4 Types of CCTV Cameras According to Form Factor

Surveillance systems can be considerably complex. As a case in point, a manufacturing plant with an integrated security system can have motion-activated CCTV cameras at access points.

They may be connected with systems that match facial features with the access card or biometric data used upon entry or exit and that automatically store 10 seconds of video footage around the entry or exit. They may also automatically alert security personnel during attempted breaches.

This complexity is the reason surveillance and security systems increasingly depend on data centres and why on-point data centre management is essential in ensuring such systems’ capabilities are optimised, providing reliable storage, advanced processing, and efficient retrieval of surveillance data.

Of course, ensuring comprehensive surveillance involves choosing the right closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, as this choice directly impacts how effectively a company’s assets are monitored and protected.

CCTV cameras can be wireless or wired, and some can relay video signals and be controlled remotely over the internet or a wireless network. Surveillance can also integrate complementary systems that detect heat variations and radio waves instead of light reflections on objects.

The diversity of CCTV and surveillance options means deciding on the equipment and software you need for your particular application can be challenging. Each type and CCTV setup has unique features, advantages and disadvantages that make it perfect for one application but less than ideal for another.

Among the many variations CCTV cameras have, the differences in form factor are the most obvious. Below is a list of the four most common form factors of CCTV cameras:

1. Dome Cameras

Dome cameras are known for their sleek, unobtrusive design and their compact, dome-like casing (thus, their name). They’re ideal for indoor use, particularly in areas requiring discreet surveillance, such as retail stores, commercial buildings, hotels, museums, hospitals, and offices, since they can blend seamlessly into their surroundings while providing wide-angle coverage.

Their glass casing also protects the actual camera, so dome cameras are typically tamper- and damage-resistant.

2. Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are long and cylindrical  — bullet-like, thus, their name. You will see them on street corners, on lampposts, in yards, along perimeter walls, and other outdoor applications because they have a weather-resistant casing to protect them from the rain, the sun, and all weather variations in between.

Their long, extended shape allows bullet cameras to accommodate larger lenses, and this enables them to offer superior long-distance viewing. Bullet cameras are highly visible, so they can also deter potential intruders. Of course, since they are easy to spot, they are also more vulnerable to vandalism.

3. Pan, Tilt, Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

PTZ cameras, as their name suggests, can pan around (move left and right), tilt (move up and down) and zoom in and out on a subject. Their dynamic viewing capabilities allow their users (or a program) to control their area of focus and magnification.

PTZ cameras are, therefore, highly versatile and suitable for monitoring large spaces, such as car parks.

With some orchestration help from your artificial intelligence service provider, you can maximise their utility by pairing them with intelligent systems that will enhance their capabilities and enable unmanned surveillance.

For instance, you can use PTZ cameras with motion sensors to automatically swivel and focus on whichever object moved and tripped the detectors.

An intelligent system (maybe even one that becomes more intelligent over time through machine learning) can then decide on the next step — whether to pan, tilt, or zoom the camera, activate more cameras in the vicinity, continue monitoring, or alert roving security personnel. Since PTZ cameras can actively track moving objects, they do come at a higher cost.

4. Turret Cameras

At first glance, you may think turret and dome cameras are the same. After all, both can be mounted to ceilings or walls. They are also both used for indoor surveillance (although turret cameras have semi-outdoor applications), so you’ll see them in hotel hallways, malls, and offices.

However, upon closer inspection, you can see that turret cameras do not have a protective dome casing like dome cameras do.

This is why they’re not associated with glare problems, although this also makes them more vulnerable to tampering. Additionally, they are flat-faced, not curved, with a ball-like camera that swivels inside a socket mound.

Turret cameras, therefore, can look like giant eyeballs looking at or down on the action below, but they get their name from the rotating contraption (i.e., turret) found at the top of military tanks.

Your CCTV Camera of Choice

The best CCTV camera depends on several factors, like location, installation, environmental conditions, budget, and application.

Generally speaking, dome and turret cameras work great indoors, mounted to ceilings, eaves and walls, inside offices, public spaces and commercial buildings.

In contrast, bullet and PTZ cameras are excellent for outdoor, automated surveillance systems. Ultimately, however, there are no hard-and-fast rules about which CCTV camera form factor is suitable for which situation. It’s best to decide after talking to a security and surveillance consultant.

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