CCTV Cameras
When it comes to securing your business, there are various types of surveillance cameras to choose from. Monitoring plays a significant role in today's society, and with cameras around us, our daily lives experience higher levels of security every day.
However, what many people do not know is that there are different types of surveillance cameras suitable for various situations or locations, and selecting the right camera for the appropriate application is truly essential. Here, we examine these types of cameras and what makes them unique and more suitable for certain environments compared to others.
Types of CCTV cameras
What are the types of surveillance cameras?
- Dome Camera
- Bullet Camera
- C-mount Camera
- Day/Night Camera
- PTZ Camera
- Dark Fighter technology cameras
- ANPR/LPR Cameras
- Hidden or Pin Hole surveillance cameras
- Thermal imaging cameras / Infrared cameras
- Variable lens cameras or varifocal
- Network cameras (IP cameras)
- HD Cameras
Another type of surveillance camera is the Dome camera.
Dome cameras are one of the most common types of surveillance cameras used for internal and external security. Their shape makes it difficult for viewers to determine which direction the camera is facing, which is a strong design feature that helps prevent criminals by creating a sense of uncertainty about the camera's location.
Another advantages of Dome cameras include the following:
Ease of Installation
Night Vision IR
Compact Size and Attractive Appearance
Bullet Camera
Bullet cameras are long and cylindrical in shape and are ideal for outdoor use. Their strengths are particularly evident in situations where remote viewing is required. Cameras installed inside protective housings are protected against dust, dirt, and other natural elements. The cameras can be easily mounted with a bracket and are equipped with either fixed or vari-focal lenses depending on the intended application.
The benefits of Bullet cameras include the following:
Night Vision
Easy Installation
Water and Dust Resistance
High-Definition Image Clarity
C-mount Camera
C-mount cameras with detachable lenses provide the ability to change lenses easily according to different applications. C-mount cameras, thanks to the ability to use special lenses with them, can cover distances of over 40 feet, while standard enclosed lenses can only cover distances of 35-40 feet.
Other benefits of C-mount cameras include:
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use (with housing)
Their large size attracts attention (which acts as a deterrent)
Day/Night Cameras
These cameras, which operate effectively in both normal and low-light environments, don’t require internal infrared LEDs—one of their main features. Thanks to their highly sensitive image sensors or imaging chips, they can capture clear video images even in darkness. As a result, they are ideal for outdoor surveillance where IR cameras may not perform optimally.
Other benefits of Day/Night cameras include:
Recording in both color and black and white modes.
A wide range of sizes is available
External infrared capability
PTZ Camera (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) or Speed Dome
PTZ cameras allow users to pan (left/right), tilt (up/down), and zoom in or out on the scene. They are typically used when a security guard or surveillance expert is present to operate and monitor the system actively.
Other benefits of PTZ cameras include:
200 meters night vision IR
Optical zoom X36 and even higher
High-Definition Image Clarity
Dark Fighter technology cameras
These cameras can capture color images even in extremely low-light conditions. The Dark Fighter technology can be used both day and night, offering excellent performance thanks to a wide range of features. They are equipped with ½-inch progressive scan CMOS sensors, which enable them to produce high-quality images without needing an additional light source, making this technology ideal for nighttime security surveillance cameras.
Other benefits of Dark Fighter technology cameras include:
Smart Features: Line crossing detection, audio detection, and facial recognition
Can be used for various purposes
High quality
ANPR/LPR Cameras
ANPR and LPR cameras are used to read and store data from vehicle license plates. They provide an efficient and straightforward solution for many organizations, including toll systems, hotel overstays management, and especially parking lots. ANPR stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition, while LPR stands for License Plate Recognition. These devices help gather extensive information in high-traffic areas, enhancing overall security and management of the location.
Other advantages of ANPR/LPR cameras include:
Smart Features: Data storage
Can detect vehicles passing or parked in prohibited areas
Records and stores license plate information on roads, building entrances, and public/private parking lots, vehicle traffic control
Hidden or Pin Hole surveillance cameras
These types of cameras allow for covert placement, enabling you to capture clear footage of thefts and criminal damages. Hidden CCTV cameras are useful because criminals are less likely to detect them, reducing the risk of their actions being identified or disrupted.
Other advantages of hidden CCTV:
Can be hidden or installed
Can be concealed in various objects
Effective for indoor use
Thermal imaging cameras / Infrared cameras
One of the best 24-hour surveillance cameras for airports, ports, billboards, and many other critical infrastructures, providing high-quality images regardless of the time of day. Infrared cameras feature small LEDs surrounding the lens to assist in detecting dark moving objects. Thermal cameras can see at long distances, up to 300 meters!
