Introduction
Selecting appropriate CCTV cameras can be a step forward toward physical security and assurance in a world where safety is indispensable. Every environment such as houses, offices, retails spaces, and even industrial facilities has particular security requirements.
So, how do select the right surveillance solution?
With technology advancing at an incredible pace, it’s not just about having a camera; it’s about having the correct one. In this thorough guide, we explain how every one of the 11 distinct types of CCTV cameras differ and where they work best.
What Are CCTV Cameras?
Closed-Circuit Television cameras, also referred to as CCTV Cameras, are used to monitor an area using video cameras for the purpose of capturing footage and keeping it secure. They remain the best unobtrusive watchmen that not only track activity, but also prevent crime, and obtain critical information when necessary.
CCTV cameras range from simple analog setups to high-tech Network Video Solutions used everywhere; homes, transportation, public places, and even industries.
The Different Types of CCTV Cameras
Let’s discuss how real-world examples and professional advice on effective usage can demonstrate each type of CCTV cameras.
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Dome CCTV Cameras – Sleek, Subtle, and Vandal-Resistant
What are they?
Dome CCTV cameras are well known for their inconspicuous enclosure-shaped cover that fits in any place seamlessly. Their design limits their obtrusiveness and helps to prevent tampering since it is hard to tell what angle they are aimed at.
Ideal Applications:
- Indoor Surveillance: Most suitable for the surveillance of retail outlets, office spaces and corridors that require a less subtle approach
- Vandal-Prone Areas: Their disguise intacting feature makes them ideal for locations that are prone to vandalism.
Key Features:
- Discreet design
- Vandal-proof casing
- Night vision options
- Great for indoor & outdoor use
Best For:
Shops, reception areas, offices, malls.
Why Choose It:
Dome cameras can conceal their angle of view; this feature helps in limiting unwanted attention as a security tool.
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Explosion-Protected Cameras – Surveillance for Hazard-Prone Areas
What are they?
Explosion Protected Cameras designed for areas that contain flammable gas or dust must be built in such a way as to prevent the ignition of surrounding dangerous materials. These cameras are put through stringent procedures to ensure that they are compliant with international safety standards.
Ideal Applications:
- Industrial Facilities: A must have at chemical plants, oil refineries and other such sites with explosive possibilities.
- Mining Operations: Ensures safety in areas which can have highly combustible dust and gases.
Key Features:
- Certified for Zone 1/Division 1 and 2 areas
- Stainless steel enclosure
- Built-in thermal detection
- Remote monitoring capabilities
Best For:
Chemical plants, mining sites, and energy facilities.
Why Choose It:
Safeguard your workforce and assets as well as meet regulatory obligations for NEC, CEC, ATEX, IECEx.
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Box CCTV Cameras – Professional & Powerful — With Custom Lens Options
What are they?
Surveillance cameras which are modular and allows for changes to be made that helps suit the need at hand are known as box CCTV cameras. These kinds of cameras are typically used in surveillance due to their flexibility with regards to the design.
Ideal Applications:
- Monitored Access for Adjusting entrance and exit points: Set adjustable focal length controls.
- Sensitive High Risk Areas: Provide detailed monitoring options for sensitive zones tailored by precise lens selection.
Key Features:
- Customizable lens (CS-mount)
- High resolution
- Ideal for fixed monitoring
- Outdoor housing options
Best For:
Banks, government buildings, warehouses.
Why Choose It:
You determine the lens, zoom, and the precise field of view.
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Bullet CCTV Cameras – Target Long-Distance Areas With Accuracy
What are they?
Bullet CCTV cameras are long range cylindrical shaped surveillance cameras that are useful for viewing a wide area from a long distance. Their distinct design works effectively as a deterrent for would-be intruders.
Ideal Applications:
- Comprehensive border surveillance including: Parking area and driveways.
- Permitted areas: Their rugged, weather-resistant design enables use in a variety of external settings.
Key Features:
- Ready out-of-the-box
- Built-in infrared (IR) illumination
- PoE-supported
- Weatherproof casing
Best For:
Parking lots, entrances, airports, streets.
Why Choose It:
Want to monitor a large area? These bullet cameras have the optimal range.
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PTZ CCTV Cameras – Zoom In, Pan Out — Total Control in One Camera
What are they?
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) CCTV cameras enable remote monitoring with directional control and zoom features, offering versatile surveillance. This functionality enables operators to focus on specific incidents and track moving objects.
Ideal Applications:
- Large Venues: Stadiums, parking lots, and public areas benefit from their wide coverage.
- Event Capture: View events and gatherings up close
Key Features:
- Covers wide and zoomed-in areas
- Auto-tracking capability
- Pre-set patrol patterns
- Smart event triggers
Best For
Shopping malls, large event venues, city surveillance.
Why Choose It
One camera can do the work of many.
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Modular Cameras – Surveillance That Fits Anywhere — Literally
What are they?
Modular cameras consist of separate sensor and main units, connected via cables. This sensor placement design allows for discreet positioning while securely housing the main components in a separate location.
Ideal Applications:
- ATM Machines: Monitor the transaction without revealing the user’s private details.
