Security is a prominent subject that one should not ignore at any cost. The increasing crime rate demands every person to install CCTV cameras at his home and workplace. Thanks to the technological revolution, many different CCTV camera types are now available today.
But many people don’t manage to select a suitable CCTV camera as per their requirements. It is actually a difficult task to do for people with no technical knowledge about various types of CCTV cameras. If you also don’t have any clue about selecting a CCTV camera then it is not a point of worry at all.
Because in this post we have mentioned a detailed knowledge on this subject. After reading this post, you will get to know about the CCTV camera types and specifications in detail. Before beginning to jot down the CCTV camera list with specifications and prices, you must know something.
The reason why I have chosen this topic is a traumatic incident that changed my life upside down. Back in 2015, I suffered a robbery incident at my home that caused a massive loss to me and my family. Since that day, I have got the best CCTV cameras installed in my home and at my workplace.
Without further ado, let’s discuss what CCTV camera types for home and workplace one can choose from. Additionally, you will also get to know the benefits, specifications, and usage of different types of surveillance cameras.
Types of CCTV Cameras with Benefits and Usage
There are a wide variety of CCTV cameras available for anyone to select from. One must know his requirements and budget while choosing a given CCTV camera to enhance his security. So let’s begin with the subject.
Dome CCTV Cameras
As the name suggests, dome CCTV cameras come with a dome shape. A dome CCTV camera’s shape is a plus point as thieves or criminals cannot tell in which direction the camera faces. Thus, no matter from which direction thieves are approaching, it keeps its eye on them.
It allows a property owner to take an instant action to prevent any serious incident. A dome camera sends video signals over the internet due to which one can see video footage at any time. The types of dome cameras are indoor domes, outdoor domes, infrared night vision, and vandal-proof domes.
Benefits
- A dome camera has built-in infrared LEDs that make them suitable to work in low or no-light.
- Its non-attractive design makes it suitable to fit in any corner of a property.
- It is very difficult to interfere with this camera due to its vandal-resistant dome.
- Covers all directions due to its ability to rotate 360° and hence it covers the maximum view.
Uses
- A dome camera covers all angles which makes it suitable for installation in shops, casinos, hotels, and restaurants.
- It is also suitable for indoor use as it can keep an eye on any suspicious activity from any point.
Specifications
Depending on a particular type, dome cameras come with different specifications. The common ones are:
- Video Format – 4 Selectable Modes or HD Analog
- HD Formats – AHD, HD-TVI, HD CVI
- Analog Format – CVBS (Analog CCTV)
- HD Resolution – 1080p / 2 MP/4 MP/5 MP
- Analog Resolution – 960H/ TVL
- Video Output – BNC Connector
Price Range
The price of a dome CCTV camera ranges from $99.9 to $199.9.
Bullet CCTV Cameras
Bullet CCTV cameras are another entry on the CCTV camera types list and they are suitable for outside operations. And that is because they have a cylindrical shape which makes them unique CCTV cameras. With this camera type, it is possible to spot over a long distance. Bullet CCTV cameras come with a casing that offers protection against dirt, water, and harsh weather conditions.
Benefits
- They have a long range of vision so they effectively keep an eye on criminals or thieves.
- Easy to install and protection against challenging environments
- Visible from a long distance so they act as deterrents.
- They also have night vision.
Uses
- Bullet cameras have a long range so they are suitable for outside use in different industries.
- Record high-quality pictures and send out an instant message to property owners about any suspicious activity.
Specifications
- Video Format – 4 Selectable Modes or HD Analog
- HD Formats – AHD, HD-TVI, HD CVI
- Analog Format – CVBS (Analog CCTV)
- HD Resolution – 1080p / 2 MP/4 MP/5 MP
- Analog Resolution – 960H/ TVL
- Video Output – BNC Connector
Price Range
The price range of these kinds of CCTV camera items ranges from $99.9 to $299.9.
C-Mount CCTV Cameras
C-Mount CCTV cameras come with detachable lenses that make them ideal for adjusting the field of vision. It allows a person to extend the limit of vision. Since they are big in size, they act as a visible deterrent for criminals or thieves.
Benefits
- Possible to adjust lenses to extend the range of vision to a greater distance.
