Understanding CCTV Camera Types and Features
Dome, Bullet, and Turret Cameras
Dome cameras are one of the most popular styles for both indoor and outdoor use. Their rounded housing makes it difficult for people to tell which direction the camera is pointing, which adds a deterrent effect. Dome cameras are commonly used in retail stores, offices, and residential properties. They are available in a range of resolutions and often include infrared night vision.
Bullet cameras have a cylindrical shape and are typically used for outdoor surveillance. They are easy to mount and adjust, and their visible design acts as a strong visual deterrent. Bullet cameras are ideal for monitoring driveways, car parks, fences, and building perimeters. Many models include long-range infrared for clear footage at night.
Turret cameras are similar to dome cameras but have a ball-and-socket design that allows more flexible positioning. They are becoming increasingly popular because they offer excellent image quality in a compact form factor. Turret cameras are less prone to infrared reflection issues compared to dome cameras, making them a good choice for night-time surveillance.
PTZ and Speciality Cameras
PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras can be remotely controlled to pan across a wide area, tilt up and down, and zoom in on specific details. They are commonly used in large commercial environments like car parks, warehouses, and building sites where active monitoring is required. PTZ cameras can be programmed to follow preset patrol routes or manually controlled in real time.
Other speciality cameras include fisheye cameras, which provide a 360-degree panoramic view from a single unit, and license plate recognition (LPR) cameras designed to capture vehicle registration numbers. These are used in specific applications like car park management, gated access, and high-security environments.
Auckland Geeks can advise on the best camera types for your specific requirements. We take into account the areas you need to monitor, the level of detail required, and your budget to recommend a system that delivers the best coverage and value.
Key Features to Look For
When selecting cameras, resolution is one of the most important factors. Most modern cameras offer at least 2MP (1080p) resolution, with 4MP and 4K options available for situations where finer detail is needed. Higher resolution cameras capture clearer images, making it easier to identify faces and read number plates.
Night vision capability is essential for any outdoor camera. Infrared LEDs allow cameras to capture clear footage in complete darkness, typically up to 30 metres or more depending on the model. Some cameras also feature colour night vision using supplemental white light LEDs, which provides more detail than standard infrared.
Other useful features include motion detection with configurable zones, two-way audio, weatherproofing ratings, and wide dynamic range (WDR) for handling challenging lighting conditions like bright sunlight and deep shadows. Auckland Geeks helps you prioritise the features that matter most for your property.
