to include ONVIF topic namespaces in the MQTT topic.
Include serial number: Select to include the device’s serial number in the MQTT payload.
Add condition: Click to add a condition.
Retain: Defines which MQTT messages are sent as retained.
None: Send all messages as non-retained.
Property: Send only stateful messages as retained.
All: Send both stateful and stateless messages as retained.
QoS: Select the desired level for the MQTT publication.
MQTT subscriptions
Add subscription: Click to add a new MQTT subscription.
Subscription filter: Enter the MQTT topic that you want to subscribe to.
Use device topic prefix: Add the subscription filter as prefix to the MQTT topic.
Subscription type:
Stateless: Select to convert MQTT messages into a stateless message.
Stateful: Select to convert MQTT messages into a condition. The payload is used as the state.
QoS: Select the desired level for the MQTT subscription.
MQTT overlays
Note
Connect to an MQTT broker before you add MQTT overlay modifiers.
Add overlay modifier: Click to add a new overlay modifier.
Topic filter: Add the MQTT topic that contains the data you want to show in the overlay.
Data field: Specify the key for the message payload that you want to show in the overlay, assuming the message is in JSON format.
Modifier: Use the resulting modifier when you create the overlay.
Modifiers that start with #XMP show all of the data received from the topic.
Modifiers that start with #XMD show the data specified in the data field.
Storage
Network storage
Ignore: Turn on to ignore network storage.
Add network storage: Click to add a network share where you can save recordings.
Address: Enter the IP address or host name of the host server, typically a NAS (network-attached storage). We recommend you to configure the host to use a fixed IP address (not DHCP since a dynamic IP address can change) or that you use DNS. Windows SMB/CIFS names are not supported.
Network share: Enter the name of the shared location on the host server. Several Axis devices can use the same network share since each device gets its own folder.
User: If the server requires a login, enter the username. To log in to a specific domain server, type DOMAIN\username.
Password: If the server requires a login, enter the password.
SMB version: Select the SMB storage protocol version to connect to the NAS. If you select Auto, the device tries to negotiate one of the secure versions SMB: 3.02, 3.0, or 2.1. Select 1.0 or 2.0 to connect to older NAS that don’t support higher versions. You can read more about SMB support in Axis devices here.
Add share without testing: Select to add the network share even if an error is discovered during the connection test. The error can be, for example, that you didn’t enter a password even though the server requires one.
Remove network storage: Click to unmount, unbind, and remove the connection to the network share. This removes all settings for the network share.
Unbind: Click to unbind and disconnect the network share. Bind: Click to bind and connect the network share.
Unmount: Click to unmount the network share. Mount: Click to mount the network share.
Write protect: Turn on to stop writing to the network share and protect recordings from being removed. You can’t format a write-protected network share.
Retention time: Select how long to keep recordings, to limit the amount of old recordings, or to comply with regulations regarding data storage. If the network storage becomes full, old recordings are removed before the selected time period passes.
Tools
Test connection: Test the connection to the network share.
Format: Format the network share, for example, when you need to quickly erase all data. CIFS is the available file system option.
Use tool: Click to activate the selected tool.
Onboard storage
Important
Risk of data loss and corrupted recordings. Do not remove the SD card while the device is running. Unmount the SD card before you remove it.
Unmount: Click to safely remove the SD card.
Write protect: Turn on to stop writing to the SD card and protect recordings from being removed. You can’t format a write-protected SD card.
Autoformat: Turn on to automatically format a newly inserted SD card. It formats the file system into ext4.
Ignore: Turn on to stop storing recordings on the SD card. When you ignore the SD card, the device no longer recognizes that the card exists. The setting is only available to administrators.
Retention time: Select how long to keep recordings to limit the amount of old recordings or comply with data storage regulations. When the SD card is full, it deletes old recordings before their retention time has passed.
Tools
Check: Check for errors on the SD card.
Repair: Repair errors in the file system.
