Security Cameras: 20 Years of Transformation from Analog To IP
Over the past 20 years, the world of security cameras has undergone a revolutionary transformation. Once, we discussed resolution in terms of TVL (television lines), but today, we talk about MP (megapixels) and AI-powered analytics. However, amidst these advancements, engineering details have been forgotten. Critical factors such as lens selection, power consumption, and true light sensitivity are often overlooked, while most people blindly recommend a “4MP motorized bullet camera.” This document was prepared to remind ourselves of the truly important aspects of camera selection and to summarize how the industry has evolved. There may be mistakes – may the experts not judge us too harshly.
Transition from Analog to IP: What Has Changed?
Resolution: 330 – 420 TVL analog cameras have now been replaced with 2MP, 4MP, 8MP, and even 12MP IP cameras. However, this change is not just about image quality; it also means larger data volumes and higher bandwidth requirements.
Sensors: The transition from CCD to CMOS has improved low-light performance and energy efficiency. Starlight and Super Starlight sensors now allow for color images even in near-zero light conditions.
Connection Technologies: Coaxial cables and 12V adapters have been replaced by PoE (Power over Ethernet) systems. However, high-power cameras may still require 24V AC or external adapters.
Storage and Compression: While analog systems recorded on DVR devices, IP systems now utilize NVR+ cloud integration and H.265 compression, reducing data storage needs by up to 50%.
Smart Analytics: Analog cameras only recorded footage, whereas modern IP cameras feature facial recognition, license plate recognition, motion analysis, and people counting.
Cybersecurity & Power Consumption In AI-Based Cameras
In analog systems, the main issues were data loss and signal interference. With the transition to IP, security cameras are now vulnerable not only to physical sabotage but also to cyber attacks. While older coaxial systems suffered from image degradation and signal loss, IP-based systems face DDoS attacks, unauthorized access, data leaks, and network traffic manipulation threats. Therefore, AES-256 encryption, TLS 1.3 communication, regular firmware updates, and secure network access policies have become essential for IP camera systems.
AI-based cameras can perform video analytics either on the camera (edge processing) or on a central server (cloud processing). Edge processing reduces network traffic and improves real-time response times, but it requires higher processing power and energy consumption. On the other hand, centralized processing requires more storage space and server power, while lowering per-camera costs. The choice depends on the system’s scale and usage scenario—for large-scale systems, hybrid models (a combination of edge and central processing) can be more efficient.
What Should We Really Consider When Choosing a Camera?
✔ Resolution: Not every resolution above 1080p is necessarily “better.” Consider recording duration, bandwidth, and display resolution compatibility.
✔ Lens Selection: If you need a wide-angle view, 2.8mm lenses are ideal, while for long-distance viewing, 8mm or higher lenses are recommended.
✔ Power Consumption: PoE cameras are more power-efficient, but high-power IR-illuminated or PTZ cameras may require 24V AC.
✔ Light Sensitivity: Cameras advertised with 0.001 Lux ratings do not always reflect reality. Test IR-cut filters and actual low-light performance.
✔ Bandwidth & Storage: Even with H.265 compression reducing storage needs by up to 50%, 4K cameras still require a strong network infrastructure.
✔ Housing Selection: Outdoor cameras should be IP66/IP67-rated for water and dust resistance, and for environments below -30°C, heated enclosures are necessary.
Detection, Recognition, and Identification Distances
These distances are calculated based on a 1.80m (5’9″) tall person or a 2x4m vehicle, using PPM (Pixels Per Meter) values.
| Camera Resolution | Detection Distance (10-20 PPM) | Recognition Distance (40-60 PPM) | Identification Distance (120-250 PPM) |
| 2MP (1080p) | 50m | 25m | 12m |
| 4MP | 70m | 35m | 18m |
| 8MP (4K) | 100m | 50m | 25m |
| 12MP | 150m | 75m | 40m |
Bandwidth Requirements & Video Compression
The table below provides estimated bandwidth requirements for H.264 and H.265 compression at 30FPS and 15FPS for various camera resolutions.
| Camera Resolution | H.264 @ 30FPS | H.264 @ 15FPS | H.265 @ 30FPS | H.265 @ 15FPS |
| 2MP (1080p) | 4-6 Mbps | 2-3 Mbps | 2-3 Mbps | 1-2 Mbps |
| 4MP | 8-12 Mbps | 4-6 Mbps | 4-6 Mbps | 2-3 Mbps |
| 8MP (4K) | 15-20 Mbps | 8-10 Mbps | 8-12 Mbps | 4-6 Mbps |
| 12MP | 25-30 Mbps | 12-15 Mbps | 12-18 Mbps | 6-8 Mbps |
Conclusion & Recommendations
In summary, choosing a security camera is not just about comparing resolution and price. Project requirements, detection distances, lighting conditions, and storage needs must be carefully evaluated.
We used to debate “which TVL is better?” and now we ask, “how many MP should I choose?” But the truth is, engineering details matter more than resolution alone. To make the right decision, lens selection, light sensitivity, power requirements, bandwidth, and enclosure types must all be considered.
Hoping that the security industry doesn’t remain a place where only “megapixels” are discussed…
Samim Serdar Demir
Electronics and Communications Engineer (MBA)