Understanding the different types of CCTV security cameras

Types of CCTV security cameras by form factor

Different types of CCTV cameras have different form factors, which include the camera’s field of view and coverage. Each form factor is designed for a different surveillance need, such as long-range or open-space applications. Here are some common types of CCTV cameras based on their form factor: 

CCTV security camera types by connectivity

While it is important to choose CCTV systems based on hardware functionality, business and property owners must also consider installation requirements. In some cases, running cabling infrastructure throughout the property may be impossible. Here are some examples to help operators choose the right system based on installation and security camera connectivity requirements: 

Wired CCTV camera types 

Wired security camera systems rely on a physical network of power and/​or Ethernet cables installed throughout the property for recorded footage to be viewed and stored. Each camera will be connected to its own set of cabling, with the whole network connected to a centralized control room equipped with monitoring stations, storage systems and broadcasting solutions.

These types of CCTV systems are resistant to interference from external devices. They produce a stable video signal and benefit from a constant mains power supply. However, wired systems can be expensive to install and difficult to adjust without reconfiguring existing cable runs. 

Pros:

• Unlikely to experience interference

• Stable video signal

• Constant power supply

Cons:

• Expensive to develop

• Requires professional installation

• Poor flexibility

Wireless surveillance cameras 

Wireless (Wi-Fi) security cameras are far more flexible and easier to install than wired solutions. This type of surveillance camera enables property owners to install hardware almost anywhere and connect cameras to a private Wi-Fi router. Each camera is connected to its own power source, although some models feature internal batteries, and footage is communicated via Wi-Fi signals.

Wireless CCTV camera types are best suited for smaller installations and in situations where developing cabling infrastructure may be financially or logistically impractical. While wireless installations are incredibly flexible, video signals can be prone to interference and vulnerable to cyber threats, making these types of CCTV systems uncommon in high-risk environments.

Pros:

• Easy to install

• Flexible design

• Simple to scale

Cons:

• Prone to interference

• Vulnerable to cyber threats

• Requires constant maintenance 

IP or network CCTV cameras

Internet Protocol (IP) cameras, also known as network cameras, transmit video footage over a secure Internet connection. Each IP surveillance camera processes and compresses footage internally before sending it to a central control room or remote monitoring platforms to be saved and analyzed.

There are many types of IP cameras, including wireless and wired models, and a wide range of hardware designed around most form factors. Power over Ethernet (PoE) IP cameras are particularly popular, as active cameras can send data and receive power along a single Ethernet cable, which reduces cabling requirements while retaining the benefits of a wired network CCTV solution.

Pros:

• Easy access to data

• No need for external processing

• Effortless maintenance

Cons:

• Requires cybersecurity protection

• High bandwidth demands

• Hardware can be expensive

Types of security cameras by environment

Different CCTV types are designed with specific features that make them ideal to be utilized in specific environments, like interior retail areas or the exteriors of buildings. Some examples of these different types of CCTV cameras are: 

Indoor CCTV cameras

Indoor cameras can be small and discreet, as their casings don’t typically need reinforcement or weatherproofing. These types of security cameras are usually used to monitor key areas such as shop floors, inventory storage rooms, reception spaces, offices and other high-traffic locations They provide clear video footage and sometimes audio of select indoor environments.

Features to look for:

• Night vision or low-light settings

• Motion sensors

• Remote monitoring capabilities

• Wide-angle field-of-view

• Third-party integration support

Outdoor CCTV cameras

Outdoor cameras feature hard-wearing casings designed to provide protection against both the elements and potential acts of vandalism. Bulky casings also help these types of CCTV cameras stand out to would-be intruders, acting as a visible deterrent against crimes. Most models include low-light and infrared settings to capture clear footage ²⁴⁄₇.

Outdoor CCTV camera types are usually installed around building perimeters, parking lots, entrances and exits, driveways and access roads to provide a clear view of activities.

Features to look for:

• IP66 and above weather-resistant casings

• Anti-vandal features or impact-resistant housing

• Durable metal camera mounts 

• Low-light, night vision and infrared settings

• Long-range and adjustable field of view

Types of CCTV security cameras by special features

To create an effective surveillance system, property owners might require different types of speciality CCTV cameras to provide ample coverage of all key locations. Teams must assess areas in need of surveillance to select the right devices while considering which features should be prioritized to make sure all key areas are reliably monitored at all times.

Day/​night cameras

Day/​night cameras contain highly sensitive imaging chips designed to capture clear video footage in all lighting conditions. While some types of CCTV cameras use infrared illuminators to enhance footage in low-light conditions, day/​night cameras perform this function natively, capturing high-quality footage regardless of the level of light in the target location.

These types of security cameras are best suited for outdoor environments that require ²⁴⁄₇ monitoring, but can also be effectively deployed indoors to capture clear footage overnight.