- Vehicle Surveillance: Mount on buses, trains, or other vehicles to capture thorough coverage.
Key Features:
- Extremely discreet
- Cable connection up to 30m
- Dual-camera options
- Excellent for vehicles & kiosks
Best For:
ATMs, buses, elevators, small-space monitoring.
Why Choose It:
No Space? No Problem: Modular Cameras Fit Where Others Can”t.
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Panoramic CCTV Cameras – See It All — In One Sweeping View
What are they?
Panoramic CCTV cameras with Avigilon Lens offer ultra-wide area coverage, enabling the capturing of equirectangular views without the need for multiple cameras in an environment. They are particularly useful in installation environments needing broad surveillance as required in some feedback surrounding axis cameras.
Ideal Applications:
- Large Halls and Auditoriums: Ensure complete coverage with minimal equipment.
- Open Spaces: Monitor extensive outdoor areas effectively.
Key Features:
- One camera replaces many
- Lower system costs
- Single or multi-imager setup
- Day/Night functionality
Best For:
Open-plan offices, stadiums, warehouse floors.
Why Choose It:
Wide coverage without blind spots — that’s efficient surveillance.
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Thermal Cameras – Security You Can Feel — Literally
What are they?
Thermal cameras use heat signatures to capture images in the absence of light or in very dimly lit places. They are invaluable for night surveillance or nighttime surveillance or nighttime surveillance when light is lacking.
Ideal Applications:
- Perimeter Security : Identifying intruders for surveillance in low visibility conditions
- Search and Rescue Operations : Locating individuals in dark or obscured areas
Key Features:
- Works in darkness, fog, and smoke
- Monitors equipment temperatures
- Early fire detection
- Built-in analytics
Best For:
Factories, borders, critical infrastructure.
Why Choose It:
Receive alerts for machine overheating and visibility-blind intruders long before detection.
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Onboard CCTV Cameras – Built for the Road — Rugged Vehicle Surveillance
What are they?
Onboard CCTV cameras are specialized for in-vehicle surveillance. They can endure shocks and vibrations during movement.
Ideal Applications:
- Public Transport: Monitor activities within buses and trains.
- Emergency Vehicles: Ensure safety and record events during operations.
Key Features:
- EN50155 & NFPA 130 compliant
- M12 connectors
- 360° fisheye options
- AI-enabled metadata tagging
Best For:
Public transportation, emergency fleets, logistics.
Why Choose It:
Wheels are in motion, but surveillance does not cease.
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Specialty Cameras – When Ordinary Just Won’t Do
What are they?
Specialty cameras are issued to cater for unique applications like covert monitoring or combining with other security systems. They are designed to cover particular surveillance gaps that are not attended to by other cameras.
Ideal Applications:
- Elevator Surveillance: Monitoring is conducted in concealed spaces.
- Correctional Facilities: Enhanced security features for supervision of inmates.
Key Features:
- Anti-ligature models for detention centers
- Elevator-specific designs
- Hidden camera options
- Custom integrations
Best For:
Mental health units, elevators, secure zones.
Why Choose It:
Monitor virtually inaccessible areas seamlessly and intelligently.
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Canon Network Cameras – Imaging Excellence From a Trusted Brand
What are they?
Combining a Canon PTZ camera’s powerful imaging with other features such as audio analytics and I/O support makes these network cameras truly remarkable.
Ideal Applications:
- Corporate Offices: Monitors workstation and entryway activity.
- Educational Institutions: Classroom and hallway surveillance.
- Hospitals: Secure area monitoring with exceptional detail.
- Retail Stores: Customer monitoring with advanced analytical features.
- Public Buildings: Comprehensive video coverage with reliable functionality.
Key Features:
- Ultra-sharp image quality
- Smart tracking
- Full network integration
- Wide range of models
Best For:
Corporate campuses, schools, indoor halls.
Why Choose It:
Imaging technologies incorporated with network infrastructure guarantee utter surveillance dominance.
Conclusion
Surveillance shouldn’t just be about picking the most expensive cameras. You should be able to choose based on the location and how you want to secure it. Indoor? Outdoor? Industrial? Vehicle-ready? Zealinx has solutions that provide confidence for monitoring everything. Need advice on picking the right one? Talk to a Zealinx Security Advisor for a free consultation.
FAQs
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What type of CCTV camera is the most popular?
For general purpose indoor/outdoor surveillance, dome and bullet cameras are some of the most common types of closed circuit television cameras used.
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Are PTZ cameras suitable for indoor use?
Absolutely! A PTZ camera is ideal for covering large areas in great detail such as in malls, warehouses, and airport terminals.
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Are thermal cameras appropriate for residential usage?
They are mostly too much for average homes unless deployed as part of a perimeter security system in remote, poorly lit properties.
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How can I determine which camera best suits my business?
Conducting a professional security audit will provide you the relevant guidance needed to align your business premises with appropriate surveillance technology. You can request one here.
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Do all cameras have night vision?
All modern cameras, or most, have IR and low-light capabilities but more thermal and bullet cameras have greater night vision.