Format: Format the SD card to change the file system and erase all data. You can only format the SD card to the ext4 file system. You need a third-party ext4 driver or application to access the file system from Windows®.
Encrypt: Use this tool to format the SD card and enable encryption. This erases all data stored on the SD card. Any new data you store on the SD card will be encrypted.
Decrypt: Use this tool to format the SD card without encryption. This erases all data stored on the SD card. Any new data you store on the SD card will not be encrypted.
Change password: Change the password required to encrypt the SD card.
Use tool: Click to activate the selected tool.
Wear trigger: Set a value for the SD card wear level at which you want to trigger an action. The wear level ranges from 0–200%. A new SD card that has never been used has a wear level of 0%. A wear level of 100% indicates that the SD card is close to its expected lifetime. When the wear-level reaches 200%, there is a high risk of the SD card malfunctioning. We recommend setting the wear trigger between 80–90%. This gives you time to download any recordings as well as replace the SD card in time before it potentially wears out. The wear trigger allows you to set up an event and get a notification when the wear level reaches your set value.
Stream profiles
A stream profile is a group of settings that affect the video stream. You can use stream profiles in different situations, for example, when you create events and use rules to record.
Add stream profile: Click to create a new stream profile.
Preview: A preview of the video stream with the stream profile settings you select. The preview updates when you change the settings on the page. If your device has different view areas, you can change the view area in the drop-down in the bottom left corner of the image.
Name: Add a name for your profile.
Description: Add a description of your profile.
Video codec: Select the video codec that should apply for the profile.
Resolution: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Frame rate: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Compression: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Zipstream: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Optimize for storage: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Dynamic FPS: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Dynamic GOP: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Mirror: See Stream for a description of this setting.
GOP length: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Bitrate control: See Stream for a description of this setting.
Include overlays: Select what type of overlays to include. See Overlays for information about how to add overlays.
Include audio: See Stream for a description of this setting.
ONVIF
ONVIF accounts
ONVIF (Open Network Video Interface Forum) is a global interface standard that makes it easier for end-users, integrators, consultants, and manufacturers to take advantage of the possibilities offered by network video technology. ONVIF enables interoperability between different vendor products, increased flexibility, reduced cost and future-proof systems.
When you create an ONVIF account, you automatically enable ONVIF communication. Use the account name and password for all ONVIF communication with the device. For more information see the Axis Developer Community at axis.com.
Add accounts: Click to add a new ONVIF account.
Account: Enter a unique account name.
New password: Enter a password for the account. Passwords must be 1 to 64 characters long. Only ASCII printable characters (code 32 to 126) are allowed in the password, for example, letters, numbers, punctuation, and some symbols.
Repeat password: Enter the same password again.
Role:
Administrator: Has full access to all settings. Administrators can also add, update, and remove other accounts.
Operator: Has access to all settings except:
All System settings.
Adding apps.
Media account: Allows access to the video stream only.
The context menu contains:
Update account: Edit the account properties.
Delete account: Delete the account. You can’t delete the root account.
ONVIF media profiles
An ONVIF media profile consists of a set of configurations that you can use to change media stream settings. You can create new profiles with your own set of configurations or use preconfigured profiles for a quick setup.
Add media profile: Click to add a new ONVIF media profile.
Profile name: Add a name for the media profile.
Video source: Select the video source for your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list. The configurations in the drop-down list correspond to the device's video channels, including multiviews, view areas and virtual channels.
Video encoder: Select the video encoding format for your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list and adjust the encoding settings. The configurations in the drop-down list act as identifiers/names of the video encoder configuration. Select user 0 to 15 to apply your own settings, or select one of the default users if you want to use predefined settings for a specific encoding format.
Note
Enable audio in the device to get the option to select an audio source and audio encoder configuration.
Audio source: Select the audio input source for your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list and adjust the audio settings. The configurations in the drop-down list correspond to the device's audio inputs. If the device has one audio input, it's user0. If the device has several audio inputs, there will be additional users in the list.
