M961 Megapixel Micro IP Cameras with Starvis Imager
Description
Description
Megapixel Micro IP Cameras with STARVIS Imaging
The MAXSUR M961 Series is a compact square-body IP camera family for covert video, discreet facility surveillance, custom enclosures, interview-room upgrades, robotics, and professional network-video integrations where higher image quality and easier system integration matter.
Compact IP Cameras for Higher-Quality Covert Video
The M961 Series is larger than MAXSUR’s ultra-mini 22mm and 30mm covert cameras, but that added body size brings real advantages: cleaner IP integration, PoE power, higher resolution options, audio support on the 2MP model, stronger network features, and easier handling during custom builds.
Network-Ready Video
The M961 Series outputs IP video for use with compatible NVRs, VMS platforms, encoders, remote viewing systems, and professional security networks.
PoE Simplifies Installations
Power-over-Ethernet allows power and data to run over one cable, reducing wiring complexity in custom enclosures, facility systems, and discreet fixed-camera deployments.
STARVIS Low-Light Imaging
Sony STARVIS imaging helps the M961 Series capture more usable video in low-light, mixed-light, and high-contrast surveillance environments.
Where the M961 Series Fits Best
This is the camera family to consider when the installation can accept a 47.5mm square body and the customer wants a more capable IP camera than a tiny analog pinhole or ultra-mini body. It is a strong fit for clean custom integration rather than “smallest possible at all costs.”
Custom Enclosures
The square body is well suited for purpose-built boxes, fixtures, interview spaces, cabinets, and field housings where there is enough internal volume for a slightly larger camera.
NVR and VMS Workflows
ONVIF support, H.264/MJPEG streaming, IP networking, and PoE make the M961 Series easier to fold into professional network-video environments.
Higher-Detail Imaging
Choose 2MP for efficient 1080p video, or choose 5MP when the mission requires more pixels for wider scenes, digital review, or more detailed scene capture.
STARVIS Imaging for Difficult Surveillance Lighting
Many covert and discreet video deployments happen in places with imperfect light: dim rooms, backlit entrances, utility spaces, vehicle areas, hallways, field locations, and mixed indoor/outdoor scenes.
STARVIS imaging, electronic day/night operation, digital slow shutter, noise reduction, defog, and dynamic range processing all help the M961 Series produce more useful video when the lighting does not cooperate.
Mission Value
- Low-light support for covert and discreet monitoring
- Wide dynamic range processing for bright/dark transitions
- PoE and 12VDC power flexibility
- IP video for NVR and VMS integration
- Compact form factor for hidden and semi-hidden installs
Lens Options
Choose the lens configuration based on how the camera is mounted and what material sits between the camera and the scene. The micro lens is best for direct-view installs, while the conical pinhole lens is better for deeper concealments.
Micro Lens
The micro lens configuration is best when the camera has a clean line of sight through an opening, port, window, or enclosure face. It is the preferred choice for discreet fixed-view surveillance, interview rooms, robotics, and custom IP camera enclosures.
The standard 3.6mm lens gives a wide field of view for general situational awareness. Optional M12/S-Mount lenses may be considered when the deployment requires a different field of view.
Conical Pinhole Lens
The conical pinhole configuration is designed for custom concealments where the camera must view through a deeper substrate or thicker surface.
It is useful for boxes, cabinets, equipment housings, wall materials, fixtures, utility-style concealments, and other integrations where the lens needs to reach closer to the outer viewing surface.
2MP vs. 5MP: Which M961 Camera Should You Choose?
Choose 2MP for efficient 1080p IP video.
The 2MP M961 version is a strong fit for general network surveillance, discreet fixed views, interview-room support, and applications where 1080p resolution is sufficient. It also supports audio input, G.711 compression, and two-way audio communication features for suitable integrations.
Choose 5MP when detail is the priority.
The 5MP M961 version steps up to 2592 x 1944 QHD video at 30/25fps, with DOL-HDR and enhanced network security features. It is the better fit when the scene requires more pixels for review, wider-area capture, or increased detail.
