Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic BB-HCM531A Outdoor Pan/Tilt PoE Security Network Camera (Silver)

For an outdoor IP camera, this camera rates high with me and even more so after comparing it with the Toshiba IK-WB15A IP camera. I set it up as a weather cam, but found it did really great as a security cam. With a 2GB SD memory card in it, I have seen over 10,000 images on it. I record every passing vehicle, triggered by motion, and every 60 seconds for the weather. Looking forward to getting the MegaPixel version soon.

Down side of this camera, no optical zoom options in this body style. The camera has a 10X digital zoom which is not something I see as not being good for much.

Now the good side:
Nice sharp images during the day time, even of moving objects like cars and people running past the camera.
Automatically adjusts the shutter speed at night, and does good in low light level, but not good enough for sharp images of moving objects at night.
Multiple alarm settings (5) really nice and easy to set up.
Records a great sharp image of moving objects in day time. I see all who drive by! Makes a great stand-alone security camera.
SD Memory card slot, with 2gb, I have about 10,000 images on it.
Multi view Screen, view 4 cameras at one time.
Can view and move PTZ over cell phone/PDAs.
Fast PTZ.
PTZ limits are nice and wide, both up and down, and side to side.
Audio I/O are located where they are protected from the weather, unlike the Toshiba IK-WB15A, that you cannot use if you use the sun shield.
Built in mic, very sensitive!! Not only can I see you, but I can hear you!
POE, makes for easy installation! Would not have it any other way. Love it!
Small body size.
Good WB control, the colors are true.

In general, I am very pleased with the way this camera works.

First off like to thanks Panasonic customer service for helping me make my decision on the Camera Model: BB-HCM531A. I end up geting 2 of them and had them up now for three weeks. I Order the software that you can record up to 64 cameras at one time. Still testing out the cameras, works wonderful and been in in 3 rain stroms and held up great. The Software i got for the cameras Model:BB-HNP15A is nice and easy to record with. the Cameras are easy to set up but if you need help Panasonic Tech support will walk you through setup for each and every camera. You cant go wrong guys Panasonice Tech support will help you get up and running . I look for weeks for a camera set up and read up on forms and not allot of help out there when looking for IP Cameras, but i went with Panasonic after calling them first. I told them what i needed They will give you recommendation on cameras for your Needs. I Seen some Post on this Camera about not having a power source, YOU WILL NEED PoE "Power Over Ethernet" I got D-link DES-1008PA This is a 4 port PoE switch there are others out there but for under $200 good name brand. Hope this helps Oh one more thing Cat5E cable make sure you get the UV for out side will last longer from the weather.

I was looking for an outdoor camera for my home and decided on the BB-HCM531A after taking to the Panasonic tech people. I was tempted to go with the less expensive BB-HCN511A because it has very similar performance specification and I was mounting the camera under an eve and I felt like I could provide it adequate protection from the rain. However, despite assumptions posted several places that suggest the 511A is the same as the 531A without the protective shell, I discover 2 key points that made me select the 531A for my outdoor location over the 511A. First, the 531A has extra filters in the lens to protect it from sun directly in the lens. Second, the 531A allows opperation in very cold and hot conditions. The 511A does not handle either of these circumstances. So far, the BB-HCM531A has performed well for.
The only con I have so far is that this model has been discontinued even though it is still widely available. Since no replacement model has been identifed yet and I need several cameras immediately, I went ahead and installed the BB-HCM531A.

This is an extremely effective, practical and easy-to-use camera. Bought two from Amazon. Installation is a snap. It comes with a sun/rain visor (not pictured), wallmount base, CD-ROM and all the associated screws. All you need is a drill and some anchors. LAN ports and audio ports are easily accessible at the rear. I run mine using Power Over Ethernet. You *will* need PoE injectors. These can be bought separately; I used the TrendNet ones. Note that the software does not seem to be Mac-compatible.

Once the hardware was installed, I popped the CD-rom into my laptop. The Panasonic software installed quickly and easily. It found the cameras in seconds. The images are viewed via a web browser. The software came with the ActiveX controls necessary to view the images.

The software is actually remarkably thorough, straightforward and finished. In a word, it was professional. I was viewing images within minutes of installation and adjusting the settings to suit my needs. You can set triggers, day/night mode, time, video streaming, multiple cameras and so on very easily. Everything is laid out. A basic level of technical/computer skill helps.

The image quality is nothing short of outstanding. I've used several different makes and models - from the Home Depot Swann cameras to $1200 PTZ Day/Night dome cameras - and the Panasonic image quality is easily the best of the lot. Clear, detailed, excellent depth, jitter-free and true. The field of view is limited, as with most security cameras, but the range of motion is impressive. Basically, you can adjust the camera and/or the lens to focus on any spot you want; just don't expect to have a 90-degree field of view.

I had to swallow hard when buying this camera because of the price. But I can honestly say it's worth every penny. Only question now is durability. Let's see how long it lasts.

The D-Link DWL-P200 Power Over Ethernet Adapter listed in October of 09 as the 'Frequently Bought Together' item is not compatible with the BB-HCM531A. Come on Amazon, get your accessories right before you recommend them.