Ajax Systems is one of the leading forces in the security industry. The company offers integrated solutions that are easy to install, user-friendly and comprehensive. Today, our Ajax NVR Review will focus on one of the innovative products in their lineup.
The Ajax NVR takes security video surveillance to a new level with its advanced features and seamless integration capabilities. It is available in 8-channel and 16-channel versions to meet residential and commercial needs. Aside from that, this product is flexible and compatible with a broad range of camera systems.
Our Ajax NVR Review will provide comprehensive information about its features, functions, and performance. These details will help determine if this product will meet your surveillance needs.
Ajax NVR Packaging
Ajax NVR Review – Design and Functionality
The Ajax NVR has a compact, square build with curved corners. It has a fanless design for noise-free operation.
This versatile product allows third-party IP cameras to work with the Ajax video management software. It is more flexible than other surveillance systems, making it a valuable addition to your security system. We also found camera installation easy and convenient when we tested it for our Ajax NVR Review.
The Ajax NVR seamlessly operates since it uses Ajax Cloud to transmit system events. Plus, it integrates the proprietary JetSparrow technology for fast video data transmission.
The Ajax NVR supports up to 16TB hard drives, providing ample storage space for surveillance recordings. You can monitor the drive status via the Ajax app and receive notifications if there are issues.
Ajax offers a proactive approach to HDD management, ensuring uninterrupted recording. It also preserves critical footage for investigations.
Ajax Surveillance Cameras
Ajax Systems ensured the development of new surveillance cameras with excellent design and functions. The company offers three form factors: the TurretCam, DomeCam Mini, and BulletCam. Our review will feature the TurretCam and DomeCam Mini.
Each camera has several variants with different optics to meet specific needs and use cases. They are suitable for indoor and outdoor use and have infrared illumination for night operation.
The best thing about the cameras is they are easy to integrate into the App and the whole Ajax ecosystem, as a QR code is provided for convenient app configuration.
Ajax TurretCam
The TurretCam is an IP camera with a built-in infrared backlight and object recognition function. It offers users a convenient way to view archived and live videos via the Ajax app. You can install a microSD card or connect it to the Ajax NVR.
Its advanced features and superior performance make it one of the top choices for residential and commercial security.
Resolutions and Focal Length
The TurretCam has four variants with different resolutions and focal lengths. Our review features the 8MP/4mm and 8MP/2.8mm variants.
These 8MP cameras can capture footage at 4K, producing high-quality videos. The one with a 4mm focal length offers wide-angle viewing, making it suitable for monitoring from a distance. It also provides 105° viewing angles and is ideal for parking lots, warehouses, and other open areas.
On the other hand, the camera with a 2.8mm focal length offers a narrow-angle viewing. Its shorter focal length works best in smaller spaces like backyards and cafes. Also, it provides 85° viewing angles.
Ajax TurretCam Design
The TurretCam has a distinctive turret-style design featuring a cylindrical base and a rotatable, dome-like camera head. Unlike fully-encased dome cameras, the TurretCam has a more exposed head, allowing easy tilting and rotating to capture different angles. This design offers a sleek, futuristic look, often associated with modern surveillance systems.
The rotatable camera head features a lens encircled by the IR backlight that allows recording videos in low-light conditions. The IR backlight also has a faceted lens covering the infrared LEDs and diffusing the rays.
Aside from the camera lens, you will find the microphone along the IR backlight.
The holes for attaching the camera to the surface are underneath the cylindrical base. You will also find a microSD card slot, reset button, cable connector, and the QR code with the device ID. The latter is for adding the TurretCam to your security system via the Ajax app.
AI-Powered Object Recognition
The TurretCam uses artificial intelligence to recognise objects. Its intelligent algorithms can identify moving objects and differentiate humans, animals, and vehicles.
IR Backlight
The intelligent IR backlight of the TurretCam allows capturing high-quality images, even in dark or low-light conditions. The TurretCam automatically adjusts the backlight intensity while operating to prevent overexposure. As a result, videos have excellent clarity, and objects from a distance are visible.
The IR illumination of the TurretCam can reach up to 35mm, thanks to the unique optical system Ajax developed.
IP65 Protection
The TurretCam has an IP65 protection rating, guaranteeing it is durable for outdoor use. Its robust metal enclosure ensures safety from dust, water and harsh weather conditions.