- Deter criminals due to their heavy sizes and high visibility.
- Safely work in adverse environments due to their robust camera casing.
- Suitable for outdoor use due to their waterproof features.
Uses
C-Mount CCTV cameras are ideal for viewing a long distance from given premises so they are suitable for industrial usage. Preferably, food and manufacturing industries can use these CCTV camera types to ensure surveillance in harsh environments.
PTZ (Pan Tilt & Zoom) CCTV Cameras
Pan Tilt & Zoom CCTV cameras allow a person to enhance the surveillance of premises manifold times. The reason for it is their feature to tilt them up & down as well as pan them left & right with a click of a button.
These types of surveillance cameras allow a property owner to keep an eye on any activity in high resolution. And you know what, I have installed PTZ CCTV cameras at my business place.
Benefits
- Their optical zoom feature allows a person to focus on any object in detail.
- PTZ cameras cover a complete 360-degree field of vision.
- One can distinguish between two faces due to their high image resolution.
- Provide live updates of any suspicious activity and allow to take instant action.
Uses
Pan Tilt & Zoom cameras are suitable for protecting some valuable items on-premises. Although they are not remote controllable, one can use them for remote viewing.
Due to their 360 degree movement, they can capture any activity up to a long-range. PTZ CCTV cameras are suitable for business premises for ensuring robust security.
Specifications
- Video Format – 4 Selectable Modes or HD Analog
- HD Formats – AHD, HD-TVI, HD CVI
- Analog Format – CVBS (Analog CCTV)
- HD Resolution – 1080p / 2 MP/5 MP/12 MP
- Analog Resolution – 960H/ 1000 TVL
- Video Output – BNC Connector
- Video Compression – H.265 and H.264
Price Range
These are costly CCTV cameras for surveillance as their prices range from $89.99 to $3199.99.
Day/Night CCTV Cameras
Are you looking for a CCTV camera that works perfectly even in low-light? Well, you must go for a day/night CCTV camera.
Owing to the installation of extra sensitive imaging chips, these CCTV camera types capture clear video images even in poor light. These types of surveillance cameras come with an outer casing.
Benefits
- Record clear video images in both color and black & white.
- Capable of functioning in poor light, direct sunlight, and reflections.
- Protection against outside damage due to the strong outer casing.
- Work smoothly even in poor light.
Uses
These CCTV camera types are ideal for business premises that require 24/7 surveillance in varying light intensity. Their extra sensitive imaging makes them effective than other types of CCTV cameras.
Infrared/Night Vision CCTV Cameras
Those businesses which require safety for their valuables at night need to make use of these CCTV camera types for surveillance. Unlike other cameras, Night Vision CCTV cameras make use of infrared technology to record clear videos at night.
Benefits
- These CCTV cameras record clear images even in an environment full of darkness.
- Work effectively even in fog, dust, or smoke.
- Capable of recording color images during the daytime and black & white at night.
Uses
- Suitable for business premises that require strong security at night. Mostly, banks and manufacturing firms prefer these types of CCTV cameras to record ultra-clear videos.
Specifications
- Video Format – 4 Selectable Modes or HD Analog
- HD Formats – AHD, HD-TVI, HD CVI
- Analog Format – CVBS (Analog CCTV)
- HD Resolution – 1080p /1440p / 2 MP/5 MP/12 MP
- Analog Resolution – 960H/ 700 TVL/ 1000 TVL
- Video Output – BNC Connector
Price Range
The price range for infrared CCTV cameras lies between $99.9 to $299.9.
Network/IP CCTV Cameras
Network/IP CCTV cameras record videos and share them over long-distance via the internet. The recorded videos get stored on network video recorders (NVRs) so that anyone can access them.
Benefits
- Anyone can view the recorded footage from any corner of the world by accessing it through archive footage.
- Easy to setup
- Easy to maintain
Uses
- These types of cameras are suitable for business people who travel away from their business site more often.
- Business people can keep their eyes on business premises via a PC, laptop, or smartphone.
