Types of CCTV Camera and Their Use: Updated 2024 Guideline

What types of CCTV Camera should I buy?

CCTV security systems are essential must have in most public organizations or business. Therefore its crucial to select the best types of CCTV cameras for the right location and position within your premise.

In today’s market, There are various types of CCTV cameras, with different features, abilities and technology. It takes a lot of extra details to fully understand the optimum use of the various types of CCTV cameras in the market.  There are various factors to consider while sourcing CCTV. The question is, which CCTV camera is best suited for your Business or Organization?

There are 9 most popular types of CCTV cameras available are:

• Dome CCTV Cameras
• Bullet CCTV Cameras
• C-Mount CCTV Cameras
• PTZ Pan Tilt & Zoom Cameras
• Day/Night CCTV Cameras
• Infrared/night vision CCTV Cameras
• Network/IP CCTV Cameras
• Wireless CCTV Cameras
• High Definition (HD) CCTV Cameras

What are CCTV Cameras?

CCTV abbreviation usually represents closed-circuit television and also is commonly referred to as Video Surveillance.  The closed circuit in this case means that broadcast are transmitted to closed number of monitors located into a CCTV room. The CCTV camera networks are mostly used to ensure a perimeter security on various prized assets

Types of CCTV Cameras

#1. Bullet CCTV Cameras

Bullet CCTV cameras have an iconic design that is highly visible.  The Most conventional CCTV cameras will be bullet CCTV and are instantly recognisable as being a CCTV security system. They are cylindrical in shape and are capable of observing long distances. Bullet cameras are most commonly placed outdoors so their casings are made resistant to water, dust and dirt. This design is highly suited for outdoor positioning

Top Pros of Bullet CCTV Camera

• Highly visible so acts as a deterrent to criminals
• Resistant to dirt in challenging environments
• Provides surveillance over long distances
• Casing also protects against glare and rain

Where to use

Mostly used outside due to their nature and capabilities. Range of industries i.e. Manufacturing, Factories etc. They not only record good quality pictures but also send out a message to passers-by that your premises is under surveillance. The cameras can easily be mounted with a mounting bracket, and come fitted with either fixed or varifocal lenses depending on the requirements of its intended application.

Read: Benefits of bullet CCTV Cameras

#2. Dome CCTV Cameras

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.

One of the main Pro’s of a dome CCTV camera is its ability to rotate 360 degrees, allowing you to cover all angles of your premises. In addition, their design makes them an ideal choice for indoor surveillance, as they can be mounted on a ceiling to monitor a wide area without being too noticeable. These cameras are often used in retail stores, banks, and other public spaces where surveillance is needed but a discreet appearance is desired.

Benefits of Dome CCTV Cameras

• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Vandal resistant dome means it is harder to interfere with the camera
• 360-degree rotation of the camera so you can cover all angles

Where to use

A dome CCTV camera is best for hospitality and corporate settings. It can be used in shops, hotels, casinos, restaurants, etc., because of its design and ability to cover a wider angle.

#3. Infrared/night vision CCTV Cameras

These cameras boast infrared technology, which allows them to record video images even when there’s no light. These cameras are also suitable in foggy conditions. With Night vision capabilities, CCTV cameras are specifically designed to capture footage in pitch-black conditions.

Benefits of Infrared/Night vision Cameras

• Infrared LEDs allow clear recording even in pitch black environments
• An infrared cut filter activates in the daytime for clear images in lighter conditions
• Can capture images even in the presence of fog, dust or smoke
• Records colour imagery in the daytime and black and white at night

Where to use

These cameras are best suited for places that require round-the-clock security, such as banks, manufacturing plants, etc. There are various CCTV camera types suited to outside use but the extra sensitive imaging of both day and night imaging modes makes this one camera type unique.

#4. Day/night CCTV Cameras

designed to operate throughout the day, irrespective of the ‘lighting’ factor. Even if it’s day or night, a day/night camera will record clear footage. They contain extra sensitive imaging chips, which help them to record clear videos that are not impacted by the lighting conditions. Overall, day and night CCTV cameras are an effective solution for businesses and other organizations that need to monitor their premises around the clock, regardless of lighting conditions.

Benefits of Day/Night CCTV Cameras

• capacity to capture crystal-clear video in dim lighting.
• Glare, direct sunlight, reflections, and other problematic lighting situations don’t hinder their ability to perform well.

Where to us

They are also frequently used in indoor environments like warehouses, factories, and office buildings where the lighting may be poor or unbalanced.

#5. Pan Tilt & Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

These cameras have the ability to pan (move horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom in and out. This allows them to cover a wider area and follow movement more effectively.  your security team can have complete control over what is recorded. At the touch of a button, the camera lens can pan left and right, tilt up and down or zoom in and out.

Benefits of PTZ Cameras

• Optical zoom on these cameras means you can focus closely in on subjects
• Pan and tilt feature provides 360 degree field of vision
• Image resolution is usually impeccable so facial features can be distinguished
• Security team have full control of recording and can react to live situations

Where to us

These cameras are particularly useful in large retail environments and for businesses that need to protect specific valuable objects.

#6. C-Mount CCTV Cameras

C-Mount CCTV cameras are a type of security camera that are equipped with detachable lenses, allowing the field of vision to be easily adjusted. They are ideal option for those who may wish to adapt the field of vision.  Due to their functions, C-mount CCTV cameras are suitable for outdoor settings. They have a rugged casing and weatherproof housing that protects cameras from cold environments and other environmental elements.

