R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turrets (5MP and 4K) Unboxing and Full Review - M5TZ & M8TZ

Introducing the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turrets!

These cameras have the form, function, and toughness of a varifocal vandal dome along with the amazing video quality and IR performance of a bullet camera. In that sense, they're a lot like our R-Series Fixed Lens Turrets (which you click here to read more about).

However, what sets these models apart from the pack is their awesome motorized varifocal lens. With these cameras, you aren't stuck at one focal length. Zoom all the way in for a closeup view to see lots of fine detail. Or zoom all the way out to enjoy a nice, wide angle field of view. The best part is you can switch back and forth at will with the motorized lens, all from the comfort of your own computer or mobile device.

These cameras have many other great features, which we'll explore throughout the rest of this blog post. But if you're already sold on them, click here to check out the product pages!

Check out the video below for a quick overview of this camera and its main features.


The Two Cameras and Their Features

The R-Series motorized varifocal turret camera currently comes in two models: a 5MP version and a 4K UltraHD version. Both cameras have slight variations in specs, but for the most part boast the same incredible features. High resolution. An awesome motorized zoom lens. Incredible IR performance. IP66 weatherproof. Flexible viewing options. And so much more. We have a lot to cover with these cameras, so let's jump right into it.

The beautiful motorized varifocal lens turret in our R-Series line of surveillance products

High Resolution

While these cameras are very attractive in form, that's not where the aesthetic ends. The image quality they produce is absolutely beautiful due to their high resolution. Whether you choose the crystal-clear 5MP camera or 4K Ultra HD version, you will be able to see everything in amazing detail, day or night, rain or shine, 24/7/365.

Crystal-Clear 5MP Motorized Varifocal Turret

These cameras shoot 5MP video (2592x1944 pixels) at 15 frames per second. While it may not be 4K, this is still an incredibly high resolution that gives this camera a super crisp and clear image. For a little context, a camera is considered Full High Definition at a resolution of 2MP (1080x1920 pixels). So this camera goes well above and beyond that.

If you're not happy with the choppiness of the 15 frames per second, you can lower the resolution from 5MP to 4MP. This will allow you to bump the frame rate up to 25fps. You can even get it up to 30fps if you drop the reolution at 2MP, or Full HD 1080p. It all depends on your preferences and the specific situation you have in mind for this camera.

A 5MP Screenshot from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret
A 5MP Screenshot from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret
A 5MP Screenshot Digitally Zoomed from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret
A 5MP Screenshot (Digitally Zoomed 4x) from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret

4K Ultra High Definition 8MP

This is the highest resolution that we offer in our R-Series surveillance line. With an ultra high definition resolution of 3840x2160 pixels, you will get some of the crispiest and clearest surveillance video out there. Even if you don't have a 4K display, you can take advantage of this beautiful resolution by digitally zooming in on your picture. You'll notice a much cleaner digital zoom with the 4K than with the 5MP. But wait, there's more! Unlike the 5MP version, this camera shoots at 30 frames per second no matter what resolution you choose. Enjoy buttery-smooth video at an ultra high definition resolution.

A 4K Screenshot from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret
A 4K Screenshot from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret
A 4K Screenshot (Digitally Zoomed 4x) from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret
A 4K Screenshot (Digitally Zoomed 4x) from the R-Series Motorized Varifocal Turret

Motorized Varifocal Lens

These turret cameras boast an incredible zoom lens. It gives you the flexibility to choose the perfect focal length and field of view for your subject. Plust it's motorized, giving you total control at your fingertips. Is your camera zoomed in too much or not enough? No problem. Simply pull out your phone or hop on your computer to adjust the lens on the fly. Depending on the resolution you choose, there are some variations here when it comes to exact specifications.

5MP Zoom Lens

We've already mentioned the obvious difference that 5MP camera has a lower resolution and frame rate than the 4K version. But in this area, the 5MP model actually has the advantage. Its lens ranges from 2.7mm on the wide end to 13.5mm on the narrow end. Zoomed all the way out at 2.7mm, it offers a super wide field of view of 116°. Zoomed all the way in at 13.5mm, the FOV narrows to 34°.

The 5MP Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed out
The 5MP Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed Out
The 5MP Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In
The 5MP Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In
The 5MP Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In (Digitally Zoomed 4x)
The 5MP Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In (Digitally Zoomed 4x)

4K Zoom Lens

While this camera takes the cake when it comes to resolution and frame rate, it offers a slightly lower zoome range and field of view than its 5MP counterpart. Its lens focal length stretches from 3.3 - 12mm. Zoomed all the way out at 3.3mm, you will get a 115° wide angle view; zoomed all the way in at 12mm, your FOV will tighten to 35°.

The 4K Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed Out
The 4K Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed Out
The 4K Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In
The 4K Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In
The 4K Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In (Digitally Zoomed 4x)
The 4K Varifocal Turret Optically Zoomed In (Digitally Zoomed 4x)

Infrared Performance

The IR performance on the R-Series motorized varifocal turret is incredible. Up to 130 feet on the 5MP and 165 feet on the 4K.

This is one of the best parts about a turret camera in general, and these R-Series motorized turrets specifically. If you've ever installed a glass vandalproof dome and experienced disappointment with your camera's night vision, consider trying out one of the R-Series motorized turrets. With no glass dome, you won't experience IR glare. Plus, with a long IR distance, you'll experience less limitations when it comes to range. So if night vision is really important to you, you may want to consider one of these cameras.

