INTRODUCTION

   There are several reasons behind why people turn towards surveillance cameras lately the most important of which is keeping an eye for intruders, safeguarding the car, watching over the kids and in some cases even checking to see if their other half is being faithful. However although IP cameras can be used for most of the above usages there are a couple that require a more special and discreet touch. Unfortunately there aren't that many manufacturers out there that offer good quality tiny cameras with acceptable image quality and an assortment of features that can be used strictly for surveillance purposes. Zetta is one of those manufacturers and today we will be taking a thorough look of their latest HD Security Camcorder the Z15.

   Zetta is founded by a group of research engineers specializing in areas from large-scale system integration to embedded system engineering, through the use of advanced digital, wireless and multimedia signal processing technologies. Zetta’s business strategy is to design, develop, manufacture and market electronic products and systems in exceptional quality but yet at affordable low prices. The ultimate objective is to use necessary and minimum materials to create truly great electronic products. We want to enable people over the world to readily experience the happiness and satisfaction of using our products. We are committed to successfully bringing our digital video recorder, DVR, to the world by inheriting the mentality that stresses diligence and teamwork, with the passion for making products and the premium placed on customer service.

   A while back we had the Z12 Intelligent Security Camcorder model on our test bench and although we did like it's small size, battery life, features and all the available settings we could adjust from the Zetta Widget control software in the end it's average recording quality (VGA, 640x480) failed to impress us. This is where the Z15 model comes in since this time over Zetta used new HD lens capable of recording at 1280x720 pixels (720p) and paired them with a better sensor (1.3V/lux-sec) and a higher capacity Lithium-Ion Battery (1200mAh). The second best thing about the Z15 is that it's not really any larger than the Z12 model so it can also be placed pretty much everywhere making it the perfect tool for surveillance use. Or at least that's was our very first thought when we took it out of the package so let's see if our original assessment was correct.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

The Z15 arrived inside a very small green/white box with a product picture at the front, the company logo and the two main features of the unit.

4 possible usages for the Z15 are placed on the left side.

Contact and warranty information is placed on the right side right above the product barcode.

You can see the main product features and its system requirements at the rear.

Once you open the box you will see the official Zetta support URLs and a list of the bundle contents.

The bundle is not really impressive so aside the Z15 you will get a mini-USB cable, AC power charger and the user's manual in two languages.

THE Z15

The Z15 is painted black matte and measures 88mm in length, 43mm in width and 19mm in height and has a weight of 57g.

We placed the Z15 right next to the Z12 to show that they are almost identical in size.

The lens used may offer HD quality this time over but their extremely small size will most certainly affect image quality.

The mini-USB port is placed on the right side while on the exact opposite we see the microSD port, the on/off button and the mode selection switch.

At the bottom we see a large sticker with the company logo and URL, several certification and warning icons and a warning regarding the product warranty.

Right next to that sticker we see the microphone and the upgrade and reset buttons.

SETTINGS - SOFTWARE

Before anything else you should head over to the official Zetta support page to download both the latest firmware and software versions.

Once again the Zetta Widget allows you to do a plethora of things such as setting the time of the Z15 or syncing it with your PC, choosing the mode you want to use out of 6 pre-configured ones, adjusting a variety of settings (resolution, video quality, frame rate etc.) for the custom mode, enabling/disabling the microphone and finally set the various recording triggers (we suggest using the voice trigger sensitivity to low if you plan on using it since at high even the slightest sound will start recording).

AUDIO/VIDEO/PICTURE QUALITY

   Just like with the Z12 we decided to use the Z15 while on vacations and to do so we attached it on the dashboard of the car with a 3M adhesive sticker (easiest way to mount the Z12/Z15 models) instead of using a full sized suction base. Once again to check the battery life of the unit not only did we record the entire way there (almost 120 minutes) but we even recorded several places there and the entire way back without having to recharge the Z15 (Zetta claims it can be used for a full 10 hours). From the entire trip we chose three different clips to showcase the image quality of the Z15 both in low light situations and while on broad daylight. To download the clips you just need to click on the images bellow.

TUNNEL

DAY

DAY CLOUDY

CONCLUSION

   Zetta may have used better lens along with a more solid sensor with the Z15 but it still can't be used for much more than just surveillance. True if you want a cost-effective alternative to an action camera or if you just want something really small to record personal moments the Z15 can fill that role as well but overall image quality although a lot better compared to that of the Z12 is still not really impressive. However just like with the Z12 we need to take into account that the Z15 HD Security Camcorder is not an device ment to replace a normal full sized camcorder or an action camera for that matter so at the end of the day its image quality along with the plethora of features/settings make the Z15 one of the best and easiest to use portable surveillance cameras around currently.

   The Zetta Z15 HD Security Camcorder currently retails at around USD130 inside the USA and for 145Euros inside the EU (SpyCameraCCTV) and this is perhaps its only drawback although since it's quite new its price should drop considerably after a while. Regardless of the price however Zetta seems to be on the right path so i can't wait to see what they can do with 1080p capable lens. Long story short if you want good image quality (for a small spy camera) paired with very good battery life and motion, audio and vibration triggered recording then the Z15 HD Security Camcorder by Zetta is well worth the extra cash and that's why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Size/Weight
- 720p Recording (Good Image Quality For The Size)
- Motion/Audio/Vibration Trigger Recording
- 3 Easy To Used Modes (From External Switch)
- Battery Life (10 Hours Of Recording/90 Days Standby)
- Zetta Widget Software

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Audio Recording Quality (96kbps)