IP Vs. Analog Security Camera Systems
Whether you want to prevent burglaries or keep an eye on your property while you’re away, investing in CCTV cameras is a great idea. Security cameras help you to deter crimes on your premises, as they record and display real-time footage. They also help you support insurance claims in the event of robberies or vandalism.
However, before you choose security cameras for your home or office, you need to consider your options and weigh their pros and cons. Currently, there are two security camera options available in the market. They are IP cameras and analog cameras, and each one has a unique set of advantages and drawbacks. To help you determine which one is best suited for your needs, the experts at Prep Security have compared both security cameras to make your choice easier.
1. IP cameras
Internet protocol or IP cameras are digital video cameras similar to webcams, which transmit and receive data over the internet. An IP security camera is a standalone device that has its own IP address. To transfer the footage it captures, all it needs is a connection to a network the way your laptop, printer, or tablet does.
The advantages of IP cameras
a. IP cameras provide more features. The fact that they are programmable allows developers greater capacity to provide advanced functionality through these devices.
b. IP cameras have more flexible installation options. Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows for a single cable to be run. Category cable (cat5e and cat6) are also smaller and easier to run than a coaxial cable. Additionally, the wire only needs to be run to any switch on the network, and so each camera does not have to go back to the same place.
c. IP cameras are easier to scale up as they are easy to program.
The disadvantages of IP cameras
a. IP cameras are very costly compared to other security cameras.
b. IP cameras require more service over the life of their installation.
2. Analog cameras
With analog cameras, the footage they capture is sent in the traditional baseband format through a coax or UTP cabling to a digital video recorder (DVR). The security video captured is stored on hard drives, but is still available over a network, as analog camera footage can be accessed over a LAN, a WAN, or internet connection.
The advantages of analog cameras
a. Analog cameras are less expensive than IP cameras. Also, today, HD over coax cameras can offer the same resolution as IP cameras, negating what used to be the main advantage of IP cameras. A lot of the advanced features that IP cameras could provide over analog cameras have also dwindled as DVRs have been able to offer some of those features.
b. The simplicity of analog systems often allows for an easier installation. Only one device, the DVR, needs to be networked, whereas with IP cameras, each one needs to be networked.
The disadvantages of analog cameras
a. Analog cameras are more challenging to install in large installation projects because they use coaxial cables and power cables.
Which security camera should you choose?
IP cameras are usually best for people with multiple network switches and buildings greater than 25,000 square feet. Analog cameras, on the other hand, are better suited for small installations where there is no IT person to manage them. If you plan to go with IP cameras, you also need to know that they will eat up more bandwidth than analog cameras.
If you are confused about which camera system is best suited for your needs, consult with a professional who is up to date with the latest technology. HD over coax technology has come a long way recently, and your security professional should be able to explain this to you, so that you can make an informed decision without regrets.
For a renowned professional in commercial and residential security system services in St. Charles, Missouri, reach out to Prep Security. We are a locally and veteran-owned security and communications integrator and are proud to help you with your security needs. Over the past decade, we have gained valuable experience and expertise in a wide range of security and communications areas, including HD security camera systems, alarms, access control, data/network cabling, and almost any low voltage solution. We stay abreast of the latest trends in the security market as we aim to deliver products and services that exceed your expectations and ensure your family and business are safe.
To learn more about our services, please click here. If you have questions about IP and analog security camera systems, click here to get in touch with us.