Security cameras are designed to protect what matters most. Security camera categories include movement, size & shape, functions, and housing. Security cameras can be divided into a range of categories that allow them to perform in different situations and settings. Security cameras come with a different type of various features, including varifocal lens- perfect for monitoring areas where the distance changes over time, Virtual PTZ- allowing users the ability to control the direction of their security camera remotely from any location or device, IR night vision- providing visibility in complete darkness without compromising quality.
Movement
Overhead security cameras are generally kept in place for the rest of their operation. Because moving them entails either shifting or replacing the device, fixed cameras are used to guarantee that the subject in the frame is always under observation.
“Fixed” may also refer to the kind of lens on security cameras with a variety of lenses. There is no way to change the focal length, angle of view, or level of zoom on a fixed lens camera. Almost all fixed lens cameras come with a wide-angle lens as standard. The term “varifocal” refers to security camera lenses, which are the polar opposite of “fixed.”
Applications – A single area is continuously recorded by focusing on a small region.
Advantages – The majority of homeowners will benefit from these low-cost, basic security cameras since they may simply be placed and aimed at a target location with no adjustments required on lenses or motors.
Disadvantages – Due to the fact that these security cameras can only be manually positioned, footage outside of the frame will not be recorded. Additionally, digitally zooming to expand video material is the only method possible with low-megapixel cameras, which can cause pixelation at lower megapixel counts.
A manually adjustable varifocal lens has a variable focal length. You may adjust the focal length of a manual varifocal lens to narrow or broaden the horizontal field of view of the security camera’s monitoring area, allowing you to gain greater detail in any monitored space. The second type of variable focal length lens is the motorized variety, which we’ll discuss next.
Applications – This allows you to manually focus on a region from a distance if more detail is required. When the security camera is positioned a distance away, capturing license plates and other information at an entrance is feasible.
Advantages – You may manually select the degree of detail in video recording based on your preference with these adjustable lenses, which are limited only by the camera’s megapixel count and lens.
Disadvantages – With a manually varifocal lens, you’ll have to remove the lens and manually adjust it to your preferred focal length using a wrench or other tool.
A zoom lens is what some people call a motorized varifocal lens. These motorized lenses allow you to change the focal length of the lens via your computer or smartphone using your video management software’s user interface. Optical zoom ratios are used to describe lens changes. For example, 30x optical zoom indicates the difference between the shortest and longest focal lengths (or 4.3 mm to 129 mm).
Applications – You’ll be able to manually or automatically alter the focal length at any moment with a motorized lens, whether it’s by moving your hands or in reaction to motion. This enables you to concentrate on minute elements of things or people in real-time using a smartphone or desktop program.
Advantages – Zoom lenses have a much greater range of adjustment than varifocal ones. The best thing about a PTZ camera is a motorized varifocal lens, which is typically less expensive.
Disadvantages – Zoom lenses will be handicapped by a restricted field of view, even though the security camera itself does not move only the lens. ZOOM.
PTZ or Pan-Tilt-Zoom security cameras can manually adjust the field of vision with a remote operator or by using software programs to detect the movement of people through a mobile device. The best cameras in this category have the capacity to pan, tilt, zoom, and follow specific people or things in real-time.
Applications – Although PTZ cameras have the potential to cover a wide expanse, they are most often used in conjunction with fixed security cameras. Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras are the most popular style in major public areas today.
Advantages – Aside from the ability to pan 360 degrees across any location, there are a number of advantages to owning a Ptz camera. Whoever has access to the program may utilize these motorized gadgets to detect or follow intruders. They can also be programmed to execute manual designs or walks, which they can observe on “autopilot.” If you have a large area to keep track of, they may allow you to cut the number of cameras in a specific location.
Disadvantages – While one of the major benefits is coverage, PTZ cameras are some of the most costly security cameras and can only see and record what they’re pointing at any given moment. If you want continuous 360-degree coverage, a PTZ camera with a fixed security camera is the way to go. Furthermore, these systems have more motors, software programming, and configuration; there’s a lot more that could go wrong.
Through software, hybrid virtual PTZ cameras combine some of the advantages of both fixed and pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras. Fixed lenses are used in professional video surveillance cameras to create a 360-degree field of vision. Fixed lenses are frequently deployed in order to provide a 360-degree view. When the operator looks at the live or recorded video, all of the video streams are linked together to provide a single panoramic picture. Digital PZ users may pan, tilt, or zoom in on specific subjects using their recording program just as they would with a regular PZ. Virtual PTZ cameras, on the other hand, store all angles of video captured by the lenses, even if you manually zoom in on a certain target.
Applications – Large sites are constantly covered in 360 degrees.
Advantages – Additionally, Virtual PTZ cameras are well suited to supplementing an area where multiple fixed cameras may not be feasible. These cameras, unlike traditional PTZ security cameras, are always filming 360 degrees of video.
