Understanding the IP Cameras

Understanding the IP Cameras:

IP cameras are actually similar to the older CCTV analog camera. They consist of a lens, sensor, and amplifiers. The IP camera adds a computer and network interface that connects the camera to the network. Take a look at our video about how the IP camera works.

The sensor of the camera defines the resolution, but it is just as important to select the right megapixel lens. Take a a look at our article about Selecting the Right Resolution and Lens.

All optical type cameras require some light to operate. Some do include IR illuminators, but you can always add standard lighting when required. Take a look at the key specifications to consider.

Amplification and signal processing are used to maximize how the video looks. The circuits adjust the brightness and contrast of the video. The camera circuits improve the dynamic light range of the video. Some cameras add additional processing to provide wide dynamic range of 120 dB or more.

To better understand how the IP camera system goes together take a look at our video IP Camera Systems - How to Set Objectives and Select the Components.

Blogs: Our blogs provide technical advice and descriptions about how things work. Take a look at our Technical Blog, and Virginia's Blog that provides a simple review of how things work. The latest article "What Video Cameras Learned from TV" takes you through the history of the video camera.

Videos: We have published a number of videos about IP camera technology. The latest video describes, "How the Video Camera Works", and "How the IP Camera Works"

Select the Best Camera for your Application

The IP camera chart compares the features and benefits of many of the IP security cameras available. Pricing examples are provided, to give you some idea of the cost to performance ratio of the camera.

We Can Help

Not only do we sell IP cameras and security equipment at the best price, we are also an engineering and consulting company, and provide design assistance at no charge. It may be helpful to visit our Camera Buyer's Guide, to help you pick the right IP camera.

---

A camera System is More than Just the Camera

Take a look at the some of the other things you may need to complete your Network AttachedIP Camera system. To learn more about what the camera specifications mean take a look at our technical note about understanding the "Specifications for the Latest IP Cameras".

More Resources

Technical articles help you understand the technology as well as providing product comparisons.

Contact us for assistance in designing your system. We assure that the cameras are compatible with the video management software, the lens, the enclosure your computer and storage.

---

Important specifications to consider when selecting an IP camera:

Resolution of the camera will determine the detail you can see in a specific field of view. If you want to identify a person's face or license plate number you may need a higher resolution megapixel camera. We will help you determine the right camera for each location.

Light sensitivity will determine how well the camera can see in darkness. For example a camera with a 0.1 lux sensitivity can operate in full moon light.

The Lens is a critical part of the camera system especially for a megapixel camera. Learn more about Lenses for IP cameras

Compression Note that some cameras use M-JPEG compression, others use MPEG-4 or H.264 compression and some can use more than one. See the article "The Latest H.264 Compression" for more about compression schemes. The right compression will save bandwidth and storage, but can also affect the quality of the video.

Technical articles help you understand the technology as well as providing product comparisons.

System Notes:
Always make sure the cameras are supported by the Video Management Software or NVR. We know that one IP camera doesn't fit all; we design each each system to fit exactly what you need.

Cameras can be integrated with other systems for access control, paging and intercoms, audio recording and license plate recognition.

Contact us for assistance in designing your system. We assure that the cameras are compatible with the video management software, the lens, the enclosure your computer and storage.