AI vs traditional CCTV: What's the difference?
- Netmarks Singapore

- Jul 13
- 2 min read
In Singapore’s digital landscape, CCTV security cameras have become more than just passive recording devices, they have become silent enforcers for public safety.
The Singapore government recently announced plans to double the number of CCTV cameras from 90,000 to 180,000 by 2030, after reporting that over 4,095 offences were solved with CCTV evidence in 2020. This demonstrates how crucial surveillance systems are, not only for crime prevention but also for investigations and community safety.
But for businesses, the question remains: is a traditional CCTV system enough, or should you invest in an AI-powered CCTV solution?
Traditional CCTV: Reliable but Limited
Traditional CCTV systems have served businesses well for decades. They provide:
Continuous recording of video footage
Remote playback for incident investigation
Basic deterrence against intruders
However, conventional CCTV security cameras have major limitations in today’s digital landscape:
Reactive, not proactive — Only useful after an incident occurs
High bandwidth & storage costs — Cloud-heavy models increase expenses
No intelligence — Can’t detect threats automatically, requiring human monitoring
Scalability issues — Harder to expand when adding new sites or devices
For businesses facing more sophisticated risks—from theft to workplace safety—traditional surveillance alone is no longer enough.
AI Security Cameras: Smarter Business Protection
Unlike conventional systems, AI security cameras leverage on real-time intelligence. They don’t just record events—they analyse them. With features like anomaly detection, weapon recognition, and people/vehicle tracking, businesses can be proactive about their surveillance capabilities.
For enterprises, the benefits are clear:
Faster response to threats
Reduced false alarms
Centralised monitoring across multiple sites
Data driven insights for safety and compliance
How AI powered CCTVs redefine surveillance and security
While many brands claim to offer “AI-powered” cameras, Lilin's AI powered CCTV cameras presents a practical application.
Edge-Powered AI Processing
Instead of sending every video feed to the cloud, it uses an Ambarella CV22 edge-AI processor which means:
Lower cloud bandwidth & storage costs
Faster latency for real-time alerts
Higher privacy standards (footage stays on-premises)
Key AI powered video analytics functions include:
Perimeter Person, Vehicle and Object Detection
Face Mask Detection
Person and Vehicle Counting
Helmet and Safety Vest Detection
Black Smoke Detection
License Plate Recognition
Traffic Enforcement
Vessel Detection
Animal Detection
Turning CCTVs into 'preventing' instead of 'reacting'
Reduced Human Error – Smart video analytics captures missed incidents from operator fatigue.
Optimised Resources – Remote management means fewer staff are needed for basic monitoring.
Early Threat Detection – Receive real-time alerts before situations escalate, enabling proactive response.
Contact us today at enquiries@netmarks.com.sg or WhatsApp us at +65 8902 3303 to explore how AI powered CCTV can transform your business security.
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