Disadvantages – The programming of these cameras is extremely reliant on their functionality. There are a variety of features to consider depending on the video management system used. Furthermore, picture distortion is one more consideration to think about.
Size and Shape
Box or shoebox cameras, sometimes known as bullet security systems, are one of the most popular kinds of cameras and can be utilized in a variety of settings. However, because subjects believe they are being watched, they will be more likely to refrain from unwanted activity.
Applications – These cameras are suitable for both indoor and outdoor usage, depending on their IP rating and how they are stored. Security cameras are always automatically activated by bullets.
Advantages – Bullet cameras have come in a variety of designs, sizes, and applications. These fixed security cameras allow for more monitoring options in certain places. Many cameras provide user-adjustable lens options, which allow for tightly focused or wide-angle photos depending on the lens.
Disadvantages – Due to the obvious placement of the lens, these frequently blatant cameras are unable to disguise their focus direction.
Dome security cameras have an inconspicuous appearance and may usually be set up easily without the need for additional housing for exposed wiring. Depending on the bullet Cctv camera inside the dome housing, the lens may be fixed or powered.
Applications – Compact cameras are used frequently in both indoor and outdoor settings.
Advantages – The vandal-resistant security cameras disguise the direction of the cameras. Their dome shells protect against refocusing, defocusing, and impact.
Disadvantages – When compared to box and PTZ cameras, dome cameras have fewer options in lens selection and megapixel count.
Small Cctv cameras with a ball and socket design, known as eyeball cameras, are used in security systems. The ability of the spherical camera to rotate in all directions within its socket mount gives it the name “turret.”
Applications – Turret cameras are frequently suggested to customers who don’t know what form factor they want. They’re flexible, have good picture quality, and are small in size.
Advantages – The flexibility of surveillance cameras with turrets is well-known. After mounting your gadget to the wall or ceiling, these tiny gadgets may be directed in any direction, allowing you to capture the appropriate field of view quickly. Turret cameras seldom have to worry about glare from infrared (IR) sensors in low-light or dark environments since they don’t have to deal with a glass dome that would prevent light from reaching the sensors.
Disadvantages – There are no glass shells to protect your turret camera from intruders and vandals, as with dome cameras.
Special Functions
Infrared sensors are used by low-light security cameras to work in almost complete darkness. Due to the built-in infrared illuminators, recordings can be made in low light. Infrared illuminators are also available as an optional extra.
Applications – Low-light security cameras are frequently used in places where additional illumination is not readily available.
Advantages – In order to illuminate recorded or live video footage, these cameras may be positioned nearly anywhere and do not require an additional powered lighting source. When the infrared sensors are switched on, the film is in black and white, but it has far greater image contrast when compared to color images — which might make it easier to see shapes, figures, or faces.
Disadvantages – When the infrared (IR) sensors are activated, these cameras can produce pictures in almost total darkness; however, when viewed on a computer screen, they will appear in black and white, unlike WDR security cameras.
Wide Dynamic Range security cameras have a light-related technology that corrects for issues with exposure. WDR technology improves picture quality by achieving a balance between brightness and darkness. WDR security cameras can effectively display footage in both bright and low-light settings simultaneously, thanks to the use of dynamic contrast and dynamic capture.
Applications – The WDR camera captures video of people, vehicles, and things in front of glass doors, windows, or outside a garage at all hours using motion detection technology.
Advantages – WDR cameras can capture extremely detailed pictures under a variety of lighting conditions, in many cases superior to the human eye. WDR-enabled cameras have more sensitive light sensors than traditional surveillance cameras, allowing them to capture higher levels of detail. The ability to balance the light in a camera’s field of view is dependent on either the camera’s hardware or installed software, depending on the WDR camera.
Disadvantages – WDR security cameras are more expensive than regular fixed security cameras. WDR security cameras must be properly adjusted to different lighting conditions, which adds to their expense. It’s important to note that these are intended for professionals with years of expertise who are looking for the easiest way to achieve the best results.
Thermal security cameras can capture things that aren’t visible to the human eye. These security cameras may be used in low light or through reflected heat from people and objects.
Applications – Thermal cameras have been utilized to detect inanimate things or gases in low-visibility situations like foggy or forested areas. However, thermal cameras have lately been a preferred option for monitoring temperatures during the COVID-19 epidemic. With certain CCTV cameras, a Thermal Temperature Monitoring Solution can identify people who are hot from 10 ft away with less than a 0.54-degree margin of error, according to the manufacturer.
Advantages – Ideal for a dark night, foggy, or blocked situations. It can also be used to test the temperature of items.
Disadvantages – The details that these cameras capture are instead limited to what the heat sensors pick up. Thermal cameras, which are specialized types of security cameras, can be costly.
