How to distinguish an analog CCTV camera from a digital one

The main indicators that the user is guided by when choosing systems for analog and digital video surveillance are cost and quality. Most often, he is not interested in the characteristics and type of device, which is, in principle, incorrect. Having figured out what analog CCTV cameras are and how they differ from digital samples, you will be able to choose the right model.

Analog camera description

Analog cameras are significantly cheaper than digital ones

Despite the development of technologies and the emergence of IP video cameras with their unique capabilities, it turned out to be unprofitable to completely abandon analog cameras. Low cost and good quality of the transmitted picture allow using analog versions for protection of small or medium-sized objects.

Manufacturers of these systems have moved from standard definition to higher quality indicators over time. Modern models of monitors allow you to get a picture in high resolution Full HD and abandon the outdated D1 and 960H standards. Security equipment companies are now offering three new standards for analog video surveillance: HDCVI, HDTVI and AHD.

The need for analog cameras is due to the large number of deployed systems of this type. Their difference from digital analogs is manifested in the following features:

  • IP cameras are unable to operate on typical cable networks.
  • Rebuilding the analog network by simply replacing cameras with digital samples will not work.
  • When reworking the system, it is not enough to replace the cable lines with twisted pair. To do this, you will have to change all the equipment as a whole, which in terms of costs is comparable to the installation of a new video surveillance system (with its manufacture practically "from scratch").

In turn, "obsolete" analog HD cameras can be easily integrated into existing cable networks. With their help, it is possible to modernize the entire security system without significant material and time costs.

Varieties of designs

Variety of designs for analog cameras

By design features, cameras from the composition of analog video surveillance systems are divided into the following types:

  • domed;
  • frameless;
  • miniature;
  • for indoor installation;
  • street.

Dome analog video cameras for video surveillance have a plastic case and in their shape resemble a hemisphere or a ball placed in a glass. Thanks to such a device, you can easily disguise a surveillance camera as a lighting device, for example. The rotary version is distinguished by the presence of a universal mount that allows you to orient the analog device in the desired direction or adjust it to the maximum coverage of the protected area.

Open-frame models are distinguished by high strength indicators, but they are installed exclusively indoors. Deprived of the case, the products are intended to perform special functions and are often built into a special casing.

Miniature cameras are small in size and are most often used for covert video surveillance. Some of the listed models can be used only indoors, and some are intended for outdoor installation.

Rules for the selection of analog devices

Placement of outdoor cameras around the perimeter of the house

When choosing a camera for surveillance, the place where it will be used constantly is taken into account.In accordance with the purpose, easy-to-install miniature or conventional devices with the possibility of a circular view of the protected area are selected. To solve most problems, it is enough to buy several outdoor cameras and install them so that their viewing angles intersect. This solution significantly reduces the number of inaccessible areas. Before buying a camera, you need to inquire about its resolution.

You can organize analog video surveillance by purchasing rotary models with a mechanism for changing the viewing angle. The housing for cameras placed outdoors must be durable and sealed, withstand mechanical stress and protected from moisture and dust. It is desirable that they have a visor that covers the device from rain and snow, and also be heated. When choosing a suitable model, the presence of a bracket must be taken into account, which ensures reliable fastening of the device.

It is easier to decide on the choice of the required sample if you study the main characteristics of analog video cameras:

  • power consumed by the device;
  • resolution;
  • the presence of IR illumination;
  • the temperature at which the camera remains operational;
  • maximum viewing angle;
  • product dimensions.

When evaluating the power of the selected sample, it should be understood that with an increase in this indicator, electricity costs increase. Resolution determines the clarity of the resulting image and the depth captured by the camera. The presence of IR illumination makes it possible to distinguish images at night, and a large temperature range allows expanding the geography of the observation device.

Comparison with IP camera

Comparing analog and IP surveillance cameras is much easier, considering their advantages and disadvantages. The main advantages of analog include:

  • simplicity of system configuration;
  • admissibility of connection to standard broadcasting networks;
  • low cost of the device and accessories for it;
  • stability of the transmitted signal - the quality does not depend on the state of the network and the length of the cable;
  • compatibility with other models.

To generate an analog signal of the required quality, it is enough to connect wires in colored insulation according to the attached instructions. Unlike digital devices, the procedure for adjusting the camera, including focusing, is very simple. At the discretion of the user, it is carried out in automatic or manual modes.

Disadvantages of analog cameras:

  • the need to decode the signal for its subsequent digital processing;
  • limited range and the inability to fix the focal length;
  • during installation, a special analogue recorder is needed, without which the transmission of a picture to the Internet is impossible.

Analog devices are capable of operating simultaneously with a limited number of processed signals, not exceeding 32 units. To increase them, you need an additional registrar. The disadvantages of analog systems include their sensitivity to radio frequency interference.

Pulse IP cameras have the following advantages:

  • the possibility of direct communication with the server, allowing their use as part of the "smart home" complex and in external fire control systems;
  • permissibility of fragmented image recording (ROI);
  • saving disk space;
  • high resolution, allowing you to detail the picture.

Digital IP cameras, unlike analog ones, are used in monitoring mode and for the purpose of analyzing ongoing events.

Connection methods

The main ways to connect analog cameras:

  • through a computer or server;
  • to the TV;
  • to the digital recorder;
  • through an old VCR.

To connect the camera to a PC, you need a video capture card that supports the function of receiving an analog signal. It is accompanied by special software published on the manufacturer's website (sometimes it is included in the delivery set). In addition, it is possible to take advantage of the network capabilities using a separate DVR.To do this, you will have to create a TCP-IP connection, and in the recorder you need an Ethernet type connector, similar to the one in the PC.

Some of the devices are capable of working with Wi-Fi, but only over a limited distance. You can connect directly to the IP recorder only using a circuit that converts the signal from analog to digital. The disadvantages of the latter method include the difficulty of finding outdated equipment complete with videotapes of the required standard.

The best manufacturers are considered to be Samsung and Xiaomi, known for the production of various types of equipment. It is not always advisable to buy models from these manufacturers, since sometimes you have to pay not for quality but for a brand. It is more reasonable to pay attention to the companies specializing in the production of only video cameras: VStarcam, Orien and Rexant. Hikvision, Dahua and Geovision can expand this list.

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