Benefits of C-Mount Cameras

• Special lenses can be fitted to the camera to extend its range.
• Great visibility  that deters criminals
• Rugged casing can be added to protect the camera in harsh environments
• Weatherproof housing makes it ideal for outdoor use

where to use

C-mount CCTV cameras are mostly used in logistics and utility industries. Their ability to withstand extreme temperatures also makes them suitable for food and manufacturing industries.

#7. Network/IP CCTV Cameras

They’re connected via the internet working with IP Addressing sharing footages across the internet.  So, even if you are not on the office premises or located anywhere in the world, you can view the footage easily, provided you have a stable internet connection.  Video footage is typically stored on NVRs (Network Video Recorders) or in the cloud for future access.

Benefits of IP CCTV Cameras

• These are low-maintenance cameras
• Easy to setup
• Can be remotely access

where to use

IP CCTV cameras prove to be quite useful in corporate entities where owners  frequently want to keep an eye on their business premises.  This can be done remotely via mobile apps or computers.

#8. Wireless CCTV Cameras

as the name suggest, they do not require any cabling. These cameras transmit footage over the internet, allowing for remote viewing. hey also make the appearance of the camera much tidier, which may be an important factor in some settings. They are easy to install since there are no hassles of wiring. They also have a discreet appearance; therefore, they can blend seamlessly with the interior

Benefits of Wireless CCTV Cameras

• Easier to install than your average CCTV system
• Discreet and tidy appearance and a less obtrusive fitting
• Images transmitted over the internet so can be viewed anywhere
• Secure storage and easy access of archive footage

Where to use

wireless CCTV cameras are a great security option. Their discreet appearance helps them to blend into the interior. They’re great to use if you’re looking for a tidy workspace and descrete environment

#9. High Defination (HD) CCTV Cameras

HD CCTV cameras are known for their splendid, high-clarity images. You can even get 4k resolutions from these cameras, which means there will never be a chance of distorted or grainy images. If you want extra clarity, you can use the zoom function of these cameras.

Key Pros of HD Cameras

• High definition Images bringing about clarity
• Available on most CCTV models such as domes and bullets
• Crystal clear imagery ensure they’re great source of crime scene evidence

Where to use

HD CCTV cameras are considered the best choice for premises where there is a high risk of theft. You can see them in banks, casinos and other places that require visitor identification.

Factors to Consider while sourcing for CCTV Systems

High Definition Camera

mostly used in Niche Markets, such as bank, areas of maximum security. They offer the feature that enables the controller to zoom on a specific target. This ability to zoom to clarity makes it a great feature among the various types of CCTV cameras. 

Day or Night CCTV Camera

These Cameras are advantageous in that they can capture clear images in varying light conditions. They best suited for outdoor surveillance and where there is a need for a 24/7  Surveillance. Most residential apartments embrace the use of such cameras 

DVR & NVR (Digital & Network Video recorder)

These are not cameras by themselves but are crucial components of CCTV solution. They provide the ability to fully Record the CCTV footage and save them on storage facilities that making it easy to fully review the daily CCTV footage of each Camera.

Coverage 

you will have to do a site survey to ensure the most vulnerable parts of your prized asset. With this information you understand the size of the perimeter to set for your organization CCTV Camera needs

Power backup solution for your cameras

The constant power supply would ensure incessant surveillance. Thus make sure you have both constant power supply and a reliable power backup in case of power cuts to ensure security at all times

Permission 

Depending on where you will be doing a CCTV installation, you may need to get official permission from relevant authorities also from your neighbor surrounding just not interfere with their privacy incase your cameras covers some part of their premises

Best Surveillance Cameras to install in Kenya

The question may arise; so which is the best type of camera to install on your premise? The true answer to this is that there is no single best type of camera to deploy.

The various cameras are designed to best work on various needs and requirement than the other i.e. some cameras are best suited for different locations within the premises such as outside or inside the premise

Cost of CCTV Installation 

The cost of CCTV camera installation in Kenya is dependent on various factors. An organization covering greater perimeter will certainly spend more than a small organization. Factors such as number of cameras, video or network recorders needed in configuration of the systems determine the cost, the reason a need for a site survey before implementation of the project

Application of the various CCTV Camera Types

Crime control & investigation

For businesses, CCTV cameras can detect and monitor in-house criminal activities. When a crime does occur, video footage can help law enforcement to investigate and later provide evidence for prosecution in a law court

Disaster management

This systems help in monitoring and assessment of emergency in real time i.e. evacuations fire fighting

City and community street monitoring

Overall security of various streets on cities and also residential estate can be covered by the various CCTV Systems to ensure improvement of security

Road Speed Monitoring 

Cameras are also use in monitoring the roads for various crime and speed related incident on the highways

Retail intelligence

Heat maps can show the highs and lows of shopper traffic at specific locations in a store, helping stores to identify peak buying times, preferred promotion types, and staffing requirements for peak shopping periods.

Need CCTV Cameras Fixed?

If you’re looking to set up your surveillance systems. visit our website page on CCTV Cameras Installation Solutions in Kenya. 

Our skilled team has the knowledge and expertise to quickly diagnose and repair any issues, ensuring that your CCTV system is up and running smoothly. Our hope is that this article has provided valuable information on the different types of CCTV cameras.