Different Types of CCTV Cameras (And Which Is Best for You)

There are many ways you can protect your home or business, with CCTV a hugely popular option. CCTV – or closed circuit television – allows you to keep an eye on all key areas of your property.

CCTV acts as both a deterrent to would-be criminals and a way to capture footage as evidence should someone still try to break in or damage your property. 

This month at Lock & Key Centre, we’re going to explore the different types of CCTV cameras you can get, providing information to help you choose the right one for protecting your family or your livelihood.

How many types of CCTV are there?

There are many different types of CCTV and associated cameras thanks to the constant advancement of technology. Here are some of the more common and popular CCTV cameras, along with their benefits and features:

• PTZ (Pan, Tilt & Zoom) Cameras

1. Allows the camera to move left, right, up and down
2. The lens allows for an optical zoom of up to x36
3. High-quality resolution but requires a person to operate the movement

• Day/Night Cameras

1. Great for both poor lighting and normal daylight
2. Archives clear pictures in the dark thanks to infrared illuminators
3. Ideally suited to outdoor placement

• Dome Cameras

1. Hides which way the camera is pointing
2. Utilises vandal-resistant features
3. Suitable for both outdoor and indoor use

• Bullet Cameras

1. Long and cylindrical, used to capture footage at a distance
2. Shielded to prevent dust and debris from compromising footage
3. Ideally suited to outdoor placement

• C-mount Cameras

1. Changeable lenses for multiple applications
2. Can monitor beyond 40 feet with special lenses
3. Suitable for indoor use

• Infrared Cameras

1. Captures quality images 
2. LEDs mean it can spot movement in the dark
3. Ideal for when you need 24/7 coverage

• ANPR/LPR Cameras

1. Used to capture registration plate data
2. Can hold information, such as banned vehicles
3. Used in car parks and tolling systems

Which is the best type of CCTV?

There is no one best type of CCTV since a lot will depend on whether you’re a homeowner or a business and your requirements. You will also need to decide whether you want to capture crystal-clear imagery at any time of the day and night for evidential purposes or just have something that acts more as a deterrent.

In terms of the actual system, IP (internet protocol) cameras that utilise the internet for connection, along with cloud systems for remote storage of footage, are considered a better option these days. Analogue systems, which use a digital video recorder instead, have a limited capacity for storing footage and therefore are not as reliable long term.

Considerations when buying a CCTV camera

Are you thinking about investing in CCTV? Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you filter your options and get the right coverage for your home or business:

• Do you need coverage indoors or outdoors? 
• Do you need coverage during the day, night or both?
• How large is your property? Do you need the camera to see over a long distance?
• Do you need high-definition footage or something people can see to act as a deterrent?

How do I choose CCTV for my home?

As mentioned in the previous section, a lot about what makes a good CCTV system comes down to what you need. So how do you choose the right one to protect your home? 

The best thing to do is get the help of security and CCTV professionals, like our team at Lock & Key Centre, for example. We’ll be happy to help and will discuss what the best CCTV systems are for homeowners.

We supply and install a range of high-quality CCTV cameras, including Dahua , Hikvision and Pyronix brands. 

Call now to discuss your CCTV requirements or to find out more about the range of alarm and CCTV options we provide to help you protect your property in Aylesbury, Milton Keynes and across Buckinghamshire.