Understanding Different CCTV Camera Types

Dome Cameras

A dome camera is a security camera enclosed in a dome-shaped housing, typically mounted on ceilings. It uses a fixed or varifocal lens and often provides a wide viewing angle, making it suitable for monitoring large indoor areas.

The key advantage of the dome shape is that it hides the direction the camera is facing, which helps deter potential intruders. Compared to bullet cameras, dome cameras are more discreet and resistant to tampering or vandalism.

Many models come with an IK10 rating, meaning they are highly impact-resistant. The dome cover also helps reduce glare and reflection when paired with anti-reflective glass or coated lenses.

Dome cameras are commonly used in retail stores, offices, and lobbies where appearance and wide coverage are important.

Explore the full system behind them in CCTV system components.

Bullet Cameras

A bullet camera is a cylindrical-shaped security camera designed for long-range monitoring. It is usually mounted on walls or ceilings and is easy to aim at specific areas, making it ideal for focused surveillance such as driveways, entrances, or perimeters.

Bullet cameras often come with a larger lens and housing, which supports better heat dissipation and longer IR range, typically up to 50–100 meters depending on the model.

Unlike dome cameras, bullet cameras are more visible, which can act as a visual deterrent. They usually have an IP66 or IP67 rating for weather resistance, making them well-suited for outdoor use.

Bullet cameras are preferred when distance, direction, and strong visual presence are more important than discreet installation.

PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)

A PTZ camera is a motorized security camera that can pan (side to side), tilt (up and down), and zoom. It’s designed to cover wide areas and can track movement or follow preset paths.

With optical zoom up to 30x, it captures clear details from a distance without losing image quality. PTZ cameras are ideal for active monitoring, letting operators follow events in real time.

Unlike fixed dome or bullet cameras, one PTZ can replace multiple static units. They are commonly used in large spaces like parking lots, stadiums, and warehouses where flexible and wide-angle surveillance is needed.

Many include features like auto-tracking and programmable tours for efficient coverage.

To manage movement and zom, you’ll need a good CCTV control interface.

Turret Cameras

A turret camera is a security camera with a ball-and-socket design that allows easy adjustment of the viewing angle. It has no dome cover, which means there’s no glare or reflection, making it ideal for low-light use.

Turret cameras often support high-resolution video and infrared night vision for clear images day or night. They are easier to install and aim than dome cameras because you can adjust the lens directly. Turret cameras are compact, reliable, and commonly used in homes, offices, and small businesses.

Their flexible design and strong image quality make them a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor surveillance.

The only downside: the exposed lens can be more vulnerable to environmental factors like dust and water if improperly installed.

Fisheye Cameras

A fisheye camera is a security camera with an ultra-wide-angle lens that captures a 180° or full 360° view. It is designed to monitor an entire room or open area with a single device.

The image may look curved or distorted, but software can flatten or dewarp it for easier viewing.

Fisheye cameras are fixed and have no moving parts, making them low-maintenance and discreet. They are ideal for places like lobbies, retail stores, and open office spaces where full-area coverage is needed without blind spots.

These cameras reduce the need for multiple units and are often used for general monitoring rather than zooming in on details.

Day/Night Cameras

A day/night camera is a security camera designed to work in both bright and low-light conditions. It uses a special filter called an IR-cut filter that switches automatically based on lighting.

During the day, it captures color images with clear detail.

At night or in low light, it switches to black-and-white mode for better visibility.

These cameras do not rely on built-in infrared LEDs but can still work with external IR lighting.

Day/night cameras are ideal for outdoor areas, parking lots, and entrances where lighting changes throughout the day. They provide 24/7 surveillance with reliable image quality in varying light conditions, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

More about how that footage gets recorded in CCTV video storage.

Wireless and IP Cameras

A wireless IP camera is a security camera that connects to a network via Wi-Fi and streams video over the internet. It allows remote viewing and control through smartphones, computers, or cloud platforms.

These cameras are easy to install and don’t require complex wiring, making them ideal for homes and small businesses.

Many models support HD video, motion alerts, and cloud or local storage. They’re best used in areas with a strong Wi-Fi signal and a stable power source.

Wireless IP cameras offer flexible placement, real-time access, and convenient monitoring without the need for data cables.

Important Note:
While wireless cameras are convenient for small setups, we do not recommend Wi-Fi connections for professional security systems. Wireless links can suffer from choppy video, signal interference, and lag, especially when recording in high resolution.