An Introduction to IP cameras

Is it your first time buying modern home security camera? You must be excited, but chances are, you are confused. Security camera market offers so many different choices, that even for an experienced buyer, it is hard to choose from them. Let us clarify, in this article we are going to talk about one of the type of cameras – IP, Internet protocol security cameras. IP cameras are different from traditional CCTV analogue cameras and we will see how different they are.

First of all, what is an IP camera? As we have already said, IP cameras are Internet protocol cameras that work on network instead of electric signals as it happens in case of CCTV. IP cameras require connection to network and the central device. All the data will be directly sent and recording in this device. Market offers many different types of IP cameras. You can’t say that any of them are automatically the best or the worst. Choosing between them really depends on your individual preferences and needs.

Here are some details you need to know about IP cameras:

•Centralized vs. decentralized: IP cameras offer both operations. Some of them work in centralized mode, some in decentralized. If your IP camera is strong enough, they can also work in both modes at the same time. in fact, mostly these cameras have built-in computer systems, which makes it possible for a camera to work independently, without any additional device. This is what we call decentralized mode. In other cases, it is connected to some kind of a device, that controls it. It can be connected via Wi-Fi or directly with wire. At last, as we have already mentioned, some strong IP security cameras work simultaneously in both modes.

• Four different types of IP cameras: types for these cameras differ in shape and accordingly, in features they offer. There are for major types: bullet, dome, turret, cube. As their names suggest, they have different shapes that makes them better or worse for specific kind of surveillance. Some are good for outdoor use and some for indoor. Their costs are also different and depend on the features they offer. Some have better quality of image and resolution is better, some are better for night vision and some are more flexible to use, as you can move them from one room to another.

This one, for example, is used for indoor security. It is easily portable and connects without any wires, so you can move it without any issues. Also, it is small in size.