Ajax Systems is the manufacturer of alarm systems that are frequently used in homes and commercial environments. The manufacturer regularly expands their ecosystem with new devices and product groups. Three smart surveillance cameras and a video recorder (NVR) were recently added. Like all other Ajax devices, the company again emphasizes security and privacy with these products.
Ajax states that many video surveillance systems suffer from two problems. The most common problem is unauthorized access to a camera. The causes of this are not changing the default password in the camera or because the manufacturer has not used a secure connection. The cameras are then easy to detect and view within a network. Storing images on a separate system (for example a NAS) can also lead to unauthorized access to the images.
To avoid the above problems, Ajax Systems has introduced its own cameras. These cameras are fully integrated within the protected environment of the Ajax alarm system. The configuration and user management is controlled from the Ajax app.
Ajax DomeCam Mini, TurretCam and BulletCam cameras
The range of cameras includes three standard sizes, a TurretCam, BulletCam and DomeCam Mini in black or white color. The cameras are available in a 5 and 8 megapixel variant and a 4 or 2.8 mm lens.
The cameras are suitable for installation both indoors and outdoors. There is powerful infrared lighting for recording in a dark environment. The cameras are linked to the system via a QR code and are easy to install. The box contains the necessary mounting materials and an Allen key. With the Allen key you can adjust the position of the camera unit to a desired angle.
The cameras use artificial intelligence to recognize objects, this happens in real time and directly on the camera itself. Ajax uses AI to recognize objects such as people, animals and vehicles in a video, which also allows a camera to record only selected events. AI is used, for example, to recognize people, a car or another movement. By only recording certain events, no irrelevant events are saved, which saves storage space.
The hardware of the cameras meets the requirements of the NDAA (Article 899 of the US National Defense Authorization Act). One of the restrictions is that manufacturers of security devices, including surveillance cameras, are prohibited from using components from certain manufacturers (usually Chinese companies) in their products. Ajax devices therefore comply with this legislation and only use permitted components.
12 Volts or Power over Ethernet
The cameras do not come with a power supply as standard. The cameras work with an external 12 V⎓ ± 20%, 1А power supply or Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection. The latter is a technology that makes it possible to transmit both data and power over the Ethernet cable. This is possible with a switch that supports PoE Standard 802.3at/af or a separate PoE injector.
Different camera variants
Cameras are available in different variants, the choice of which depends on where you want to place the camera. For example, a wide angle lens will be more useful when installing a camera outdoors, and a narrower angle for a home. Of course, if you need improved details, choose a model with a higher megapixel count. You can choose from 5 MP (2880 × 1620) and 8 MP (3840 × 2160).
The cameras feature TrueWDR (True Wide Dynamic Range), an advanced camera technology that captures two images with different exposures and merges them into one optimized image. This technique allows security cameras to capture detailed footage in complex lighting conditions, leaving both bright and dark areas clearly visible in one scene.
There are two lens options for each camera, with a focal length of 2.8 or 4mm, these have a viewing angle of 100°-110° and 75°-85° respectively. The cameras also have a built-in microphone.
For recordings in a dark room and at night, the built-in infrared lighting is used, which can illuminate objects up to 35 meters on the BulletCam and TorretCam, for the DomeCam this is 15 meters.
Recordings in H.265 or H.264 can be saved to a memory card, for which there is a MicroSD slot in the camera housing. An Ajax NVR with a hard drive can also be used. Access to the recordings on the SD card is only possible via the Ajax apps. The system administrator can grant users permission to view live images.
Secure connections
The JetSparrow protocol is used to send the recordings. This protocol is a proprietary development of Ajax Systems, specifically designed for the secure and fast transfer of visual data from their security cameras. This protocol ensures that video streams and archives can be sent quickly and securely, while ensuring user privacy.
The cameras use passwordless mTLS authentication for communication, so passwords cannot leak to unauthorized users. Secure Boot does not allow alternative firmware to be loaded, only firmware versions certified by Ajax.
Configure cameras
Cameras can be added to the Ajax app using the QR code on the camera. By adding the cameras to the Ajax system, users gain the ability to verify incidents when sensors or sensors are activated in a specific area.
The camera starts recording and by clicking on the notification you can go directly to the corresponding images from the event.
With the video recorder (NVR) it is possible to put together a video wall that consists of video streams from different cameras and MotionCam sensors. The video wall is updated in real time and the location of the cameras displayed can be adjusted. The video wall can be viewed in both the Ajax mobile and desktop apps.
Ajax NVR video recorder
Ajax NVR (Network Video Recorder) is available in two versions, 8 and 16 channels. Thanks to proprietary JetSparrow technology, access to video is very fast even when using a ‘traditional’ hard drive, using TLS data encryption. A hard drive (SATA 3.5″) is not included as standard with the NVR, you must purchase this separately. The maximum supported storage capacity is 16 TB.
The Ajax NVR is also linked to the system via the Ajax app and a QR code. You can remotely check system status such as temperature, processor and memory load in the app.
It is also possible to connect cameras from other manufacturers to the Ajax NVR. These cameras must then support RTSP and use ONVIF (Profile S/T).
The Ajax cameras in practice
The three different models are the most common models on the market that can be used in most cases. The cameras cannot be compared with cheap Chinese cameras. The Ajax cameras are robust, but at the same time look elegant. You immediately have the feeling that you are dealing with a professional camera. Cheap plastics are not used for the housing, but high-quality materials are used.
The configuration and installation are intuitive and simple enough for an average user. You can add a camera to your Ajax system using a QR code. The supplied Allen key comes in handy during installation, allowing you to loosen the camera in the housing to set an optimal camera angle if necessary.
In any case, it is advisable, both from an aesthetic and safety point of view, to think in advance about laying cables to the cameras in your home or office. The cameras and the NVR must be supplied with power. The cameras can use a 12V adapter or Power over Ethernet. In most cases, PoE is the best solution because only a single (network) cable goes to the camera. Because the cameras do not support wireless networks, you must always connect the camera to your network via a UTP cable. The NVR can be connected to a 220 V socket using a standard power cable.
The recordings can easily be viewed from the Ajax app. The timeline at the bottom of the screen contains various icons, making it easy to find different events.
Ajax has succeeded in developing a complete video surveillance system that is suitable for both consumers and professional customers. The installation and operation are, as always at Ajax, simple but of the highest safety level.
Despite the ease of installation and configuration, it is always advisable to have this done by an official Ajax partner, even with an Ajax security system. This guarantees correct configuration and efficient operation of all devices.