NDAA-Compliant for Data Security
All system data is safe and secure within the European Union. Ajax Systems is also completely compliant with European data protection standards.
This camera is NDAA-compliant, which means all components are from US government-approved manufacturers. It is also versatile, allowing you to install it in any location.
The TurrentCam has undergone multiple independent cybersecurity tests to guarantee safety and reliability.
Simultaneous Monitoring With Customisable Video Wall
The Ajax app offers a convenient and streamlined interface for integrating all your visual data. You can see the latest snippets from your IP cameras via the Video Wall tab for a comprehensive view. Also, you can rearrange the tiles to your preference for convenient viewing.
Convenient Archive Search
You can conveniently access your archive by clicking on an event in the notification log. It will instantly lead you to the precise camera recording at the timestamp. You can also use the calendar view to pick an exact date to view recordings.
This feature saves time and eliminates the need to scan endless recordings or wait hours to find a specific event. The Ajax app offers a smooth and fast experience while streamlining your surveillance.
Ajax DomeCam Mini
The DomeCam Mini is a compact and versatile wired IP camera designed with the highest security standards. Like the TurretCam, it is NDAA-compliant to guarantee your privacy and data security.
Ajax DomeCam Mini Design
The DomeCam Mini is a low-profile IP camera with a dome-shaped design, making it ideal for a discreet security system. It is compact and minimalist to blend into the environment seamlessly.
Its metal enclosure has an IP65 protection rating, which means it can withstand dust, water, and harsh weather conditions. This camera is also available in white or black, matching the modern design philosophy of Ajax Systems. With its minimalist aesthetic, the camera is ideal for residential and commercial settings.
The centre houses the camera lens visible through the tinted dome cover. Removing the enclosure reveals its lens, positioned to capture a wide-angle view. You will also find the IR backlight that captures videos under low-light conditions.
Removing the second enclosure reveals the lens and the microSD card slot. It requires the class 30 microSD card since it offers the necessary speed for the DomeCam Mini to record videos.
Resolutions and Focal Length
Like the TurretCam, the DomeCam Mini has four variants with different resolutions and focal lengths. The models for this review are the 5MP/2.8mm and 5MP/4mm versions. 5MP can capture videos with up to 2880 × 1620 px resolution whilst the 8MP can capture up to 3840 × 2160 px resolution.
The 5MP camera resolution captures lower-quality videos than 8MP, but it is ideal for saving storage space. Higher resolution means more storage consumption, so 5MP is the best option when cutting costs or conserving storage.
Up to 15m Advanced IR Illumination
Ajax Systems developed a unique optical system that allows the DomeCam Mini to illuminate near and far zones evenly. While the TurretCam can provide up to 35mm IR illumination, the DomeCam Mini can illuminate up to 15m. Despite the reduced distance, it can capture clear night-time photos and videos.
Intelligence and Privacy
The intuitive interface and advanced streaming technology for the Ajax surveillance system let you enjoy smooth and fast navigation. You can control your camera stream with customisable privacy settings for each system user.
Since the DomeCam MIni is NDAA-compliant, it keeps all your data safe and secure. This camera also uses advanced software and AI to deliver high-quality images.
Crafted Lenses for All Spaces
As we mentioned, the DomeCam Mini has multiple variants with different lens options. Ajax Systems ensures everyone’s specific needs for indoor and outdoor spaces. You can find the ideal surveillance cameras for compact areas like corridors or broad outdoor spaces outside your property.
AI-powered Recognition
The DomeCam Mini uses AI to precisely recognise objects and efficiently record events to reduce storage consumption. With AI, the DomeCam Mini will only record significant events when it detects moving humans, animals, vehicles, and other objects.
You can customise the camera settings for efficient storage use and minimised load. One of the things you can adjust is its sensitivity levels to prevent false alarms from pets and minor motions.
AI Recognition with customisable features makes searching for events quick and easy since the camera will not record irrelevant events.
Integrated Motion Detection and Pixel Movement Detection
You can set the specific zones that the DomeCam Mini will detect. This feature ensures that recordings are triggered only when movement occurs within these designated areas, conserving storage space and simplifying archive storage by avoiding continuous 24/7 recording.
