Security cameras are essential for protecting vulnerable populations in settings like schools, daycares, and care centers. From basic surveillance to advanced smart cameras, a range of options enhance safety and monitoring. Today we’ll discuss which type of security camera is best for deployments in various businesses, including hospitals, churches, schools, and more.
Outdoor Versus Indoor
One of the first distinctions among types of security cameras is between outdoor and indoor. The main difference between outdoor and indoor cameras is their protective abilities.
Vandal-proof security cameras with reinforced housings and lens covers can resist tampering or destruction in high-risk areas like schools, public buildings, transportation hubs, and urban environments where vandalism incidents are more likely to occur.

Indoor security cameras typically offer higher video resolutions and frame rates for crisper imaging compared to outdoor models in the same price range. This type of security camera excels in monitoring detailed activity within buildings, hallways, and sensitive interior areas.
Camera Shape
Camera shape affects how a camera looks, behaves, and sees the world. A different type of security cameras naturally specialize in a different type of surveillance.
Bullet

Dome
Dome type security cameras offer a sleek, vandal-resistant design with the lens and mechanisms concealed in a tinted dome housing. Their discreet appearance and ability to capture 360-degree views make them ideal for monitoring interior spaces like retail stores, offices, and lobbies without obstructing aesthetics. The compact dome shape also minimizes blind spots compared to standard box cameras.

Turret
Fisheye
This type of security camera utilizes an ultra-wide angle panoramic lens to capture a full 360-degree field of view. This allows comprehensive coverage of open indoor areas like lobbies, auditoriums, and retail floors with minimal blind spots. The circular fisheye footage can be dewarped for viewer-friendly live monitoring or evidence review.
PTZ
PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras are highly maneuverable with remote-controlled panning, tilting, and optical zoom capabilities. This allows operators to easily focus on specific areas of interest across large facilities like campuses, parking lots, or industrial complexes. This type of security camera combines sweeping coverage with powerful zoom for detail monitoring.
Wiring
Wired
The wired type of security cameras offer several advantages over wireless models. Their hard-wired connections provide reliable, uninterrupted video feeds without interference risks. Wired cameras also eliminate the need for battery changes or recharging. For expansive coverage, wired systems can be scaled with additional cameras more easily than wireless deployments.

Wireless
Overall, wireless requires less infrastructure and is great for small or temporary set-ups, while wired cameras are better for more extensive coverage.
Recording
NVR
DVR
Cloud Recording
Cloud recording cameras stream footage directly to secure online storage instead of local hardware. This cloud-based approach enables remote viewing and management from any internet-connected device. Cloud recording eliminates maintenance of on-site storage while providing redundancy and scalable space as your video archive grows.

Which Cameras Should I Use?
When considering which type of security camera to use for your business, it’s important to consider the different models of cameras, and your specific needs as a business. Some cameras are specialized only for homes, some are great for large institutions, and others are great for small shops.

Restaurants
For restaurants and coffee shops, aesthetic and cost concerns are the most prevalent. Discreet indoor dome cameras can monitor dining areas, kitchens, and entrances. Outdoor bullet cameras secure patios when outdoor dining is a consideration. A wired NVR system enables remote viewing and recording. Wireless cameras provide flexibility for pop-ups and temporary setups without new cabling installations.
Churches
For houses of worship, security cameras provide safety for childcare during sermons. Discrete mini-dome cameras positioned throughout the sanctuary, lobby, and common areas enable comprehensive coverage without distracting from the space’s aesthetics. Outdoor bullet or turret models can monitor parking lots and entrances.
Daycares
For daycare facilities, security is paramount to safeguard children under supervision. A wired NVR system with extensive coverage via discreet dome cameras throughout classrooms, playrooms, and common areas ensures no blindspots. Outdoor bullet cameras also monitor entrances and pickup areas. Two-way audio allows listening in addition to video surveillance. Cloud storage provides an offsite video archive with anytime access.

High schools and Colleges
Large college campuses require a multilayered approach combining different camera types. PTZ cameras are invaluable for monitoring parking facilities, quads, and sports venues with long-range tracking. Turret cameras mounted along walkways/buildings deliver wide angle visibility. Fisheye panoramics are best for lobbies and auditoriums. An enterprise NVR system with remote accessibility and cloud backup meets the extensive needs.
Retirement homes
In eldercare settings like retirement communities and nursing homes, resident security is the top priority. Discrete mini-dome cameras are optimal for patient room monitoring alongside indoor hallway coverage. Outdoor bullet type cameras secure perimeters and parking areas. Multi-sensor cameras with license plate capture can monitor visitor/delivery entrances. A wired NVR system enables efficient video review alongside integrations with access control systems.
Tailored, professionally installed security systems can have great utility for various businesses and institutions. From bullet cams to fisheye lenses, each type of security camera offers specific advantages. We can recommend cameras and layouts for your particular institution with tailored layouts, and professionally recommended layouts. Contact us today to see how video security systems can benefit you.