Other advantages of infrared cameras include:
Can detect intruders at 250-300 meter distance
Performs well in low light
Thermal radiation penetrates visual obstacles
Variable lens cameras or varifocal
Varifocal cameras are zoomable lenses that allow you to adjust focal length and field of view without losing focus or image quality. They enable zooming in and out, making them ideal for recording in square rooms where fixed-lens cameras often face blind spots or blind areas.
Other advantages of varifocal cameras include:
They can capture blind spots that other cameras cannot, providing exceptional focus on the target area. They work well for monitoring both nearby areas and long distances.
Network cameras (IP cameras)
These cameras generate digital signals and transmit them over a network, offering higher image quality compared to analog cameras. Network cameras are ideal for both residential and commercial purposes, each having its own unique IP address. Therefore, if connected to the internet, you can independently view what is happening through each camera remotely, even when you are away from the location.
Other advantages of network cameras include:
Data is easily accessible.
Ideal for homes and businesses.
Less cabling and easier maintenance and troubleshooting.
HD Cameras
HD cameras offer high resolution, mainly used in high-security institutions such as banks and government offices. They are used to capture clear images of everyone entering and leaving to ensure maximum security and safety. These cameras are excellent for detecting inappropriate behavior and allow users to utilize footage in court when higher clarity is needed.
Other advantages of HD cameras include:
Clear and precise images.
Provide maximum security for high-risk institutions.
What type of CCTV camera should I buy?
It is very important to ensure you choose the right CCTV camera, because depending on their placement and main usage, you need to find a camera that best meets your needs.
Whether you're installing a CCTV camera outside a property to monitor criminal activity or positioning one inside to oversee a home or company assets, you should pay attention to these key points:
Three factors to consider when buying a CCTV camera:
If you've asked yourself, "What type of CCTV camera should I buy?", you've come to the right place, because our experts at Iran Notrika will help you consider all factors and select the most suitable type of CCTV cameras for you.
But first, you need to consider 3 key factors:
1. Suitable lens:
A suitable lens ensures that you get high-quality images. Choosing the right lens allows your camera to focus properly and bring enough light to the sensor, helping you read license plates, recognize faces, and more.
Having more details in any situation helps because it means you can see exactly what is happening and capture clear recordings. A zoom lens can provide more information to users, as optical zoom can adjust the light reaching the sensor, enabling greater flexibility and improved images.
2. Suitable sensor
When choosing the right sensor, you should pay attention to two factors: type and size.
CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor)
CCD cameras (Charge-Coupled Device).
CCD is more expensive than CMOS and produces clearer images, making it ideal for facial recognition and vehicle license plate identification.
3. Appropriate Resolution
Image quality generally improves with a higher pixel count. At the time of writing this article, the highest resolution you can obtain is 12 megapixels; however, many cameras available on the market range from 2 to 8 megapixels.
Should my security cameras be hidden or act as a visual deterrent?
Box cameras provide an obvious indication to anyone passing by that surveillance cameras are present on the premises, which can serve as a strong deterrent against theft and crime. Conversely, Dome cameras are smaller and more discreet. These compact cameras are well-suited for monitoring larger areas, such as your front or back garden.
How to Choose the Right Camera for Indoor and Outdoor Use?
When considering where to place your cameras, you may also need to think about their installation and maintenance to ensure they are in the optimal location and are well protected. For instance, if your camera is intended for outdoor use, it must be resistant to water and dust. If it is to be installed indoors, you should ensure that it is not affected by elements such as kitchen grease or steam.
What are the lighting conditions?
It is recommended to test various camera models to determine which performs optimally under your specific lighting conditions. Lighting will naturally fluctuate throughout the day, regardless of whether cameras are placed indoors or outdoors. Furthermore, you should carefully check for any potential issues such as reflections and backlight during both daytime and nighttime.
Is Video resolution important?
Depending on the size of the area you wish to cover, the resolution of the security camera you choose should provide a clear and useful image. However, if the camera is located in a small room, a high resolution may not be necessary.
Is audio required?
Having audio capability is not a mandatory requirement; however, if you wish to capture ambient sound or even communicate with an intruder, such systems are available. Audio can also serve as a valuable deterrent against crime and theft. For instance, automatically playing a pre-recorded message when an unauthorized individual reaches a specific indoor location is an effective way to create the impression that occupants are present within the building.
At Iran Notrika, we provide various types of CCTV cameras and other security products to our customers.