CCTV Camera Vs IP Camera: What is the Difference Between Them?

When it comes to keeping your home or a spot safe, it is vital to use a camera for security use. And, the two main options you’ll find in the market are IP and CCTV cameras. So, what’s the difference between CCTV vs IP cameras?

In short, a CCTV camera is an analog sort of camera that costs less and takes good images for monitoring use. Then again, an IP camera is a digital sort of camera that costs more and takes HD images for live footage.

In this blog, we’ll break down what sets IP cameras apart from CCTV cameras so that you can decide which is the better fit. Let’s go!

Comparing the CCTV Camera Vs IP Camera!

Comparing the CCTV Camera Vs IP Camera!

To pick one between CCTV and IP cameras, you’ll need to know the basic differences. Here’s an in-depth look at how these two kinds of cameras differ:

CCTV Cameras

IP Cameras

Analog cameras send video to a DVR

Digital cameras sending video over a network

Good quality images

High-definition (HD) and clearer images

Simpler and less technical setup

More complex and may require expert help

Reasonable pricing

More expensive than CCTV cameras

Harder to expand

Easy to expand with no extra cables needed

Perfect for small businesses or home use

Ideal for large buildings and public areas

Uses coaxial cables

Uses ethernet cables (PoE) or Wi-Fi

Uses DVR for storage

Uses NVR or cloud storage

Limited and harder to view live feeds remotely.

Easy remote access with internet connections

Limited options

Includes options like motion detection and facial recognition

Low bandwidth needs

Higher bandwidth needs due to digital signals and HD quality

Definition

In terms of definition or meaning, both cameras vary a lot. To put it clearly, the CCTV (Closed Circuit Television) camera is an analog type that sends video signals to a DVR in order to store and manage the footage.

Quite the opposite, the IP (Internet Protocol) camera is a digital type that sends video signals over a network.

You can visit our website to get CCTV Camera and IP Camera.

Image Quality

The IP camera usually offers much better image quality than the CCTV camera. To break it down, an IP camera can capture high-definition (HD) video. It also means you can zoom in on details without the picture getting blurry.

Then again, a CCTV camera has gotten better over time with clear image quality. But, it doesn't match the sharpness and clarity of an HD IP camera.

Installation

Installing IP and CCTV cameras is pretty simple. In fact, it needs fewer steps and less technical knowledge. However, you’ll need expert help to add the IP camera. And, it’s because this kind of camera often involves more complex setups.

You also need to take care of the IP camera due to their dependence on a good network connection. And, it’s not necessary with the CCTV camera.

Price Point

In terms of the price range, the CCTV camera is usually cheaper upfront than the IP camera. Well, it makes this kind of camera a good choice for smaller businesses or personal use. However, the IP camera is more expensive but lasts longer.

Read More: Differences between IP Camera and CCTV Camera

Scalability

When it comes to scaling up, the IP camera has a big plus point. If you need to add more cameras to an IP system, it’s simple and doesn’t need extra cables or gears.

To expand the CCTV system, you'll need to use extra DVR devices or attach new wires to make that happen. However, it won’t raise the overall cost.

Usage

When talking about the usage of each kind of camera, both of them can be used for diverse purposes. Like, you can use the CCTV camera for small businesses, homes, offices, and so on. In contrast, the IP camera is ideal for big buildings, public areas, and so on.

Note: If you are interested, you can read this detailed guide about the impact of CCTV cameras in BD.

Connectivity

Both IP and CCTV cameras connect in different ways. To put it simply, the CCTV camera often uses coaxial cables to work.

On the other hand, the IP camera uses ethernet cables (PoE) or Wi-Fi to connect wirelessly. This also makes it better for covering big spaces.

Storage

When it comes to storage, the CCTV camera uses a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) to store footage. This is also a more traditional setup compared to others.

Then again, the IP camera can store data via an NVR (Network Video Recorder) or cloud storage. This also makes it more suitable for modern and data-heavy security systems.

Remote Access

When it comes to remote access, CCTV and IP cameras work differently. Well, the CCTV camera offers limited options for viewing live videos from afar. So, you won't have much flexibility in checking live feeds from anywhere.

On the other hand, the IP camera is made with remote access. With an internet connection, you can easily watch live footage or recordings from almost anywhere using it. And, it makes this kind of camera a better option for anyone who needs real-time monitoring while on the go.

Features

In terms of smart features, the CCTV camera usually has very basic options, if any. But, the IP camera comes with good traits like motion detection, video analytics, and facial recognition.

Plus, these smart features make the IP camera much more suitable for complex surveillance setups.

Bandwidth Usage

One big contrasting point between IP and CCTV cameras is how much bandwidth each uses. The CCTV camera usually sends simple analog signals that don’t need much bandwidth.

On the contrary, the IP camera uses digital signals that need more bandwidth. This is also because it offers higher video quality. And, this kind of camera needs more data when storing video online.

Wrapping Up

Picking one between a CCTV camera vs IP camera can be easy. For that, you just focus on the aspect that you need the most and then decide.

And, if you want to get one for security, be sure to visit Trimatrik and get the best deal at the finest rate.

Hope this guide helps you to know the basic comparison points of these two camera types to pick one side. See you later!