End User IP and MP Adoption Rates

How are end users adopting IP and MP cameras? In a recent survey of 60 end users, we asked them if they were using these types of cameras and, if so, when did they start using them. This note shares charts, our analysis and quotes from end users examing trends in using IP and MP cameras.

Key Takeways

We see 3 key takeaways from the survey results:

• Prior to 2007, IP adoption was extremely low, almost negligible.
• In the last 5 years, IP adoption has surged.
• MP cameras has driven adoption of IP cameras

While regular readers will likely view these as common sense, it is useful to see that patterns among end users show this.

Disclaimer and Limitation

End users surveyed were primarily from rich first world countries and mostly using large systems of 100+ cameras. As such, the group is skewed to higher end, more 'elite' users. If you are looking for smaller systems or less developed countries, this survey will NOT be applicable.

We asked when they first did they start using any IP cameras, NOT if they are using all IP cameras. Many, if not most users, started in a given year but then rolled out IP cameras over many years following.

IP Deployment Chart

The first chart maps the percentage of end users surveyed using IP cameras over the years. Before 2007, only 8% of respondents had done so, while today in 2012, that number has increased by a factor of 11. See the chart below:

Today, it is easy to forget how low IP adoption was just 5 years ago but the chart shows a surge in use of IP cameras recently. Not surprisingly, the fastest acceleration was in the 2008 to 2010 time frame corresponding with the fast advances in H.264 and megapixel camera releases.

MP Deployment Chart

The second chart shows the same time frame but for megapixel cameras specifically. Just 5 years ago, almost none of these end users were using megapixel cameras and now 5 years later, more than 3/4ths of them are - a dramatic increase.

Before 2008, all megapixel cameras were MJPEG only and available from just a handful of suppliers. Starting in 2008, megapixel product availability exploded with storage and bandwidth costs plunging (due to H.264). The result is the hockey stick shown above.

Test First

A number of end users emphasized how they did tests first before large scale roll-outs:

• "12 months ago, we installed two cameras as a test. Performed extremely well. Installed about 100 more."
• "The first IP cameras were installed late 2008 and consisted of a half dozen Axis cameras, and approximately 40 analog cameras running through Axis encoders."
• "We started installing IP cameras 1st quarter 2011. This was done using Pelco cameras and the Endura VMS. We have been using concurrent systems since then. We are currently in the middle of the final migration from an American Dynamics analog system, to be finished end of July this year. We also have a complete IP system at our temporary Admin building."
• "We started in 2010 with a pilot test (installed two). Since have installed more than 32."
• "only one as a kind of test case."

Multi MP as a Driver

A number of end users emphasized how multi megapixel cameras were important elements of their move to IP:

• "Testing 5MP cameras in key locations."
• "Nearly all new cameras are HD or better. We have many 3-5 MP."
• "One of the first IP cameras we purchased was an IQeye 5MP roof camera to overlook a large parking lot. We have since gone to numerous MP interior cameras from both Axis and Avigilon between 1 and 3 MP."
• "Our first IP deployment included 1.3 MP cameras. Since then, we have installed IP systems at other properties with strategically placed MP cameras varying from 1.3 MP up to 5 MP with measured success."