In my previous article about Ajax, I discussed the wireless protocols Wings and Jeweller, emphasizing that the company became a market leader thanks to its security devices that were wireless in the consumer sector. However, the paradigm is shifting, and Ajax is now actively expanding its wired portfolio much more than before. This includes security cameras, specifically wired IP cameras: Ajax BulletCam, Ajax DomeCam Mini, and Ajax TurretCam.
Market position and prices
Surprisingly, all these solutions have the same price. Why is this surprising? Because their formats are very different. It’s worth noting that each of these cameras has at least FOUR versions—2.8 mm or 4 mm, and in 5 MP, as well as the 8 MP model I’m reviewing. The models with lower resolution are correspondingly cheaper, priced at $130 / €113, while the field of view, as I understand it, does not affect the price. For the models with larger sensors, the cost is around $170 or €150.
BulletCam, DomeCam Mini, TurretCam complete set
The cameras come securely packaged, and their contents are 99% identical. Included are the instruction manual, warranty, a mounting kit with screws and plugs, a hex screwdriver, a set for cable waterproofing… and a sticker that loosely translates to “Ajax protects my home.”
In my personal opinion, you can stick this sticker on your laptop, tablet, backpack, or desk—but you shouldn’t place it where strangers can see it. Why? Because, as I mentioned in my review of Wings and Jeweller, the less people know about the security system you use, the lower the chance that the alarm can be bypassed.
Overall, both the wired and wireless systems at Ajax are more or less equally reliable, as Wings and Jeweller are virtually impossible to intercept, and accessing the wires on the cameras is another hurdle. Additionally, all models feature tamper protection, as they are equipped with accelerometers inside.
External appearance
Essentially, all three cameras have nearly identical internals, which are simply housed in different enclosures. They come in either an elongated cylinder (BulletCam), a sphere (TurretCam), or a plastic sphere within a compressed cylinder (DomeCam Mini).
All the cameras feature the Ajax logo on their bodies, all have a mounting system compatible with the Ajax JunctionBox (118×59), and all include separate access doors on the housing for the included hex screwdriver. The screws on the different cameras are DIFFERENT, so keep in mind that the screwdriver from one kit will NOT fit the other camera.
All the cameras come with two short input cables: a DC 5.5×2.5 power cable with a plug and an RJ-45 cable. All three cameras also have an IP65 housing protection rating and can operate in temperatures ranging from -30 to +60 °C. The mounting system is universal as well, featuring four screws with a printed diagram, and plugs are included in the package.
Power supply
In response to the question, “How do you connect the cameras to the hub?” I would answer as follows. The power supply for the new Ajax models is completely standard, just like that for professional security IP cameras. This means it’s designed for installation by specialists, not for DIY setups. However, if you do need to install them yourself for any reason, here’s what you should know.
The provided cable set is too short to extend it anywhere. Additionally, there is no power supply included in the package (which is typical for professional IP cameras), and the specifications do not indicate which power supplies should be used with the cameras.
The plugs on the cables are designed to prevent the connectors from rusting. The cameras can also receive power via PoE, or Power Over Ethernet. This is a VERY specific protocol that is found on only a handful of flagship routers. For instance, my ASUS AXE7800 doesn’t support it.
However, PoE support is widely available in switches, routers, and hubs. For example, the TP-LINK TL-SG1005LP would be a perfect choice. Out of its five RJ-45 ports, four support PoE, with a total power capacity of 40 W.
If the power supply is far away and the cable is long—let’s say, more than 3 meters—its specifications should be at least 12V 2A. The same applies to extension adapters.
However, I powered all three cameras using an adapter through a Type-C cable from a power bank. This is also an option, as 3-meter Type-C cables are readily available everywhere.
Connectivity
The cameras are connected in the same way: run a power cable and an Ethernet cable to each one, with the latter leading to the router. If the power supply is sufficient, a blue indicator will light up on the camera.
Next, open the official Ajax app and scan the QR code on the camera’s body (or on the cover with the screws).
In other words, we follow the same steps as we did for smart plugs or motion/smoke sensors and other Ajax devices.
Proprietary software
The camera is installed to the selected room and becomes available for management. In the official Ajax app, you will have the ability to view the camera’s status, the status of the memory card, frame rate, shooting resolution, bitrate, codec, motion detection, and object type, as well as change the quality of data transmission. Additionally, by pressing a specific button above the preview, you can view statistics. For those familiar with it, it resembles the “admin statistics” on YouTube, including resolution, packet count, protocol, and so on.
You can assess the image quality for yourself. All cameras have night vision, and I find the image quality to be quite impressive. Even at night, the sensors illuminate a distance of up to 35 meters. There’s no need to manually activate night mode; everything is done automatically. Examples of photos are provided below:
- TurretCam
- DomeCam
- BulletCam
Data transmission occurs via the proprietary JetSparrow protocol. It operates on a peer-to-peer basis, supports TSL encryption, and allows for easy switching from preview quality to full quality. Additionally, all three cameras feature AI-powered object recognition, so you can find out who the camera has registered without watching the video.
Accessories
Briefly, about additional accessories in the ecosystem.
I call Ajax NVR, or Ajax Network Video Recorder, the main and most important thing specifically for cameras. It has three main tasks:
- Work with non-branded cameras that support the ONVIF and RTSP protocol
- Combining all compatible cameras into a controlled “video wall”
- Recording video from cameras to a storage device up to 16 TB.
There is no internal storage; however, the NVR can duplicate the tasks of the microSD slots that are built into all the new cameras.
Also, NVR:
- supports Bluetooth connectivity for more reliable data transfer, with 8 to 16 communication channels
- supports video streaming up to 100 Mbps in H.264 or H.265
- has IP20 water protection.
The cost of the 16-channel model is just over 9000 UAH, which is $220 or €195.
The Ajax KeyPad TouchScreen is a much more straightforward accessory that serves as a pin-code identification system. Strangely enough, it is the most expensive model among all those mentioned in the review, priced at nearly $240.
Why is that? Because it is completely wireless, operates on both Jeweller and Wings (as a reminder, the review is here), and essentially features a touchscreen while supporting 32 interface languages.
This interface has dedicated panic buttons, is operated by proprietary software, can be updated remotely, and can be installed in inconvenient locations for wired control. Additionally, it can work both with a 12V wired connection and with a battery. The latter can provide the KeyPad TouchScreen interface with up to 18 months of autonomy.
Conclusions
All three new products are indicators of how far Ajax has advanced in the global security industry. As a reminder, it rose to the top thanks to its wireless standards, and now it is also releasing competitive products with wired connections. The Ajax BulletCam, Ajax DomeCam Mini, and Ajax TurretCam are all competitive, versatile, and reasonably priced.
The minimal information provided regarding the power supply for the cameras in the case of self-installation is the only drawback I can point out, but this is typical for IP cameras. If Ajax decides to produce its own power units, I would fully support that. Overall, the cameras definitely receive my recommendation.
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