Dome Cameras -- Low priced, Flexible, Adaptable, Consistent Security Cameras
Compared to Bullet cams, dome cameras have different mounting brackets, and in some cases they mount from the top. Installing these dome cameras outside require more effort than a standard bullet camera mounting bracket. Many small business from small professional offices, doctor offices, hospitals, fast-food chains, and restaurants buy dome cameras to use indoors because they are less obtrusive and more pleasing on the eye, especially when compared to the traditional c-mount security camera. Dome cameras can come equipped with infrared lights, vari-focal lens, vandal-proof casings, and 3 axis adjustment lens brackets.
Dome cameras are not designed to see at long distances like bullet cams. Many dome cameras have the option to have smoke colored shells that make it hard to see where the lens is pointed.
In our collection, we have a few models that fill multiple roles. One thing that sets a dome camera apart is that it is encased in a vandal proof shell. Certain models of dome cameras may can endure some pretty harsh conditions like bullet cams, and thus can be placed outside, where they are exposed to hot, cold, and wet conditions. Although dome cameras were originally designed for use indoors, many security personnel use dome cameras outdoors specifically because of their vandal proof casing.
Until about five years ago, dome cameras were not able to be equipped with infrared lights embedded around the lens because of the glare from the dome shell. The invention of a "sponge style" ring against the shell of the dome, opened up the potential for many models and styles of domes to have the technology once unique to infrared cameras.
So an indoor/outdoor infrared enabled dome camera can operate in darkness, hot temperatures, cold temperatures, wind, and rain. Furthermore, vandals will not be able to disable it.
Dome Camera Restrictions
Using dome cameras indoors without infrared lights bring up a few restrictions. Dome cameras without infrared lights cannot see in low to zero level lighting conditions, so you that would require you to have indoor or emergency lights. For home owners, a night light in the foyer or hallway can do, but this can reduce the quality of the color video captured. Security does not always give you the most stable conditions. Often it is imperative to have a backup plan to account for things when conditions can change. You will also need to exercise common sense when mounting an infrared dome camera. Never face an infrared dome camera at a glass window or any other reflective surfaces as this will result in a washed out image (a white video feed with no image at all).
Dome Security Cameras also face some restrictions based upon distance; a topic to which we now turn.
Dome Camera Viewing Distances
If you are looking for the ability to see past 100 meters (300 feet), think about using a different type of camera. Dome Cameras are much smaller than other models, and even the models that have a vari-focal lens can only use 4-9mm settings. This means that a dome camera will not record well past 60 meters. (The maximum viewing distance depends heavily upon the amount of LED light emitted by the dome camera. Because the shell reflects part of that light back to the camera, dome security cameras cannot have as many LED lights as other models.) You can use our lens calculator to determine the correct lens based upon your target viewing area.
This is why dome cameras are commonly used in front of a door of a home or organization, where the security personnel need to see a face of a visitor or customer. If you are looking for a camera with a protective shell that can be used at distances greater than 100 meters, you may want to consider a PTZ camera.
You may also want to consult our Dome Camera FAQ.
|
