What's the difference between an IP camera and an analog camera?
IP cameras connect over Ethernet, deliver native-digital HD/4K resolution, run on-camera analytics, and integrate with software-based VMS platforms. Analog cameras use coax and require encoder/DVR hardware to reach network resolution beyond 1080p. For new deployments, IP is the standard — analog exists only for retrofit use cases where coax already runs.
Which IP camera brands are NDAA compliant?
Axis, Hanwha Vision, i-PRO, Pelco, Digital Watchdog, Vivotek, and Bosch are all NDAA-compliant. Hikvision and Dahua are restricted under Section 889 for federal, state government, and critical-infrastructure procurement but remain available for commercial deployments.
How do I choose the right resolution for an IP camera?
Start with the farthest point of the scene you need to identify. Calculate required PPF (pixels-per-foot) on that target: 125 PPF for recognition, 250 PPF for identification. Work backward from PPF and sensor size to resolution and lens focal length. A 2MP camera with the right lens often outperforms a 4K camera with the wrong one — see our DORI guide.
What PoE standard do modern IP cameras require?
Fixed indoor cameras run on standard 802.3af PoE (15.4W). Outdoor cameras with heaters and IR need PoE+ (802.3at, 25.5W). PTZ, multi-sensor, and heated-housing cameras need PoE++ (802.3bt, 60-90W). Plan switch power budget for simultaneous-peak load, not nameplate ratings — see why PoE switches fail at scale.
Can I mix IP camera brands in one VMS?
Yes — any ONVIF Profile S + G certified cameras work with any certified VMS. Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Center, Avigilon ACC, and Exacq routinely mix Axis, Hanwha, i-PRO, and Hikvision cameras on one server. Note: vendor-specific analytics metadata (Axis Object Analytics, Hanwha AI, etc.) may require that vendor's VMS or a VMS with explicit integration.
How many cameras can a typical NVR support?
Channel count is only one dimension — total bitrate is the real constraint. A 32-channel NVR rated for 320 Mbps can't run 32 4K cameras at 8 Mbps each (that's 256 Mbps, leaving almost no headroom). For high-resolution deployments, size by aggregate bitrate first, channel count second. See retention math for sizing methodology and our NVR catalog.