Key benefits:
 

• Not affected by glare, direct sunlight or reflections

• Capture clear footage ²⁴⁄₇

• Capture black and white and color images

Infrared or night vision cameras

Infrared (IR) cameras are designed to capture clear images in complete darkness, helping security teams monitor key locations after hours. IR cameras use special sensors to detect infrared radiation. This data is then processed internally to produce viewable images. As all objects emit infrared radiation, IR cameras can detect activity that normal cameras may miss.

These types of CCTV cameras are best used to monitor building perimeters, parking lots and storage facilities overnight. However, IR cameras can be considerably more expensive than day/​night cameras and are typically reserved for high-security installations.

Key benefits:
 

• Capture clear footage in complete darkness

• Unaffected by fog, smoke and dust

• Can auto-switch between day and night settings

Thermal imaging cameras

Thermal imaging cameras are similar to IR cameras, as they also contain infrared sensor arrays, However, these arrays detect heat differences rather than reflected IR radiation. This type of security camera will process detected heat variations to create viewable images, with hotter areas depicted using bright colors to help teams detect activity in low-light conditions.

Thermal cameras can be used to monitor key outdoor and indoor locations overnight, although they are also used to monitor buildings and machinery for signs of heat loss or overheating.

Key benefits:
 

• Capture clear footage in complete darkness

• Can help with maintenance and building management

• Thermal radiation travels through visual obstructions

Varifocal security camera types

A security camera with a varifocal lens can zoom in and out of its target area without losing picture quality or focus. Most modern types of CCTV cameras have fixed lenses with digital zoom functions. This means to zoom in on a picture, the system will expand individual pixels already present in target images, eventually returning blurry and unfocused security footage.

To remedy this issue, varifocal cameras adjust the focal length, viewing angle and level of zoom manually, producing detailed images at multiple focal depths. These types of security cameras are best installed indoors, typically in smaller areas that house high-value assets that may need to be viewed in detail, as well as in areas where using a fixed lens camera may create blind spots.

Key benefits:
 

• High-quality zoom functionality

• Limited risk of blindspots

• Adjustable viewing angles

ANPR and LPR CCTV cameras

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) and License Plate Reader (LPR) cameras come with specialized software that captures and analyzes license plate data associated with passing vehicles. If a car passes through the camera’s field of view, an image of its license plate will be captured and processed by an internal Optical Character Recognition (OCR) tool to reveal legible text.

These types of CCTV cameras can be installed to cover main access roads, entrances and exits to parking lots, and around the perimeter of buildings to automatically track incoming vehicles. LPR cameras can also be integrated with access control and parking management systems to automatically grant or deny property access based on a vehicle’s registration information.

Key benefits:
 

• Automatic threat detection capabilities

• Easy access control and parking management integrations

• Can act as a visible deterrent

Choosing the right types of CCTV systems for your property

It’s crucial to carefully review different types of CCTV cameras based on form factors, connectivity and the environment where security cameras will be placed to determine the right system for you. To ensure that the system you choose will meet your unique security needs, also consider the following factors: 

1. Installation size and scope

Large properties with multiple indoor and outdoor locations will likely benefit from a wired CCTV installation. Different types of security cameras installed in key areas can be connected to a central control room, with multiple remote monitoring devices connected to the same solution that enables staff to review security events at all times.

Wireless CCTV camera types may be more appropriate for smaller installations like offices in a shared building. Developing these security camera installation solutions will be less expensive and won’t require structural changes made to the property, while still ensuring key areas are monitored.

2. Storage and monitoring

Industry-specific regulations may dictate how security footage can be stored – a consideration that will impact the types of CCTV cameras property owners can choose from. IP cameras may be most appropriate in situations where vast amounts of data are collected, as IP cameras will process footage internally to be stored and organized in a video management system.

If remote security management is required, some form of network solution will need to be developed to allow for real-time communications between cameras and remote monitoring devices. In this case, Wi-Fi or IP devices may be ideal. 

3. Maintenance considerations 

Cameras with moving parts, such as PTZ and turret cameras, and cameras with anti-vandal casings will need to be tested, maintained and cleaned more often than other types of CCTV systems. If necessary resources cannot be set aside for frequent maintenance, it might be more time- and resource-efficient to explore an alternative solution.

4. Scalability and integration

Because developing a new CCTV installation can be expensive and time-consuming, it is important to consider the longevity of devices. Operators should prioritize types of security cameras that can be integrated into existing systems and solutions designed to support future upgrades to ensure that CCTV systems can be scaled as business needs change. 

Key takeaways to the guide to CCTV security cameras

Well-designed surveillance systems are essential to ensure safety in businesses, but developing effective solutions requires a thorough understanding of video surveillance technologies. By reviewing the structural requirements of the property where the system will be installed, identifying security requirements and comparing your specific needs to the different capabilities and features of CCTV systems, you can make an informed decision and find the right solution that fits your business.