Specifications
- Video Format – 4 Selectable Modes or HD Analog
- HD Formats – AHD, HD-TVI, HD CVI
- Analog Format – CVBS (Analog CCTV)
- HD Resolution – 1080p /1440p / 2 MP/5 MP/12 MP
- Analog Resolution – 960H/ 700 TVL/ 1000 TVL
- Video Output – BNC Connector
Price Range
Network/IP cameras’ prices vary from $119.99 to 949.99.
Wireless CCTV Cameras
Wireless CCTV cameras are very easy to install and they look tidy in a given environment. For those locations such as museums and churches, it is suitable to use different wireless CCTV camera types without disturbing the presentation of a place.
Benefits
- Tidy appearance with pleasant fitting.
- Easier to install than other CCTV cameras.
- Anyone can view images from any corner of the world via the internet.
- Easy to access storage with high security.
Uses
- Suitable for places that demand tidy installation of CCTV cameras.
- They don’t disturb the interior design of a given place.
- Easy to set up and less maintenance.
- Video footage can be transferred online to anywhere.
High Definition CCTV Cameras
Tired of the poor video quality of your CCTV camera? It’s time to switch to an HD CCTV camera as it offers a high video quality of a given place. These cameras come in different budgets depending on the video quality a person requires.
Benefits
- Captures high definition pictures in top-quality.
- It is possible to zoom a video recorded in this camera.
- Easy to identify criminal faces due to clear video quality.
Uses
- Suitable to use in environments with a high risk of theft or criminal attacks.
- Mostly, financial firms make use of such CCTV camera types to capture pictures with clarity.
FAQs On CCTV Cameras
Until now, you have read about different types of CCTV cameras to collect the required knowledge on this subject. You might be having a few questions about the subject of “CCTV camera types and specifications”.
Well, if it is the case with you then you are not the only one. Many people ask several questions about CCTV cameras to get a clear knowledge on this subject.
Are you eager to know the FAQs on CCTV cameras? If yes, then read below to know answers to some of the FAQs asked by people about various types of surveillance cameras.
There are many CCTV camera brands available in the market. The top ten are Hikvision, Axis, Dahua. Hanwha Techwin, Bosch, IDIS, Interbras, Vivotek, Abus, and Uniview.
A CCTV camera must include features namely high definition & wide-angle video, wireless technology, night vision/low-light video recording, remote access & cloud backup, speakers, and motion sensors & animation.
Before installing a CCTV camera, a person must take into account a few things. One must know about its internal storage type & capacity, its image quality, waterproofing facility, motion & video sensors, setup & installation process, and camera accessories.
Honestly speaking, at the time of buying, I didn’t have this much information. As a result, I made some mistakes in buying a CCTV camera.
Yes absolutely. CCTV cameras can operate without the internet. A person only requires an internet connection if he wants to access recorded video footage from a remote location.
Usually, different CCTV camera types can record video footage for a time period ranging from 30 to 90 days. Organizations such as banks can even keep video footage for a longer period of up to 6 months.
The simple answer to it is: it depends. A wired CCTV camera is fully protected as there is no chance of loss of signal. But wireless has its own advantages.
A wired security camera is suitable for constant security monitoring. And those who want to move their security system must focus on buying a wireless CCTV camera.
Well, it depends on the use of megapixels. At present, 60 to 240 GB of storage is required for every camera. In the future, this number is expected to land between 480-600 GB per camera for daily storage.
CCTV security camera footage is stored on the NVR/DVR, SD card, or a personal computer.
NVR stands for Network Video Recorder whereas DVR stands for Digital Video Recorder. The basic difference is that DVR processes the video data at the recorder. On the other hand, NVR encodes and processes the data at the camera and then streams it to the NVR recorder.
Conclusion
So, it was all about different CCTV camera types and price structure as well as specifications. You learned about various FAQs on CCTV cameras to clarify different subjects.
And regarding buying a suitable CCTV camera for a home or workplace, it is advised to choose one after considering requirements. After all, one should not comprise with the security of a place and must install a suitable CCTV camera by keeping in mind prices and specifications.
Most people focus on installing a CCTV camera at home. But it is also important to focus on installing a certain type of CCTV camera at workplace to ensure safety of employees and the office stuff. It is one of ways for employers to show gratitude at work and it could keep employees happy.
