Keeping your family and home safe from being victimized by burglars should be a top priority for everyone. There are many ways to do this, but one of the most effective ways is to install a security system. There are many different types nowadays, but one of the most effective is a CCTV security system. The physical invisible surveillance technology is a huge deterrent for potential thieves.
But as we said above, there are many different options you can choose from, even when you are looking at an existing camera system. One of the most significant decisions when it comes to this is deciding what style of camera you want installed to protect your home. When it comes down to the core types, there are two basic ones that you will have to choose from – bullet and dome.
But which one is the right choice? No matter what type of property you’re looking to install your security system in or what the size is, there are some differences that you have to pay attention to when it comes to these two different types of security cameras. So below, we’re going to take a look at that as well as the pros and cons of each to help you streamline your decision-making process.
Dome and Bullet Camera Defined
Before we start discussing the differences between the two and the pros and cons, let’s dive into what each of these cameras is and how they work. A dome security camera has a circular dome shape that is typically shielded with a protective yet transparent dome. These cameras have a wide range of use both indoors and outdoors. Most often, you probably have seen these cameras used in retail stores as they are very discreet.
Funnily enough, the bullet camera is also named for its design. This is the classic cylindrical shape that almost looks like a lipstick tube. This tubular option may be the most common type of security camera as they are apparent and this increases the percentage chance of deterring possible thefts. These can also be used both inside and outside.
Differences Between the Two
So besides their overall design, what exactly are the differences when it comes to choosing between a dome camera and a bullet camera. Below we’re going to take a look at the three main differences.
Installation
The dome camera, as we said, can be used indoors and outdoors and typically hangs from the ceiling or wall through a mounted piece. These cameras tend to be less visible but are a little more challenging to install. When it comes to installation, if you want to change the visibility of this camera, you have to physically remount it every time.
When it comes to a bullet camera, these are typically attached to the side of a wall. This makes it slightly easier to install as they come with a handle for mounting. Once you have it situated, you never have to remove it and remount it again because you can easily reposition the cameras to change the focus.
Range
There are a lot of aspects when it comes to cameras that affect the range of visibility of the unit. Everything from the sensor chip to the lens type can play a part. Dome cameras tend to have smaller lenses and therefore have a reduced range of angles that they have visible. On the other hand, a bullet camera is larger and bulkier; therefore, it can fit a larger lens giving it more dynamic range.
Light
You need light for a camera to work. When it comes to cameras, both of these options have good light capabilities. Whether they are bullet or dome, most of the options will come with infrared LEDs so that they can work well in low light. The only difference will be the strength of the lead and size which will play a part in how much light the camera can take in.
Pros & Cons of a Dome Camera
Now that you know how they differ from each other and what exactly they are, we’re going to take a look at the pros and cons of these cameras. Let’s start with the dome camera.
Pro – Discretion
You’re still going to be able to see the camera, but it is less noticeable than the bulkier bullet camera. There are different sizes of dome cameras you can invest in so that you find the one that fits your needs.
Pro – Not Easily Stolen
Having your camera stolen can be quite a big concern. Because the dome camera is encased in a transparent plastic dome, it is harder to tamper with. Not only is it harder to steal, but anybody who tries to vandalize it by throwing objects at it is going to have to make it through that transparent plastic dome. They aren’t foolproof in this area, but they are pretty durable. (On top of this, birds won’t be able to sit on them and leave their form of vandalism either.)
Pro – Wider Angles
Dome cameras will offer a wide-angle single-frame option. (This means you’ll get a wider angle over this even though you have fewer angle choices)
Con – Limited Range
You’ll be able to capture those wide-angle shots but you won’t be able to change much else. You won’t be able to capture high-quality images from afar. That’s why these cameras are often utilized for indoor surveillance as opposed to outdoor.
Con – Prone To Getting Dirty
Unlike the bullet camera, you may find that the dome camera tends to get a little bit dirty. This dirt could block and obstruct the view of the camera. That means that you will have to perform regular maintenance and cleaning to ensure you’re getting the best picture possible.
Con – Challenging to Reposition
As we said above, to move the field of view, you’re going to have to unmount and remount this unit. That is why it’s so hard to reposition dome cameras, which is definitely a disadvantage.
Pros & Cons of a Bullet Camera
Now it’s time to take a look at the bullet camera’s pros and cons.
Pro – Visibility
One of the main reasons you’re looking to get a security system, besides having access to video footage, is a deterrent. If thieves can’t see the camera, they won’t know it’s there and will still take the chance of breaking in. But when you have a bullet camera, it is highly visible and improves the deterrence level most of the time.
Pro – Wider Range
With a wider lens and a longer body, you will get a broader range of angles. You’ll be able to not only catch the wide-angle but also monitor things from afar. They also are easy to pan from left to right, which gives you a wider angle of view, and this can increase your security levels.
Pro – Easy To Adjust
The dome camera is so hard to adjust that often it’s set in a fixed position. However, the bullet camera can be easily repositioned and sometimes even done so by remote access.
Con – Easy To Steal
The bullet camera is a larger target and easier to spot and therefore is prone to not only theft but also vandalism. Many thieves will try to damage the camera to be able to get to their end purpose, which is breaking into your home or business.
Con – Visible
Low visibility is a positive feature; it can be a negative one as well. With it being so obvious, it does open itself up for vandalism and the fact it will affect the aesthetic of the building.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, a look at the difference between a bullet camera and a dome camera. In the end, the decision of which one is the right fit for you really depends on the building you’re trying to install it in and what you’re looking for security-wise. We hope that we have helped you make your decision-making process a little easier.
