Internet protocol camera, shortly known as IP Camera, is a video capturing tool as a webcam. The security device receives and transmits video data over a network and the internet. This CCTV camera is a standalone device and requires only an internet connection. It connects with a connected internet device like NVR, laptop, desktop, and any other output device. This article will discuss what a surveillance system is, how it works, the benefit of security cam, different camera viewers, and cost. After that, we will also learn the difference between IP camera software and CCTV software.
What is an IP Camera
An IP camera is just like a video camera with an internet connection. It sends a signal to the central server through the network connection. This type of tool is widely used for internet protocol surveillance, digital videography, and closed-circuit television. A surveillance system has a great appeal than a digital CCTV camera because of its remote surveillance options. For the moving target, this device provides a better quality image and video. Some NVR/DVR system has two-way communication so the user can take any decision based on occurrence.
How Internet Protocol Camera Works
An IP camera captures the image and video in the same way as a digital or CCTV device. After capturing the picture, it compresses and transmits into a network through surveillance camera software. You can transmit the data over a broadband connection, wireless connection, and even an ethernet connection. If there is no internet connection, you can use this device with a cellular connectivity solution. Also, if there is no connection, you can record the video and store it on the local device.
Benefits of IP Camera
The main advantage of the security tool is the viewing capability from anywhere in the world. If you want, you can see the video streaming, audio streaming and control the device remotely. This versatile surveillance solution requires only an internet connection. Besides live surveillance, it can support video analytics, PoE Switch, and S3 integration.
IP Camera Software
The camera viewer software is a video monitoring system through an internet connection. Today we will learn different types of security software available in the market. Please remember those are based on available ability on the internet. Some CCTV camera software can be used as NVR/DVR cam software.
| Software | OS | Camera Support | Why Best | Limitation | Price |
| iSpy | Windows
Mac Linux ARM |
Almost all brand |
|
Very large MP4 files | Free and open source |
| Security Monitor Pro | Windows | Abus, ACTi, Axis, Brickcom |
|
Very costly | $ 799.95 USD |
| Security Eye | Windows | Supports 1,200+ models of cameras |
|
Only run on Windows | 8$ to 50$ per month |
| DComplex LLC IP Camera Viewer | iPhone
Windows |
Maximum brands |
|
Only supports limited scale | $39.99 |
| ContaCam | Windows | Many brands |
|
It occasionaly struggles for pairing with IP cameras. | Free |
| Anycam | Windows | Many brands |
|
Only Windows users can use it. | Free |
| Blueiris Software | Windows | All brands |
|
Server setup is very difficult. | $99.95 |
| Ivideon Server | Windows
Linux Mac Android iPhone |
Many brands |
|
Complex setup | completely free for all users |
| Samsung DVR Software Smart Viewer | Windows
Mac |
Samsung and other brands |
|
Sometimes apps does not work. | Free |
| C-MOR Video Management System | Windows | Axis, Foscam, Hikvision, Instar, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Vivotek |
|
Supports maximum 15 cameras. | Free |
| Xeoma | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Maximum brands | Users who need flexible software. | Many fancy and paid features. | Starter $9.95, Lite $49.95, Standard $93.95, Pro $279.95 |
| Perfect IP Camera Viewer | Windows | All brands |
|
Not too features | free |
| Genius Vision | Windows
iOS Android |
All brands |
|
Difficult to get troubleshooting assistance. | $50-$150 |
| ZoneMinder | Linux
Android iOS |
Many Brands |
|
User can not record video. | Free |
| SmartViewer | Windows | All Brands |
|
Does not provide pricing info on their website | Unknown |
| WebcamXP | Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, Server 2003, 2008 | 3S Vision, 4XEM, 7 link, ABS, Abus, ACTi, and many more |
|
Does not support mobile access | Private $49
Pro $99 |
| Luxriot Evo | All platform | All brands |
|
Some user complain battery drain issue | $5933.00 |
| SGS HomeGuard (Free Edition) | Windows 2K
Windows XP Windows Vista Windows 7 Windows 8 Windows 10 |
Dahua
Sony D-Link |
|
I did not find official website | Free |
| CamCloud | Android
Windows |
Generic H.264
Generic MJPEG Dahua Sony D-Link Trendnet Wanscam Tenvis |
|
Free: Limited 1 camera, 2 hours live view/month
$6 /Camera per month: Unlimited live viewing $10 /Camera per month: Unlimited live viewing |
In this table you can see SGS HomeGuard (Free Edition), ZoneMinder, Perfect IP Camera Viewer, Samsung DVR Software and Anycam are free IP camera software. When we think about any paid solution then Security Monitor Pro, DComplex LLC IP Camera Viewer, Blueiris Software, Xeoma and Genius Vision are the best. However, here are the best 10 reviews for you.
