A question dwelling on the minds of many security conscious individuals is what the difference is between IP and analogue cameras. The short answer to that question is one word: resolution; but actually there is a much more intricate reason. Have a look at the following and find out if analogue or IP is suited to what you need.
Resolution differences
As you’ll be told by a professional, IP cameras—also known as IP network cameras—have a much higher resolution output than analogue. Higher resolution obviously comes in handy when and if you need to zoom into a subject in order to see it better. If face recognition is necessitated by your surveillance needs, the IP is definitely the way to go.
The costs of IP and analogue
The conversation that sparks the question, “What’s the difference between IP and analogue surveillance,” usually starts with a discussion about budget. Analogue systems are a lot cheaper than IP, prompting customers to wonder what the difference is and if they can get away with a cheaper system.
Well, there is a benefit to having analogue security cameras in your home or business premises. Analogue cameras actually perform better in low light. However, this is usually contrasted with the fact that small interferences can distort the signal quite easily. Analogue cameras are also not able to capture a wide view, whereas IP is quite capable of doing so.
How IP and analogue are transmitted
While analogue cameras capture footage in a format that is compatible with monitors and VCR, IP is a more modern digital signal which is transmitted into an encoded digital format. When your footage is digital, you can view it on a computer, the internet, or a handheld device.
Because IP has highly sensitive motion sensing capabilities, you will be able to identify an object, even if it’s moving fast. Fuel stations often use this type of technology to detect number plates, even if the vehicle is speeding away.
In conclusion
The benefits of IP are many, including high-tech motion sensors, remote access to footage no matter where you are, and even SMS sending when motion is detected (on some models). Analogue technology is over five decades old, making IP the more popular choice today.