Fisheye security cameras, known for their ultra-wide-angle lens, are capable of providing video surveillance with dynamic viewing angles, including panoramic 180 degrees and 360 degrees. When using a wide-angle panoramic IP camera, images are typically warped, which creates the effect of a fisheye. In addition to the panoramic view, fisheye surveillance cameras are also capable of providing greater situational awareness to reduce potential blind spots with the ability to create split views in different directions to increase coverage without having to install additional cameras.
Jump to each section to learn more:
• Where are Fisheye Cameras Used?
• What are the Must-Have Features of Fisheye Cameras?
• What to Consider When Buying a Fisheye Camera
Fisheye cameras are commonly used in:
- Parking Lots
- Airports
- Traffic Intersections
- Hallways
- Retail stores
- Hotels
- Manufacturing Sites
- Gas Stations
- Hospitals
- Libraries
Must-Have Features of Fisheye Cameras:
- Weatherproof: Fisheye cameras are useful as outdoor cameras as they can provide wide-viewing angles, which is helpful outside of buildings, in parking lots, or in open areas like fields. To find an outdoor waterproof security camera, look for an outdoor fisheye camera that carries a waterproof IP67 or IP66 rating. Many security vendors also provide outdoor fisheye cameras that include integrated temperature gauges and heaters so cameras can operate in extreme temperatures.
- Tamper Resistant: With many having a dome-shaped body, fisheye cameras are a great option for a tamper-proof security camera. When selecting a fisheye camera with the highest resistance to damage, look for fisheye cameras carrying anything from an IK08 to IK10 vandal-proof rating. Many tamper-resistant fisheye cameras will carry both a high IP and IK rating, helping protect against both harsh weather conditions and impact.
- Night Vision (Built-in IR Illuminators): Whether using an indoor or outdoor fisheye camera, having one with built-in night vision is important to enhance security into the night. Using an IR illuminator, these fisheye surveillance cameras emit infrared light so they are able to adjust their recording to accommodate low-light and dark conditions.
- HD Resolution: Since fisheye cameras provide ultra-wide, panoramic images, selecting the right HD fisheye camera is important to ensuring clarity with your recordings. When considering options, look for 5-6MP fisheye cameras, as these provide a greater number of pixels in each image. If using a fisheye to create split views, both 4K and 12MP fisheye cameras are a great option, as it’ll provide higher clarity for each view.
- Flexible Viewing Angles: 180° fisheye cameras and 270° fisheye cameras provide wide, panoramic views to cover large areas. Typically used for coverage across vast horizontal areas, fisheye cameras are mounted on a wall or, in some cases, a ceiling to provide a wide over-head view of an area.
What to Consider When Buying a Fisheye Camera:
- How many cameras do we need (Indoor/outdoor? How many locations?)
- What visibility do we need? (2MP 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?)