The Different Types of CCTV Cameras & Their Benefits

Security cameras or CCTV video cameras play an important role in providing security to a business place or residence. Not only do security cameras capture and document a crime taking place, but it can also discourage crime from happening in the first place. There are several types of security cameras available for the public. Each of these types have their own unique advantages, disadvantages, and designs. Find out more about each type of camera to determine which kind is most suitable for you.

Dome Security Cameras
As the name suggests, these cameras are dome shaped. They are highly popular in commercial establishments, because it is difficult for an individual to tell which direction the lens of the camera is facing. Thus, people who want to commit a crime will have a hard time finding the 'blind spot' of a dome security camera.

Advantages: Efficient and flexible as well as tamper-proof (Out-of-the-way installation).
Disadvantages: Most dome security cameras do not function well in low light conditions.

Box Cameras
These security cameras are commonly found in commercial and residential buildings. Box cameras usually offer many different useful features such as low-light lenses, IR illuminators for night vision, changeable lenses, zoom, and more.

Advantages: Most effective in monitoring specific surveillance spots. Flexible and comes in a variety of sizes, features, and designs. Comes in digital types and analog types.
Disadvantages: Easily noticeable and not easily hidden. Many box cameras also require housing for outdoor use.

Barrel cameras
Also called bullet security cameras, barrel cameras resemble box cameras in that the camera lens is placed withing an elongated casing.

Bullet cameras range from small sized to medium sized to large. This type of camera is also highly popular because of their great flexibility and many features. Furthermore, these cameras can be used outdoors as well as indoors and typically do not require any extra or special accessories.

Advantages: Most units can zoom in or out a target area. Some units come with infrared features.
Disadvantages: The size of the camera - smaller barrel security cameras have a fixed focal lens which will not always produce quality images.

PTZ Security Cameras
Because pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) cameras can be zoomed in and out, tilted, and moved right to left and back again, they are ideal for monitoring a wide area.

Advantages: Can turn 360º, which makes it great for monitoring surrounding areas. Highly flexible and can focus on a specific object, area, or person of interest.
Disadvantages: Most PTZ CCTV video cameras work only indoors. Typically requires human intervention to operate and monitor.