Types of CCTv Cameras – Complete Guide

With so many different types of CCTV cameras on the market, there are now a variety of solutions for every industry.

As a result of this huge range, it can be difficult to choose which CCTV camera is right for your business.

The 9 Most Popular Types of CCTV Cameras Available Are:

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• Dome CCTV Cameras
• Bullet CCTV Cameras
• C-Mount CCTV Cameras
• PTZ Pan Tilt & Zoom Cameras
• Day/Night CCTV Cameras
• Infrared/night vision CCTV Cameras
• Network/IP CCTV Cameras
• Wireless CCTV Cameras
• High Definition (HD) CCTV Cameras

Are you wondering which CCTV camera to buy for your business premises? We’ve summarized the benefits of each of the different types of CCTV systems below.

Related Post:10 Things You Should Know About CCTV Security

Use our expert guide to select a solution that is fit for purpose and provides the level of security you require, in order to safeguard your property and staff.

Types of CCTV Cameras

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1. Dome CCTV Cameras 

Dome IP camera, as the name suggests, is a type of CCTV cameras with a dome cover.

The biggest advantage of this CCTV camera type is that dome cameras are rather deceptive on where they are looking at. You can never tell by looking at it in distance.

However, the dome security camera type does have a fixed viewing angle like 100° just as the bullet cameras, instead of offering you a panoramic and distorted view.

And vandalism may be a prominent worry for this CCTV camera type, with a seemly fragile plastic cover.

What if this CCTV camera type for home catches the burglars’ eye and gets destroyed?

No worries! Get an IK10 rated dome security camera if this really bothers you. They can remain intact against a 10Kg object dropped from 40cm!

Overview

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A dome CCTV camera gets its name from the dome-shaped casing that the camera sits in.

Whilst these are relatively discreet CCTV cameras in appearance, this doesn’t stop them from deterring criminals.

This is because the dome casing makes it really difficult for people to see which direction the camera is pointing.

This creates an air of uncertainty for potential thieves or vandals approaching from all directions.

Main benefits

• Unobtrusive design means it’s easy to fit
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Vandal resistant dome means it is harder to interfere with the camera
• 360-degree rotation of the camera so you can cover all angles

Ideal uses

This is the best type of CCTV camera for shops, restaurants, casinos and hotels because the design allows you to monitor a wider angle at your premises.

Many also consider this option to be the best indoor CCTV camera as it can be placed on a strategic point of the ceiling to cover all angles of the room.

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Reolink RLC-422

Dome Security Camera Features:

2. Bullet CCTV Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

Bullet security cameras are the most common CCTV camera type that you can normally see on the street, the supermarket, and the neighborhood.

They get the name for their rifle bullet shape, and are also known as lipstick cameras.

The CCTV camera bullet type usually has a strong point for certain spaces, with a viewing angle of about 80° horizontally and 40° vertically. And they are not able to pan or tilt unless you adjust it yourself.

Generally, the bullet CCTV camera type is small, which could be 2.5 to 3 inches long decided by the CCTV camera lens types. So they are easier to hide and are less noticeable if you place it properly.

For example, the bullet cameras with fixed lens are usually smaller than those with zoom lens.

CCTV camera lens types	Meaning	Size	Camera Model
Fixed lens	Has a fixed focal length, angle of view, and level of zoom	2.5 inches	Reolink RLC-410
Varifocal lens	Has a variable focal length and you can adjust it as you need	3 inches	Reolink RLC-511

The bullet type of security camera is ideal to be used both outdoors and indoors, and mounted on the walls or ceilings.

Additionally, the camera usually has strong water-proof aluminum housing, and all the components are well protected inside for the bullet shape. So there’s no afraid of harsh weather.

Overview

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Bullet CCTV cameras have an iconic design that is highly visible. They are cylindrical in shape and are capable of observing long distances.

Bullet cameras are most commonly placed outdoors so their casings are made resistant to water, dust and dirt.

