We have seen how the cost of many different types of electronics are dropping in today’s society. The same is true for security cameras and related equipment. With new technology, the images and recordings produced by security cameras have never been better. This article will try to explain some of the different kinds of security cameras and systems on the market today.

Analog vs Digital Security Cameras

Analog cameras have the video signal run over coaxial wire. These typically have a BNC connector attached to the end. There is a separate wire that is run to power the camera.

Digital, or Network cameras, are run over Ethernet or CAT5 wire. They typically have a RJ45 data plug for termination, which looks a lot like a typical phone connector. They can have a separate wire for power, or sometimes be run over PoE (Power over Ethernet.) If that is the case, only 1 wire is needed for power and video.

In both cases, the cameras are usually connected to a recorder. The recorder can be connected to the network to allow users to view the cameras remotely, via smartphone or PC. Some cameras have built in SD card slots for local storage. Typically they have motion detection built into the camera.

The major difference between these two types of camera are the quality of the images. Although some newer analog cameras are much better than the older ones, they still can’t compare to the digital cameras.

Port-forwarding, which used to have to be done to be able to access the cameras remotely, is no longer needed with some newer digital cameras.

Security Camera Alarm Inputs/Outputs

You camera system can be programmed to record all the time, or to record on motion detection, or to record off specific triggers. These are referred to as alarm inputs. One example might be:

You want to record a video clip whenever a door leading into the home is opened.

-OR-

You want to record motion in a room, but prefer to use a separate alarm motion detector to reduce false triggers. (Usually the built-in motion within the camera is quite sensitive to changes in light, although they are getting better.)

Having these “alarms” also makes it easier to go back in your recorded video and view events. Rather than searching through hours of video, you can just view the times when there was activity.

The Outputs are used to turn on lights or similar actions when the camera is in “alarm” state.

Security Camera Audio Capability

Some cameras have built-in mics, or the option to connect external mics to the camera. Also the recorder unit usually has audio inputs and outputs. Recordings can be triggered off audio as well.

By adding some speakers, you can effectively carry on 2-way voice through the camera. It is half-duplex communication, meaning you can only listen in OR talk, not both at the same time (like a walkie-talkie.)

Different Security Camera Types