Surveillance cameras can be classified in various types, sizes, and forms to fit various security requirements. Dome cameras are small and hidden to be almost invisible while giant, weather-resistant cameras can rotate 360 degrees, PTZ cameras use the most innovative technology to record activities day and night.
There are several general types of Best security Cameras, but the most popular one is the dome camera. These are small security cameras that are circular with a dome-like casing as the name suggests. Contained in the dome is the camera system including the lens. The dome casing can either be tinted, smoked, or made of clear material. Tinted domes cover the camera from the outside while at the same time, the camera can see through the material of the dome. Domed casings also serve to guard the camera against the elements as well as mugging. A lot of dome cameras come equipped with infrared LEDs to facilitate night vision. Dome cameras are inconspicuous and have a slender appearance, making it simple to install them on ceilings.
Another very familiar style is the bullet camera. These are barrel-shaped and they get their name from their lengthened cylindrical column-like appearance. Bullet cameras are cylindrical and shaped like a rifle bullet with the camera lens at the end of the cylinder. Bullet cameras do not sit upright on the ground but must be mounted on a wall or a ceiling in most cases. However, their configuration assists them to be installed discreetly under overhangs or parapets for instance. Wired bullet cameras and wireless bullet cameras are also available. They also have weather-resistant outdoor varieties that are equipped with night vision. The cylinder holds the camera assemblies such as infrared light-emitting diodes. Bullet cameras provide a single, sharp picture in the direction of the camera’s focus.
PTZ cameras look different than other types of security cameras because they can move. PTZ is an acronym that is short for ‘pan, tilt, zoom’. These are cameras that are mounted in automatic structures that turn in predetermined directions or through instructions from an operator. It also allows an operator to swivel the PTZ camera horizontally and vertically as well as to zoom the lens. This makes it possible for a single PTZ camera to monitor a large area. PTZ cameras are of two types, indoor and outdoor. Outdoor PTZ cameras are usually installed with enclosures on the walls or ceiling since they are designed for being outdoors. The multi-directional camera is encased in the cylindrical or squared-shaped casing body of the gadget. In addition, some PTZ cameras may have a built-in infrared night vision feature.
IP cameras are network cameras that are designed to be connected directly to the network instead of using a video recorder. They are available in the same housing styles and shapes as wired analog cameras. The difference is the back of the camera has an Ethernet port instead of a BNC or other analog connection. Some of the IP cameras are powered through the network cable. This reduces the need for outlets near the cameras. Some other IP camera models need a power connection. In addition to cabling the network, which is copper cables, IP cameras are similar in appearance to traditional security cameras. Dome, bullet, and PTZ cameras are available in the IP network versions.
As for high-resolution megapixel cameras, they are not easily distinguishable from standard-definition ones in terms of looks. But they incorporated improved image sensors and processors to deliver much sharper 1080p, 4K, or better video. Megapixel cameras are used where there is a need for a sharper image, such as in facial recognition, license plate recognition, and other high-detail applications. However, the outer casing is identical to others and does not signify that they are higher-resolution devices. Megapixel cameras are available in the dome, bullet, and PTZ configurations.
Specialty cameras also have unique designs and are not like the cameras that you would normally see around. Fisheye lenses are used in cameras and they mainly have a hemispherical shape that provides 180 degrees or 360 degrees field of vision. One of the easily recognizable features of fisheye cameras is the round lenses. Although the perspective is skewed, there are imaging algorithms that can translate the fisheye perspective into panoramic representations.
Covert or hidden cameras are also distinctive from the other types of cameras. The microcameras are miniature and blend with other common objects in society. Some of the most popular examples are clock radios with alarms, smoke detectors, air purifiers, and USB chargers. Sensors in the form of tiny pinhole lenses are integrated into the exterior of the products to record video covertly. Such cameras may also be disguised as hooks, screws, peepholes, rocks, pens, or any other item that one is least likely to look at.
Police body cameras are worn on uniforms or headgear in the form of a clip. The small bodycams record the officer’s perspective of the action during the interaction with the public. Some models of body-worn cameras are designed with a screen to review the footage in the field. Other bodycams only record the video and save it in the camera memory for it to be retrieved later. However, all bodycams are alike in that they contain a camera enclosed within a robust and compact casing with buttons for the purpose.
Trail surveillance cameras are also made for durability and performance in extreme outdoor conditions. Hunters set up trail cameras in areas such as wooded regions to capture activities of the game. Trail cameras have an outer casing that makes them blend with the environment and cannot be easily spotted by the animals. These are usually box-shaped or cylindrical to protect the motion-sensitive cameras from the elements and physical harm. An infrared flash for night vision up to about 30 meters or so. There are many models of trail cameras and each of them is equipped with its power source, built-in memory, communication capabilities, and ways of installation.
Fixed vehicle dashcams are mounted on the windshield or dashboard of a car. A suction cup, adhesive, or a static cling ensures that the smaller camera remains anchored inside a vehicle to capture a drive. Dashcams run most of the time and record footage that is overwritten when the memory cards are filled up. However, g-sensors in the dash cams can ‘freeze’ the video when there is an impact or sudden deceleration. This records the accident footage for evidence purposes. Dashcams can be front-facing or dual-facing to capture both forward and backward videos. This type of camera is usually fixed on the interior of back windshields.
Electronic monitoring employs different types and forms of cameras with specific camera hardware. However, most of the categories of security cameras, including dome, and dash cams, among others, have similar parts as image sensors, circuit boards, lenses, and video cables. External construction defines how cameras should be mounted to have the best vantage point with consideration given to fragile internal circuitry. Proper placement of cameras also enhances the quality of videos captured especially under varying conditions of lighting and weather. Regardless of which camera styles are chosen, using multiple camera technologies enables efficient coverage of various spaces. Ongoing advancements in durability and imaging ability provide modern security cameras with a larger operating range in various environments with higher picture quality.
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