4Kor 8-megapixel security cameras offer more detail and clarity of live and recorded video than traditional 1080p systems. Surveillance cameras with 3840 x 2160 resolution produce approximately four times as much video sharpness as conventional 1080p systems, which broadcast at 1920 x 1080 resolution. These cameras, which were originally designed to observe vast open areas or for forensic reasons, are becoming more popular among company owners as technology advances and 4K security cameras get less expensive.
Applications – 4K security cameras, on the other hand, are typically utilized in large areas like construction sites, athletic events, parades, and concerts. They may be used anywhere you desire to capture the highest level of detail available.
Advantages – The greatest widely accessible image quality currently available is found in 4K cameras. Because these cameras may cover a large area, fewer physical installations are needed.
Disadvantages – If you’re streaming live video in 4K, it will use a significant amount of bandwidth. However, you may playback video in a lower resolution to make it smoother and less bandwidth-intensive to watch.
Portable devices, usually encased in a waterproof casing, are used to monitor the movement of individuals. To be clear, “mobile security” refers to the capacity to bring your monitoring equipment along with you wherever you go. These all-in-one systems, which are often installed on a pole or high up, provide a variety of surveillance options from a single location with just a power connection. Temporary mobile security solutions can be purchased, but they are often rented on a short-time basis.
Applications – Mobile security CCTV cameras can be used in a variety of settings, including in places where you just need security for a short period of time. In addition, these cameras are popular for remote locations where a network connection is not available. Construction sites, utility locations, huge locations, outbuildings, and even events like festivals, conventions, and trade shows are some of the most visited.
Advantages – Wireless security cameras may be placed almost anywhere there is a power outlet. In order to work, these sturdy security boxes require only 120 volts (60 Hz) of power.
Disadvantages – Solar panels are a highly costly alternative if electricity is unavailable. If you don’t have a wireless internet connection within the range of our access point, the footage must be manually retrieved from an in-box NVR.
LPR, or license plate recognition, is an innovative security camera technology with the goal of taking pictures of plates in absolute clarity. LPR cameras employ software that captures license plate numbers and deposits them in a database for fast searching, customizable filtering, and immediate retrieval.
Applications – Set up LPR security cameras in a confined space, such as on street corners or near intersections, where cars move in and out at a constant rate.
Advantages – License plate recognition cameras are meant to save you time by allowing you to look through hours of video in search of a specific license plate. Furthermore, conventional security cameras are generally set up to capture people, cars, and other significant objects that are larger than license plates. License plate cameras feature infrared sensors and are set up to avoid motion blur, allowing you to snap license plates at any time of day or speed.
Disadvantages – Every LPR camera must be used for a specific purpose: recording license plates.
Housing
Interior security camera housings are intended to blend in with the décor of the space. The cameras are smaller and less noticeable, fitting inside settings without drawing attention. Indoor security cameras are typically less difficult to install and don’t require additional accessories like mounting brackets.
Applications – Interior security cameras may be used in most indoor settings where temperature, humidity, and tampering are not a problem.
Advantages – Interior cameras are often easy to install and replace. Servicing indoor cameras are usually less expensive and require less effort.
Disadvantages – Indoor cameras are far less durable than their outside counterparts or those that are tamper-resistant.
Exterior security camera enclosures are created to safeguard the components of your device from external elements such as wind, weather, and time. Exterior cameras are most often constructed of durable materials such as PVC or corrosion-proof metals. Exterior add-ons are typically equipment that accommodates any obstructions, casing for exposed exterior wiring, and visors or protective glass shield against strong lighting.
Applications – Exterior security cameras may be placed anywhere outside of buildings exposed to extreme heat or weather, according to the definition.
Advantages – Exterior cameras are more vandal-resistant than interior cameras, and they’re also more weather resistant.
Disadvantages – Exterior cameras are generally heavier and larger due to their protective housing. Furthermore, exterior security cameras are more time-consuming, complex, and costly to install than interior security cameras.
Cameras with a damage-resistant security rating acquire an environmental grade to demonstrate their long-term viability in various outdoor and indoor settings (see IP rating). Some materials, although resistant to severe vandalism, water, weapons, heat, cold, weather, and other natural and manufactured variables that can cause device failure in the wild.
Applications – Cameras that are damage-resistant have an IP rating to establish how much wear and tear they can endure. They can be used in bad environments with different pressure, heat, cold, or other hazards depending on the device’s IP score. These cameras can also be utilized to keep track of equipment in places where people cannot go.
Advantages – Cameras that are resistant to damage can be used to film or stream live video during periods of physical trauma to the gadget.
Disadvantages – Housings that are resistant to damage are generally larger and bulkier and less obvious. Depending on where they’re positioned, they might be difficult to install and maintain.
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