Security cameras are the perfect solution for monitoring your property. There are many benefits of having a CCTV system installed, but there are a variety of different types of cameras available. Therefore, it is important to know about the different types of security cameras and how they work in order to buy the right kind of CCTV camera to meet your needs.
Dome Cameras
A dome camera is a type of security camera that is typically mounted on the ceiling or in the corner of a room. It can be used to monitor an entire space thanks to its 360-degree field of view. A dome camera is usually used in indoor areas that are not exposed to harsh weather. The dome shape allows it to capture more vision than other types of cameras because it is not as easily obstructed by furniture or other obstacles.
The main benefit of a dome camera is that it’s hard to spot and blends in with its surroundings. This means that criminals are less likely to notice the camera and vandalize it, which, in turn, will reduce your security costs. Dome cameras are also great for monitoring large areas, such as a warehouse or parking lot, as this type of camera has a wide range of angles.
How they Works
Dome CCTV cameras work by rotating on a horizontal axis to face the necessary direction. They do this with a motorized lens that moves up and down on the inside of the dome housing. The lens will rotate 360 degrees horizontally at a rate of 120 degrees per second and 180 degrees per second vertically to provide you with an all-around view.
Here are some key features of dome cameras:
- Dome cameras can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or poles.
- They provide an optimal, all-around view of all areas in the monitored area.
- A dome camera can provide a wide range and 360-degree viewing angle.
- It usually has a dome-shaped hood or housing that protects the lens.
- The main benefit of a dome camera is that it’s hard to spot and blends in with its surroundings.
Bullet Camera
A bullet CCTV Camera, on the other hand, is another type of security camera that is often used outdoors for monitoring large areas. Used widely in homes and business, this kind of camera has a narrow field of view and can only see what’s directly ahead. However, it compensates for this by having a higher resolution than dome cameras and being able to withstand harsher weather conditions as well as being able to capture moving targets.
Existing security measures are often ineffective because they don’t provide the necessary speed capabilities to catch intruders, so bullet cameras can be very helpful in these situations.
How they Work
Bullet CCTV cameras can be operated without an internet connection. A connection to the internet is necessary in order to access footage remotely.
Key features of bullet CCTV cameras include:
- They can be installed in many different types of locations.
- The bullet cam has zoom capabilities.
- Bullet cameras often come with infrared night vision.
- Remote viewing options are also common, along with PTZ (Pan tilt zoom).
Key Differences Between Dome Cameras and Bullet CCTV Cameras
Installation
Both types of cameras can be installed both indoors and outdoors, but there are differences when it comes to installion. Dome cameras can be mounted on a ceiling or a wall, whereas bullet CCTV cameras can only be mounted on a vertical wall.
Dome cameras are generally not very visible but are a bit more complicated to install than a bullet camera. Furthermore, once installed, dome cameras cannot be repositioned without removing them completely, while you can easily reposition a bullet camera lens to get a different field of view.
Range Capacity
The range of cameras can vary widely from model to model. Dome cameras generally have smaller lenses than bullet cameras. The range of each camera is determined by various factors, including the size, shape, resolution, type of the lens, wide-area dynamics, sensor chip, and backlight compensation.
If you want a wide area coverage, it is a good idea to go with bullet CCTV cameras, as dome cameras are smaller but cannot accommodate a wide lens.
Durability
Another important difference between dome and bullet cameras is their durability. Dome cameras are generally more durable as they are smaller and less visible, whereas bullet CCTV cameras are more likely to be vandalized because of their visibility and size.
Light
With any type of camera, light is always a significant concern. Infrared LEDs are typically used in both bullet and dome cameras. The cameras’ infrared LEDs allow them to work effectively in low-light conditions.
Key Takeaways
A dome camera is hard to spot and blends in with its surroundings. This means that criminals are less likely to notice the camera and vandalize it, which in turn will reduce your security costs. A dome camera also has a wider field of view.
On the other hand, a bullet camera captures a straight view, though you can change the positions of a bullet camera lens to have a different field of view. A bullet camera is a better option for outdoors and parking areas, whereas a dome camera is generally more suitable for indoor use.
If you’d like to learn more, check our this article for further insights into the Dome vs Bullet Camera.