Analog versus IP/Megapixel for security camera systems

Clarity is definitely important when it comes to catching license plates on vehicles.  Though both of these images were originally created with IP/megapixel cameras the 0.3 image is adjusted to the lower resolution offered by analog cameras.   A digital zoom on the plate of the same car from either shot leaves no doubt which resolution provides enough dots to the matrix making for a clear representation of the license plate of a car in traffic.As was obvious from the last image, lighting can affect the recording of analog drastically when compared with IP/megapixel.  As this image shows those affects can have dramatically differing affects on the coloring of an image.  While the previous image was obviously in a much lower light setting, this image clearly exhibits the difference even in solid indoor lighting and just how drastically this can affect the performance seen by either type of camera.Here is an example exhibiting the clearly visible difference between analog versus IP/megapixel imaging.  Not only is there clarity of features and details, this example also exhibits just how much easier details like license plates can be differentiated.  While the analog camera provides what appears to be a jittery almost out of focus imaging, the high resolution IP/megapixel leaves no room for doubt in what's being seen.  Not only is the 'grass greener' so to speak, but you can potentially make out every blade in the outdoor shot from an IP/megapixel camera!  An example from this image would be the pattern of the carpeting.  While the IP/megapixel image exhibits not only the pattern but that there is a carpet, from the analog image it could easily be mistaken that the floor is concrete in the image.Clarity can very much come from lighting and focus as well.  Granted the analog image yields little to be seen in the way of color and this could be due to the need for an iris adjustment on the camera itself, the fact is when it comes to outdoor lighting and its impact on recordings, while a grey day out may be visible from an IP/megapixel camera, it can prove inhibitive when looking through analog.View the list »
Which camera do you think would have the better odds of helping track down an assailant?

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Security camera systems have been around for some time now, though for the most part they have been analog based systems; with the advent of networking and technology advancements however IP cameras are steadily finding better footing within the industry. This article hopes to reinforce that footing, but the truth provided from images between the two systems leaves little question as to why analog cameras are slowly being replaced in this technological evolution.

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While there are laws in place enforcing camera systems in specific business places and work environments, as their cost have come down more homes are seeing installations as well. The fact is a great deal of the camera system cost reduction is very much in part due to the high resolution IP megapixel cameras' assault on the market. Generally speaking, most of the lower costing camera systems available will likely be analog, so what is the real incentive to ante further expense on the newer breed of security cameras? Like so much in the technology industry, the advancements are readily visible through comparison.

Most are aware that their banks and gas stations will typically have camera systems installed, but these days with homes and so many other businesses finding their costs outweighed by their provided value it is not really much of a surprise to see them readily popping up all around. Any store can make use of such systems in averting thefts or possible lawsuits, but if when the imaging provided from these systems is needed the clarity of the imaging offered becomes the real key to their success. Without clarity or confession, it is possible for lawyers to downplay footage evidence and if the clarity of the imaging is lacking that weakness can make or break a case. While both analog and IP/megapixel cameras can have increased clarity due to proper focusing and positioning of the cameras, true clarity can only be achieved with the use of higher resolution ; put simply more dots in the makeup of the overall image. The clarity doesn't stop there however, while both systems may provide options for high frame-rates in their recording only megapixel high resolution cameras truly maintain their clarity in each of those frames. This makes for not only a much smoother playback, but clarity throughout meaning the playback can be paused, digitally zoomed, and still provide the matching clarity during playback. Watching the two side by side in playback of footage is almost like looking through a dirty aquarium versus being there in person.

Probably one of the strongest driving points sales teams of IP/megapixel camera systems have is the protection of children in schools. While local or federal laws may one day enforce the use of camera systems in schools, many have already taken the initiative with their installation and use. Parents of children caught on these systems however are typically much more impressed by the evidence offered when there is no question of the identity of those involved. While this may not be a major problem in a smaller school, it is typically only a matter of time before smaller schools will grow. Beyond student fights, hallway monitoring, and overall management of the school itself; having a camera system in a school can definitely lend hand in recognizing and removing individuals that could present a hazard to students and/or teachers. Without the clarity of a high-res camera however, that can prove much more of a challenge.

With so many positives regarding IP/megapixel versus analog cameras, the only real hindrance in their domination of the industry as a whole has been cost difference. While analog cameras can typically be found at extremely lower pricing, you will not find a 'good' IP/megapixel camera for less than $300 and ranging into the $1000 range. This is still not a reason to be completely aversive to the products involved. Most NVR (network video recorder) systems have compatible encoders or hybrid options for utilizing the older analog cameras while providing the means to introduce IP/megapixel alongside them. Definitely something to consider when the need to replace or repair comes into play.

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  • Here is an example exhibiting the clearly visible difference between analog versus IP/megapixel imaging.  Not only is there clarity of features and details, this example also exhibits just how much easier details like license plates can be differentiated.  While the analog camera provides what appears to be a jittery almost out of focus imaging, the high resolution IP/megapixel leaves no room for doubt in what's being seen.  Not only is the 'grass greener' so to speak, but you can potentially make out every blade in the outdoor shot from an IP/megapixel camera!  An example from this image would be the pattern of the carpeting.  While the IP/megapixel image exhibits not only the pattern but that there is a carpet, from the analog image it could easily be mistaken that the floor is concrete in the image.Clarity can very much come from lighting and focus as well.  Granted the analog image yields little to be seen in the way of color and this could be due to the need for an iris adjustment on the camera itself, the fact is when it comes to outdoor lighting and its impact on recordings, while a grey day out may be visible from an IP/megapixel camera, it can prove inhibitive when looking through analog.
  • As was obvious from the last image, lighting can affect the recording of analog drastically when compared with IP/megapixel.  As this image shows those affects can have dramatically differing affects on the coloring of an image.  While the previous image was obviously in a much lower light setting, this image clearly exhibits the difference even in solid indoor lighting and just how drastically this can affect the performance seen by either type of camera.
  • Clarity is definitely important when it comes to catching license plates on vehicles.  Though both of these images were originally created with IP/megapixel cameras the 0.3 image is adjusted to the lower resolution offered by analog cameras.   A digital zoom on the plate of the same car from either shot leaves no doubt which resolution provides enough dots to the matrix making for a clear representation of the license plate of a car in traffic.
  • Plates may not be all that is needed of a vehicle shot however; as shown in this example visibility in the differentiation of lighting can prove quite challenging for an analog camera.  The IP/megapixel  leaves no doubt that the driver was putting on their sunglasses and could even potentially provide details on the car behind that driver the analog camera simply would not.
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, Kansas City Technology Examiner

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