The camera has four 6MP lenses taking separate images, which it then stitches together to make one panoramic image with one stream. This has a wide coverage of 180º horizontally and 80º vertically.

The output can be viewed in a multiple window display, using five separate customisable windows to give a clear display of the area. With a 5.5mm lens, a human face – or a number plate detail – can be seen clearly at a range of 20 metres.

A wide-angle IR light gives the full 180º range, even at night, with details picked out in colour at 50 metres.

These features make the camera very useful in a solution that requires monitoring and tracking in large areas where limited view angle is a problem. Combined technologies means that security personnel can track the flow of people in the area, and recognise number plates using the same camera. This makes managing areas much more efficient and cost effective.

The cameras also supports Hikvision’s unique H.265+ codec, dramatically improving encoding efficiency and reducing bandwidth requirements by up to 75% compared to H.264, and taking up half as much storage space for the same amount of video footage.

Peter Guan, Hikvision’s EU Channel and Sales Director, said: “Our new Panovu product gives unparalleled high resolution images covering a much wider range than traditional cameras. It can be used in outdoor scenarios like stadiums, squares, intersections or car parks. It can also be great for use indoors in scenarios like train stations, metro stations and airports. Another use would be in critical infrastructure, public buildings and even perimeter security.”

Installers will benefit from the easy installation of the camera, with its various installation types and accessories to facilitate a seamless integration.