Types of CCTV

Dome Cameras

• Dome cameras are named after their shape. These are typically half-spherical shaped enclosures with a camera inside. These cameras are normally installed on the ceiling. One advantage these cameras have is they are difficult to tamper with due to their enclosure. The enclosure is usually tinted, disguising whatever direction the camera is pointed in. Some dome cameras may be suited for night monitoring. These cameras are not typically suited to long-distance monitoring due to their small size.

Wall Cameras

• Wall cameras are cameras attached to a wall without any sort of hiding technique. There are many different styles of wall camera. A box camera for example is named for its block shape. These are ideal for viewing long distance as the lens can be modified easily unlike a dome camera. These cameras may be protected by a cage if there is a risk of tampering. Bullet cameras are another type of wall camera. These are smaller than box cameras. They are not as efficient at monitoring long distance as the lens is not accessible as in the box camera. Their size can also sometimes limit the quality of the video they take.

Infra-Red Cameras

• Infra-red cameras are only used when there is not sufficient light for other cameras to work efficiently. They are at some risk of being tampered with. Individual cameras have their own limitations for how far they are able to capture images from. They are generally lit by a ring of light emitting diodes to illuminate the area around the camera. While there are some ways to estimate a camera's visibility based on the number of LEDs, there are different types of LEDs with different strengths that can skew this estimate.

Hidden Cameras

• Hidden cameras are disguised as some other common element in the room. They may be disguised as a smoke alarm or a water sprinkler for example. In some cases these may be illegal as it means you are filming without the subject's knowledge. This is not the case in all states however. Similarly there are a variety of laws governing the use of sound recording equipment in public places.