Both are CCTV. An HD analog camera runs on coax to a DVR. An IP camera sends video over a network cable to an NVR. IP gives sharper video and more features. Analog costs less and fits buildings that already have coax.
"HD camera" and "IP camera" are not the same
When a shop sells you an "HD camera", it is usually an HD analog camera. It needs a DVR and coax cable. An IP camera is different. It is a small networked device that processes its own video and sends it to an NVR over Cat6. In most cases the same cable also powers it.
For a new business install, IP is usually the better base to build on. Analog HD still makes sense where good coax is already in place and the budget is tight.
Side by side
| HD analog camera | IP camera | |
|---|---|---|
| Recorder | DVR | NVR |
| Cable | Coax, plus separate power | One Cat6 cable, usually with PoE |
| Resolution | Mostly 2MP to 5MP | 2MP up to 4K (8MP) and more |
| Smart alerts | Limited | Line crossing, intrusion zones, people and vehicle detection |
| Audio and talk-back | Limited | Available on many models |
| Starting cost | Usually lower | Usually higher per camera |
| Good for | Upgrades on existing coax, small sites | New sites, larger or growing sites |
Picture quality
Resolution matters most when you need to identify something, like a face at the gate or a number plate at the loading bay. That is where IP cameras pull ahead, because 4MP and 8MP are easy to get. For a general view of a corridor or shop floor, a good 2MP to 4MP camera of either type is often enough.
Megapixels are not everything. The lens, how well the sensor handles low light, and the compression all affect what you see on playback. A cheap high-megapixel camera can look worse at night than a good 2MP one.
Cables and power
An analog camera needs a coax cable for video and a separate one for power. An IP camera with PoE needs one Cat6 cable for both. Each network cable run can be up to about 100 metres. For longer distances, a switch or fibre link goes in between. If you are cabling a new floor anyway, we usually do the structured cabling in the same job.
The downsides of each
IP cameras cost more per camera. The network needs planning for bandwidth and switches. And because each camera is on your network, it needs a strong password, current firmware and ideally its own network segment. Cameras sold in India since 1 April 2026 must also pass the government's cybersecurity checks. Our STQC guide explains this.
Analog cameras offer fewer high-resolution and smart-alert options. Most need two cables each. And you can only grow as far as the channels on your DVR.
Which one for your site?
- New office, warehouse or multi-floor building: IP cameras with an NVR.
- Older building with good coax and a tight budget: analog HD with a DVR.
- A mix: a hybrid recorder keeps your working analog cameras and lets you add IP cameras over time. Our NVR vs DVR guide covers the recorder side.
Wired or wireless? For a business, wired is the safe default because it does not depend on Wi-Fi signal. Wireless cameras help where running a cable is hard, but they still need power and a strong signal.
Last updated 4 November 2026