Currently there are two types of surveillance cameras that are commonly used in homes or offices. CCTV (Closed-Circuit TV) or commonly called analog cameras and IP cameras are two types of surveillance cameras whose function is to send video to the desired destination. What is the difference between CCTV vs IP Camera?
CCTV converts video signals to a format that can be played on TVs, VCRs, and DVRs. IP cameras convert video into data packets and then send them to the internet network, such as: servers, NAS, or stored on the camera. IP cameras have the additional advantage of using an internet network so they can expand the camera’s reach beyond CCTV.
Both CCTV and IP Cameras are often used to monitor people’s activities in buildings, monitor valuables in the home, and even be used as evidence if a crime occurs in the home or office. Both of them can watch the house without space and time restrictions.
Difference between CCTV vs IP Camera
CCTV stands for Closed-Circuit TV or closed circuit television. In the past, CCTV camera systems were cheaper than IP cameras. However, currently, the prices of CCTV and IP cameras are almost the same. In fact, the total cost of owning a CCTV camera is higher compared to the life of the system. What are the differences between CCTV cameras vs IP cameras?
Connectivity
The difference between CCTV cameras and IP cameras is that CCTV uses coaxial cables and electrical cables. Meanwhile, IP Cameras use standard network cables (WiFi Cat 5e or Cat 6). Armed with a PoE switch or injector, IP cameras can send video via one cable. The number of cables is less so it can reduce installation costs compared to CCTV.
Image Quality
From the captured images, CCTV cameras often capture the wrong colors so that sometimes black and white are mixed up. CCTV image resolution is still inferior to IP cameras. The resolution of CCTV cameras or what is usually called analog is usually less than 0.5MP. There are IP cameras that have a resolution of 1.3MP, 2MP, up to 5MP, the higher the better the image.
Another advantage of IP cameras is that they have a wider viewing area than CCTV cameras. One 2MP resolution IP camera is equivalent to six CCTV cameras. That way you can reduce the number of IP cameras that need to be installed in the building, compared to analog cameras. Installation costs are also easier so it can reduce the total cost of ownership.
Supporting Features
Digital zoom is a feature of IP cameras that CCTV does not have. The digital zoom feature can enlarge live and recorded video to see objects in more detail. This feature is very useful for investigations if a crime occurs in the office. The greater the resolution of the IP camera, the clearer the image after zooming. High image resolution can also read vehicle number plates and people’s faces better.
IP cameras have a special processor that allows them to detect motion, line detection, wide dynamic range, and the ability to capture in low light. This advantage allows IP cameras to adjust image capture in various conditions.
Device Access
Another feature that is not available in CCTV is that IP cameras can be accessed via various browsers and gadgets. CCTV is usually only accessed via Windows-based laptops. Meanwhile, IP Camera can be accessed from many other types of browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome. IP Camera can also be accessed via Android smartphones and tablets and iPhone or iPad.
System Expansion Capabilities
Expansion of CCTV camera systems is more expensive than IP cameras. The reason is because of the limitations of DCR in CCTV systems. Most DVRs are limited to 4, 8, 16, up to 32 CCTV cameras. If you want to increase the number of cameras, you will need an additional DVR. Meanwhile, IP camera users only need to add additional storage capacity to the initial storage. The price of a hard disk for CCTV is cheaper than a new DVR so the cost of the entire system is cheaper.
Advantages of CCTV Cameras
The following are some of the advantages of CCTV compared to IP cameras:
- No special knowledge is required to install it
- The price is still cheaper than an IP Camera
- DVR prices are getting cheaper
- Easier equipment configuration and settings
- The image quality is more vivid and the object movement is more real.
Disadvantages of CCTV Cameras
The following are some of the disadvantages of CCTV compared to IP Cameras:
- Cable installation is more complicated because the number of cables is greater
- The price of coaxial cables and connectors is more expensive than UTP and RJ-45 cables
- More cables for power, data, and video
- The captured image is easily affected by noise
- There is more supporting equipment in the CCTV system.
Advantages of IP Camera
Here are the advantages of IP cameras over CCTV (analog cameras):
- Cable installation is more concise
- The total cost of cables, connectors and supporting materials is cheaper
- More resistant to noise and interference
- It is safer from eavesdropping if transmitted via wireless
- Supporting equipment for IP systems is less
- IP Cam technology continues to develop, with more interesting features in the future.
Disadvantages of IP Cameras
Here are the disadvantages of IP cameras over CCTV (analog cameras):
- Requires knowledge of LAN networks and the internet
- Camera settings and settings are more complicated
- The price of a camera plus PoE (Power over Ethernet) is more expensive
- NVR (Network Video Recorder) device variants are still limited and expensive
- Supporting software for NVRs is still expensive
- Requires bandwidth planning when installing IP Camera
- Object movements on cheap IP cameras are slower or stuttered
- You have to buy an expensive IP camera to get the best image results.
Conclusion
Comparing CCTV vs IP Camera is now easier. IP camera quality is now the standard in surveillance cameras. Advanced features that continue to arrive, ease of scalability, and lower total cost of ownership make IP cameras a better choice than CCTV.
The IP Camera can be connected via a WiFi connection to the NVR so there is no hassle during installation. This is different from CCTV or analog cameras which are more complicated. You must connect the CCTV to the DVR via cable. After the CCTV camera is installed correctly, you must repair any damage to the aesthetics of the house during the installation process.