CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) and IP (Internet Protocol) cameras are two types of surveillance cameras that are widely used in various settings. CCTV cameras transmit analog signals to a limited set of monitors, making them a closed circuit. People commonly use them for security purposes in businesses, public areas, and homes. In contrast, IP cameras use digital signals and people can connect them to a network. This makes them more flexible and accessible from remote locations, as long as there is an internet connection. Moreover, IP cameras do not require a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) as they can store footage on a Network Video Recorder (NVR) or a secure cloud storage.
In contrast, CCTV cameras require a DVR to store footage. While CCTV cameras have been around for a longer time, IP cameras have gained popularity in recent years due to their advanced features, such as higher resolution, remote access, and motion detection. Ultimately, the specific needs of the user and the setting in which they will install the cameras determine the choice between CCTV and IP cameras.
CCTV CAMERAS (ANALOG CAMERA)
CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) cameras are surveillance cameras use analog signals and DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) record activities in a particular area. People use them for security purposes in various settings such as homes, businesses, public places, and government facilities.
You can connect CCTV cameras to a monitoring system to allow live viewing and recording of the footage. You can also connect them to a network to allow remote access and control of the cameras. Modern CCTV cameras often come with advanced features such as motion detection, night vision, and facial recognition.
The main components of a CCTV system include cameras, a recording device (such as a digital video recorder), and a monitor or display for viewing the footage.The cameras capture images and video of the monitored area and then transmit them to the recording device for storage. You can access and view the footage later for investigative or security purposes.
People can install CCTV cameras in various locations such as entrances and exits, parking lots, hallways, and outdoor areas to deter crime, monitor activity, and provide evidence in case of an incident. They also use them for traffic monitoring, crowd control, and public safety.
IP CAMERA (DIGITAL CAMERA)
IP (Internet Protocol) cameras are a type of digital surveillance camera that uses the internet to transmit data and images. People also refer to them as network cameras and often use them in security systems for homes, businesses, and public spaces.
Unlike analog cameras that require a separate cable for power and video transmission, IP cameras only require a single Ethernet cable to transmit data and power. They can transmit high-quality video and images and allow remote access and control over the internet.
IP cameras capture and encode video footage, and then transmit it over the internet to a network video recorder (NVR) or a video management system (VMS). You can access them through a web browser or a dedicated app, allowing you to monitor the footage in real-time or view recordings.
IP cameras offer several advantages over analog cameras, including higher resolution, wider viewing angles, and the ability to zoom in on specific areas without losing quality. They also enable more flexible placement since you can install them in areas where it is difficult to run cables.
You can also integrate IP cameras with other security systems like access control and alarm systems. Additionally, you can use them for advanced features such as facial recognition, license plate recognition, and people counting.
COMPARISON
| Features | IP Camera | CCTV Camera |
| Signal Type | Digital | Analog |
| Clarity of Video | 4K | 1080p |
| Audio | Over Poe | Over cable |
| Recording | NVR | DVR |
| Wiring | Ethernet cable | Coaxial cable |
| Camera Pricing | High compared to CCTV Camera | Cheap compared to IP Camera |
| Advanced Features – AI | Motion detection, Facial recognition, Color | color |
| Video Processing | Digital | Analog |
| Compatibility | Any brand of camera can be connected to any brand of NVR if both the camera and the NVR are ONVIF compliant. | Any brand of camera can be linked to any brand of DVR. |
| Max Number of Cameras | Depend on NVR 4/8/16 Channel but few extra camera’s can be connected depends on the manufacture specifications | Depend on DVR 4/8/16 Channel |
| Use case | corporate vs home | Small Case |
| Inbuilt storage | Yes Modern cameras have SD card Slot in it | No |
| Monitor required? | Can work without Monitor | Yes |
| Distance of each wire | From Camera to nearest POE Network Switch | From camera to the DVR |
Analog Camera (CCTV) vs Digital Camera (IP Camera)
Price / Cost
Camera and Video Recorder (NVR or DVR)
A complete CCTV 4 channel system with monitor and wiring costs approximately INR 15,000, whereas an IP camera system with monitor costs approximately INR 27,000.
