Surveillance cameras are more accessible than ever for domestic and commercial premises. As proven deterrents for crime and crucial in the capturing of security compromises, CCTV cameras are a must for businesses looking to improve their security systems.

There are a huge range of CCTV camera options available to suit various circumstances, with various lens, shape, lighting conditions, feature options and more. To help you find the most effective security system for your requirements, here is a helpful guide to some of the most popular types of CCTV cameras and systems.

For professional advice on security systems tailored to your business or private premises, contact Sovereign Fire and Security!

See more: Commercial Security Tips and Advice for Protecting Business Assets

IP CCTV Cameras

IP (Internet Protocol) cameras, also known as network cameras, use networks such as the internet to communicate and connect. These digital systems vary from traditional analogue systems in how video is recorded; analogue systems use Digital Video Recorder (DVR) at the camera, whereas digital cameras use Network Video Recorder (NVR) systems to stream video and allow for storage and remote viewing.

IP cameras are extremely common for domestic and commercial applications, offering many benefits. Compared to analogue systems, digital cameras offer simpler (even wireless) installation, video analytics, less cabling, improved image quality, zoom capabilities, and more tech opportunities.

Modern network cameras are ideal for businesses exploring cloud-based surveillance storage options. IP cameras and associated cloud technologies are optimum for businesses wishing to minimise hardware, adapt to online processes and enable remote viewing. Having live video stream available on apps from wherever gives premises owners ultimate peace of mind.

Dome Cameras

Housed in a dome cover, dome cameras are commonly used for interior and exterior applications. The small dome shape makes these cameras relatively unintimidating and more attractive within interiors compared to older block-style camera units.

Dome cameras present the advantage of disguising the actual camera and hiding the direction it is pointing in with the dome. This creates the illusion of no hidden zones, causing intruders to be uncertain about where is covered by surveillance. These cameras also usually have vandal resistant casings to help protect against destruction.

As dome cameras are easily installed, often by surface mount onto walls or ceilings, and cost effective, they are a popular choice for schools and office settings where multiple may be required.

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras are characterised by their thin, cylindrical shape typically associated with CCTV systems. Their protective casings shield the camera and lens well against elements, ideal for exterior applications.

Depending on the complexity of the camera, bullet cameras offer high resolution images and often night vision functionalities too. For high quality zoom image, bullet cameras can be fitted with varifocal lenses and achieve longer ranges with resolution maintained.

Pan, Tilt and Zoom (PTZ) Cameras

PTZ cameras can pan left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom closer and farther. Due to the range of these cameras, PTZ cameras are often used in wide area surveillance such as city centres, transport hubs, retail spaces and more. The movement of PTZ cameras can be manually controlled, and therefore suit applications in which a security team exists.

Small and lightweight, PTZ cameras are popular modern solutions for mass surveillance. Speedy camera direction changes and fluid control ensures security teams can record incidents as they unfold. PTZ cameras add additional deterrents to intruders, as not only are actions recorded on camera, but intruders may be aware that someone is controlling the camera and is therefore ready to take action when needed. Some modern PTZ cameras even auto-track and record moving objects without manual control, resulting in effective CCTV coverage when security teams are not present.

High-Definition Cameras

High-definition cameras provide high resolution images and are therefore ideal for environments where video evidence is pivotal. Traditionally this technology has been reserved for high-risk environments where video clarity is key, such as banks or casinos, whereby facial recognition from video footage could lead to imprisonment. As the technology becomes more affordable and widespread, regular businesses can begin to take advantage of this quality image resolution.

Many CCTV providers offer high-definition as standard now, with 4K and even 8K options.

Infrared Cameras

Infrared cameras are used to see in extremely dark conditions and are therefore best suited to outdoor installation. Infrared LEDs line the camera to ensure video image is visible even in the dark.

Due to their see-in-the-dark ability and long range (some thermal image cameras can see up to 300 metres), infrared cameras are often used for round-the-clock surveillance of heavy footfall areas such as airports, seaports and other busy areas that function 24/7 and have varying light conditions. Thermal imagining, produced by infrared cameras, is not inhibited by visual barriers, as thermal radiation passes thorough this, aiding surveillance where image may fail.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras

ANPR cameras use detection technology to read and store data on number plates. These cameras are used for security in high traffic areas such as car parks and hotels. ANPR cameras even work well for automated premises security, for example by allowing registered cars entry and flagging unknown vehicles to managers.

Bespoke Search Services

Modern CCTV systems can be extremely complex, offering more than basic surveillance and footage streaming. Through the combination of high-res CCTV cameras and complex analytics, modern CCTV systems can deliver bespoke search services and detailed analytics.

For example, one of our product partners, Hanwha Techwin, offers complex analytic CCTV solutions, notably leveraging ANPR technology for premises access control or even entire city-wide systems, facilitating local authorities and police in tracking vehicles and detecting traffic infringements. Using these highly complex systems, security teams and local authorities can track and locate specific cars or people within a location at a specific time frame for a totally monitored surveillance solution.

CCTV Systems with Sovereign Fire & Security

Our partnerships with Avigilon, Dahau and Hanwha Techwin means we provide some of the most powerful CCTV systems on the market with user friendly interfaces, integrated solutions, complex reference analytics, and mobile apps for remote viewing. As professional fire and security specialists, we can advise on the best camera types and systems to suit your requirements, as well as install and provide maintenance services for your bespoke solution. Find out more about our CCTV services and how to keep your security system optimised for years to come.

For more information or to discuss your security requirements, get in touch with Sovereign Fire & Security.