The differences in both camera technologies and method of video transmission are critical to developing a well planned CCTV solution.
Analog….?
An analog surveillance camera starts with a CCD sensor and then digitizes the image for processing. It is then converted back to analog so it can be received by an analog device, such as a video monitor or recorder. Unlike an IP camera, analog cameras have no built-in web servers or encoders and require no technical maintenance. These functions are implemented in the recording and/or control equipment. Installing analog cameras coupled with DVRs is still the most cost-effective approach for most security application.
Ok, what is an IP Camera?
IP cameras combine the capabilities of a camera with some PC functionality, do not require a direct connection to a PC to operate, and can be placed anywhere within a network. Just like any other PC on the network, an IP camera is a “network appliance”.It has its own IP address, connects directly to a wired or wireless network and requires maintenance. The cost of IP cameras and components is rapidly declining, making IP systems more and more affordable and desirable
So which is best for me?
The best analog surveillance camera still don’t compare to the worst IP camera when it comes to the image resolution captured. IP cameras capture a much wider field of view than comparable analog cameras, meaning a single IP camera is potentially able to do the job of multiple of analog cams.
A couple of IP camera features
- Video Analytics: This means you can set your network to flag “events” that occur in the cameras’ field of vision. This includes motion detection, missing objects or tampering with the camera itself.Your network can tell you exactly where & when these events occurred.
- Flexibility and Scalability: With an analog DVR set-up, each camera must be connected directly to the DVR. IP cameras can circumvent this through the use of switches. This allows cameras in close proximity to each other to be connected to a single switch, which then runs a single wire to the NVR (Network Video Recorder). This reduces the amount of cabling runs, which makes it ultimately less labor intensive, and also allows you to connect more cameras because you’re no longer limited by the number of ports on your DVR. On top of that, using a PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch allows your Cat 5e or Cat 6 cable to run the signal AND provide power to your camera, eliminating the need for a separate power supply.