7 Common Types of Surveillance Cameras
November 4, 2021
Security cameras should be an essential part of any facility’s security system. Video surveillance can help monitor and protect a facility 24/7. Plus, surveillance cameras come in a wide variety of sizes, capabilities, and more to integrate seamlessly into any security system. Here are a few of the most common types of surveillance cameras:
1. Dome Cameras
Dome cameras are one of the most common types of surveillance cameras. The discreet dome-shaped housing includes the camera, lens, and ceiling mount. This compact size along with the discreet dome and plenty of functionality make this a popular type of camera for a wide variety of facilities.
Vandal-resistant housings are available for sturdy cameras that are unlikely to sustain damage. Dome security cameras are also well-suited to environments and facilities that tend to get dirty, like warehouses, because the ceiling mount and dome shape tend to keep the camera out of the way and the lens clean.
Typically, housings are also available for both indoor and outdoor use. This allows full video surveillance coverage for every nook, cranny, and corner of your facility. This is also one of the many reasons why dome cameras are often one of the products in the mix of security solutions for warehouses and other facilities.
2. Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras are another one of the popular and common types of surveillance cameras. They get their name from the bullet-style body that combines the camera, lens, and housing. The bullet-style body means this camera has a small footprint.
Because everything is contained in the body, there is no separate housing or lens. Plus, the sealed enclosure often also decreases the maintenance and need for servicing of the camera unit. They also usually include IR illuminators. This allows bullet cameras to emit infrared light, which makes them a great option for night vision or monitoring low-light environments. This also makes them one of the popular campus security solutions for colleges & universities.
3. PTZ Cameras
PTZ cameras are popular for their pan, tilt, and zoom functionality that allows them to survey a wide area and also zoom in on details. Through manual operation or automated video monitoring solutions, these cameras contain mechanical controls that allow the camera to expand its range and monitor more effectively.
A PTZ camera can be controlled through a joystick or software. These cameras can also be programmed to automatically run patterns, turn to preset positions, and more. Depending on the camera and software, you can benefit from several intelligent video analytics capabilities, like auto-tracking movement, counting objects, geo-enabled analytics, and more.
4. Day/Night Cameras
A day/night camera is built to work in indoor and outdoor conditions and in low-light environments. They have IR illuminators and an IR filter that detects decreasing light levels and lifts for monitoring in low-light conditions. This type of versatility along with efficiency are qualities of good security systems that you should also look for in your security cameras.
Because of this, they handle both day and night lighting situations and are a good option for monitoring the exterior areas around your facility. Implementing video surveillance and also monitoring the areas around your facility can help you improve commercial building security and the security of any type of facility.
5. Wide Dynamic Cameras
Wide dynamic cameras are commonly dome-shaped, but are available in other camera styles as well. These cameras can balance light levels on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Not only does this allow them to monitor a wide area with plenty of detail, but it also allows them to handle a range of lighting levels in the same monitoring area.
Wide dynamic cameras can capture clear face shots even with dark shadows in front of the person or when someone enters with bright light behind them. These cameras can also handle areas where headlights are used without losing clarity. This makes them a great fit for parking lots, areas with a lot of sunshine, and more. Paired with other perimeter protection technologies, you can monitor and protect the entire premises.
6. IP Security Cameras
IP security cameras can be in a variety of shapes. What makes them an IP camera is that they connect to your network and use your Internet Protocol (IP) to transmit a digital signal. Because they work with a network and come in both wired and wireless options, they tend to make a video surveillance system more scalable.
Many of these cameras tend to range in resolutions from VGA to 4K, which can offer higher resolution than analog cameras. They also tend to have built-in video analytic software. This can make system management easier.
7. Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras use heat to differentiate between objects, people, the environment, etc. They are a great option for video surveillance in harsh or dark environments. Not only do they work in complete darkness because they use heat signals, but they are also able to detect people, objects, movement, and more in foggy, hazy, smoky, or dusty conditions.
Get the Right Video Surveillance System for Your Facility
These are just a few common types of surveillance cameras. The best places to install security cameras and the right mix of cameras and security products will vary from facility to facility. Choosing the right security systems integrator can help you get the security products and solutions your facility needs.
There are many benefits of a comprehensive video surveillance system and the right cameras, capabilities, and integrations can help make sure you benefit from them. If you’re interested in improving the security of your facility, contact NEPPS at 800-736-1456 to schedule a free site assessment!
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