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When shopping for a business or home security camera system today, you’ll have to decide between wired and wireless technology. If the property is a large one, a wired system will be more convenient for transmitting the signal. But then, which is the better wired CCTV technology between BNC vs PoE?
In our short guide here, this is what we’ll be looking at so you can make a better judgment when shopping. We’ll look at how both technologies differ in terms of image quality, video processing, and other crucial aspects.
Verdict: 5 Reasons PoE is the best Wired CCTV
- PoE security cameras deliver clearer images
- PoE security cameras can record at 30 or 60fps
- The PoE security cameras support two-way audio
- PoE security cameras can work as a standalone
- PoE security cameras have many smart A.I. features
BNC vs PoE: A Summary of the Best Security Cameras from Both Technologies
Swann is one of the few brands that predominantly deals with Analog BNC security camera systems. The following is an overview of one of its bestsellers from this category compared to its limited line of PoE systems.
Should I Get a BNC Security Camera System?
Are you looking for a cheap expandable security system? Companies like ZOSI have BNC security camera systems for warehouses, small businesses, and homes for as low as a hundred bucks.
Of course, this budget is only for the standard 1080p resolution. But when reviewing 5MP vs 4K vs 1080p security cameras, we saw that 2MP is pretty enough for general-purpose monitoring.
Sadly, however, the footage of a BNC camera is usually not as sharp as with a PoE camera of similar resolution. And as we shall see below, this has a lot to do with how the two systems process the video signal the sensor captured.
Should I Get a PoE Security Camera System?
Where should we begin? A PoE security camera has everything to love and absolutely nothing to hate if you can add the extra few bucks.
If you’re looking for high-quality recordings, these systems usually deliver sharper pictures than BNC and even wireless security cameras. Then you necessarily don’t need to have a power outlet at the mounting location since the data cable is also for power.
Furthermore, you can get a security camera with two-way audio under the PoE category. Then the lineup is also the easiest to find a system with advanced analytics like person detection, auto motion tracking, facial recognition, and license plate recognition.
BNC vs PoE: Comparing Features and Capabilities of the Security Technologies
Technically, the difference between NVR and DVR is pretty much the same with BNC vs PoE technology. See below:
Easiest to Own
As we’ve mentioned earlier, BNC security cameras are usually cheaper to own. You can get a ZOSI or ANNKE 8-channel security camera system for under $150.
On the other hand, the cheapest 8-channel PoE security camera system you can get is $250 while with half cameras. A hundred bucks are usually only enough for a 1080p recorder without a hard drive disk.
Easiest to Install
Overall, standalone wireless battery-powered security cameras are the easiest to install as no wiring is needed. But when dealing with wired CCTV, the PoE system is also relatively easier to install. The Cat5e or Cat6 (Ethernet) cable to transmit data is usually the same one for power.
As for BNC security cameras, you need to extend the cable for video data and power. Most cameras also require an external microphone as they don’t have built audio.
Use as Standalone
PoE security camera is the clear winner here. The first reason for this is the integrated chip that enables the device to capture and process the video signal all on its own.
Secondly, various PoE cameras come with a built-in slot to insert a MicroSD card for storing footage. Then the whole process to connect the CCTV camera to a computer or mobile is pretty straightforward if you have a PoE injector or switch.
Sharpest Video Quality
When you compare a 4K PoE vs BNC security camera side by side, you’ll notice the former has relatively sharper pictures. As said above, the chip built into a PoE camera makes it possible to encode a digital video before sending it via the data cable.
But with BNC, the camera will send the analog video signal to the recorder to complete processing into a digital video. And while this conversion is taking place, the image ends up losing some pixels.
Clearest Night Vision
As of today, you can get a 4K color night vision security camera in either BNC or PoE technology. Both technologies also have an option for long-range night vision, though with infrared (black and white) clarity.
But the PoE security camera still delivers clearer nighttime pictures because of its ability to encode digital video before transmitting.
Fastest Recording Frame Rate
When looking for a 4K 30fps security camera system, you’ll notice all the options available are from the PoE category. It’s even possible to get a camera that records at a super-fast 60fps speed to monitor a busy location.
Meanwhile, BNC (coaxial) cables are usually not designed to carry heavy bandwidth or data. The fastest 4K analog security camera you can get at this moment has up to 15fps recording. And for that, the video recording will not be as smooth/ soft as that of a PoE camera with 30/ 60fps.
Best of Smart Artificial Intelligence
Yet again, PoE leads if you’re looking for a bit more sophisticated motion sensor security camera. We do have various Analog BNC camera kits with person detection, face detection, and facial recognition, for sure.
But in all the systems we’ve gone through, these video analytics seems to work best alongside PoE technology.
As was mentioned, it’s also actually much easier to find a PoE security camera with person detection and facial recognition than with BNC. Our two reference Swann systems on the chart above are perfect examples.
PTZ Cameras are PoE Too!
At the security level, both BNC and PoE security cameras get things done. In the new age of 4K Ultra-HD resolution, you’ll notice the video quality from either system is also clear enough to identify faces and read license plates.
Nonetheless, the videos from the PoE camera are still better in detail, thanks to the built-in chip and super-fast frame rate. Most of the brands will also have a microphone on board to capture audio and sometimes a speaker to enable two-way talk or siren.
Furthermore, you should know no dedicated PTZ camera usually relies on a BNC connection. It’s usually either PoE or RJ45- the dedicated ports you’ll find at the back of a DVR unit.
