Megapixel cameras have come a long way in the last few years. Many articles and technical documents reflect a general consensus that the future will be all megapixel cameras.
This is indeed the latest trend and a very likely future… a distant future.
Analog cameras have been around much longer and have a distinct maturity in product offerings. This is seen in variety as well as initial cost to purchase and install. Analog has a proven track record of reliability along with a very large and established install base. This install base reflects an investment that most are not willing to part with until the life of the unit has run its course and the time has come for it to be replaced.
Granted: IP based video systems are here and consideration of network integration for video surveillance and services is a must. Megapixel camera technology is still developing and growing. However, to maintain the existing video investment, many will implement an encoder at the analog video camera to create an IP based camera. Many will simply change the DVR to create an IP based access point for all the analog cameras.
Megapixel or analog is not a choice that needs to be made for the entire system.
The beauty of the megapixel camera trend at the edge of the video network is that it does give more choices in coverage and surveillance options when building new or enhancing an existing video system.
There is a definite place for megapixel cameras in many (and most) surveillance installations. The decision for this should be considered on a camera-by-camera basis with specific regard for what is being monitored, recorded, and recalled for viewing or video evidence purpose.
The general market still indicates analog to be the predominant camera of choice (reference Summary section on page 8 of Analog vs. IP Cameras):
In repeat of a previous blog…
Be it a completely new video network or an update/extension/replacement of an existing video network, the end result that balances function, finance, video coverage, and video storage/recall will very likely be a hybrid video system which contains BOTH analog cameras and megapixel IP cameras.
** Try this live outdoor analog camera connected to an encoder **
http://www.gotowti.com/Info/WTI_SidewinderInternetDemo09.pdf
The following reading is recommended before deciding analog or megapixel:
1.) Choosing Analog or IP Camera Systems for Video Surveillance (CCTV) theCgisite.com (overview of considerations needed to make decision on a camera-by-camera basis):
http://www.thecgisite.com/detail/choosing-analog-or-ip-camera-systems-for-video-surveillance-cctv-35.html
2.) Megapixel Video for D.U.M.I.E.S. – Part 1 of 4 Security Sales & Integration (good coverage of megapixel video technology):
http://www.securitysales.com/resources/SS3dumies.pdf
3.) The difference between HD and megapixel surveillance cameras IP Security Watch (insightful perspective for 2009 HD versus megapixel):
http://www.ipsecuritywatch.com/web/online/IPSW-News/The-difference-between-HD-and-megapixel-surveillance-cameras/512$14934
4.) Megapixel Resolution Comparison Chart PULS Global (basic spec comparisons of megapixel cameras from a camera distributor):
http://www.puls-global.com/megapixel-cctv.htm
5.) The Truth about Megapixel Network Camera Technology Security International (perspective from a megapixel manufacturer):
http://www.security-int.com/categories/megapixel-network-camera-technology/the-truth-about-megapixel-network-camera-technology.asp
~David Scales, Chief Technology Officer
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