In our previous article we explored the advantages of using CCTV in your business. We’ll now look at the different types of cameras you can install to ensure maximum security.
There are a huge range of CCTV cameras out there, but the 9 most popular types are:
- Dome
- Bullet
- C-Mount
- PTZ Pan Tilt & Zoom
- Day/Night
- Infrared/Night Vision
- Network/IP
- Wireless
- High Definition
What are the differences between the types?
Dome Cameras
Getting its name from the dome-shaped casing the camera sits in, dome CCTV cameras are relatively discreet in appearance, but this doesn’t stop them from deterring criminals! The dome casing creates an air of uncertainty, because it makes it difficult to see which direction the camera is facing.
The main benefits are:
- Its unobtrusive design
- Its suitability for indoor and outdoor use
- Its vandal resistant dome, making it harder to interfere with the camera
- 360-degree rotation of the camera ensuring you can cover all angles
This type of CCTV is ideal for shops, restaurants, hotels, and any other business in hospitality due to the design allowing you to monitor a wide angle at your premises. This is also a popular option for indoor CCTV as it can be placed in a strategic point to cover all angles whilst not being intrusive.
Bullet Cameras
With an iconic design, making them highly visible, Bullet CCTV cameras are capable of observing long distances. They are more commonly placed outdoors, so are made to be resistant to water, dust, and dirt.
The main benefits are:
- Highly visible
- Resistant to dirt in challenging environments
- Able to provide surveillance over long distances
- Protected against glare and rain
Bullet cameras are traditionally offered the best CCTV for outside operation. These can be used in a wide range of industries, not only recording good quality pictures, but sending out a message to passers-by that your business is under surveillance.
C-Mount Cameras
These are the ideal option if you wish to adapt your field of vision. Equipped with detachable lenses, you are able to monitor varying distances. They are quite bulky, so also act as a visible deterrent to criminal activity.
The main benefits are:
- Detachable lenses, allowing you to extend its range beyond 40 feet
- Highly visible
- Rugged casing, which can protect the camera in cold environments.
Ideal for observing stretches of road, this camera is popular with logistics and utilities industries. And due to it’s reliability in extreme temperatures, those operating in the food and manufacturing industries may also choose this option.
PTZ – Pan Tilt and Zoom Cameras
Giving your security team complete control over what is recorded, the Pan Tilt & Zoom (PTZ) camera is an ideal choice if you have a security guard who is monitoring a live video feed. At the touch of a button, you can pan the lens left, right, up and down, as well as zoom in and out.
The main benefits are:
- Optical zoom, allowing you to focus closely in on subjects
- 360-degree field of vision
- Typically great resolution
- Gives you full control over what is being recorded, meaning you can react to live situations
Popular in large retail environments, this camera is regarded as the best CCTV for businesses where remote viewing is required. Many can be programmed to pan in a particular direction when motion is detected, meaning that it can cover a larger area and do the job of several static cameras.
Day/Night Cameras
Built specifically to operate regardless of how well lit the environment is, these cameras will record clear video images that will not be obscured by differing lighting conditions.
The main benefits are:
- Clear recording in low light
- Able to record in color and black and white
- Will function despite glare, direct sunlight, reflection and poor lighting
The extra sensitive imaging of both day and night modes makes this camera type unique amongst the various CCTV cameras suited to outdoor use. This camera is ideal for businesses requiring around the clock monitoring in an outdoor environment with varying light conditions.
Infrared / Night Vision Cameras
Using infrared technology, these cameras are designed to work optimally in pitch black conditions. These cameras are typically more expensive than Day/Night ones, and those opting for this option generally do so because night recording is vital for the security of their business.
The main benefits are:
- Clear recording even in pitch black conditions due to the infrared LEDs
- The ability to capture images in fog, dust, or smoke
- Color imagery in the day, black and white at night
This camera is the ideal choice for businesses needing ultra-reliable recording in complete darkness.
Network/IP Cameras
Sharing live footage across the internet, Network/IP Cameras allow you to monitor your business from anywhere in the world.
The main benefits are:
- Footage available to watch online, from anywhere in the world
- Easily accessible archived footage
- Easy setup
- Low maintenance
These cameras are the ideal choice for business owners who are often away from the business. The footage can generally be viewed on any smart device such as your PC, laptop, or mobile phone.
Wireless Cameras
These cameras were created to minimize installation time. They also make the appearance of the camera tidier, which can be an important factor for locations such as churches or museums.
The main benefits are:
- Ease of installation
- Discreet and tidy appearance
- Video transmitted over the internet
- Secure storage and easy access to archive footage
Wireless CCTV cameras are a great security option if presentation is important to your industry. Due to their discreet appearance, they easily blend in. Furthermore, there is less to set up and maintain, and footage is transmitted over the internet for convenient access!
High Definition Cameras
Offering unrivalled picture quality, with resolutions ranging from 720p to 4k, there is no danger of the subject of your recordings ever appearing grainy or distorted.
The main benefits are:
- The high definition pictures capture subjects in perfect clarity
- Extra clarity can be achieved with zoom function
- Available on most types of CCTV
These cameras are a must have if your business has a high risk of theft. They are highly recommended for banks, casinos, or government buildings, to ensure that all visitors are captured in perfect clarity.
How do I choose the right type?
There is no right or wrong way to choose a CCTV system. Consider what is important for the security of your business, and what you can afford. At the end of the day though, having a CCTV system is better than not!
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