There are similarities between IP cameras and webcams. Both IP cameras and webcams connect to the internet and provide real time images. Both IP cameras and webcams can be used for surveillance in a home or business. However, the two technologies have important differences. These differences make IP cameras preferable to webcams when it comes to security.
Webcams are often built into laptops or are connected to a computer via a USB port or Firewire. Most webcams are used for social activities people often engage in over the internet. They are used for making video calls over VOIP services such as Skype. They are used on services like Chatroulette or Stickcam. They are sometimes used for security purposes. The bottom line is that webcams require a constant physical connection to a computer. IP cameras on the other hand are constantly connected to the internet without the need for some sort of physical connection to a computer.
Multiple IP cameras can be set up to monitor multiple areas all without needing to be connected to a computer or even be in close proximity to a computer. Many IP cameras also have Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability. PoE allows an electrical current to travel over an Ethernet cable. This means that IP cameras with PoE can be placed in locations that might be far away from power outlets. The ability of IP cameras to work without the need for a physical connection to an internet connected computer gives the user greater flexibility when it comes to deployment as a security solution.
Even high end webcams can leave a bit to be desired when it comes to image quality. Images can be grainy and many webcams do not function well in low light conditions. Many IP cameras are capable of capturing high quality footage at a high frame rate and are capable of recording in HD. This can work to give a very clear picture of what is happening in a home or place of business. There are IP cameras on the market equipped with infrared LEDs that make it possible to capture footage even in conditions of complete darkness. The ability to capture high quality images and the ability to do so in less than ideal lighting conditions if necessary make IP cameras a much better security solution than most webcams.
IP cameras typically have a higher degree of configurability and more options available in terms of storing recorded footage than do most webcams on the market. Many IP cameras have storage capability built into them such as slots for SD cards. They also have the ability to record to remote storage servers. They can be set up to record continuously or only when motion is detected. They are also capable of sending e-mail alerts when motion is detected. This higher degree of configurability and more options for storing footage can make IP cameras preferable when it comes to providing security for homes or businesses.
The feed of an IP camera can be viewed from any internet connection or mobile device. This can give users the ability to check on what is going on at any time of the day or night. It is true that many webcams can also be viewed from any internet connection but this is dependent on the camera being plugged into an internet connected computer at all times.
An IP camera gives remote monitoring capability without any need to be plugged into a computer. The ability to monitor a camera's feed without the camera needing to be connected to a computer can give home and business owners quite a bit in the way of peace of mind and can also make the IP camera preferable to a webcam.
Webcams and IP cameras may be similar but there are important differences between the two technologies. These differences are important to consider when thinking about deploying one of them as a security solution. If you are in need of a camera that can operate independently of a computer, can record high quality images, has a high degree of configurability, has many options for storing footage and has remote monitoring capability then you may want to go with an IP camera instead of a webcam.
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