Scalability Cost
The initial cost of an NVR system may be high, but expanding the system is as simple as plugging in a POE switch and adding cameras, unlike DVRs that require pulling a cable from the camera to the system.
Expanding a CCTV system can be costly because all the cameras in the system connect directly to the DVR. A single DVR can only hold up to 16 cameras, and adding more cameras requires additional DVRs, which are inconvenient limitations. However, with IP cameras, these limitations do not exist, and you can add more cameras to the network as needed is not expensive if you only need additional storage.
Wiring Cost
A well-planned IP camera could lead to lower wiring costs.
Consider installing CCTV cameras in a four-story commercial building. Each floor requires 8 cameras, for a total of 32 cameras. Reputable manufacturers only produce DVR’s with a maximum of 16 input channels, so we require 2 DVR’s. Each camera requires a wire run from the camera to the DVR’s. As the cable length increases, the video quality degrades due to impedance in the path. If two separate displays need to be combined into a single display, an HDMI switch is a must.
A Simple CCTV Connection
Connecting the cameras to the POE port of the nearest existing network switch will work in the same scenario as long as all of the cameras and NVR are on the same network.
Different IP Camera Wiring Types
WiFi Camera Connected To Router
A WiFi camera connected to a router is a convenient and effective way to monitor your home or office remotely. WiFi cameras use wireless signals to transmit video and audio data to the router, which then sends the information to your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This allows you to view live footage and recordings from anywhere with an internet connection. Most WiFi cameras come with an app that allows you to adjust settings, receive alerts, and control the camera remotely. Some cameras also offer additional features like night vision, motion detection, and two-way audio. To prevent unauthorized access, you should ensure that you secure your router and protect your WiFi camera with a strong password while setting it up.
IP Camera With Router
An IP camera with a router is a powerful surveillance tool that can help keep your home or business secure. IP cameras connect directly to your router using an Ethernet cable, which allows for faster and more reliable transmission of video and audio data. Unlike WiFi cameras, which rely on wireless signals, IP cameras with routers can provide a more stable and secure connection, making them ideal for high-traffic areas or locations with weak WiFi signals. IP cameras typically come with software that allows you to view live footage and recordings from your computer or smartphone. They may also offer advanced features like motion detection, pan/tilt/zoom controls, and night vision. To prevent unauthorized access, you should ensure that you secure your router and protect your WiFi camera with a strong password while setting it up.
IP Camera With Poe Switch and Router
An IP camera with a PoE switch and router is a powerful and efficient way to set up a surveillance system in your home or business. PoE stands for Power over Ethernet, which means that the camera can be powered and connected to the network using a single Ethernet cable. This eliminates the need for a separate power source, making installation faster and easier.
PoE switches are available in a variety of sizes, allowing you to connect multiple cameras to a single switch and then to your router. This can be particularly useful in larger installations where multiple cameras are required. The cameras are typically configured using software that allows you to adjust settings and view footage remotely from your computer or smartphone. When setting up an IP camera with a PoE switch and router, it’s important to ensure that your network is properly configured and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
IP Camera With Poe Switch And NVR
An IP camera with a PoE switch and NVR (Network Video Recorder) is a comprehensive and effective way to set up a professional-grade surveillance system. PoE technology enables the camera to be powered and connected to the network using a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing clutter. The PoE switch connects the cameras to the NVR, which is designed to record and store footage from multiple cameras.
The NVR allows you to manage and view all camera feeds from a single location, making it easier to monitor your property. Many NVRs also offer advanced features like motion detection, facial recognition, and mobile alerts. The cameras and NVR are typically configured using software that can be accessed remotely from a computer or smartphone. When setting up an IP camera with a PoE switch and NVR, it’s important to ensure that your network is properly configured and secured to prevent unauthorized access.
