Different Types of Security Cameras
When choosing a security system for your home or business, understanding the different types of security cameras is essential. Each type offers unique features designed for specific environments and security needs. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to the most common security camera types:
1. Dome Cameras
Best for: Retail stores, offices, restaurants, and homes
Features:
Designed with a dome-shaped cover that makes it difficult to tell where the camera is pointing
Offers a wide viewing angle
Often comes with vandal-resistant housing
Ideal for indoor or outdoor use
Why choose this camera: Dome cameras blend with the environment and deter criminals because their viewing direction is hidden.
2. Bullet Cameras
Best for: Driveways, parking lots, building perimeters
Features:
Long, cylindrical shape
Excellent for long-distance viewing
Highly visible, acting as a strong deterrent
Great for outdoor installations
Why choose this camera: Bullet cameras provide clear detail at long range and are easy to mount on walls and ceilings.
3. Turret Cameras (Eyeball Cameras)
Best for: Homes, warehouses, offices
Features:
No glass dome, meaning fewer reflections at night
Excellent night vision
Flexible mounting and easy adjustments
Why choose this camera: They offer the best image quality in low-light conditions and are easier to maintain than domes.
4. 180 degree view Camera
A 180-degree view camera provides ultra-wide coverage with a single device, allowing you to monitor large areas without blind spots. Ideal for entrances, driveways, open rooms, and commercial spaces, this camera captures everything from edge to edge. With advanced night vision, motion detection, and high-resolution imaging, a 180° view camera helps reduce the number of cameras needed while maximizing security and visibility.
4. PTZ Cameras (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
Best for: Large properties, warehouses, parking structures, city surveillance
Features:
Can rotate left/right, tilt up/down, and zoom in/out
Can auto-track movement
Allows remote control
Why choose this camera: PTZs cover large areas with a single camera and provide exceptional detail when zooming.
5. Fisheye / 360° Cameras
Best for: Offices, lobbies, large indoor areas
Features:
Provides a full 360° panoramic viewCan replace multiple cameras
Uses software to de-warp images
Why choose this camera: One fisheye camera can monitor an entire room without blind spots.
6. Doorbell Cameras
Best for: Homes, small businesses, entry points
Features:
Two-way audio
Motion detection
Smartphone alerts
Records visitors and deliveries
Why choose this camera: Doorbell cameras give homeowners visibility and communication at the front door from anywhere.
7. Wireless / Wi-Fi Cameras
Best for: Areas without ethernet wiring
Features:
Connects using Wi-Fi
Easy to install
Not ideal for long distances or thick concrete walls
Why choose this camera: Great for quick installations where running cables is difficult.
8. Wired IP Cameras
Best for: Businesses, new construction, high-security environments
Features:
Uses ethernet cables
Superior video quality
More reliable than Wi-Fi
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) simplifies installation
Why choose this camera: Wired IP cameras offer the best reliability, clarity, and long-term performance.
9. License Plate Recognition (LPR) Cameras
Best for: Gated communities, parking entrances, commercial buildings
Features:
Designed specifically to capture license plates at high speed
Powerful night vision
Works in low light and high glare
Why choose this camera: If you need to monitor vehicles, LPR cameras provide unmatched accuracy.
10. Hidden / Covert Cameras
Best for: Employee areas, sensitive environments
Features:
Designed to blend into surroundings
Available in various disguise styles (smoke detector, clock, etc.)
Why choose this camera: They allow discreet monitoring where visible cameras may not be appropriate.
11. Outdoor Cameras
Best for: Any exterior environment
Features:
Weatherproof (IP67 or higher)
Strong night vision
Durable housings
Why choose this camera: Outdoor cameras withstand harsh environments while delivering clear video day and night.
12. Indoor Cameras
Best for: Homes, offices, retail
Features:
Compact
Affordable
Often include two-way audio and motion alerts