#1 IP Camera Problem

Cost was, far and away, the number #1 cited problem in going to IP cameras / video. We asked over 100 integrators to name the "3 biggest problems / barriers" they found, allowing them to name whatever they wanted. Over and over, the top one entered was cost.

Here's how the answers roughly broke down:

Some of the color provided included:

• "Price Price Price" listing it for all 3 reasons
• "The only reason is cost"
• "Cheap prices of analog system is attractive for many customers"
• "Although IP cameras are coming down in cost, analogue is still much less expensive generally."
• "Expense of having to replace legacy head end equipment such as analog DVRs or making an investment to a pure VMS system."

Indeed, most people simply listed just a single word - 'cost' or 'price'.

By contrast, the overwhelmingly top cited benefit was megapixel / high pixel count.

Key Takeaways

On the positive side for IP cameras, unlike a few years ago, there is no doubt that it is 'better' than analog. Higher pixel counts, panoramic imaging, edge recording, far improved low light performance, the wealth of form factors and manufacturers to choose from all make IP cameras the clear choice for high end surveillance.

On the negative side, it is clear that especially at the lower end of the market, that analog suppliers, typically newer Asian based entrants, are successfully selling extremely low cost analog kits (e.g., 4 cameras and a recorder for $400 or $500, or a 16 channel DVR in that same range).