What is a Dome Camera?
Dome security cameras are easily recognizable for their circular, dome encasing. Dome surveillance cameras are highly versatile and can be used in both indoor and outdoor settings, providing unparalleled coverage for nearly any use case. Most dome security cameras have a vandal-proof dome encasing, IR for night vision, and a sturdy metal base to protect it from vandalism or tampering, making it an ideal solution for reliable surveillance in rugged conditions.
Jump to each section to learn more:
• Where are Dome Cameras Used?
• What are the Benefits of Dome Cameras?
• What are the Types of Dome Cameras?
• What to Consider When Buying a Dome Camera
Dome Cameras are commonly used in:
- Casinos
- Banks
- Building Exteriors
- Restaurants
- Schools
- Hotels
- Manufacturing Sites
- Gas Stations
- Hospitals
- Libraries
Main Benefits of Dome Cameras:
- Vandal Resistant: If cameras are installed in areas highly susceptible to tampering or vandalism, it’s wise to choose vandal proof dome cameras. Many dome cameras come with vandal-resistant ratings (for example, IK08 and IK10), indicating the degree of mechanical protection. Once these surveillance cameras are installed, they are difficult to be tampered with because they are completely enclosed and require special tools to dismantle.
- Weatherproof: Many outdoor dome cameras are designed to be weatherproof and water-resistant, so monitoring is ongoing despite weather conditions. These outdoor dome cameras often carry a rating of IP65, IP66, and IP67. Many security vendors provide outdoor domes that also provide integrated temperature gauges and heaters so cameras can operate in extreme temperatures.
- Sleek Design: In addition to the sleek design and an all-around versatile nature, dome cameras also don’t require additional lens attachments, making it an ideal solution for businesses looking to scale coverage quickly and easily.
- High Resolution: Depending on the make and model of the dome camera, resolution may vary; however, most vendors offer dome cameras with fairly high resolution. Many modern video security solutions offer dome cameras with a 3MP (2048 x 1536 pixel) sensor that enable recording up to 50% greater detail than 1080p, as well as varying options ranging from 2-6 megapixels.
- Discrete Positioning: Because of the dome cover, it may be hard for onlookers 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.
- Monitor at a wide angles (Varifocal Lens): Dome cameras with varifocal lenses provide a variable focal length, giving teams the flexibility to adjust the camera lens to a desired distance. The shape of the dome encasing allows monitoring at a wider angle, as the lens has the flexibility to move.
- Night Vision (Built-in IR Illuminators): Many dome cameras come equipped with infrared (IR) illuminators and a progressive CMOS sensor. This combination enables unparalleled low-light camera performance for up to ranges of 30 meters or more, for both indoor and outdoor use.
Types of Dome Cameras:
- PTZ Dome Camera: Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) dome cameras make it possible to monitor large areas because of the ability to remotely adjust zoom and the direction of the lens. With PTZ dome cameras, security buyers are looking for security cameras that are highly rugged, flexible, and have the ability to be controlled directionally. PTZ dome cameras 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.
- Outdoor Dome Camera: 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.
- PoE Dome Camera: Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) dome cameras hail one major benefit: plug-and-play installation. PoE dome cameras require a single Ethernet cable to power the camera and connect it to the network. Because most businesses and organizations have Ethernet ports already distributed throughout buildings, it’s easy to get PoE dome cameras up and running without having to install additional wiring.
- 4K Dome Camera: 4K dome cameras are typically used indoors, in areas that require high resolution and incredible levels of detail. 4K dome cameras are ideal for those looking to have discreet monitoring blend into surrounding environments, such as high-end retail stores or point of sale systems. In comparison to dome cameras that offer 3MP, 4K dome cameras record at 8 megapixels, making image clarity much better.
- Dome CCTV Camera: Dome CCTV (closed-circuit television) cameras are security cameras that rely on on-premise recorders like NVRs or DVRs. Dome CCTV cameras pass video footage to the recorder via coaxial or Ethernet cables, depending on the recording device. While dome CCTV cameras are typically regarded as a safe solution, they’re vulnerable to threats that come with accessible recording hardware, port forwarding, and opening firewalls should remote access to footage be required.
What to Consider When Buying a Dome Camera:
- How many cameras do we need (Indoor/outdoor? How many locations?)
- What visibility do we need? (3MP vs. 4K resolution? Field of view? Low-light IR illuminators?)
- What type of environmental hazards do we face? (Operating temperatures? Waterproof?)
- What does installation require? (Cabling? Supporting equipment? Professional system integrators?)
- Maintenance and cleaning requirements for dome cameras.
