CCTVforSecurity

What are the Different Types of Security Cameras?

There are several types of security cameras in the market. This means that picking the right camera for your surveillance purposes can get a bit confusing. Use this guide to understand the differences between these cameras, as well as discern which one is best suited for your purposes:

Dome Cameras

Primarily designed to be used for indoor surveillance and security purposes, dome security cameras are named after their dome shape. The housing in which the camera sits makes it unobtrusive. This means that it will be difficult for potential intruders to tell which direction the camera is facing. As such, dome cameras are effective at deterring criminals.

Although they are unobtrusive, dome-shaped cameras are fully visible. This makes the perfectly suited for application in the retail sector. Anyone who tries to get up to some mischief, therefore, will know that the premises are being watched. Further, customers can feel comfortable and secure in the knowledge that the facility is well protected using these cameras.

However, there’s an even more effective version of the dome security camera. This unit allows the camera to zoom, tilt, pan out, and spin easily and quickly inside the housing. It is referred to as a speed dome camera.

With a speed dome, the surveillance operator should be able to move the camera when and as is required. The automated zoon/tilt/pan functionality can be activated on a timed basis, allowing further flexibility in covering a wider surface area with a single camera. The camera also manages to avoid the poor lighting that comes at certain times of the day.

Bullet Cameras

The bullet security camera, on the other hand, has a long, tapered, and cylindrical shape not quite unlike that of a rifle bullet. This makes it effective for application in conditions that call for long distance surveillance.

Although bullet cameras are not designed for zoom, tilt, and pan control, they are quite useful for capturing images from a fixed location. As such, they can pinpoint a particular area and get clearer images.

Since these cameras are designed to be mounted on a ceiling or a wall, they are best suited for use indoors. However, you can also apply them outside and they will still work perfectly.

If you are thinking about getting a bullet camera for external use, however, you should consider looking for one that is bullet proof and installed inside protective casing. This way, your camera will be protected against such harmful elements as hail, rain, dirt, and dust.

Network/IP Camera

Manufactured in both wireless and hardwired varieties, network/IP security cameras transmit all images captured over the internet. Sometimes, they will compress the bandwidth to ensure the image transmission doesn’t overwhelm your internet connectivity.

IP cameras are usually easier to install, especially in comparison to analog security cameras. This is because they don’t need a separate power boost or cable run to send images over a long distance.

C-Mount Cameras

A C-Mount camera typically has detachable lenses designed for different applications. The standard lens can only cover distances between 35 and 40 ft, however.

If you need to use the camera for distances greater than 40 ft, therefore, you will need to invest in a special lens.

That said these cameras are advantageous in the sense that you can change the lens depending on your requirements. The smallest lens available is the 4mm, which provides great facial detail and an angle view of 70 degrees that can be focused up to around 35 ft. This lens is perfect for use in a small office or in your house to focus on the driveway.

With a higher millimeter lens, you’ll be able to use the C-Mount camera to cover a longer distance but with a narrowed field of view. The best option, however, would be to get a varifocal lens because it will allow you to fine-tune the angle of view and the focal distance with it.

High-Definition Cameras

The HD camera is typically used where a high level of security is required. Companies that use these cameras include banks and casinos, because the cameras are effective at capturing high resolution images.

The personnel operating a high-definition camera, to this end, will be able to zoom in on any image with extreme clarity (such as checking anyone on the banking hall who might be trying to do something fishy).

Day/Night Cameras

Day/Night security cameras are advantageous in the sense that they work well in both poorly and well lit environments. Further, they lack infrared illuminators since they are designed for capturing clear videos in varying light conditions.

Day/Night cameras, as such, are great for outdoor application where you wouldn’t get the best view with an infrared CCTV camera. They are also effective on account of their dynamic ability to function even in strong back light, with reflections, in direct sunlight, and in the dark.

Infrared Cameras

Otherwise referred to as night vision security cameras, infrared cameras can capture clear images in the dark. They use infrared LEDs, and they are best suited for use outside when the lighting is poor or nil.

Wireless Cameras

Not every wireless camera is IP-based. Some varieties use alternative ways to send the images captured. Irrespective of the transmission mode, however, the main advantage of wireless cameras is the extreme installation flexibility.

Over and above everything, the different types of security cameras available in the market each come with their own benefits. Whereas some are best suited for use outdoors, others are designed for indoor use. Therefore, your purchase decision should be informed by how you intend to use your security cameras.