CCTV vs. IP Cameras: Which is best suited for your business?

IP Cameras vs. CCTV Cameras

Both CCTV and IP camera systems have advantages and disadvantages when compared. In the past, CCTV systems were less expensive to purchase than IP systems. However, this is rapidly changing as the prices of IP cameras and storage devices continue to fall. Indeed, numerous studies show that the total cost of ownership of a CCTV system is actually higher when compared over the system’s life.

The cost of cabling is one factor that contributes to the lower cost of an IP system. CCTV uses coax and a power cable, whereas IP cameras use standard network cabling (Cat 5e or Cat 6). An IP camera can be powered by a PoE switch or injector.

Another advantage of IP cameras is that their capabilities far exceed those of analog systems. Today’s IP cameras have much higher resolution than CCTV cameras. When compared to analog cameras, the higher resolution of IP cameras results in a much larger field of view. This means that by using IP cameras, you can reduce the number of cameras required to view a specific area, lowering the total cost of ownership. To view the same area as one 2 megapixel IP camera, up to six analog cameras may be required. 

Most CCTV systems do not offer digital zoom, another feature of IP cameras. By using digital zoom, the user can zoom in on both live and recorded video to see the image in more detail. Viewing recorded video after an incident allows for better investigative research. An image with more pixels can be zoomed in more before it begins to break up. Especially useful when reading license plates or recognizing people.

DVR system limitations can make expanding a CCTV system costly. To expand beyond 4, 8, 16, or 32 cameras, most DVRs require the purchase of another DVR system. A user can add additional storage to an IP video system. As a result, the system can be expanded without requiring a major investment. The cost of hard drives has decreased over the last few years, making storage a minimal part of a system’s cost.

IP cameras have an on-board processor that allows them to perform more functions than analog cameras. Motion detection, cross line detection, wide dynamic range, and improved low light functionality allow the camera to make adjustments and trigger events within the camera, allowing the video server to function more efficiently and improving overall performance.

Reviewing the goals of installing a video surveillance system is another factor in determining the right system for your business. It is critical to consider how the system will be used when selecting items such as:

• Camera Software
• Storage Requirements
• Locations of Cameras

Errors in any of these items can result in a system that fails to meet the requirements.

The benefits of IP cameras outweigh the benefits of CCTV cameras.
IP video surveillance is quickly becoming the industry standard. With advanced features, scalability, and a declining total cost of ownership, the choice between IP and CCTV is no longer difficult.

We spend time talking with customers to determine their needs, and then designs the system around those needs. We can provide you with a system that meets or exceeds expectations, is easily expanded, and is simple to use by listening to our customers.

We spend time talking with customers to determine their needs before designing the system to meet those needs. By listening to our customers, we can provide you with a system that meets or exceeds expectations, is easily expanded, and is simple to use.

If you would like to learn more about video surveillance, you can contact us and speak with a member of our team. We look forward to learning more about your company and assisting you with your video surveillance requirements!