Key Features of the Ajax NVR
What makes this product better than other network video recorders? Our Ajax NVR Review will discuss its primary features to answer this question.
Customisable Videowall for Simultaneous Monitoring
Ajax makes integrating visual data in a single streamlined interface easy and convenient. With the Videowall tab, you can combine the latest snippets from IP cameras and MotionCam detectors.
This feature provides a complete view of your space. You can rearrange tiles and monitor your space via desktop and mobile apps.
Smooth Archive Search
The Ajax NVR lets you effortlessly access your archive. Clicking on an event in the notification log instantly directs you to the camera recording at the timestamp. Its advanced features make everything one click away.
Fast Encrypted Data Transfer
Ajax JetSparrow is the foundation of Ajax Video, the proprietary technology responsible for video storage, management, and transmission. It allows the NVR to deliver an ultra-fast VMS experience and streamlines navigating the local HDD archive. Plus, it makes browsing the archive efficient while the live view initiates without delays.
When we tested the product for this Ajax NVR Review, we noticed its smooth performance and efficiency. We enjoyed these features since they made surveillance and monitoring more convenient.
Synchronised Notifications
The system notifications in the Ajax app allow easy navigation to a specific camera to view an incident. This app is a comprehensive interface for security and video surveillance.
High-quality Alarm Check
You can set up a scenario for Ajax detectors to activate specific cameras and start video recording. Configuring video settings allows you to receive high-resolution visual alarm confirmations.
Built-in Motion Detection
Setting up the pixel movement detection lets you optimise your video archive. Define the trigger zones to ensure the cameras initiate recordings when they detect movement in the area. Customising these settings saves HDD space while simplifying archive navigation.
Improved Archive Security
All visual information saved on the drive is in a unique format you can access only via the Ajax NVR. Plus, you can only access it with your credentials. The drive is behind the SmartBracket, which notifies you when opened.
The system constantly checks the HDD status. It sends notifications to the Ajax app if the disk overheats or has low storage space.
Restricted Access to Visual Data
The Privacy tab lets trusted accounts control user access to specific photos and video streams. You can set who can view, save, and manage content.
Strengthened Account Security
The Ajax app provides access to video streams, which are secure with passwords or biometrics. It also has two-factor authentication and session control.
End User-controlled System
Only the end user can control the Ajax NVR to prevent unwanted access. Other people can only view the video stream in the system with permission from the administrator.
High Performance and Integrity
One of the things we noticed while testing the product for his Ajax NVR Review is its outstanding performance. Its unique combination of technologies sets it apart from the competition. We love its broad compatibility, easy integration with most IP cameras, and the combination of automation and intrusion prevention.
The Ajax NVR is a comprehensive security solution trusted by users worldwide.
Hands-on with the Ajax NVR
Before we discuss the product performance, our Ajax NVR Review will focus on the installation process.
Setting it up is straightforward, thanks to the intuitive and user-friendly interface of the Ajax app. We enrolled the NVR in the app using the QR code, making integration with the Ajax ecosystem seamless. After naming the device and confirming the enrollment, we successfully added the Ajax NVR to our account.
Although it does not have built-in PoE ports, you can use external PoE switches to connect cameras seamlessly.
Adding cameras was also quick and convenient, thanks to its compatibility with the PTSP and Onvif protocol. This feature allowed us to integrate cameras from different manufacturers in a single ecosystem without experiencing any issues.
Adding a camera involves a few simple steps. First, we connected the camera to the same network as the Ajax NVR. Using the Ajax app, we navigated the Cameras section and followed the prompts to make it detect nearby cameras.
Once spotted and added to the NVR, we accessed the camera settings and configured its parameters based on our needs.
Ajax Application and NVR Performance
The Ajax app offers a robust suite of controls over camera settings, allowing for precise customization of video quality to meet specific needs. During our tests, we were able to fine-tune key parameters such as brightness, contrast, sharpness, and color saturation with ease.
This level of control enabled us to optimize the camera output for various lighting conditions and environments, ensuring the footage captured was clear and detailed, regardless of the scenario.
One standout feature we particularly appreciated was the ability to remotely adjust the camera focus directly from the Ajax app. This made it simple to fine-tune the focus and ensure the highest level of clarity for both live streams and recorded footage, all without needing to physically interact with the camera.