Available M961 Configurations
Select the M961 variant by resolution and lens style. All listed configurations use IP network video output and the same compact 47.5mm square-body platform.
M961-2-ML-IP
M961-2-CP-IP
M961-5-ML-IP
M961-5-CP-IP
Need a different lens, cable length, connector, housing, recorder, network path, or concealment layout? Contact MAXSUR for special order and custom integration options.
Technical Highlights
M961 2MP Version
- 1/2.8" Progressive Scan STARVIS CMOS
- 1920 x 1080 at 30/25fps
- H.264 High/Main Profile and MJPEG
- Quad streaming capability
- 1CH audio input with G.711 compression
- ONVIF Profile S/T support
- PoE or 12VDC power
M961 5MP Version
- 1/2.8" Progressive Scan STARVIS CMOS
- 5.14MP QHD resolution
- 2592 x 1944 at 30/25fps
- DOL-HDR and wide dynamic range processing
- H.264 High/Main/Base Profile and MJPEG
- Multi-streaming support
- PoE or 12VDC power
Shared Platform
- 47.5mm x 47.5mm compact square body
- Approx. 112g item weight
- 3D DNR, DSS, BLC, DWDR, defog
- Motion detection and privacy masking
- Image flip and mirror options
- Network video output
- Black aluminum construction
Common Applications
Covert Video Systems
Use inside custom housings, fixtures, cabinets, displays, observation points, and hidden enclosures where IP video is preferred over analog.
Interview Room Upgrades
The compact square body and network video support make the M961 useful for discreet fixed-view cameras in interview, interrogation, and controlled recording spaces.
Facility Security
A strong fit for equipment rooms, storage spaces, sensitive access points, evidence areas, and restricted facilities where a smaller IP camera is desired.
Robotics & Inspection
The compact IP platform can support robotics, remote inspection, fixed payloads, and specialized systems where network video is useful.
Critical Infrastructure
Useful for telecom, utility, yard, equipment, and remote-site monitoring when compact network video and PoE are preferred.
OEM & Custom Builds
MAXSUR can support custom optics, housings, cable plans, network paths, power systems, and complete surveillance packages around the M961 platform.
Expert Advice: Hidden Benefits of Covert Video
More Than Just Being Hidden
Covert video can help preserve natural behavior, reduce tampering risk, support controlled investigations, and gather intelligence where overt cameras may change the scene.
Selection Tips
- Choose 2MP when efficient 1080p video is enough.
- Choose 5MP when the mission needs more detail.
- Use micro lens configurations for direct-view camera placements.
- Use conical pinhole configurations for deeper concealments.
- Use PoE when possible to simplify wiring and power.
- Confirm NVR/VMS compatibility and ONVIF settings during integration.
Special Order & Custom Configuration
MAXSUR can support custom M961 configurations for agency, OEM, and larger-volume programs. Lens style, wiring, cable length, connectors, housings, network infrastructure, power systems, recorders, and concealment-specific requirements can be configured around the mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the 2MP and 5MP versions?
The 2MP version provides efficient 1080p IP video and includes audio input features. The 5MP version provides higher QHD resolution for more detail, wider-area review, and applications where more pixels are valuable.
Is the M961 Series smaller than the M871 or M820 cameras?
No. The M961 Series uses a larger 47.5mm square body. Choose it when IP features, resolution, network integration, and handling are more important than achieving the smallest possible concealment.
Does the M961 Series support PoE?
Yes. The M961 Series supports Power-over-Ethernet and can also be powered by 12VDC depending on system design.
Can the M961 connect to an NVR or VMS?
Yes. The M961 Series supports IP network video and ONVIF Profile S/T integration. Compatibility should still be verified with the specific NVR, VMS, network, and required settings.
Can MAXSUR build this into a complete covert video system?
Yes. MAXSUR can pair M961 cameras with housings, recorders, networks, transmitters, power systems, concealments, and complete custom surveillance packages.
Need a Compact IP Camera for a Custom Covert Build?
MAXSUR can help match the M961 Series to your enclosure, lens requirement, NVR, VMS, network path, power system, or complete covert video project.
