Inset lens vs level lens

[Kamalas]

Sorry for the title as I am at a loss with the terms to explain it.

I am looking at what seem like identical cameras. I notice that one over the other has a slightly different looking lens. One has the lens glass inset while the other appears level with the cover.

What advantage, if any, does one have over the other?


image: http://g01.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1T7mELXXXXXcrXXXXq6xXFXXXj/IPC-2MP-IP-Camera-Module-1-2-8-CMOS-IMX322-Hi3516-With-Auto-Iris-Motorized-2.jpg
product: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/IPC-2MP-IP-Camera-Module-1-2-8-CMOS-IMX322-Hi3516-With-Auto-Iris-Motorized-2/32581628117.html


image: http://g02.a.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1Gm_RIVXXXXaqXXXXq6xXFXXXK/2-0MP-1080P-IP-Camera-Main-board-module-CCTV-chipboard-Network-Camera-with-2-8-12mm.jpg
product: http://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/b676qsAM


Related thread:
https://www.ipcamtalk.com/showthread.php/1812-Review-TOP-201-Super-Mini-720P-HD-IP-Cam-(The-Cheapest-IP-Cam-So-Far-

 

[nayr]

being inset helps reduce lens flare and fogging seen when a light hits at an extreme side angle.. usually more of a problem outdoors with the sun as its always moving until it finds that right season and time of day to cause it.. inside with all your lighting in fixed locations its easier to avoid.

I experience the problem on my south camera this time of year with the sun so low in the sky, is low enough the provided shade is no longer functional and when it hits from the side I see a foggy halo for a short time until it moves out of the way.. its a bullet so only has the shade on the top, if it was recessed it would likely never be seen.

 

[iqulix]

If I understand correctly, you're describing the zoom lens, and both cameras appear to have similar, if not the same, 2.8-12mm zoom lens.

Zoom lenses are similar to varifocal lenses except they're electronic rather than manual. The pictures linked were taken with the lens at different focal lengths or "zoom" levels. In a zoom lens, the lens can move either further from or nearer to the image sensor for different focal lengths. The further away the lens is from the image sensor the wider the view, and the nearer the lens the closer the view. So, the first picture with the lens all the way forward (or "level" as you described) is the lens at its widest setting (2.8mm), the other picture with the lens recessed all the way back (closer to the images sensor) is the lens zoomed all the way in (12mm).