This functionality is especially useful for maintaining optimal image quality across different areas of a monitored property.
In terms of performance, the Ajax NVR exceeded expectations during our tests. Its seamless integration with third-party cameras, thanks to its compatibility with PTSP and Onvif protocols, made it a versatile solution that worked effortlessly with cameras from multiple manufacturers.
We encountered no issues during the setup or operation, and switching between cameras and viewing live streams was smooth and responsive.
Moreover, security was a top priority with the Ajax NVR. The system offered secure access for authorized users, with built-in features like two-factor authentication and encrypted data transfer ensuring that all video streams and recordings were kept private and protected.
This high level of security, combined with the NVR’s reliable performance and user-friendly interface, made it a standout choice for managing a comprehensive video surveillance system.
Performance of the Ajax Security Cameras
Before testing the TurretCam, we set it up via the Ajax app. We were impressed with the simplified process. Connecting it to the Ajax NVR was convenient, seamless, and hassle-free.
This camera provided a broad field of view and covered large areas. It captured a wide-angled video without extra security cameras.
During operation, the TurretCam had low latency. It was excellent for instant live feed viewing since the TurrentCam worked fast and was highly responsive. These aspects are crucial in critical situations, making it easy to recommend to anyone who needs a reliable security system.
Aside from the responsiveness and speed, the TurretCam efficiently detected humans, objects, and motion. It worked perfectly and did not send unnecessary alarms and notifications.
With photos and videos, we were impressed with the quality delivered by the TurretCam. Photos and videos were high-quality, with excellent detail and clarity under adequate lighting. Of course, the quality under low-light and no-light conditions lowered, but essential details were still clear and visible.
Thanks to its 4K quality, the TurretCam with the 4mm focal length could capture detailed images. Plate numbers were readable even from a 25m distance.
Like the TurretCam, adding the DomeCam Mini to the Ajax App was also quick and hassle-free. The secure screw cameras design further simplifies installation, eliminating the need for disassembling parts. Ajax Systems has streamlined the process for professional installers, ensuring a secure setup.
Setting up the DomeCam Mini via the app was also seamless. Scanning the QR code on the camera instantly links it to the app, and customising its settings was a breeze.
Although this camera we reviewed had a lower resolution than the TurretCam, it recorded high-definition videos, exceeding our expectations. The photos and videos were detailed and crisp, allowing us to distinguish faces and small objects.
The wide-angle lens captured a broad field of view, making the DomeCam Mini excellent for covering large areas. Thanks to its coverage, installing multiple cameras in small rooms was unnecessary.
The images and videos had superior quality during the day. Although its resolution is lower than our TurretCam models, the DomeCam Mini captured crisp details and vibrant colours.
The IR LEDs illuminated the area adequately, allowing the DomeCam Mini to take high-quality photos and videos. Despite the darkness of the surroundings, the footage provided a clear view with high visibility.
We recommend the night vision of the DomeCam Mini for indoor spaces since its IR LEDs illuminate a shorter distance.
Like the TurretCam, motion detection was accurate and reliable on this camera. It detected movements within its field of view. Also, the DomeCam Mini only recorded when it spotted humans and objects in the zones we selected in the app.
Ajax NVR Review Summary
The Ajax NVR is a versatile and powerful addition to any security system, offering seamless integration with third-party IP cameras and Ajax’s proprietary technology. Its fanless, compact design ensures silent operation, while its flexibility in supporting up to 16TB of storage makes it ideal for both residential and commercial use.
The Ajax NVR excels in performance, providing fast and encrypted data transfer via Ajax’s JetSparrow technology. This ensures smooth video streaming, efficient archive navigation, and real-time surveillance. With advanced features like customisable video walls, motion detection, and pixel movement detection, users can optimise surveillance while conserving storage space.
Paired with Ajax’s TurretCam and DomeCam Mini, the NVR offers comprehensive coverage, sharp image quality, and AI-powered object recognition, making it suitable for various environments. The cameras’ easy installation and NDAA-compliant security ensure reliability and privacy for all users.
The Ajax NVR is a high-performance, user-friendly solution that stands out in the security market. With its broad compatibility, advanced features, and solid build, it is a trusted choice for anyone looking to enhance their surveillance system.
