Which one is better: an IP camera or a CCTV camera?
Video surveillance is one of the best security measures. Thanks to technology, we have more options than ever. In this sense, the first choice that arises is to choose between an IP camera and a CCTV camera.
How is an IP camera similar to a CCTV camera? What advantages and disadvantages do they have? We tell you everything so you can make the best decision.
Advantages of IP cameras and CCTV
Any type of camera has the advantage of being very deterrent. Whether it’s an IP camera or a CCTV camera, recording an intruder means he can be recognized and captured.
Taking this common feature into account, we are going to see how the advantages of an IP camera differ from those of a CCTV camera.
Advantages of an IP camera
IP cameras, or network cameras, are video devices that connect over the Internet. They can transmit high-definition video and are the alternative to the traditional CCTV camera. Its advantages are:
- Cheaper than CCTV cameras.
- Greater number of options and qualities for a lower price.
- Easy installation and maintenance.
- They connect to any computer or mobile so that we can see and operate the camera from anywhere we have the Internet.
If we do not have a large budget or do not have special requirements, an IP camera can provide security and peace of mind for very little.
Advantages of a CCTV camera
CCTV cameras refer to those that are connected to a closed circuit television, hence its acronym. Normally, these cameras take the images to monitors where we can see what is happening at all times.
Its main advantages are:
- Greater image reliability, since the camera connects directly to the monitor, not losing detail due to network saturation.
- Greater security if it is connected to a central. Ideally, this type of service is installed by a security company, which is responsible for managing the circuit. In that way, it is a more professional solution than IP cameras. In the event of any alert, they will verify the threat and, if necessary, they will send a security agent while notifying the Police.
- Anti-inhibition security, since the CCTV signal cannot be inhibited, unlike the Internet signal.
- Anti-sabotage security, since if someone tries to sabotage the cable of the CCTV system, an alert signal will be sent to the security company.
Disadvantages of an IP camera and a CCTV camera
On the other hand, a video surveillance camera, be it IP or CCTV, has some drawbacks. For example, both depend on electricity. In addition, they must respect the data protection law.
Disadvantages of an IP camera
- Its effectiveness depends on the Internet service. If the network fails, it doesn’t do us much good. The same happens with that of the receiving apparatus. If we have little coverage, we will not see what happens.
- Susceptible to sabotageby frequency inhibition for WiFi or mobile.
Disadvantages of a CCTV camera
- Installing a closed circuit system is usually more expensive and complex than an IP camera.
- A bad installation, with exposed cables, can be conducive to sabotage. If we do not have the support of a security company, it makes us much more vulnerable.
What is safer, to install an IP camera or a CCTV camera?
What to choose then? If we want the best type of camera, instead of thinking of an IP camera or a CCTV camera, the best option to choose is a hybrid camera.
The best type of surveillance camera: hybrid cameras
Hybrid cameras have a CCTV system and, in addition, give the option of transmitting images over the Internet as an IP camera. Thus, we do not depend on being attentive to a closed circuit installed in one place.
That makes hybrid cameras the best of both worlds and, probably, they are the best option for cases where we do not want to give up comfort and reliability.
