IP Cameras: Four Key Factors To Tell Them Apart

If you are on the lookout for IP cameras, then you need to make sure you understand what kind of IP camera system will be best suited for your needs. You don’t want to blow your budget when a basic setup will work fine, but you don’t want to find yourself stuck with models that don’t do what you need them to do.

So without further ado, here is a quick list of factors that will help you determine what kind of IP video camera will help you with what you need:

Wired vs. Wireless

The first and most obvious difference in IP cameras is whether they use wires or not. Wired cameras typically need more time and effort to install than their wireless counterparts. Wired connections, however, are much more secure and less prone to being remotely accessed by those with ill-intent. Wireless cameras, on the other hand, are easier to install and conceal. These cameras must also be within range of a wireless router or other Internet access point and may need router repeaters to cover a wider area.

PTZ vs. Static

Some IP cameras come with a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) feature that lets you remotely manipulate the camera’s field of view. A camera with PTZ features is especially effective when someone is actively monitoring the IP camera feed and needs a better look at something that is not quite clear at first glance. These do cost a bit more than their static counterparts though and may not be completely necessary for an IP security camera system that is designed to watch over a specific entrance or corridor.

Dome vs. Bullet

This is more than a simple difference of aesthetic taste. Dome IP cameras are low-key and difficult to spot. They are good for discreetly monitoring areas and watching the activities of those within its scope. Bullet digital cameras, on the other hand, take the opposite approach. Not only do they monitor a specific area, but their highly visible and somewhat threatening shape are loud reminders that people are being monitored in this area. This not only serves as a warning to people but also allows for more physical space for cameras with more powerful features.

Basic vs. Feature-Rich

Speaking of features, IP cameras actually have a lot of optional features to avail of. You have two-way audio communications, video analytics for motion detection and remote access via apps designed for tablets and/or smartphones to name a few. Most IP cameras share these features, but you will see the overall costs go up as you select models with more and more features. You will again have to compare the available features with your needs. Two-way audio may be great for monitoring store or home fronts but will prove to be of little use for surveillance cameras perched atop a discreet corner.