IP cameras are a mainstay of the modern CCTV market, providing security and safety in commercial and domestic scenarios. Capable of capturing high definition video and high quality audio, many models are also now augmented with AI technology as well.
To find out more about what IP cameras can do, please read our IP Camera blog and we’ll give you the lowdown on their ins and outs so you can buy with confidence.
An IP camera serves the same purpose as previous-generation surveillance tech. Once installed, it will monitor a given area and send an AV feed back to a control hub, in this case an NVR. The footage can be viewed in real time on-site, recorded to local storage, or accessed remotely over a network connection.
There are a number of distinct designs which are consistent across the IP camera market. These include:
- Dome cameras, for freedom of movement and additional protection
- Fisheye and panoramic cameras, for up to 180° of coverage delivered consistently and efficiently
- Bullet cameras, with compact bodies that are both discrete and durable
The latest IP cameras also boast a wealth of other hardware features. For instance, we stock models with built-in IR lighting for undetectable after-dark surveillance. There are also units that come with lighting in the visible spectrum to act as a direct, conspicuous deterrent to potential trespassers. To go a step further, you can even buy IP cameras with two-way audio and integrated alarm sounds so you can communicate with visitors and ward off interlopers respectively.
In terms of connectivity, wired IP cameras generally require a single Ethernet cable to provide both data transfer and power. This simplifies installation and makes them incredibly convenient.
So if you need the best of what the modern CCTV market has to offer, IP cameras are the reliable and highly capable components to focus on first.
Advanced Features Explored
We touched on the AI enhancements that IP cameras offer, and there’s a lot to shout about in this regard. Brands like SPRO and Ajax have pushed the envelope with intelligent surveillance capabilities that prioritize automation. This includes:
Impressive object recognition, allowing the camera to differentiate between people, vehicles, pets and more.
- Fast flame detection so fires can be spotted and action taken faster than via traditional methods
- Automatic tracking to control camera alignment based on the subject’s movement
- Alongside AI, you can expect IP cameras to be resistant to the elements. With many models being IP66 and IP67 rated for waterproofing, outdoor use is possible whatever the weather.
How to Choose an IP Camera
Before you buy an IP camera, look at its specifications and work out if they match up with what you need from it.
The style of the camera, including whether it is static or a pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) model, will come first. This will depend on the space you want to monitor.
Features like capture resolution, connectivity, on board storage, and two-way audio support are next on the agenda. Then if you need the AI-associated features we discussed, check that they are both supported by the camera and made available on the NVR you are using as well.
Be sure to check out all of the IP camera models we supply which align with your requirements, as the top brands have some distinct capabilities that warrant your attention. Feel free to contact us if you have a question about our IP cameras.