1. iSpy
Ispyconnect is an open-source surveillance software for video. You can access the surveillance camera software through both mobile and web. You can also connect this IP software from anywhere to access live video and control the camera. There is an option to use unlimited cam and microphone. Some other facilities are motion detection, motion processing, scheduling, and recording. You can upload the video directly to cloud storage.
2. Security Monitor Pro
Security Monitor Pro is one of the best Internet Protocol camera software which can do several things. This software can give you more flexibility. It supports more than 1000 different security cameras and uses an FTP server to upload. You can schedule the one-off time and control the camera over the internet. This software is useable for Windows operating system.
3. Security Eye
Security Eye is one of the most popular video surveillance software for the Windows operating system. It is such an unbeatable video monitoring software which supports more than 1200 different cam viewer. Via any best web browser, you can watch the live stream from anywhere in the place. Some other facilities include a motion detector, alerts via email and SMS, a task scheduler, and a capture of the incident.
4. DComplex LLC IP Camera Viewer
DComplex LLC Camera Viewer is a beautiful video streaming and lives surveillance software that provides live viewing features. It is an online cam recorder as well as a surveillance camera. This internet cam software can detect both motion and sound. Using DComplex, you can monitor live video with Android app, Mac, and Windows PC.
5. ContaCam
ContaCam is a CCTV cam software that offers live surveillance and video recording. It is a live webcam software for Windows which does not contain unnecessary bloat. This user-friendly IP camera software can be designed for customization and motion control. It does not need any NVR software to configure. ContaCam is acceptable from Windows Vista to Windows 10.
6. Anycam
Anycam is one of the most dependable internet protocol camera software, which supports almost all camera viewers. This user-friendly internet protocol cam software offers you flexible and sustainable video with high definition. It helps to play the recorded video from any shared network drive. The setup process of this NVR software alternative is straightforward and hassle-free. Anycam requires low system requirements and compatible with any version of the Windows operating system.
7. Blueiris Software
Blueiris Software is one of the best video management software. You can use up to 64 cameras software. It has a webcam facility, AVI, advanced DVR software, MP4, and Windows media files. On your mobile, you can see live and recorded video, listen and manage multiple installations. It has the option of audio sensing and recording periodically and continuously.
8. Ivideon Server
Ivideon Server is one of the best Free IP Camera Software. The software connects your webcam and online camera to watch live video feeds. This internet camera recording software has two versions like home and business edition. It sends a notification to both of its storage like cloud and local drive. Because of its information, it does not requires sitting in front of a monitor always. Ivideon Server is available on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android operating systems.
9. Samsung DVR Software Smart Viewer
Samsung DVR Software Smart Viewer is a CCTV DVR software that provides a maximum 36 channel live monitoring facility. With this NVR software, you can view 16 channels simultaneously. Each of the channels you can record for up to two hours. It has many other facilities like a remote update to a remote server, log search, and access privilege search.
10. C-MOR Video Management System
C-MOR Video Management System is one of the best CCTV camera software for PC. It runs on KVM and Hyper-V. C-MOR is free for up to 1 internet camera. In the free version, all features are available. You can extend up to 15 cameras anytime. All the major online camera supports this CCTV software. C-MOR is compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android operating systems.
Difference Between CCTV and IP Camera
CCTV viewer is used for video security and surveillance. On the other hand, an internet protocol cam is used for transmitting data over the internet. To transmit digital signal IP, the cam uses an ethernet cable directly connected with a network video recorder ( NVR Software). But CCTV camera is connected with DVR software to oversee video and image. CCTV viewer is basically, but the internet protocol camera is totally digital. An internet cam is better than a CCTV viewer.
Final Words
This article intended to give you a brief idea about CCTV and IP camera software. The Online camera software is related to NVR, and CCTV camera software is about DVR software. It is wise to use the recommended cam viewer by the camera company. On the other hand, you should focus on market reputation, after-sales service, price, and product longevity. TYou may have better options. If so, please share with us through comments and share our good deeds on your social media.
The best surveillance app is ‘IP Camera Monitor” I use it for monitoring my home directly from my phone. It also lets me view live video from any IP camera remotely. I think this is the best app for video surveillance. It will be helpful for everyone.
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable information to work on. You have done a formidable job and our whole community will be thankful to you.|
Fantastic site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And obviously, thank you to your sweat!|
Great! but new to security cameras, Bought a couple of HeimVision. looking for some software . Downloaded and seet up Ispy but I don’t want a subscrition. Download and installed anycam (free version to test) They say record and motion detection but there are no options to set it up in the free version. Emailed “presales” on their web page message them on facebook its been a week with no response so I can rule them out lack of support. I was wondering where to go next I want to record to a networked drive when motion is detected. Not intereseted in subscription or a very expensive program. What would sy to look at? thanks Rob