Choosing CCTV cameras: analog or IP?
Choosing CCTV cameras is not just choosing a brand. Whether the footage is actually useful when you need it depends on the camera type, resolution, lens, ambient light and even the cabling. This guide walks through the most important decisions in order.
Analog (HD) or network (IP)?
Analog HD cameras send video over coaxial cable to a digital video recorder (DVR). They cost less up front and are an economical option for buildings that already have coaxial cabling. IP cameras send video digitally over the network to a network video recorder (NVR) or a server.
- Quality and flexibility: IP cameras offer higher resolution, video analytics and better remote access and management.
- Cabling: with PoE, an IP camera gets both power and data over a single network cable, with no separate adapter next to each camera.
- Scalability: in large and city-wide projects, IP cameras extend easily over network infrastructure such as fiber and radio links.
For new projects, especially with more than a few cameras or long distances, IP cameras are usually the more sensible choice.
How many megapixels do you need?
Higher resolution is not always better: it also increases storage and bandwidth. The right measure is the purpose of the image. For a general view of an area, 2 to 4 megapixels is usually enough. For recognizing faces or reading license plates, what matters more than megapixels is that the subject is large enough in the frame, which means choosing the right lens and mounting distance.
Lens and field of view
Short focal-length lenses (for example 2.8 mm) give a wide field of view and suit nearby areas. Longer lenses (6 to 12 mm) give a narrower view but more detail at a distance. Varifocal or motorized cameras let you adjust the view after installation, which reduces design errors.
Night vision and lighting
Most cameras record black-and-white video in the dark using infrared (IR) light. Compare the IR range with the real distance to the subject. If color at night matters, consider low-light cameras or supplementary white light. Strong backlight behind a subject, such as an entrance facing the sun, calls for WDR.
Installation environment
- Outdoors, check for an IP66 or IP67 rating against dust and water.
- Where impact or vandalism is likely, an IK10 impact-resistant housing is the better choice.
- In city projects, the equipment cabinet, protected power and earthing matter as much as the camera itself.
Before you buy
Before buying, mark the installation points on a site plan together with the purpose of each camera (overview, detection or identification). Then decide how long footage must be kept so storage capacity can be calculated correctly. Our guide to calculating CCTV storage helps with this step.