Pros & Cons: The 5 Most Popular Security Cameras
There's many types of security cameras. Some are specifically designed to resist heavy impacts, bullets, or even explosions. Some are cellular, powered by solar, or part of deployable trailers. However, the most common security cameras focus on producing the best image for the best price.
The past decade tried everything security camera engineers could think of, from budget-friendly to expensive, small to large, and simple box forms to flying saucer shapes. After chewing up and spitting out everything but the sauciest designs, five security camera styles survived the test of time and now enjoy the majority of a $30+ billion CCTV market.
Quick Overview
#5 PTZ
Must be operated in real time. Niche use.
#4 PANORAMIC
180° and 360°. Niche use
#3 BULLET
Good day/night view. Bad design overall.
#2 DOME
Vandal resistant. Bad night view.
#1 TURRET
Best style overall. Good day/night view.
#5: PTZ SECURITY CAMERAS
Pan-tilt-zoom (aka PTZ) security cameras are, in some ways, the ultimate CCTV asset. Their ability to spin around and take a closer look makes them perfect for covering large areas, like mall parking lots and prison yards. Unlike other security cameras, the optical zoom in PTZ cameras allows them to enlarge people and objects without losing image quality. Some PTZ cameras feature auto-tracking, meaning they zoom onto people or vehicles and follow them around.
What's the catch? Turns out, there's four. First, PTZ security cameras don't recognize suspicious activity by themselves, so they require live operators to zoom into the vehicle license plates of people stealing flat screen TVs. Second, PTZ features only work in real time. So, if PTZ cameras are left unattended and zoomed out, they're essentially functioning like regular cameras. And, if they're auto-tracking or manually zoomed into something, they aren't recording the larger area. Third, they're complex devices with moving parts, so they're expensive and break more easily than regular cameras. Fourth, they can't see where there's no light, so PTZ features are useless at night if there's no illumination where you need to look.
#4: PANORAMIC SECURITY CAMERAS
There's two types of panoramic security cameras: 180° and 360°. 180° panoramic security cameras are increasingly popular because, in theory, you can mount one camera on the front of your building and see everything you need to. This means you only need the installation, parts, and cabling for one camera, which saves time and money. However, many buildings aren't a simple rectangle. There's often bump-outs, cut-ins, signage, fencing, and landscaping to consider. In most cases, regular security cameras are the better choice.
While they do watch Chick-fil-A drive-thru lanes, 360° panoramic security cameras are typically placed inside on ceilings for bird's-eye views. They're useful in tight spaces with a lot of activity, like convenience stores, self checkout lanes, and hotel bars. Because of their top-down angle, they don't capture faces well, but they do record a video map of activity, making it easy to see if someone swiped a 2000 Château La Tuilerie Du Puy from the cellar or borrowed a few innocent pesos from the register. 360° security cameras are used sparingly, for a specific purpose, and in addition to regular security cameras.
Panoramic security cameras are often misunderstood as versatile, because they boast an extremely wide field of view. In reality, these devices are most beneficial in niche scenarios. Compared to regular security cameras, panoramic cameras are quite expensive. In fact, it's usually less expensive to install two regular cameras than one panoramic camera. Why? In order to maintain pixel density across a wider view, the best panoramic cameras essentially cram multiple cameras into a single shell. If you take the cover off one of these bad boys, you'll see several lenses pointed in different directions. Panoramic security cameras receive images from these lenses separately and stitch them together.
#3: BULLET SECURITY CAMERAS
Of all the modern types of CCTV cameras, bullet security cameras are the most iconic. They're simple to install. And, unlike most other cameras, they don't have removable covers. Built completely sealed, bullet cameras are highly resistant to water damage. You'll see bullet security cameras by toll booths and E-ZPass lanes. With the exception of license plate recognition (LPR) cameras, which are predominantly in this form factor, DIY systems corner the market on everyday bullet security cameras. You'll see them in take-out restaurants, mechanics garages, and in your local bar.
The three big issues with bullet security cameras have nothing to do with their internal organs and everything to do with their outer shells, called housings. Bullet-style housings are around 12 inches (30 cm) long. Their shape and design makes them difficult to aim and adjust for optimal visuals. In other words, the first issue with bullet cameras is they're particularly prone to blind spots. So, they're not great for overall property coverage. Once installed, their second issue is obvious, even from a distance, as you can clearly see where bullet cameras are pointed and where the blind spots are. Their third issue is merely aesthetic. Bullet cameras aren't pretty. And because they're a favorite among DIY installers, their cabling is usually run in the open like Christmas lights, minus the lights.
#2: DOME SECURITY CAMERAS
Dome security cameras are popular for three reasons: they're vandal resistant, they're easy to aim, and they have a pleasant appearance. As an added bonus, they cost the same as cameras lacking all these features. Naturally, they're used everywhere, including elevators. They're really the go-to camera for a wide variety of applications.
They do have one fatal flaw. They have horrible night vision. As dust, dirt, or even rain residue coats the clear dome cover, the on-board infrared LEDs ping off these smudges back into the camera lens. This blinds the camera, making it nearly useless at night. That said, if you need vandal resistant security cameras, wiping them clean once every few months will help immensely.
#1: TURRET SECURITY CAMERAS
Borrowing the top qualities of bullet and dome cameras, turret security cameras combine the best of both styles. Like bullet cameras, turret cameras have a sealed design, so rain isn't an issue. And, like dome cameras, precision aiming is easy. They are missing one feature: vandal resistance. However, most cameras are installed out of casual reach, so exchanging an IK10 vandal resistant rating for clear images at night is worth the trade.
In the majority of scenarios, turret security cameras are the best choice. They aren't vandal-resistant, they don't have a panoramic field of view, and they can't move around, zoom in, or auto-track people and vehicles. But they do have a very particular set of skills. Skills that make them a nightmare for bad guys 24/7. Simply put, turret security cameras have fantastic vision during the day and night. And, they aren't more expensive than dome or bullet security cameras, making them the best bang for your buck.
