Analog Security Cameras

What Analog Security Cameras Does CCTV Camera World Carry?

CCTV Camera World carries analog CCTV cameras for both modern HD-over-coax installations and replacement applications involving older DVR equipment. Unlike the standard-definition analog cameras many people remember from older surveillance systems, today's coax cameras are available at substantially higher resolutions.

Our current selection includes models ranging from 1080P cameras through 5MP/3K and 8MP/4K cameras, as well as specialized cameras for applications that need long-range night vision, adjustable zoom, PTZ movement, concealed housings or other features.

Because camera locations rarely have identical requirements, we carry several housing and lens styles instead of treating every camera position the same. A wide-angle turret camera may make sense at one entrance, while another location may need a bullet camera with an adjustable lens or long-range infrared illumination.

How to Choose a Replacement Analog Security Camera

If you are replacing a camera on an existing DVR, compatibility should be checked before choosing a camera based only on resolution or appearance. Several generations of analog video technology use the same familiar BNC connector but do not necessarily communicate using the same video signal.

What Do CVBS, HDCVI, HDTVI and AHD Mean?

Several different video formats are commonly found in analog DVR installations. They can use the same type of BNC connector while carrying different types of video signals.

Many modern cameras are referred to as 4-in-1 analog cameras because they can be switched between several of these output modes. Having a multi-format camera can make replacement easier, but you should still verify the signal type and maximum resolution supported by the DVR. If you need audio or PTZ controls, it is best to match the camera and DVR using their native CVI or TVI format. In many cases, basic video works across a camera's selectable formats while features such as audio or coax-based PTZ control work best when the camera is operating in the format for which the equipment was designed.

If you need to change the output mode on a compatible camera, see our guide to setting a 4-in-1 security camera.

Can You Replace Just One Camera on an Older DVR?

Often, yes. If the DVR is still working and the existing cable is in good condition, there may be no reason to replace the entire surveillance system because one camera failed. A compatible replacement camera can usually be connected to the existing BNC cable and power wiring.

The fact that two cameras have BNC connectors does not by itself mean they are compatible. Before ordering, check the DVR model, the camera signal type, the maximum camera resolution supported by the recorder and the camera's required power voltage.

If you do not know what type of camera you have, model numbers from the existing DVR and camera are much more useful than choosing a replacement based only on its physical appearance.

Can Existing RG59 Coax Be Used With New Analog Cameras?

Yes, in many cases good-quality RG59 coax can continue to be used when upgrading to newer HD-over-coax cameras. This is one of the main advantages of analog camera technology for an existing property: the camera can be modernized without automatically replacing cable that is already installed behind walls, ceilings or across a commercial building.

Cable condition and construction still matter. Higher-resolution cameras demand a good video path and reliable power. For new cable runs, CCTV Camera World recommends solid copper RG59 Siamese cable for traditional BNC camera installations.

If an existing camera shows rolling lines, ghosting, distorted colors or other image problems, inspect the cabling and power before assuming the camera is the only failed component. See our HD security camera over coax troubleshooting guide for examples of common analog video problems.

Analog Security Camera or Complete Analog Camera System?

This category is for customers shopping for individual analog cameras. If you are replacing several cameras and the DVR, starting a new installation or need a complete recorder-and-camera package, the analog systems category will usually be the better place to start.

Why Buy Replacement Analog Cameras from CCTV Camera World?

CCTV Camera World is the best place to buy replacement analog security cameras for an existing coax-based surveillance system because no other source combines our level of expertise with such a broad, readily available inventory of compatible cameras and analog surveillance components.

If your DVR, RG59 coax wiring, power supply and other infrastructure are still working, you may only need to replace the failed or outdated cameras rather than install an entirely new system. We carry analog cameras in multiple resolutions, housing styles, lens configurations and specialty designs, along with the DVRs, BNC connectors, power supplies, cable and accessories needed to maintain older installations.

