Everyone wants to secure his business, home, or any other particular area that is valuable. Nothing can beat CCTV cameras when securing your precious assets because they can significantly impede criminals from targeting your beneficial properties, either home or business.
If you’ve decided to buy security cameras, the next step is choosing the type of camera. There are two popular types, bullet, and dome. This article will discuss the key differences, pros and cons, and top features of both types of cameras.
Let’s get started.
What Are Bullet Cameras?
Bullet cameras have a distinct cylindrical shape of these cameras is similar to a bullet or lipstick tube. That’s why they are named after bullets. It’s the most common type of security camera, with a lens at one end and the main body at the other. The bullet camera is best suited for outdoor and indoor use.
The incredible thing about these cameras is their extended range, ideal for covering larger areas like parking lots. It is an easy-to-install camera, which is perfect for outdoor use. A small lip on the tip of the camera protects it from glare. The key benefits include the following:
- Easy installation
- Longer range
- Weatherproof
- Night vision
- Indoor and outdoor use
What Are Dome Cameras?
Dome cameras are circular or half-sphere shape gets them the name “dome.” The lens of this camera is recessed inside the dome. The camera is best suited for outdoor and indoor use. Businesses like hotels, restaurants, and retail stores use these cameras due to their discreet design.
Due to the shape of the dome camera, it’s not easy to figure out in which direction the camera is pointing. So it can help in areas with a high chance of suspicious activities. Also, the shape allows you to monitor wider angles as the camera lens moves.
The top benefits include:
- It easily blends with the surroundings
- Vandal resistant
- Night vision
- Weatherproof
- Rotates and covers a wide angle
Related: How Do I Choose A Business Surveillance System?
Differences Between Dome And Bullet Cameras
There are several differences between both cameras. Some of them are technical, and others aren’t. However, you should consider all factors while choosing any camera.
1. Appearance
The most apparent differences between both cameras are their shapes. As mentioned earlier, the bullet camera’s shape is cylindrical or like a lipstick tube. That’s why these cameras are named after bullets. Bullet cameras are a little too noticeable. The owner usually installed these cameras where they wanted the maximum deterrent effect.
Whereas the dome camera is round in shape. These cameras are noticeable, so they are usually installed in those areas where the owner wants the camera to blend with its surroundings.
2. Resolution
Days are gone when you’ve to worry about low-resolution cameras that capture grainy videos. The cameras have evolved now, and you can get cameras in numerous designs that capture high-quality videos.
The confusion is still there about which of both cameras captures impressive videos. So, dome and bullet cameras record 720p, 1080p, and sometimes even 4k resolution. The videos in 4k or 1080p resolution sound more attractive; however, if you want a camera for your home, then 720p would be enough.
Remember one more thing, videos captured in 720p, will eat up more storage. Not to mention, higher resolution cameras mean higher prices too.
3. Installation
Dome security cameras can usually be installed indoors or outdoors too. You can hang it on the ceilings or mount it on the wall. They are less visible and more challenging to install than bullet ones.
For dome cameras, you need a suitable place because it needs to be remounted for coverage of the area you want to monitor. At the same time, bullet surveillance cameras can be repositioned whenever you want.
Bullets cameras are pretty easy to install because of their built-in mounted handle. Once you’ve installed the bullet camera, you can easily change its position and lens so that it can monitor the area you want.
4. Camera Range
While choosing a camera, you should consider how far it can see. A camera that covers a more extended range will benefit you the most. However, you don’t need a longer-range camera if you only want to cover areas including home or business space.
Remember that a few things influence camera range, such as lens type, resolution lines, wide-range dynamics, sensor clip, and backlight compensation. It entirely depends upon the camera you’ve chosen. In general, bullet cameras have larger lenses than dome cameras. So if you want a camera that can cover a large area, then a bullet camera is the best option.
5. Light Conditions
When you’ve decided to purchase a camera now, light condition is the primary concern for every buyer. The incredible fact about both cameras is that they both have infrared LEDs that ensure light availability shouldn’t be a significant concern. Infrared lights can perform well in low-light conditions too.
6. Adjustments
One of the major concerns for every buyer is adjusting the cameras and how easily they will be installed. As mentioned in the installation process, bullet cameras are easy to change for the field of view. In contrast, the dome security camera is mounted on walls or ceilings.
Bullets cameras come with a mounting handle, which makes it easy for customers to adjust whenever they want to change the position. However, dome cameras need to be taken down to adjust the lens for monitoring the desired location.
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Which One Should You Choose?
With all this in mind, it’s easy to see the pros and cons of both a dome and bullet camera. It comes down to what your specific needs are. Bullets are the best if you want overt security and to let intruders know you’ve got security. Moreover, the best security camera systems have a mixture of bullet and dome cameras, allowing you to monitor your valuable assets indoors or outdoors.
Final Thoughts
Keeping in mind the pros and cons of both cameras makes it easier to decide the right option for you. Make sure to buy suitable security cameras keeping in mind the purpose, whether you want them indoors or outdoors.
We hope this article has helped clear up any confusion and helped you make a more informed decision.
Joseph Ferdinando
Joseph Ferdinando is the founder of Building Security Services, a company that provides security solutions to businesses and organizations. He has more than 40 years of experience in the security industry, and he is a recognized expert in the field. Joseph is also a member of Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA), where he's held position of Director on the Board of Directors in both the New York and new Jersey chapters.