Audio encoder: Select the audio encoding format for your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list and adjust the audio encoding settings. The configurations in the drop-down list act as identifiers/names of the audio encoder configuration.
Audio decoder: Select the audio decoding format for your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list and adjust the settings. The configurations in the drop-down list act as identifiers/names of the configuration.
Audio output: Select the audio output format for your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list and adjust the settings. The configurations in the drop-down list act as identifiers/names of the configuration.
Metadata: Select the metadata to include in your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list and adjust the metadata settings. The configurations in the drop-down list act as identifiers/names of the metadata configuration.
PTZ: Select the PTZ settings for your configuration.
Select configuration: Select a user-defined configuration from the list and adjust the PTZ settings. The configurations in the drop-down list correspond to the device's video channels with PTZ support.
Create: Click to save your settings and create the profile.
Cancel: Click to cancel the configuration and clear all settings.
profile_x: Click on the profile name to open and edit the preconfigured profile.
Analytics metadata
Metadata producers
Lists the apps that stream metadata and the channels they use.
Producer: The app that produces the metadata. Below the app is a list of the types of metadata the app streams from the device.
Channel: The channel that the app uses. Select to enable the metadata stream. Deselect for compatibility or resource management reasons.
Detectors
Shock detection
Shock detector: Turn on to generate an alarm if the device is hit by an object or if it is tampered with.
Sensitivity level: Move the slider to adjust the sensitivity level at which the device should generate an alarm. A low value means that the device only generates an alarm if the hit is powerful. A high value means that the device generates an alarm even with mild tampering.
Accessories
I/O ports
Use digital input to connect external devices that can toggle between an open and closed circuit, for example, PIR sensors, door or window contacts, and glass break detectors.
Use digital output to connect external devices such as relays and LEDs. You can activate connected devices through the VAPIX® Application Programming Interface or the web interface.
Port
Name: Edit the text to rename the port.
Direction: indicates that the port is an input port. indicates that it’s an output port. If the port is configurable, you can click the icons to change between input and output.
Normal state: Click for open circuit, and for closed circuit.
Current state: Shows the current state of the port. The input or output is activated when the current state is different from the normal state. An input on the device has an open circuit when it’s disconnected or when there is a voltage above 1 V DC.
Note
During restart, the output circuit is open. When the restart is complete, the circuit goes back to the normal position. If you change any settings on this page, the output circuits go back to their normal positions regardless of any active triggers.
Supervised: Turn on to make it possible to detect and trigger actions if someone tampers with the connection to digital I/O devices. In addition to detecting if an input is open or closed, you can also detect if someone has tampered with it (that is, cut or shorted). To supervise the connection requires additional hardware (end-of-line resistors) in the external I/O loop.
Edge-to-edge
Pairing
Pairing allows you to use a compatible Axis network speaker or microphone as if it’s part of the camera. Once paired, the network speaker acts as an audio out device where you can play audio clips and transmit sound through the camera. The network microphone will take up sounds from the surrounding area and make it available as an audio input device, usable in media streams and recordings.
Important
For this feature to work with a video management software (VMS), you must first pair the camera with the speaker or microphone, then add the camera to your VMS.
Set a 'Wait between actions (hh:mm:ss)' limit in the event rule when you use a network paired audio device in an event rule with 'Audio detection' as condition and 'Play audio clip' as action. This will help you avoid a looping detection if the capturing microphone picks up audio from the speaker.
Address: Enter host name or IP address to the network speaker.
Username: Enter username.
Password: Enter password for the user.
Speaker pairing: Select to pair a network speaker.
Microphone pairing: Select to pair a microphone.
Clear fields: Click to clear all fields.
Connect: Click to establish connection to the speaker or microphone.
Logs
Reports and logs
Reports
View the device server report: View information about the product status in a pop-up window. The Access Log is automatically included in the Server Report.
