CCTV Camera Types and

Specifications
Clarifying CCTV Cameras: A Guide to Types and Specifications

Selecting the Right Camera for Your Needs

Introduction to CCTV Systems
What is CCTV?
• Closed-Circuit Television: A visual surveillance system transmitting
signals to a limited set of monitors.
• Used for security, monitoring, and surveillance in various settings.
Why Understanding Camera Types Matters
• Optimal performance in specific environments.
• Cost-effective system design.
• Meeting specific surveillance goals.
Camera Types: By Signal Type
• Analog Cameras
• Signal Transmission: Transmit video via coaxial cables.
• Image Quality: Typically lower resolution (SD - Standard Definition).
• Installation: Simpler setup, direct connection to DVR (Digital Video
Recorder).
• Cost: Generally more affordable, especially for smaller systems.
• Distance: Signal degradation over long distances
• Use Cases: Basic surveillance, cost-sensitive applications.
• Example: Traditional security cameras in homes or small businesses.
RG-59
BNC
• IP (Network) Cameras
• Signal Transmission: Transmit digital video over a network (Ethernet, Wi-Fi).
• Image Quality: High resolution (HD, Full HD, 4K, and beyond).
• Installation: More complex, requires network infrastructure; NVR (Network Video
Recorder).
• Cost: Higher initial cost, but potentially lower long-term costs due to scalability.
• Features: Advanced features like remote access, video analytics.
• Scalability: Easy to expand and integrate with other systems.
• Use Cases: Businesses, public spaces, complex surveillance needs.
• Power: Can use PoE (Power over Ethernet)
• Example: Modern surveillance systems in offices, retail stores, and smart cities.
CAT-6
RJ-45 Connector
Camera Types: By Design
Dome Cameras
• Shape: Housed in a dome-shaped casing.
• Aesthetics: Discreet, blends well with surroundings.
• Vandalism Resistance: Offers some protection against tampering.
• Mounting: Can be mounted on ceilings or walls.
• Use Cases: Indoor surveillance, retail stores, offices.
• Example: Ceiling-mounted cameras in shopping malls
Dome Camera
Bullet Cameras
• Shape: Cylindrical, elongated design.
• Visibility: More visible, acts as a deterrent.
• Range: Designed for longer-range viewing.
• Mounting: Typically mounted outdoors with a bracket.
• Use Cases: Outdoor surveillance, perimeter security, driveways.
• Example: Cameras monitoring parking lots or building exteriors.
Bullet Camera
PTZ Camera
• P -> Pan
• T -> Tilt
• Z -> Zoom
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras
• Movement: Can pan (rotate horizontally), tilt (rotate vertically), and
zoom.
• Control: Remotely controllable, either manually or automatically.
• Coverage: Wide area coverage, ability to track objects.
• Cost: Generally more expensive than fixed cameras.
• Use Cases: Monitoring large areas, security, traffic management.
• Example: Cameras used by security personnel to monitor crowds or
events.
PTZ Camera
Camera Types: By Features
Infrared (IR) Cameras
• Low-Light Capability: Equipped with IR LEDs to see in darkness.
• Image Output: Produce black-and-white images in low-light conditions.
• Range: IR range varies depending on the number and power of the LEDs.
• Use Cases: 24/7 surveillance, nighttime monitoring, areas with poor
lighting.
• Wavelength: Typically 850nm or 940nm
• Example: Cameras used for nighttime security in parking lots or
warehouses.
Fixed Lens Cameras
• Lens Adjustment: Have a lens with a fixed focal length.
• Field of View: Fixed field of view, cannot be changed.
• Simplicity: Simpler and often more cost-effective.
• Use Cases: Monitoring specific, defined areas.
• Example: Cameras used to monitor a doorway or a specific object.
Varifocal Cameras
• Varifocal Cameras
• Lens Adjustment: Allow manual adjustment of the focal length.
• Field of View: Adjustable field of view after installation.
• Flexibility: Adaptable to changing surveillance needs.
• Use Cases: Situations where the required field of view may change.
• Example: Cameras used to monitor areas where the distance to the
subject may vary.
Varifocal Lens Camera
 Camera Specifications: Resolution
• Definition: The level of detail in an image, measured in pixels.
• Units: Pixels (e.g., 1920x1080) or megapixels (MP).
• Common Resolutions:
• Standard Definition (SD): Lower resolution, less detail.
• High Definition (HD): 720p (1280x720 pixels).
• Full HD: 1080p (1920x1080 pixels).
• 2K/QHD: 1440p (2560 x 1440 pixels)
• 4K/Ultra HD: 2160p (3840x2160 pixels).
• Impact: Higher resolution provides clearer images and better zoom capability.
• Considerations: Higher resolution requires more storage space and bandwidth.
Camera Specifications: Focal Length
• Definition: The distance (in mm) from the lens's optical center to the
image sensor.
• Effect on Field of View:
• Short Focal Length (e.g., 2.8mm, 4mm): Wider field of view.
• Long Focal Length (e.g., 12mm, 16mm): Narrower field of view,
zoomed-in image.
Use Cases:
• Wide-angle lenses for covering large areas.
• Telephoto lenses for focusing on distant objects.
Camera Specifications: Field of View (FOV)
• Definition: The extent of the scene captured by the camera,
measured in degrees.
• Factors: Determined by focal length and sensor size.
• Relationship:
• Shorter focal length = wider FOV.
• Longer focal length = narrower FOV.
• Importance: Ensures the desired area is adequately covered.
Summary
• CCTV cameras vary by signal type (analog, IP), design (dome, bullet,
PTZ), and features (IR, varifocal, fixed).
• Key specifications include resolution, lux, focal length, and field of
view.
• Selecting the right camera depends on the specific application,
environment, and surveillance needs.
• IP cameras offer more advantages in terms of image quality, features
and scalability.
• Analog cameras are suitable for basic and cost-effective solutions.