Which Type of Security Camera is Best for Your Business?

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.

Outdoor security cameras must be able to endure rain, extreme heat and cold to function reliably. Most utilize weatherproof housings and durable casings made from materials like aluminum or stainless steel. Rubber gaskets create waterproof seals while internal heaters and blowers prevent fogging or condensation buildup on the camera lens. IP ratings indicate a camera’s degree of environmental protection, with higher numbers signifying greater resistance to dust, moisture, and water immersion.

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.

Night vision cameras using infrared or thermal imaging technology enable 24/7 monitoring in low-light conditions. They prove invaluable for businesses, parking lots, warehouse perimeters, and outdoor areas requiring constant surveillance after sundown.

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

Bullet cameras derive their name from their cylindrical shape and are a popular choice for outdoor surveillance. Their compact design with integrated lens and housing allows easy mounting on walls or ceilings to monitor entrances, gates, parking areas, and building perimeters. Bullet cameras’ long-range capabilities and adjustable viewing angles make them well-suited for securing open spaces and monitoring specific points of interest.

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

Turret cameras feature a distinctive cylindrical housing with the lens protruding outward like a turret on a tank. Their durable construction resists vandalism while allowing easy adjustment of the viewing angle. Turret cams are versatile for indoor/outdoor use in areas like warehouses, loading docks, and storefronts.

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

Wireless security cameras provide easy installation without the need to run video cables, making them flexible solutions for temporary setups or hard-to-wire areas. Operating via Wi-Fi or proprietary wireless protocols, they allow untethered monitoring and can be conveniently moved or expanded upon as coverage needs change. However, wireless cameras require periodic battery replacements or recharging.

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

NVR camera systems transmit and store footage over an IP network, eliminating the need for dedicated video cables. This Internet Protocol approach enables remote viewing, scalable expansion by adding cameras, and integration with other networked security devices. NVRs provide efficient centralized management compared to separate digital video recorders for each camera.

DVR

DVR security cameras use dedicated coaxial cables to transmit analog video signals to the DVR recording device. This traditional approach offers a straightforward, self-contained surveillance solution requiring minimal networking. DVRs remain popular for their easy operation, affordability for basic applications, and direct storage without consuming network bandwidth.

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.