Download the device server report: It creates a .zip file that contains a complete server report text file in UTF–8 format, as well as a snapshot of the current live view image. Always include the server report .zip file when you contact support.
Download the crash report: Download an archive with detailed information about the server's status. The crash report contains information that is in the server report as well as detailed debug information. This report might contain sensitive information such as network traces. It can take several minutes to generate the report.
Logs
View the system log: Click to show information about system events such as device startup, warnings, and critical messages.
View the access log: Click to show all failed attempts to access the device, for example, when a wrong login password is used.
Network trace
Important
A network trace file might contain sensitive information, for example certificates or passwords.
A network trace file can help you troubleshoot problems by recording activity on the network.
Trace time: Select the duration of the trace in seconds or minutes, and click Download.
Remote system log
Syslog is a standard for message logging. It allows separation of the software that generates messages, the system that stores them, and the software that reports and analyzes them. Each message is labeled with a facility code, which indicates the software type generating the message, and assigned a severity level.
Server: Click to add a new server.
Host: Enter the hostname or IP address of the server.
Format: Select which syslog message format to use.
Axis
RFC 3164
RFC 5424
Protocol: Select the protocol to use:
UDP (Default port is 514)
TCP (Default port is 601)
TLS (Default port is 6514)
Port: Edit the port number to use a different port.
Severity: Select which messages to send when triggered.
CA certificate set: See the current settings or add a certificate.
Plain config
Plain config is for advanced users with experience of Axis device configuration. Most parameters can be set and edited from this page.
Maintenance
Restart: Restart the device. This does not affect any of the current settings. Running applications restart automatically.
Restore: Return most settings to the factory default values. Afterwards you must reconfigure the device and apps, reinstall any apps that didn’t come preinstalled, and recreate any events and presets.
Important
The only settings saved after restore are:
Boot protocol (DHCP or static)
Static IP address
Default router
Subnet mask
802.1X settings
O3C settings
DNS server IP address
Factory default: Return all settings to the factory default values. Afterwards you must reset the IP address to make the device accessible.
Note
All Axis device software is digitally signed to ensure that you only install verified software on your device. This further increases the overall minimum cybersecurity level of Axis devices. For more information, see the white paper “Axis Edge Vault” at axis.com.
AXIS OS upgrade: Upgrade to a new AXIS OS version. New releases can contain improved functionality, bug fixes, and completely new features. We recommend you to always use the latest AXIS OS release. To download the latest release, go to axis.com/support.
When you upgrade, you can choose between three options:
Standard upgrade: Upgrade to the new AXIS OS version.
Factory default: Upgrade and return all settings to the factory default values. When you choose this option, you can’t revert to the previous AXIS OS version after the upgrade.
Autorollback: Upgrade and confirm the upgrade within the set time. If you don’t confirm, the device reverts to the previous AXIS OS version.
AXIS OS rollback: Revert to the previously installed AXIS OS version.
Learn more
Long-distance connections
This product supports fiber-optic cable installations through a media converter. Fiber-optic cable installations offer a number of benefits such as:
Long-distance connection
High speed
Long lifetime
Large capacity of data transmission
Electromagnetic interference immunity
Find out more about fiber-optic cable installations in the white paper “Long distance surveillance - Fiber-optic communication in network video” at axis.com/learning/white-papers.
For information about how to install the media converter see the Installation Guide for this product.
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.
Privacy masks
A privacy mask is a user-defined area that covers a part of the monitored area. In the video stream, privacy masks appear either as blocks of solid color or with a mosaic pattern.
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.
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)
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
Applications
With applications, 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 applications for Axis devices. Applications can be preinstalled on the device, available for download for free, or for a license fee.
To find the user manuals for Axis applications, go to help.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.
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 Apps > AXIS PTZ Autotracking.
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.
Product specific considerations
For best results, the camera must be correctly mounted. There are also requirements on the scene, image and objects.
Mount the camera up to a maximum height of 3 m (9.8 ft).
Humans in the center of the image are unlikely to be classified.
