Today, nearly all our moves in public places, whether we’re shopping at a grocery store or driving on the freeway, are captured by surveillance cameras. They provide a sense of security as they record video 24×7. Law enforcement agencies use them to track down criminals, and families install them at home for safety and protection.

If you’re thinking of buying a surveillance camera, you may end up getting confused because of the numerous choices offered by different brands. Here are the major types of security cameras currently available in the market:

• Box cameras: This type of camera derives its name from its shape. It is a stand-alone camera which can be mounted outdoors and indoors. This camera is a good option for buyers for whom aesthetics are not the main criteria. It can be customized according to the user’s need as a variety of lens options, like vari-focal and fixed lens, are available.
• Dome cameras: This type combines the camera, lens, and ceiling mount in a dome-shape setting. It is best suited for environments that get dirty quickly like kitchen and warehouses. It is available in vandal-resistant housing units.
• PTZ cameras: This type allows the operator to remotely pan, tilt, and zoom the camera with a joystick or software. It can automatically run patterns or turn to a preset position. It can auto track movements and is useful for surveying a wide area. It can even zoom to record minor details.
• Bullet cameras: This camera is a combination of camera, lens, and housing packaged in a bullet-style body. Most bullet cameras come with infrared illuminators. Its sealed enclosure decreases the need for servicing, and it is good for low light situations.
• IP cameras: This camera transmits a digital signal using internet protocol over a network. It has increased resolution and scalability and also has a built-in video analytic software. This type of camera comes with better system management than analog cameras. The resolution can vary from VGA to 29 megapixels.
• Day/night cameras: This camera is used indoors and outdoors for environments with low light conditions. It features an Infra Red (IR) filter that is lifted as lighting levels decrease. It can handle lighting situations in the day and night.
• Thermal cameras: This camera uses thermal imaging to produce surveillance footage in dark or harsh environments. It uses heat sensing to distinguish different objects and people. It can detect people and objects in smoke, haze, dust, and light fog. It can work in complete darkness too.
• Wide dynamic cameras: These cameras have the ability to balance light levels on a pixel-by-pixel basis. It is capable of handling a wide range of lighting levels in the same scene. Its primary benefit is that it can capture a clear face shot even when people are entering with a bright light behind them or if there are dark shadows on their faces. It is mostly used in areas with too much sunshine or where headlights are used.
• Wireless IP cameras: These cameras offer ease of installation and eliminate the cost of network cabling. They are mostly Wi-Fi enabled, and their tilting and swivel option maximizes viewing capacity. The motion detector gives an instant alert of intruders and captures crystal clear images even in low light conditions.