Compatibility is especially important when replacing analog cameras because matching the BNC connector alone is not enough. The camera's video format and resolution must also be supported by the DVR. Our experience with analog surveillance equipment allows us to help customers identify what their existing recorder supports and select the appropriate replacement equipment.

Analog Security Camera FAQs

What is an analog security camera?

An analog security camera is a wired surveillance camera that sends its video signal to a DVR over coaxial cable, typically through a BNC connector. Older cameras used standard-definition CVBS video, while modern HD-over-coax cameras can provide multi-megapixel and 4K video using compatible equipment.

Are analog security cameras only standard definition?

No. Traditional analog CCTV cameras were limited to standard-definition resolutions such as D1 and 960H, but modern HD-over-coax technologies support much higher resolutions. CCTV Camera World currently carries analog cameras ranging from 1080P models through 5MP/3K and 8MP/4K cameras.

Can an analog security camera provide 4K video?

Yes. Compatible 8MP analog cameras can provide 4K video over coax. The DVR must support the camera's resolution and signal format, and good-quality cabling is important for reliable high-resolution video.

Are all analog security cameras compatible with every DVR?

No. Cameras and DVRs may use CVBS, HDCVI, HDTVI, AHD or multiple selectable formats. The DVR must support both the camera's video format and its resolution. Two products having BNC connectors does not automatically make them compatible.

How do I know which replacement camera works with my DVR?

Start with the model number of the DVR and, if available, the camera being replaced. Determine which video formats and camera resolutions the recorder supports. Also verify the camera's power requirements and the condition of the existing cable before choosing a replacement.

Can I replace one analog camera without replacing my DVR?

Yes, provided the replacement camera is compatible with the DVR and existing wiring. This is one of the advantages of a component-based surveillance system: a failed camera can often be replaced individually while the recorder and other cameras remain in service.

Can I reuse old coax cable with a new analog camera?

Often, yes. Properly installed RG59 coax in good condition can frequently be reused with newer HD-over-coax cameras. Thin or damaged cable, poor connectors, grounding problems or inadequate power can cause video problems and should be corrected before installing higher-resolution cameras.

What is a 4-in-1 analog security camera?

A 4-in-1 camera is a multi-format analog camera that can be switched between several common video-output standards, typically including formats such as HDCVI, HDTVI, AHD and CVBS. The correct output mode must be selected for the DVR being used.

Do analog security cameras need Internet access?

No. An analog camera sends video directly to a DVR over its wired connection and does not require Internet access to produce video or be recorded locally. Internet access is generally used by the DVR when remote viewing or other network-based features are desired.

Do analog security cameras require power?

Yes. Analog cameras have a 12V DC jack that uses a barrel-shaped connector. Most coax wire used in the CCTV industry is Siamese wire, meaning it contains both a BNC video cable and power conductors inside one cable jacket, so you do not need to run a second cable for power or have a nearby electrical outlet for the camera. Most camera models use 12V DC power, while some specialized or dual-voltage cameras have different requirements. Always check the camera specifications before connecting an existing power supply.

Can analog security cameras record audio?

Some can. Select analog cameras include a built-in microphone or audio input. With compatible HDCVI or HDTVI cameras and DVRs, audio can be transmitted over the same coax cable as the video. External microphones can also be used with DVRs that have compatible RCA audio inputs. If audio is required, verify the capabilities of both the camera and recorder before purchasing.

Can an analog camera be used without a DVR?

Some analog cameras can display live video directly on compatible BNC monitoring equipment without a DVR, but a DVR is normally used when recording, playback, remote viewing or centralized camera management is required.

If you have a camera operating in standard-definition CVBS mode, it can be connected directly to a television that supports analog video input using either a BNC or RCA video-in connection. If you want to view an HD analog camera on a television or computer monitor, any of our compatible analog cameras can be connected using our BNC to HDMI converter, which supports cameras up to 4K resolution.