Features To Look For In An IP Camera for Video Surveillance
Lenses, DPS, embedded analytics, dual streaming, encoding technology, vandal-resistant housing, extended temperature support, and more
The Advantages of IP Cameras
IP cameras offer several advantages over their analog counterparts, including:
- Power over Ethernet: Using the same cable both to establish a network connection and to provide power to an IP camera can dramatically reduce cabling requirements and translate into huge cost savings for organizations — especially those with hundreds of cameras.
- Built-in processing power: IP cameras act as intelligent sensing devices, with such features as object-based motion detection and video analytics.
- Network accessibility: IP cameras are connected to the organization’s network, which allows them to be managed and monitored using the organization’s IT resources and tools.
Because they dovetail with existing IT systems, afford virtually unlimited scalability, and require less cabling than analog cameras, IP cameras make sense for many organizations that want to expand their security operations
Features That Make The Difference
The Nextiva IP camera lineup comes available with a broad array of features for a variety of applications and environments.
| Available Features | Benefits |
|---|---|
| High-quality, varifocal lenses with auto-iris technology and color or day-to-night functionality | Optimizes image quality in a variety of lighting conditions, producing clear, crisp, and accurate images |
| Digital Pixel System (DPS) image sensor technology | Exceptional dynamic range, less image “noise” than many other sensors, highly accurate colors in different lighting conditions (indoor, outdoor, fluorescent), and elimination of such artifacts as vertical smearing and pixel blooming |
| The industry’s top encoding technology and SM4 codec | Delivers superior imagery with optimal use of network bandwidth, providing high performance even in environments with little or no motion |
| Embedded video analytics | Automatically detects significant activity without sending all video to centralized servers for analysis, reducing use of network bandwidth, servers, and storage |
| Dual streaming | Allows video to be viewed at high resolution for excellent image clarity, but stored at lower resolution for optimal use of storage resources |
| Support for both interlaced and progressive scan video | Provides distortion-free images on analog and digital video monitors, delivering the benefits of IP video using existing analog equipment |
| Triple axis lens rotation system and auxiliary analog output | Streamlines installation, with greater flexibility in camera placement and adjustment |
| Power over Ethernet (PoE) | Reduces cabling and power requirements, so that cameras can be installed without additional power supplies |
| Vandal-resistant, weatherproof housing and extended temperature support | Designed for reliable performance indoors and outdoors, even in conditions marked by significant temperature fluctuations |
| Full integration with the Nextiva video solution portfolio | Streamlines camera installation, configuration, and management and facilitates seamless, policy-based distribution of alarms, video, and data to the appropriate people and agencies |
| Open and built on industry standards | Easy interoperability with existing IT infrastructures, enterprise systems, and video equipment, for rapid deployment and reliable operation |
| Manage with Nextiva or third-party video management systems (via the Nextiva Advantage SDK) | Leverages video management systems already in place and lets organizations select the video management solutions that best fit their objectives and budgets |
Note that all features are not available on all cameras. Also, Nextiva Analytics must be licensed separately.