5MP Infrared Abilities

The 5MP motorized turret has a slightly shorter distance. But with an IR range of 130 feet, you probably won't even notice. This is a longer range than your average security camera, including the fixed lens cameras in our R-Series line.

5MP Day Shot
5MP Day Shot
5MP Night Shot
5MP Night Shot

4K Infrared Abilities

The 4K motorized turret has a whopping 165 foot IR range. This means, when you consider the high resolution and frame rate of this camera, you can capture some incredibly detailed and smooth video even in pitch black darkness.

8MP (4K) Day Shot
8MP (4K) Day Shot
8MP (4K) Night Shot
8MP (4K) Night Shot

Unboxing

Included in your camera's package you'll find everything you need to install your camera, which you can see in the image below.

The motorized varifocal turret unboxed
  1. Quick Start Guide
  2. Weatherproof Grommet
  3. The Camera
  4. Mounting hardware
  5. Mounting template

Let's take a closer look at the camera. As you can see, the turret comes apart into four different sections for easy installation: the camera, the base, the retaining collar, and the tightening ring. To take the turret apart, simply turn the tightening ring counter-clockwise to loosen and remove each piece.

The camera has two connections, as illustrated in the picture below: one for a 12v DC power supply (1) and one for an Cat5e Ethernet cable (2). If you use Power over Ethernet, which we recommend, you won't need to use the 12V DC hookup. Simply plug the camera into a PoE switch to connect it to power and to the network simultaneously.

The motorized turret comes apart into four pieces: the camera, the base, the retaining collar, and the tightening ring.
The motorized turret has two cable connections: one for a 12V DC hookup and one for an Ethernet cable.
The Motorized Varifocal Turret Taken Apart

Installation

As a part of our R-Series line of products, these motorized turrets are geared toward simplicity. You'll spend less time getting everything set up and more time enjoying your cameras. If you've never installed a security camera before, you'll have this camera up and running in no time at all. If you're a seasoned security camera installer, you'll be surprised at how easy this whole process really is.

Step One: Install the base
Step One: Install the base
Step Two: Install the Turret
Step Two: Install the Turret
Step Three: Secure the turret with the collar and ring
Step Three: Secure the turret with the collar and ring

Step One: The first step is to mount the base at the installation site. You can use the included mounting template for assistance when drilling the holes. Be careful with this step! If you're going to be running the cable out the side of the camera, don't secure the base too tightly. If you tighten the base all the way into the ceiling, you won't be able to get the cable through the hole. If you're running cables through the ceiling instead, then you don't have anything to worry about during this step.

Step Two: Once you have your base installed, go ahead and positon your turret. Run the cable through the hole and tighten the base. Position the camera by rotating it in the base socket.

Step Three: Finally, secure the camera in place with the retaining collar and tightening ring. Rotate the ring clockwise to secure the camera into the base. Congrats! Your camera is installed and ready to go.

Accessing Your Camera

But the elegant simplicity doesn't stop with the physical installation. These cameras are insanely easy to access once they're installed and connected to the network. With our R-Series flexible viewing options, you can access your camera's video instantly with an R-Series recorder. With its ONVIF compatibility, you can also easily set up this camera with a third party NVR. Finally, if you'd like to use these as standalone cameras, you can do that with the mobile and desktop applications.

Plug and Play for Instant Video

These cameras are designed to work best with our R-Series recorders. All you have to do to get instant video is plug these into the PoE switch on the back of your NVR. No need to mess with configuration tools, IP addresses, or even usernames and passwords. Plug it in, wait for it to boot up, and instantly have access to your camera right from your NVR.

Access video from your R-Series varifocal turrets instantly via plug and play with any R-Series recorder.
Access video from your R-Series varifocal turret instantly via plug and play with any R-Series recorder.

ONVIF Protocol for Third Party Compatibility

If this is your first surveillance system, we highly recommend using these cameras with an R-Series recorder for the best possible experience. However, if you already have a recorder from another brand, don't worry. As long as it's ONVIF compatible, you can still add these cameras to your current security system. It's not as simple as Plug and Play, but it's still pretty simple using the ONVIF protocol. In the image below, you can see all the settings that I used to set one of these cameras up on one of our H-Series recorders.

The R-Series varifocal turrets are ONVIF compatible, allowing you to use this with any third party NVR, as long as it's ONVIF compliant.
These R-Series varifocal turrets are ONVIF compatible, allowing you to use them with third party NVRs.

Mobile and Desktop Remote Access

If you'd like to use these varifocal turrets as standalone security cameras, you can do that, too. To get the camera feeds and motion event notifications on your cell phone, all it takes is scanning the QR code on the camera. You can also easily log into the computer software to view and manage your camera's feeds and settings. Click here to read our blog post about this, or check out the video below for more info.

Accessing your R-Series varifocal turrets remotely is easy as pie with the mobile and desktop apps
Accessing your R-Series varifocal turrets remotely is easy as pie with the mobile and desktop apps
Access your R-Series motorized turret from your computer using the easy and free CamViewer software

Final Thoughts

That's everything you need to know about our awesome R-Series varifocal turret cameras! Is this the perfect camera for you? If you still need some convincing, check out the sample video below. Then, when you're ready, click the links underneath to view and purchase your cameras today.

Sample Video

5MP Varifocal Turret

4K Varifocal Turret