Technicians use /axis-cgi/mjpg/video.cgi to quickly verify camera focus, angle, and lighting without specialized software.
Bandwidth = Resolution width × height × bits per pixel (JPEG) × fps
For 640×480 at 15fps with average JPEG size 15KB:
640 × 480 = 307,200 pixels
JPEG size = 15 KB = 120 Kb
120 Kb × 15 fps = 1,800 Kbps ≈ 1.8 Mbps
| Resolution | JPEG Quality | FPS | Approx CPU (Axis P1346) | |------------|--------------|-----|-------------------------| | 320×240 | 30 | 30 | 8-12% | | 640×480 | 30 | 30 | 15-20% | | 1280×720 | 30 | 30 | 35-45% | | 1920×1080 | 30 | 15 | 50-60% |
Note: Newer Axis models with dedicated ISP handle MJPEG with <10% CPU even at 4K. axis cgi mjpg
The primary endpoint is:
http://<camera-ip>/axis-cgi/mjpg/video.cgi
The axis cgi mjpg combination is a testament to Axis’ long-standing commitment to openness and interoperability. While it is no longer the flagship streaming method, its simplicity, low-latency, and direct browser support ensure it survives in niche applications—from DIY security projects to industrial automation.
For new projects, consider using RTSP or the newer Axis VAPIX® HTTP API, which offers H.264 streaming with similarly simple CGI commands (e.g., /axis-cgi/stream/video.cgi). But if you need a quick, reliable, and universally compatible video stream from an older or embedded Axis camera, the classic mjpg/video.cgi endpoint remains an unbeatable tool.
Key Takeaway: Master the Axis CGI syntax, respect the security boundaries, and you can integrate Axis cameras into almost any application that speaks HTTP. Technicians use /axis-cgi/mjpg/video
Have questions about integrating Axis cameras using MJPG? Leave a comment below or contact your Axis Certified Professional.
The magic happens when you combine Axis CGI commands to request an MJPG stream. The most common endpoints are:
import requestsurl = "http://192.168.1.100/axis-cgi/mjpg/video.cgi?resolution=640x480" auth = ("username", "password") response = requests.get(url, auth=auth, stream=True)
boundary = None for line in response.iter_lines(decode_unicode=False): if b"--myboundary" in line: boundary = line continue # Parse each JPEG part (simplified - real code needs content-length parsing)Bandwidth = Resolution width × height × bits
Better: Use mjpeg-client libraries or implement multipart parser.
The Axis /axis-cgi/mjpg/video.cgi interface remains a robust, simple, and widely supported method for obtaining video streams. While less efficient than modern codecs, its frame independence, low latency, and trivial decoding make it ideal for specific use cases. Understanding its parameters, performance characteristics, and security implications is essential for system integrators and developers working with Axis network cameras.