The DCS-2530L is capable of capturing 1920x1080 at 30 fps which yields very good images and smooth motion. The super wide 180 degree field of view means placement of the camera is a non issue. When comparing this new camera to the DCS-2630L you will notice that the image quality is pretty much the same with two exceptions. First the new camera has very slight warping from the wide angle lens which can be seen in the pictures below if you look at the railing. Really this warping is very minimal and you have to look for it, unlike most 180 degree cameras. Second, the f2.5 lens on the DCS-2530L creates slightly darker images than the DCS-2630L’s F2.0. This can be seen in the images below, the area in the bottom right on the DCS-2530L is slightly darker but it is barely noticeable during the day. When you really notice the difference is when it gets darker. You will find the DCS-2530L will switch into night mode sooner even with the light sensitivity set to the lowest setting. This too can be seen in the pictures below.
IR Performance:
The DCS-2530L quotes a 16 foot IR range as did the DCS-2630L; but as you see in the images below the new camera does not seem to fair as well as the original. This could be partly due to the less efficient lens or due to the IR source itself. This new camera has two IR sources that are stronger vs. the original that had six. I think even though they are lower power they cast a slightly more even source of IR. With the DCS-2530L there is a little too much noise in this location to be effective for night vision. To be fair this room is larger than the quoted 16 foot range, the far wall is about 25 feet away. I did end up putting this in a smaller room just to check IR capability and it is quite good. In the picture below you can see my son's incredibly messy playroom which is about 13 foot by 13 foot. I think having the walls closer gives a little bit of reflection to help brighten the image. But in a smaller room you can pic up every detail including the Legos on the floor that drive me insane! Overall I think the older model has the slight advantage.