 

 

Main benefits

• Highly visible so acts as a deterrent
• Resistant to dirt in challenging environments
• Provides surveillance over long distances
• Casing also protects against glare and rain

Ideal uses

Bullet cameras can be used to good effect in a range of industries such as manufacturing, property management and farming.

They not only record good quality pictures but also send out a message to passers-by that your premises is under surveillance. That’s why they have traditionally offered the best CCTV for outside operation.

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3. C-Mount CCTV Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

Overview

C-Mount CCTV cameras are the ideal option for those who may wish to adapt the field of vision.

They are equipped with detachable lenses that can be switched around to monitor varying distances.

C-Mount cameras are typically bulky so, like bullet cameras, act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity.

Main benefits

• Special lenses can be fitted to the camera to extend its range beyond 40 feet
• Highly visible appearance that deters criminals
• Rugged camera casing can be added to protect the camera in cold environments
• Weatherproof housing makes it ideal for outdoor use

Ideal uses

This is the ideal camera for observing a stretch of road on the approach to your premises. It is therefore popular in the utilities and logistics industries.

Those operating in the food and manufacturing industries may also elect for this option, due to the camera’s reliability in extreme temperatures.

4. PTZ Pan Tilt & Zoom Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

Overview

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With a PTZ (Pan Tilt & Zoom) camera, your security team can have complete control on what is recorded.

At the touch of a button, the camera lens can pan left and right, tilt up and down or zoom in and out.

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It’s the ideal choice if you have a security guard who is monitoring a live video feed on site.

Main benefits

• Optical zoom on these cameras means you can focus closely in on subjects
• Pan and tilt feature provides 360 degree field of vision
• Image resolution is usually impeccable so facial features can be distinguished.
• Security team have full control of recording and can react to live situations.

Ideal uses

This is the best CCTV camera for remote viewing. It is really popular in large retail environments and is regarded as the best CCTV for business premises that have a specific valuable object to protect.

For example, a museum could program the camera to pan to a particular entry or exit point when it detects movement.

So even when it is not being controlled remotely, the camera can cover a much larger area and do the same job of several static cameras.

5. Day/Night CCTV Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

Overview

These cameras have been built specifically to operate effectively, regardless of how well lit their environment is.

During both daytime and night-time, they will record clear video images that will not be obscured by differing light conditions.

This is achieved through their extra sensitive imaging chips.

Main benefits

• Clear recording in low light
• They usually record in both color and black and white
• Can function despite glare, direct sunlight, reflections and poor lighting
• Casing protects the camera against the elements for outside surveillance

Ideal uses

There are various CCTV camera types suited to outside use but the extra sensitive imaging makes this one unique.

It is therefore the ideal CCTV system for business premises that require round the clock monitoring in an outdoor environment with varying light conditions.

6. Infrared/Night Vision CCTV Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

Overview

As the name suggests, these cameras are designed to operate optimally in pitch black conditions.

They achieve this by using infrared technology. Infrared models are more expensive than day/night cameras and those opting for this option usually do so because night recording is vital to the security of their business.

Main benefits

• Infrared LEDs allow clear recording even in pitch black environments
• An infrared cut filter activates in the daytime for clear images in lighter conditions
• Can capture images even in the presence of fog, dust or smoke
• Records colour imagery in the daytime and black and white at night

Ideal uses

This is the best CCTV camera for night vision functionality. It’s therefore the ideal choice for those who need ultra-reliable recording in complete darkness. For example, banks, farms and manufacturing plants.

7. Network/IP CCTV Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

Overview

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These cameras share live footage across the internet so images can be easily accessed from anywhere on the globe.

The bandwidth of the video is compressed, in order to make the

online feed reliable. Archive footage is stored on network video recorders (NVRs) or on secure software for later access.

Main benefits

• Footage can be viewed online from anywhere in the world
• Easily accessible archive footage
• Easy setup as co axial cables and a computer station are not required
• Low maintenance

Ideal uses

A network or IP CCTV camera is the ideal choice for business owners who are often away from site and on the move. Footage can be viewed from anywhere in the world, via a PC, laptop or mobile phone.

