Difference between IP and CCTV cameras

The Difference between IP and CCTV cameras

Both are in the same category called “Security Cameras“, but how difference can they be being called IP and CCTV? Security cameras are an important part of our day-to-day lives but do you know there are different kinds of security cameras? Do you know difference between IP camera and CCTV? Can you compare IP cameras and CCTV?

In this article, I’ll share tips and guides on knowing the difference and how it will benefits you more than you realized. It will help you do a security camera quality comparison so you’ll know which one is the best security camera for your home.

What is an IP camera?

Firstly, an IP Camera ,”Internet Protocol Camera“, is a digital video camera used for surveillance and at the same time. It can also captures and transmits data over a fast Ethernet link. Secondly, unlike CCTV cameras with television lines, digital IP cameras are the next generation of surveillance system.

Thirdly, they generate an image directly from digital data with no continuous stream of analog video being broadcast. They are more like the digitized version of CCTV cameras. Lastly, with control features and flexibility to add unlimited cameras to the network without the need of any proprietary hardware.

What is a CCTV camera?

For CCTV, or Closed-Circuit Television, is a system in which the signals are closely monitored for surveillance and security purposes as they were primarily used for intrusion-detection applications mostly for alarm assessment purposes with further advancement of technology and communication. From an immature system to a full-fledged surveillance system, CCTV cameras has emerged as a standard for security industry.

Flexibility

CCTV depends on strategic placement of cameras and monitoring of the video footage and as it can communicate. IP cameras are generally plug-and-play devices that use NVR (network video recorder) rather than a conventional DVR.

Expansion

CCTV system has to be placed in one location and requires a direct connection to the base station or the DVR as there’s only limited number of cameras that can be added to the network because a DVR is only able to accommodate up to 32 cameras and as for IP cameras, there’s no such limit on how many you can add any number of cameras. To the network which would only require an additional storage without any major cost involved.

Here you can see the comparison between both:

Can IP camera works without NVR?

Yes, you can setup an IP camera without a DVR (technically that would be an NVR as an IP camera can only work with a Network Video Recorder). There are IP cameras that are essentially little Linux PCs that can operate fully independently – they have both camera and NVR features built-in.

Does IP camera work without Internet?

Even your IP CCTV cameras are without Internet access, you can still get video surveillance for your remote farm, off-grid cabin, rural home, and other areas without Internet or WiFi connection. You can get local recording even your security cameras have no Internet access.