CCTV Cameras

Neither is better in general; they suit different positions. Domes and turrets sit neatly under soffits and ceilings and hide where they point, while bullets carry longer lenses and IR for driveways and boundaries. Choose the body for the position, then the resolution and night vision.

IP cameras send digital video over network cable to an NVR, often powered by PoE, and many add analytics such as AcuSense. Analogue HD cameras, such as the HiLook THC-T250-MS Turbo-HD turret, send video over coax to a DVR, which suits upgrading an existing coax system.

Active Deterrence cameras add a strobe light and siren that trigger when a person is detected, to warn off an intruder rather than simply record them. Hikvision examples include the DS-2CD2346G2H-IS2U/SL turret and the DS-2CD2T46G2H-IS2U/SL bullet, both 4MP AcuSense, and the DS-2CD2747G2H-LIPTRZS2U/SL motorised dome.

Yes. 4G cameras, such as the Hikvision DS-2DE5425IWG-4G PTZ and the DS-2XS6A87G1-LS/4G bullet with 64GB eMMC, send video over a cellular connection, and EZVIZ solar battery cameras such as the CS-EB8/SP 4G bundle suit sites without mains power or network cable, with a solar panel charging a 10,400mAh battery.

A fisheye camera uses a very wide-angle lens to see a whole room or area from one ceiling position, which software can then split into views. Hikvision fisheye cameras include the 12 MP DeepinView DS-2CD63C5G1-IVS with a 1.29 mm lens, rated IP67.

ColorVu is Hikvision's line of cameras designed for colour images at night, using a wide aperture lens such as F1.0 on the DS-2CD2347G3-LI2UY turret, and supplementary or Hybrid Light on some models. Cameras without ColorVu switch to black and white infrared images in darkness.

Yes. Explosion-protected cameras are built for areas where flammable gas or dust may be present, such as the Hikvision DS-2XE6242F-IS 4MP bullet in 316L stainless steel, the Hikvision DS-2DY9236I-CWX 36× PTZ and Axis explosion-protected thermal and panoramic cameras. Check the certification on the product page.

A varifocal lens can be adjusted between a wide and a narrow view, such as the 2.8-12mm lens on the DS-2CD3D46G2T-IZMSU, so one camera can be set to the scene after fitting. A motorised varifocal lens is adjusted remotely, as on the Hikvision DS-2CD2T46G3-2IZY 2.8-4 mm bullet, without going back up the ladder.

Yes, from Hikvision, Teledyne FLIR, Avigilon Unity, Axis and others. Thermal cameras see heat rather than light, so they detect people and vehicles in darkness; Hikvision thermography bullets such as the DS-2TD2138-7/QY add a temperature alarm, using a 384×288 VOx sensor in an anti-corrosion housing.