Security cameras are an integral part of having a great security setup. There are so many benefits but with different kinds to choose from, there are different benefits. Because of this, it can be hard to know which type suits you. For business owners may go towards IP or analog CCTV cameras. But what is the difference?
Understanding why one may work better over the other is important when it comes to protecting your business. It allows a business owner to feel more comfortable with the system and make the right choice.
What is IP CCTV Cameras?
IP cameras are short for internet protocol cameras. An internet protocol camera works digitally and uses an IP server to send information to work. They use a local network and operate pretty much the same way that your computer or phone does when using an IP address.
What is Analog CCTV Cameras?
Analog CCTV cameras have been around for about 50 years. The name of the product is broken down from closed-circuit television. When CCVTs originally entered the market they needed 24/7 self-monitoring by whoever was using them. Now they are a little more similar to IP security or cloud-based monitoring.
What’s the difference between IP vs Analog CCTV Cameras?
There are a lot of differences when it comes to the two so it works talking about the advantages and disadvantages of both of them. This is the easiest comparison for finding out what you need.
Advantages of Analog Cameras
- These cameras are said to be a steal when it comes to price. They are significantly cheaper making it a great affordable option for those who don’t want to break the bank.
- Analog cameras are also relatively easy to use. There is no big learning curve that sometimes can keep people from wanting to pursue technology.
- With HD available now in some products the picture has improved which are another plus considering how much cheaper they are.
Disadvantages of Analog Cameras
- Even with HD, it’s still worth noting that they aren’t the best quality when it comes to looking at the picture. And HD isn’t a given for all of them.
- Your range of coverage may not be as big either. Analogs are kind of old school so you may need a few cameras to cover the area.
- Less security with the lack of encryption.
Advantages of IP Cameras
- With multiple sensors, you are looking at multiple cameras combined in one to make the ultimate security option. They can cover the whole area normally with ease.
- Despite it being a more expensive option than the former costs have gone down significantly making it a more comparable choice.
- The resolution on these cameras is fantastic and one of the best options. Their technology has also increased in general making it an up-to-date option.
- There is a wireless option when it comes to an IP camera that is appealing for those who don’t have infrastructure that easily allows them to wire their cameras in certain areas.
Disadvantages of IP Cameras
- The initial setup may not be fun. It may take some time and probably cost you a pretty penny while you are at it.
- They fill up storage much more quickly because they have larger files from having a better resolution.
- There is a learning curve when it comes to operating an IP camera as opposed to an analog.
Which one should Be easier to install and configure?
As we mentioned in our pros and cons it is no doubt that analog is easier to configure and install. Let’s talk about why and the installation processes behind these cameras to get a better understanding of this.
IP cameras are going to be mounted just like many of your other security cameras. Where they are a little different is that they need to attach to a local network. This means the first step is ensuring you have a network that can support this type of camera in the first place. Having a network that will constantly buffer means you are going to have security issues because it can’t do its job correctly.
Now, this doesn’t mean that there are no wires. This requires a lot of electrician work and is a very technical job. You’ll need to run weirs through the walls and the ceilings. And if you don’t want a hundred wires running all over the place you will need to place them behind your walls and ceilings making it that much more difficult.
Now, something that a lot of people forget is that IP cameras can job be wireless. This still requires a level of knowledge to install because it will be more cloud-based on a network-based for the camera.
Analogs are slightly different in the sense that you don’t need to worry about a network at all. Analogs do require wires as well but the job is less extensive and usually, they can be put in a lot faster. You just have to accept the downfalls of some of these things with it.
Which is Better for Your Business: Analog CCTV Camera vs. IP Camera
The question about whether an analog CCTV or an IP camera would be better for your business is really difficult. It’s too hard to generalize so instead we should look at several scenarios in which it may make sense for someone to consider one or the other.
- If wires are not an option then an IP camera would be your solution. The trade-off for this is that you have a more expensive product on your hand. You won’t be paying for a poor quality product but a wireless IP camera comes at a cost.
- If you are a business that really can’t afford to spend a lot of money and security threats are relatively low then you can do with an analog with no problem. You get the best of the HD possibility while not breaking the bank. The other reason why you may be limited to an analog is that IP cameras take a lot of storage. This means you’ll have to put your money towards expanding your network’s bandwidth so it can operate smoothly in the first place.
- Those who need a high level of security will want to work with a camera that has a lot of resolution. These are your IP cameras because there is no better picture that they produce. Simply putting in an analog won’t do it.
The first question should come down to what your budget is. Then you need to start thinking about whether you can wire in locations where you will need it in the first place. These two can help you eliminate or sway towards one option. Then ask yourself what level of quality you need to feel secure. If you are a business that wantstop-of-the-line then we consider the IP cameras but if you are someone who just wants something then we can consider the analogs a bit more seriously.
When choosing between an analog and an IP you don’t have to take on all the stress by yourself. PArtly it is an expert’s job to help you through this process. This is why at Circle Security Solutions we can talk about the business you have and ask those questions and see what options we come up with. But that’s not all we are good for. Having a quality product no matter what you choose is important. And it doesn’t end there either. Those products are no good if you can’t have them installed correctly. And look at the installation process of these guys having the right team members by your side is everything. Contact us today to get started!
The Right Choice
It’s never easy making the right choice on a product that you aren’t so familiar with. This blog is meant to provide a baseline in showcasing what analog and IP cameras are and how they can be helpful for your business. By understanding some of the advantages and drawbacks of each, it’s much easier to see where they fit into our lives as a business. Even then sometimes we may not fully understand what the best fit is for us.
That’s why working with a trusted and experienced security company can be incredibly useful. They can walk you through all the steps without really feeling like you are excluded from the process. After all understanding, your security system is still important even when you have full services like a monitored service by a security company. This is where we can look back at some of the information we do know.
Analogs are great for those who are looking to just get some level of security. Your threat level may be low and you don’t need the fanciest in the game. IP cameras are going to connect to our network and are generally some of the nicest cameras on the market. With the right budget, this ultimately will provide the best security for you and your company.
