Network IP Camera

A Network IP Camera is a security camera with built-in web server that can be monitored and controlled over an IP network such as LAN, intranet or internet. Each Network IP camera has its own IP address and is connected to a computer network using either a network cable or wireless technology. With advanced features such as remote access, motion detection and embedded video analytics, IP cameras are now replacing CCTVs in video surveillance system.

History

IP Camera is not an entirely new invention, but it is a development of CCTV system which has been around for many years. CCTV cameras were first used by United States Military in the 1940s to safely monitor the testing of the V2 missile. During 1960s, CCTVs were used in United Kingdom to monitor the crowds in public places.http://www.alphacardsecurity.com/cctv/history.shtml Over the years, CCTV system had undergone various developments and had been used in many countries for video surveillance in public places and ATMs. However, it wasn't until the revolution of computers and internet in the mid 90s that the first Network Camera was developed.

In 1996, Axis Communications introduced the first Network IP Camera which, unlike CCTV camera, can be monitored and controlled over an IP Network. In 1998, IQinVision developed the first Megapixel model of Network IP camera. In the next year, Milestone Systems launched an open platform software which is used for managing IP Camera-based video surveillance system..http://www.sfactory.co.za/downloads/The%20History%20of%20Video%20Surveillance.pdf

With the advancement in technology, several varieties of IP Cameras such as Intelligent IP Cameras, Wireless IP Cameras and Night Vision Cameras were developed.

Types

The following are four common types of IP Camera that is being used nowadays.

Fixed Camera:

This is a simple IP Camera which when fixed at a certain place can monitor only a particular area. It is not covered by any external housing and hence the direction in which the camera points is clearly visible to the viewers.

Fixed Dome Camera:

These cameras are installed inside a dome-shaped housing and are fixed to monitor a particular area. Because of the housing, the viewer doesn’t know the direction in which the camera is pointing. Hence, it is ideal for surveillance where the direction of camera is not intended to be visible.

PTZ Camera:

In this type of cameras, Pan, Tilt and Zoom can be adjusted, either manually or automatically. It can cover wider areas than fixed cameras and can be used to track a particular person or movement.

Network Dome Camera:

These cameras can pan up to 360 degrees and can move automatically between preset positions to cover larger areas.

Buying Guide

The following are some of the factors to consider before buying a Network IP Camera.

Wired or Wireless:

Network IP cameras can be either wired or wireless. Wireless cameras are better for outdoor use and applications where Camera positions are often changed.http://www.testfreaks.com/network-cameras/

Stationary or PTZ(Pan, Tilt, Zoom):

In PTZ cameras, Pan, Tilt and Zoom can be adjusted remotely while in Stationary cameras, it has to be done manually.

Video Compression Technique:

MJPEG and MPEG-4 are the common video compression technique used in Network Cameras. MJPEG uses more Bandwidth and Storage space than MPEG-4 while MPEG-4 requires high Computing power.http://www.camea.co.uk/articles/article001.html

Lens type:

The lens used in Network cameras can be either Manual Iris or Auto iris. In Manual Iris cameras, the size of lens' aperture is fixed and doesn't change automatically. Auto Iris lenses adjust the aperture size based on lighting conditions and hence it is ideal for outdoor locations.

Weather resistance:

Weather resistance is normally shown in terms of IP (Ingress Protection) ratings. In IP ratings, the first digit represents protection against solid particles and the second digit represents protection against liquids. IP 68 is the highest IP rating which provides 100% protection against dust and water.

Day/Night Functionality:

Cameras with Day/Night functionality can provide color videos during day time and black & white videos during night. It can adjust automatically based on lighting conditions.http://www.axis.com/products/cam_221/

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