If you're in the market for a new wireless or wired security camera, you may be wondering if a dome camera is the right choice for your needs. They are becoming increasingly popular, thanks to their many advantages. As your local Austin Home Security experts, we thought it would be helpful to give you all the information you would need on understanding Dome Camera applications and their benefits.
Dome cameras get their name from their shape - they look like a dome, with the camera lens placed in the center. This design offers several benefits.
Sleek: They get their name from their dome-like shape, which is designed to be less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing than other types of cameras. They are typically smaller and less noticeable than other types of surveillance cameras, making them easier to blend in with their surroundings. They can be mounted on walls or ceilings, giving you a wide range of options for where to place them.
Tamper Proof: Dome cameras are a great choice for areas that are susceptible to tampering or vandalism. Many dome cameras come with vandal-resistant ratings (for example, IK08 and IK10), indicating the degree of mechanical protection, check out our article on all about security camera ratings. Once these surveillance cameras are installed, they are difficult to be tampered with because they are completely enclosed and require special tools to dismantle. This makes them an ideal choice for areas where security is a concern.
Better Lens Protection: Because of its dome shape the camera is protected from the elements. This helps to deflect rain, snow, and other debris, keeping the camera lens clean and clear. This means clearer video footage even in inclement weather.
Weatherproof: Because they are often used in outdoor settings, they are designed to be weatherproof and water-resistant, so they can continue to monitor your property even in bad weather. Dome cameras usually have a rating of IP65, IP66, or IP67, which means they can withstand different levels of exposure to the elements. Some dome cameras also come with integrated temperature gauges and heaters, so they can still operate in extreme temperatures.
High Resolution: Dome cameras with 3MP sensors offer 50% more detail than 1080p cameras, making them ideal for security and surveillance applications. These cameras are available in a variety of resolutions, from 2-6 megapixels, to suit your specific needs. Whether you're looking to record footage for security purposes or to simply monitor activity, these cameras will give you the clear images you need.
Discrete Surveillance: The camera's dome cover also makes it difficult for intruders to determine the direction of the camera lens at a distance. This makes it difficult for intruders to foresee which areas are being monitored without getting fairly close to the camera itself, making it an effective deterrent for crime and vandalism.
Wide Angle Viewing: It is possible to adjust the focal length of dome cameras with varifocal lenses to get a wider angle of view. This type of camera is ideal for monitoring large areas like parking lots or warehouse floors. The shape of the dome allows the camera to be positioned in a variety of ways, so you can always get a clear view of what's going on.
Night Vision: Dome cameras with an infrared (IR) illuminator and a progressive CMOS sensor offer superior low-light performance for both indoor and outdoor use. These cameras can provide clear images at night or in other low-light conditions, making them ideal for security and surveillance applications. Dome cameras with IR illuminators typically have a range of 30 meters or more, making them suitable for even large outdoor areas.
Types of Dome Cameras:
CCTV: Closed Circuit Television dome cameras are a popular and affordable way to increase the security of your business or home. These closed-circuit television systems pass video footage from their onsite recorders via coaxial cable, Ethernet connection (depending upon what type you choose) to any device that requires this information such as an NVR/DVR etc. While dome CCTV cameras are referred to as a secure solution, they are still vulnerable to hacking that come with accessible recording hardware, port forwarding, and opening firewalls if your going to allow remote access to footage.
4K: 4K dome cameras offer a high level of detail and resolution, making them ideal for indoor use cases such as high-end retail stores or point of sale systems. In comparison to 3MP dome cameras, 4K dome cameras record at 8 megapixels, resulting in much better image clarity. However, due to their higher price point, these may not be the best option for everyone.
POE: Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) cameras are a type of camera that gets its power from an Ethernet cable. This means that you can simply plug the camera into an Ethernet port and it will be powered. Most businesses and organizations have Ethernet ports already distributed throughout buildings, so all you need to do is plug the camera in and it will be up and running. These are a great choice for any business or organization that wants an easy-to-install camera solution.
Outdoor: Outdoor dome cameras are critical in deterring vandalism, preventing theft, and capturing footage of suspicious behaviors. It’s particularly important to find an outdoor dome camera that has infrared illuminators to capture usable footage in low-lights when witnesses or faculty isn’t present to respond to situations in real-time. In addition to night vision features, outdoor dome cameras need to be waterproof, ensuring the ability to monitor through sun, rain, or snow.
PTZ: PTZ dome cameras are a great option for security camera systems because of their flexibility and directionality. You can remotely adjust the zoom and focus of the camera, making it possible to monitor large areas. Additionally, they are highly rugged and can withstand harsh weather conditions. When choosing a PTZ camera, it is important to consider the specific needs of your security system. These are ideal for areas like parking lots and guard stations, where security personnel may require the ability to move the camera in response to an incident.
Next, think about the type of lens you need. There are two main types of security camera lenses: varifocal and fixed. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when designing a security camera system.
Varifocal lenses give you the ability to adjust the focus of the camera, which can be helpful if you need to cover a large area or want to zoom in on a specific target. However, these lenses can be more expensive than fixed lenses and can be more difficult to install.
Fixed lenses, on the other hand, provide a wider field of view but cannot be adjusted. This means that you'll need to choose a camera with a fixed lens that has the right field of view for your needs. Fixed lenses are typically less expensive than varifocal lenses and are easier to install.
Finally, consider the features you need. Some dome cameras have mobile phone apps, while others have motion sensors that can trigger an alarm or recording. Our expert team of licensed technicians can help answer all your questions and provide the best security camera system for your Austin Home or Business.
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Simple AV
7801 North Lamar Blvd
Austin TX 78752.
Tel. (512) 289-1214