The different Types of CCTV Camera explained

CCTV Camera Functionality Options

First, let’s run through some of the properties that modern CCTV cameras can offer.

Again, it’s best to select commercial CCTV installations according to your site, so it’s necessary to pick and choose the most crucial functions to protect against your security threats.

Pan Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) CCTV

PTZ cameras are widely used in more significant sites or on premises where there are potential blind spots. The functionality means that the cameras can pan from side to side, up and down and zoom in and out to aid in identifying the reason for an alarm activation.

Infrared Night Vision Surveillance Cameras

Night vision cameras are a powerful deterrent to many sites and properties left unoccupied overnight. They can record high-quality footage even in complete darkness, using infrared LEDs to ensure the recording is clear.

Many businesses opt for night vision CCTV if they are at increased risk of break-ins overnight or outside operating hours.

Day and Night CCTV Systems

As an alternative to infrared cameras, day/night CCTV is designed to operate flawlessly in any light conditions, with extra-sensitive imaging chips to ensure footage is clear, whether in glaring sunshine or the darkest night.

Day/Night surveillance is perfect for premises that require around-the-clock CCTV operations, without any need to switch between cameras or risk poor quality image captures.

Popular Types of CCTV Camera

Next, we’ll consider the construction of the CCTV camera itself, which can be adapted to ensure you have the correct fitting and coverage for the area in question.

Dome CCTV Camera Fixtures

Dome cameras are so-called because of the shape of the casing and are commonly used on public transport, as one example. The dome means that operators can point the camera in any direction without the subject being aware.

These CCTV systems are subtle and discrete, so prevalent in public spaces or retail outlets.

Cameras can rotate around 360 degrees to provide full coverage and are extremely difficult to tamper with mainly because of their high fixing location.

Bullet CCTV Installations

Most conventional CCTV cameras will be bullet CCTV and are instantly recognisable as being a CCTV security system. This design is highly suited for outdoor positioning and is resistant to dirt, water and dust.

CCTV is primarily a preventative, and so is a meaningful way to demonstrate that your premises are protected and under security surveillance. Bullet cameras can also capture footage over long distances and operate in poor weather conditions.

C-Mount Surveillance Cameras

The next CCTV camera construction is called a C-Mount. These are similar to bullet cameras and have detachable lenses, so can be adapted to monitor different areas and across varying distances.

C-Mount installations have a weatherproof casing for outside use and won’t fail to operate even in extreme cold conditions.

This CCTV type is popular in the construction industry and for monitoring roads and access points.

Choosing the Right CCTV Camera Connectivity

Once you’ve selected the functionality you need from your CCTV and the best sort of casing design, it’s also vital to consider the system’s connectivity.

Each format has benefits and there may be one solution better suited to your business environment.

IP CCTV Systems

Network, or IP CCTV cameras, are connected via the Internet to be accessed remotely from any location. Video bandwidth is compressed to limit bandwidth use and help ensure the feed isn’t disrupted. Video footage is typically stored on NVRs (Network Video Recorders) or in the cloud for future access.

Wireless CCTV

Wireless installations are typically inView CCTV Towers, and are a convenient option if you need a fast CCTV installation or require security in a remote area where mains cabling or internet access are not available.

They are quick to install, don’t require any drilling or piping, and provide secure Internet transmissions to allow for remote management.

HD Surveillance Cameras

One problem with cheap, low quality CCTV systems is grainy, patchy footage where video image quality is rendered redundant, may not be able to identify faces, number plates or actions in clear enough detail.

HD cameras solve that issue, with crisp and clear recording resolutions from 720p up to 4k.