When you’re fitting security cameras at home or work, there are two main technologies to choose between: IP cameras and traditional analogue CCTV. Analogue dominated for decades, but IP cameras have improved enormously since they appeared in the mid-90s.
Here’s how the two differ, and when each one still makes sense.
What separates IP and analogue CCTV?
Without too much jargon, the difference is in how the video travels:
- Analogue CCTV sends video along coaxial or twisted pair cables to a digital video recorder (DVR), where each camera’s footage is relayed and stored.
- IP cameras convert video into data packets and send them over your network (LAN) to a network video recorder (NVR). The NVR can sit anywhere on the network.
Why choose IP cameras?
For most properties, IP is the sensible choice, and the better bet if you want a system that lasts. The main reasons:
- Image quality: early IP cameras had poor pictures, but today’s models offer megapixel resolution well beyond analogue, so you can zoom into recorded footage without losing detail.
- Simpler cabling: IP cameras can often use your existing network, so major re-cabling is rarely needed.
- One cable for power and data: with power over ethernet (PoE), a single cable does both jobs. Analogue cameras usually need separate power.
- Remote management: you can check from afar whether an IP camera is connected.
- Ongoing development: IP cameras keep gaining features such as web access and video enhancement, while analogue has largely reached its limit.
When does analogue still make sense?
Occasionally, traditional CCTV is the better fit:
Cases where analogue may suit
- A one-off installation on a site with no network and none planned
- Locations with unreliable network connections where constant recording matters
- A small system covering a single room or a few rooms, where lower set-up cost is the priority
Even then, a small analogue system may not be future-proof, so think about how your needs could change.
Getting the right system
We install both IP and analogue systems, so we have no reason to push you towards one over the other. Contact us and we’ll recommend what fits your property, or have a look at our CCTV systems.
