Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Analog security cameras are often considered an obsolete technology. However, that doesn’t mean that businesses need to immediately replace them with IP security cameras. When considering new analog vs IP security cameras, Solink recommends using newer, IP business security cameras. However, most analog cameras are still compatible with our cloud video monitoring system (cloud VMS).
See how Solink maximizes the security value of your IP and analog security cameras.
What is an IP security camera?
IP security cameras capture and transmit video footage in a digital format. These modern security cameras possess higher resolutions when compared with their analog counterparts. IP cameras are available in high definition (HD), 4K, and even higher resolution configurations.
Streamlining installation and minimizing expenses, Power over Ethernet (PoE) cables furnish both electrical power and data transmission capabilities to IP security cameras. This often compensates for the relatively higher cost of IP cameras when compared to analog options.
While the majority of IP security cameras make use of PoE for data and power transfer, alternative methods also exist. Examples include solar- and battery-powered security cameras, as well as those employing WiFi for data transmission.
IP security camera pros and cons
IP security cameras are superior to analog cameras in basically every respect. However, they do still have a few disadvantages.
IP security camera advantages
Here are the main advantages of IP cameras:
- Come in different styles, such as pan-tilt-zoom, bullet, dome, and 360 cameras, each designed for specific use cases.
- Can cover large areas with fewer cameras, offsetting the higher price tag.
- Easier to connect to an advanced cloud VMS through the PoE network.
- HD, 4K, and even higher resolutions available.
- Single PoE cable makes installation easier.
- Modern, futureproof technology.
- High frame rate reduces blur.
IP security camera disadvantages
Here is the main disadvantage of IP cameras:
- IP cameras are usually more expensive than CCTV counterparts.
What is an analog security camera?
Analog cameras have served as the cornerstone of video surveillance systems for many decades. As a result, there exists a substantial number of operational analog security cameras today. This is why the Solink platform has been designed to be compatible with both analog and IP cameras.
Analog cameras employ one of two technologies for data transmission.
The more prevalent transmission cable is CVBS, recognizable as the yellow cables within the yellow/white/red RCA cabling configuration. While cost-effective and straightforward, CVBS cables have a restrictive maximum transmission distance and cap the quality of analog security cameras at standard definition.
The alternate system, TVI, utilizes black coaxial cables similar to those in analog cable television networks. These cables offer a notably extended maximum transmission range, surpassing even PoE cables and facilitate the use of high-definition (HD) analog security cameras.
Although current analog security cameras can still be integrated into Solink’s cloud video surveillance, when procuring new security cameras, it is recommended for most companies to opt for IP cameras.
Analog security camera pros and cons
While analog security cameras are an outdated technology, they still have some advantages over their IP counterparts.
Analog security camera advantages
Here are the main advantages of analog cameras:
- Analog security cameras are usually cheaper.
- Modern analog security cameras come in high definition.
Analog security camera disadvantages
Here are the main disadvantages of analog cameras:
- Two cables, one for power and another for transmission, are required to install analog cameras.
- More cameras are usually needed to achieve adequate surveillance coverage of a business.
- Lower frame rate than IP cameras.
- Lower maximum video quality.
Are IP vs analog security cameras better?
IP security cameras can be considered better than analog security cameras in virtually every way. Here are all the locations you should install analog or IP security cameras in your business.
Where should I use IP vs analog security cameras?
IP cameras are always the better option for a commercial security system. They provide the resolution, frame rate, and other key features to provide the best possible video surveillance capabilities for businesses.
However, not all IP cameras are built the same. Whenever possible, source business-quality IP security cameras when building your video surveillance system to ensure that they are compatible with your cloud VMS and other AI video analytics systems.
Where should I use analog vs IP security cameras?
You should not install new analog security cameras anywhere in your business. While you can still use most existing analog cameras with the Solink platform, the technology is considered obsolete and you shouldn’t further invest in it.
Solink can source, install, and monitor all of your IP and analog security cameras
Solink is your all-in-one provider of business security cameras and video surveillance. We can source commercial-grade security cameras at competitive prices and then have them installed.
Our cloud-based video surveillance system comes with helpful features that lower costs, save you time, and improve revenue.
If you are looking to install or upgrade your security cameras, sign up for a demo today.
Timothy Ware | 
Solink stands at the forefront of security solutions, excelling in loss prevention and asset protection for businesses. Our content is rich in industry expertise and crafted to provide actionable insights and innovative strategies. We empower businesses to enhance their security systems, optimize operations, and protect their assets more effectively. Discover how our advanced cloud video management system can transform your security approach.
