Are you trying to figure out which security cameras you need to best secure your home or business? The reality is that there are numerous different security camera types that can be used to make your surveillance application more effective. The key is to evaluate your camera locations, the areas you are trying to secure, the look you want to achieve, and any special requirements that need to be supported. After you have made these evaluations you are then ready to choose the best cameras that will ensure the best coverage of each area being secured.
Here is a rundown on the most popular security camera types on the market and the environments they are best suited for:
Dome Camera:
A dome camera is one of the most popular security cameras on the market. It gets its name because of its ½ dome look. Dome cameras include a base with a clear or tinted dome that covers the internal camera. Dome cameras can be purchased for both indoor and outdoor applications; they are available with varifocal or fixed lenses, and can be purchased with or without infrared LED’s. Dome cameras are also available in either 12VDC or 24VAC depending on the power requirements you desire.
Dome cameras offer extreme flexibility and are easy to mount. Dome cameras are usually mounted under an eve or directly to a ceiling which makes them aesthetically pleasing. Dome cameras are by far the most widely used security camera type used when securing indoor areas.
Bullet Cameras:
A bullet camera is another widely used security camera type used at the home or business. It gets its name from its cylinder bullet shaped look which provides an intimidating look when installed. Most bullet cameras are weatherproof and vandal proof which makes them great for outdoor applications.
Bullet cameras are available with varifocal or fixed lenses, and most commonly always have on-board infrared LED’s for night vision. Bullet cameras are also available in either 12VDC or 24VAC depending on the power requirements you desire.
Bullet cameras are the most flexible cameras to install do to their mounting mechanism. They come with a rotating flexible to control mount that allows you to install them on any wall, beam, ceiling, or any other areas where there is a flat surface.
Box Cameras:
A box security style camera is literally a brick camera that comes without a housing, lens, or mount. Box cameras allow you to choose the mount, housing, and lens that best support your application. Having the freedom to choose the accessories is vital in many commercial surveillance system installations.
A box camera can be attached directly to a small mount and installed indoors, or it can be installed into a complete housing that can include a heater and blower system to protect the camera from extreme weather condition. Box style cameras are very popular because of the flexibility they offer to customize its peripherals to ensure maximum success in an installation.
PTZ Cameras:
PTZ or Pan, Tilt, Zoom cameras are becoming more and more popular. Although they are the most expensive camera types there are many applications that require them. A PTZ camera allows the user to completely control the camera. It features a motor that allows the user to pan the camera back and forth, tilt the camera up and down, and zoom the lens in and out. The PTZ camera is perfect for both residential and commercial applications where it is important to the end-user to control the camera, follow objects, or track people.
PTZ cameras have numerous mounting peripherals to support various mounting requirements. PTZ cameras are also available with different levels of zoom to support various distances that need to be seen.
Covert Cameras:
Covert cameras are becoming more and more popular for applications where a user does not want people to know they are being watched. Covert cameras work just like any other camera type except the housing is usually designed to support the covert objective.
Covert cameras are very popular in both residential and commercial applications. Covert cameras are available in housings that make them look like smoke detectors, electrical outlets, motion detectors, or other standard household items.
Choosing the right cameras:
As you can tell there are many cameras to choose from. There are different cameras with different housings, mounts, lenses, and features. The best way to ensure success in an installation is to have a plan! Evaluate the environments you are trying to secure, the mounting options in those locations, the size of the areas you want to monitor, and the look you want to achieve. It is important to evaluate each camera location individually and then choose the cameras that best support those locations requirements. Most common installations require a combination of dome cameras, bullet cameras, and other camera types to achieve the end result. Regardless of the security camera types you choose at the end of the day the goal is to maximize coverage and ensure all vital areas are secured properly.