IP Camera With Poe NVR and Router
An IP camera with PoE NVR and router is an advanced and comprehensive way to create a professional-grade surveillance system. PoE technology enables the camera to be powered and connected to the network using a single Ethernet cable, simplifying installation and reducing clutter. The PoE NVR is designed to record and store footage from multiple cameras, and it connects to your router, allowing you to access your cameras remotely from your computer or smartphone.
The NVR allows you to manage and view all camera feeds from a single location, making it easier to monitor your property. Many NVRs offer advanced features like motion detection, facial recognition, and mobile alerts. When setting up an IP camera with PoE NVR and router, it is essential to ensure that your network is configured correctly, and all devices are secured with strong passwords to prevent unauthorized access. The result is a comprehensive and secure surveillance system that provides peace of mind, whether at home or at work.
Recorders
CCTV requires a DVR to view recorded video, while IP cameras do not require an NVR. If the camera is connected to a local network, you can view it in real time. Since most modern cameras have an SD memory card, you can view the videos later after they have been saved to the SD card.
To record video from a CCTV camera, you must connect all of the cables back to the DVR, but for IP cameras, one LAN cable from the network is sufficient to view and record the video. Using IP cameras yields better image quality, whereas using CCTV cameras yields variable signal loss during transmission. A physical digital video recorder (DVR) is used to store video in digital format over a coaxial cable. When the DVR is connected to the Internet, remote viewing is possible.
IP cameras are usually plug-and-play devices that uses NVR (Network Video Recorder) instead traditional DVR to store digital content. Unlike analog CCTV cameras, IP cameras send video footage as a digital data stream to a network video recorder (NVR) using computer network (LAN) or Internet protocols. The IP camera is connected to the same network as the NVR. It uses PoE (Power over Ethernet)
The maximum resolution supported by CCTV cameras is 1080p, while IP cameras support up to 8K resolution
What is ONVIF ?
The Open Network Video Interface Forum commonly known as ONVIF. Its goal is to define how various IP-based security devices should interact with one another. Simply put, ONVIF requirements allow devices from various manufacturers to interact in ways that they could not previously. All devices can communicate with one another using these ONVIF standards, which serve as a universal language.
The end user benefits from interoperability because they are no longer reliant on a single brand to make things work; instead, a company can now employ systems from multiple distinct brands while adhering to a single communication standard. There is no problem because, thanks to the ONVIF standard, they can all collaborate.
No, not all IP cameras have received “ONVIF IP camera” certification. On the other hand, more new ONVIF-compliant devices are joining the community. ONVIF currently claims over 20,000 conformant items.
A security camera system based on ONVIF is adaptable and future-proof. To tailor features to your specific requirements, you can either use a video security system from the same company or mix and match devices.
If you buy an entire system from one manufacturer, you can always add additional brands as long as they all adhere to the same profile. The advantage of ONVIF compliance is that it broadens the capabilities of your security system both now and in the future.
Summary
CCTV and IP cameras both have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on your specific needs and preferences.
CCTV cameras typically use analog technology and transmit video footage to a DVR (digital video recorder) via coaxial cable. They are generally less expensive than IP cameras and can be easier to set up and maintain. However, they typically have lower image quality and are limited in terms of remote access and integration with other devices.
IP cameras, on the other hand, use digital technology and connect to a network, such as Wi-Fi or Ethernet, to transmit video footage to a network video recorder (NVR) or cloud-based storage. They offer higher image quality, greater flexibility, and more advanced features such as remote access and analytics. However, they can be more expensive and require more technical expertise to set up and maintain.
In summary, if you prioritize affordability and simplicity, CCTV cameras may be a better option for you. If you prioritize high image quality, advanced features, and remote access, IP cameras may be a better fit.