Have you ever looked at a CCTV camera or IP camera; Wondering What are they and Why do we need them? We live in a Digitalized age, where modern technology is a part of our everyday life. From waking up to sleep we live surrounded by technology. In 2022, This thing particularly applies to our security aspects. From our everyday homes to workplaces we are surrounded by both IP and CCTV cameras. Now both the CCTV and IP cameras are both used for the same purpose. But the question remains, what is the difference between the two, and which is the right option for you? Today we are going to walk you through the differences between an IP Camera and a CCTV camera.
 What is an IP camera?
IP cameras are the modern and affordable iteration of Security cameras. The IP in the IP camera Stands for Internet Protocol. The reason they are called Internet Protocol cameras or IP cameras. These cameras are used for online surveillance. They use a Micro SD memory card for data storage. The memory card can be mounted on the inbuilt slot.
The security system and protocols used in an IP camera are more advanced than a traditional CCTV camera. These cameras usually come equipped with various additional features like end-user decryption, easy setup, and Secured App maintenance. With Lag-free video signals, IP cameras allow transferring data signals using a network Ethernet link or Simple Wi-fi Protocols. The Setup and maintenance of these cameras are usually very easy. The User can mount the camera on their desired spot and set the Camera with a free download app from the Play Store or AppStore.
What is a CCTV camera?
CCTV cameras are the older yet still used type of security cameras available till today. CCTV stands for Closed Circuit Television. These cameras were originally designed to detect Intruders or security breaches. In 1980 the modernized solid-state cameras were marketed. These cameras were considered the modern standard of video surveillance cameras. These Cameras were easy to use and with cost-efficient maintenance.
Advancements in modern technology have pushed the limits of CCTV cameras to an unprecedented level and this, in turn, has conceived a computer and communication technology-enriched Security industry. These cameras are part of modern security from basic surveillance to full-fledged advanced security systems. These cameras usually aren’t portable as an IP camera and therefore need a specialized operating Unit called DVR. DVR units utilize Hard Disc Drive to store and playback the data. Although modern CCTV cameras also use wireless communication links to transmit data remotely.
IP cameras or CCTV Cameras? Know The Differences Before The Final Choice
Although CCTVs are relatively older and a little bit more expensive Than IP cameras They are Still valid to cover Surveillance for larger areas. So in a generalized sense, both of these cameras have their fair share of pros and cons. So if you are planning on using any security camera you should be well informed about them. To determine how the CCTV camera is different from a modern IP, the right type that suits your needs there are a few key points to consider.
Technology Implemented
The technology implemented in the camera determines the efficiency. The IP cameras use Computer networks or Internet Protocols to transmit real-time video footage. These footages can also be saved and accessed on an onboard SD card or Cloud Storage. While the CCTV camera utilizes an older Closed circuit design where the cameras transmit the video feed to a specified place with a few limited monitors. This technology resembles the older television broadcasting systems but the range is shorter. The whole network is made up of a few physically interconnected Security cameras, DVR units, and monitors.
Flexibility
Flexibility is another major point when comparing the IP and the CCTV cameras. The CCTV network depends on the strategic placement of all the interconnected Camera Monitors and DVRs. The cameras communicate through monitors and the Video is stored digitally onto the Physical DVR. These DVRs are connected using either coaxial cables or wireless communication links. The video can be only viewed remotely if the DVR is connected to the Internet.
IP cameras on the other hand offer great flexibility. These cameras are essentially Plug and Play devices with easy setup and hassle-free maintenance. Apart from the onboard SD card IP cameras utilize cloud-based storages. It is also possible to use these cameras with a Network Video Recorder or NVR. The IP cameras are also compatible to be used in conjunction with a CCTV camera to cover Blind spots.
Broadcasting method
The CCTV cameras require a direct Link to the DVR itself to Access or broadcast the Data. The CCTV cameras send all the video signals into the DVR using Coaxial cables and The raw signal is then processed by the DVR for accessing. Without direct access the Data recorded by CCTV is obsolete.
The Ip cameras, on the Other hand, Broadcast their footage as a digital stream of data that can be accessed via Ethernet, LAN, or Internet. These cameras utilize Network Video Recorder or NVR for accessing the Data via Internet Protocol. These Cameras utilize Power over Ethernet or PoE Tech that requires only one cable for both power and data transfer.
Expansion and Setup
When Setting UP a CCTV network all of the cameras, monitors must be connected physically and they require a base station or DVR. So setting up a CCTV camera system is significantly expensive and time-consuming. The most common issue associated with the Expansion of CCTV cameras is, you can only connect a limited number of cameras to the System as the DVR can handle a limited number of devices. If you want to connect more than 32 devices you will need another DVR for it. All of these are expensive.
The IP Cameras on the other hand Do not have such limitations. The user can connect as many IP cameras as they wish with just the managing App. In most cases, the user may have to add an expanded storage option that does not require a hefty sum of money. But they require a stable internet connection and each camera covers way less ground than a CCTV Camera.
IP Camera or CCTV Camera-The Conclusion
As we have covered earlier both the CCTV and the IP camera have their fair share of Pros and Cons associated. Here is a quick comparison of them both
| IP Camera | CCTV Camera |
| This video camera utilizes a networked Ethernet Link for Data Transmission. | The CCTV Cameras utilizes Interconnected Cameras monitors that are linked to a DVR. |
| IP cameras transmit the videos to an NVR over an IP Network. Sometimes stores it on a Micro SD card. | CCTV camera streams the data to a Digital Video Recorder DVR. The DVR then processes the data. |
| The IP camera has one PoE(Power over Ethernet) cable used for power and data transmission. | CCTV cameras have UTP or Coaxial cables for power and data transmission. |
| IP cameras have better picture quality with higher resolution support. | Compared to the IP cameras the output has lower resolution and lower picture quality. |
| IP camera uses WiFi, LAN, or Cellular network. | CCTV uses DVR and monitors for Data transmission |
| It is possible to add as many cameras as the user wants. | One DVR can handle only 32 Cameras |
We have covered the basics on the difference between the IP Camera and the CCTV camera Remember one thing, The type of security camera is dependent on where you will be using it and why you will use it. In case you are planning on getting a Good Security camera you can check the latest security cameras at the best price in BD.