8. Wireless CCTV Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

This CCTV camera type is somewhat misleading to be called “wireless”.

Actually, the wireless CCTV camera type only sends data wirelessly and it still needs a cable for power supply, which set it apart from the truly wire-free CCTV camera types.

However, this type of security camera is still easy to hook up with only one power cable to deal with compared with the traditional analog cameras.

Types of security camera connections (IP cameras)	Meaning	Camera models
Wireless cameras	Wireless for data transmission, needs power cable	RLC-410W
Hardwired cameras	Ethernet wire for both power and data	RLC-410
Wire-free cameras	No wire needed for power and data	Argus 2

For the wireless CCTV camera type, it’s important to make sure that the installation place has stable WiFi connection.

Generally, the WiFi signal could travel as far as 240 feet in open areas and 60 feet indoors with 2 walls in between.

If you are not sure about whether the wireless CCTV camera type will work in a certain location, a good idea is to check it with your smartphone.

Overview

Wireless CCTV cameras were created to minimise installation time.

They also make the appearance of the camera much tidier, which may be an important factor for locations such as churches, museums or stately homes.

Main benefits

• Easier to install than your average CCTV system
• Discreet and tidy appearance and a less obtrusive fitting
• Images transmitted over internet so can be viewed anywhere
• Secure storage and easy access of archive footage

Ideal uses

If a spotless presentation is important in your industry, wireless CCTV cameras are a great security option.

Their discreet appearance helps them to blend into the interior. What’s more, there is less set up and maintenance required, and footage is transferred via the internet for convenient access.

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9. High Definition (HD) CCTV Cameras – Types of CCTV Cameras

Overview

HD CCTV cameras offer an unrivalled picture quality that delivers high clarity images.

Depending on your budget, they can deliver resolutions of 720p, all the way up to 4K.

Therefore, there’s no danger that the subject of recordings will ever appear grainy or distorted.

Main benefits

• High definition pictures capture subjects in perfect clarity
• Extra clarity can also be achieved with zoom function
• Available on most CCTV models such as domes and bullets
• Crystal clear imagery provides undeniable criminal identification

Ideal uses – Types of CCTV Cameras

High definition cameras are particularly useful for use in environments where there is a high risk of theft.

Businesses such as banks and casinos should opt for HD cameras, in order to ensure that visitors to their premises are captured in perfect clarity.

The footage recorded will be able to provide undeniable identification in the event of a crime being committed.

Here is a security camera type comparison to review all the essentials above, which may help you make a quick decision.

Cameras	Cable types	Lens	Advantages	Uses
PTZ camera	Cat5/6 or power cable	Fixed/zoom	Pan, tilt & zoom	Outdoor open areas & higher locations
Wireless cameras	Power cable	Fixed/zoom	Only one cable, easy to install	Indoor & outdoors
Bullet camera	Cat5/6 or power cable	Fixed/zoom	Smaller, easy to hide	Indoors & Outdoors
Dome camera	Cat5/6 or power cable	Fixed/zoom	Deceptive viewing angle	Indoors & Outdoors
Battery camera	No cable	Fixed	Portable, easy to install	Indoors & Outdoors
4G camera	No cable	Fixed	Portable, No WiFi	Remote shed, wild, dock, boat, RV, etc.

If you are still confused about the various security camera types for homes, the security camera cable types, or certain security camera type and use, you may check the solution finder or simply leave a comment down below and get quick professional answers!

Speak to our CCTV experts today

Our team of expert security consultants can provide a free, no obligation quotation for your CCTV requirements. They can also conduct a free site survey to advice on the right types of CCTV cameras for your business.

Contact us today by calling 0727990630 or apply for a free quote. Alternatively, visit our commercial CCTV systems page to find out more about our services.

About our services – Types of CCTV Cameras

We have helped thousands of businesses in Nairobi and around Kitengela who are:

• Interested in installing a new CCTV system on their site
• Considering an upgrade to their existing set of cameras
• Require maintenance for their system
• In need of 24/7 monitoring or a guard response

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