Dome Cameras vs. Bullet Cameras: What You Need to Know

CCTV cameras are a staple in almost every security system. Not only do they function as burglar deterrents, but they also record valuable footage that can prove useful when tracking down criminals. The term CCTV (closed-circuit television) refers to a variety of security cameras that operate by connecting the cameras to a circuit, which are then displayed onto a central monitoring TV.

When choosing CCTV cameras for your security system, you generally have two choices; either go with dome cameras or bullet cameras. There are a couple of differences between the two and understanding how they differ can go a long way towards helping you make an informed decision. This article will cover everything you need to know about dome cameras and bullet cameras and help you determine which one best fits your intended applications.

What is a dome camera?

As the name suggests, a dome camera is a type of CCTV camera that’s characterized by its dome-like shape. The security camera is housed inside a transparent dome which creates a discreet design that’s perfect for large establishments like hotels, restaurants, pubs, and the like. One of the major advantages to using dome cameras is that it’s hard to predict where the camera is pointed at. Unsuspecting criminals will find it difficult to pick their spots in an attempt to avoid detection.

Dome cameras tend to be more durable since the camera lens is protected from the elements. In addition to that, dome cameras also come with a vandal-proof cover that make it resistant to graffiti marks and other acts of vandalism. Compared to bullet cameras which can be knocked out of position, dome cameras are fixed in place and will remain in position under any circumstance. Because of its shape and design, dome cameras enable you to monitor a wider angle thanks to its rotating lens.

Pros of dome cameras:

• Compact and discreet design.
• Wide angle field fo view
• Vandal-proof.
• Can be used indoors or outdoors.
• Weatherproof.
• Offers clear night vision.

What is a bullet camera?

A bullet camera is a type of CCTV camera wherein the lens is encased in a cylindrical tube which looks like a bullet shell. It’s the most common type of surveillance camera around and is a visible deterrent for burglars and thieves. Because of its prominent design, a bullet camera can make your home a less likely target for criminals due to fear of being caught on tape. Just like dome cameras, bullet cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors. One huge benefit of using bullet cameras is that it has a very long range compared to dome cameras. This makes them perfect for surveilling large areas like parking lots and front yards.

Bullet cameras often come with bigger lenses, which means more light can pass through and allow for better video quality. The lenses are protected with a small lip to keep rain, leaves, and other outdoor elements from blocking its view. Bullet cameras can also be repositioned, making it more flexible than dome cameras which are always fixed in place. You’ll find bullet cameras on modern homes and on the outside of large establishments like retail stores and shopping malls.

Choosing between dome cameras and bullet cameras

While the differences between dome cameras and bullet cameras are quite small, it does play a huge role in helping you choose the right surveillance camera for your needs. Both types of cameras have infrared LEDs to ensure constant light availability so you won’t have any issues with light source. In general though, if you want a covert method of surveillance, we highly recommend using dome cameras. Their overall design and shape make them inconspicuous to the naked eye and their wide field of view gives you plenty of room to monitor a given area or space.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a CCTV camera that’s visible to everyone else, we suggest going for bullet cameras. The bullet-shaped design sends a message to would-be intruders that your home or establishment has a security system installed and the extended range covers a larger area than dome cameras would. But that doesn’t mean you should just limit yourself to using only one type of CCTV camera. The best security system uses a mix of both dome cameras and bullet cameras to provide you with adequate surveillance from all angles of your property.

CCTV cameras are essential to keeping your property safe from intruders and knowing which type of surveillance camera to use will definitely help improve your security measures. Use the information provided in this article to get the most out of your CCTV cameras for maximum surveillance protection.