Objects near the edge of the image appear smaller than objects near the center and are therefore unlikely to be detected. To minimize the risk of missed detections, we recommend a height of at least 8% of total image radius for humans and 6% of total image radius for vehicles.
Object in the centerObjects at the edgeObjects near the center
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.
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.
To learn more about the cybersecurity features in Axis devices, go to axis.com/learning/white-papers and search for cybersecurity.
Specifications
Product overview
NOTICE
Make sure the dome is attached in operation mode, otherwise focus may be affected.
Dome
Control button
Status LED indicator
SD card slot
Part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N)
Mounting hole (3x)
Ventilation plug
Hook for safety wire
Multiconnector
Dome cover
Dome attachment ring
O-ring
Dome bracket screw T20 (4x)
Dome
O-ring
Dome ring
Dome ring screw T25 (4x)
AXIS T8607 Media Converter Switch - external view
Cover
Network connector SFP (2x)
Network connector RJ45 (2x)
Camera network LED indicator
Network LED indicator (4x)
Power LED indicator
Power connector (DC input)
Grounding screw
Multicable inlet
I/O terminal connector
LED indicators
Status LED
Indication
Unlit
Connection and normal operation.
Green
Shows steady green for 10 seconds for normal operation after startup completed.
Amber
Steady during startup. Flashes during device software upgrade or reset to factory default.
Amber/Red
Flashes amber/red if network connection is unavailable or lost.
Status LED behavior for focus assistant
The status LED flashes when the Focus Assistant is active.
Color
Indication
Red
The image is out of focus. Adjust the lens.
Amber
The image is close to focus. The lens needs fine tuning.
Green
The image is in focus.
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.
RJ45 Ethernet connector with Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+).
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 (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 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 = 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 V DC
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 V DC, 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
Multiconnector
Terminal connector for connecting the supplied media converter switch, which provides the following signals:
DC Power
Network (Ethernet 10/100Base-T)
Input/Output (I/O)
When connecting external equipment, the supplied multicable is required in order to maintain the product's NEMA/IP rating. For more information, see Multicable connectors.
Multicable connectors
Multicable overview
Power wire (red)
Digital I/O wire (blue)
Ethernet wire (green/white)
Ethernet wire (green)
Ethernet wire (orange/white)
Ethernet wire (orange)
Digital I/O wire (yellow)
Ground wire (black)
Power wire (red)
Ethernet wire foil shield (2x)
Braided shield coil
Function
Wire
Connect to
Specifications
Configurable (Input or Output)
2 – blue 7 – yellow
Digital input – I/O terminal connector
0 to max 30 V DC
Digital output – I/O terminal connector
0 to max 30 V DC, open drain, 100 mA
RX+
3 – green/white
Ethernet – receiving
RX-
4 – green
Ethernet – receiving
TX+
5 – orange/white
Ethernet – transmitting
TX-
6 – orange
Ethernet – transmitting
0 V DC (-)
8 – black
0 V DC
DC output (24 V)
1, 9 – red
Power connector
24 V DC
Clean your device
You can clean your device with lukewarm water and mild, nonabrasive soap.
NOTICE
Harsh chemicals can damage the device. Don’t use chemicals such as window cleaner or acetone to clean your device.
Don’t spray detergent directly on the device. Instead, spray detergent on a nonabrasive cloth and use that to clean the 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 and mild, nonabrasive soap.
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 default IP address is 192.168.0.90.
Using the installation and management software tools to assign an IP address, set the password and access the video stream.
It is also possible to reset parameters to factory default through the web interface. Go to Settings > System > Maintenance 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 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 cover is attached during upgrade to avoid installation failure.
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 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.
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.
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 can increase the product's CPU load.
Removing or attaching the cover will restart the camera.
Access by large numbers of Motion JPEG or unicast H.264 clients affects the bandwidth.
Access by large numbers of Motion JPEG or unicast H.265 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.
Accessing Motion JPEG and H.265 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.
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