Different types of security cameras

Learn which models are most popular based on user ratings and optimize your security setup today.

What is a CCTV Camera?

A CCTV camera is a surveillance device that captures and transmits video footage over a private network to designated monitors or storage systems, enabling real-time security monitoring and crime deterrence in homes, businesses, and public areas.

Types of Home Security Cameras: Choosing the Right Fit

When selecting security cameras for home use, understanding the different types ensures you get the best protection. Below, we break down the most popular types of security cameras for home and commercial use, along with top-rated models based on user data from JVSG’s IP Video System Design Tool.

Types of security cameras

Some of the most common types of security cameras include:

• Dome cameras
• Bullet cameras
• Thermal cameras
• Multisensor cameras
• Fisheye cameras
• PTZ cameras
• Turret cameras
• Box cameras
• Modular cameras
• Eyeball cameras
• PTRZ cameras
• Corner cameras

Less Common & Specialized Security Cameras

Dome Cameras

Best for: Indoor/outdoor surveillance, retail stores, and offices.
Dome cameras are easily recognizable by their circular, dome-shaped housing. Their discreet design deters vandalism and blends into most environments.

Best dome security camera

1. Axis P3267-LVE
2. Hanwha Vision QNV-C8083R
3. Axis P3265-LVE 9 mm
4. Hanwha Vision QNV-C6083R
5. Bosch NDE-5702-A
6. Axis P3265-LV
7. Axis M3216-LVE
8. Axis M3086-V
9. Hanwha Vision XNV-6080
10. Holowits P4-5R(2.8-12)A AI

Bullet Cameras

Best for: Long-range outdoor monitoring, perimeter security, and visible deterrence.
Bullet cameras are cylindrical, weatherproof devices designed for outdoor use. Their elongated shape and prominent placement act as a visual deterrent to intruders. Equipped with infrared (IR) illumination and varifocal lenses, they excel in capturing clear footage over long distances, even in low-light conditions. Many models include features like license plate recognition (LPR) or built-in spotlights for enhanced security.

Most Popular Bullet Models

1. Axis P1455-LE 9 mm
2. Hikvision iDS-2CD7A86G0-IZHS(Y)(R)
3. Axis P1467-LE
4. Dahua DH-IPC-HFW5442H-ZHE
5. Axis P1468-LE
6. Hanwha Vision QNO-C9083R
7. Dahua DH-IPC-HFW5541E-ZE
8. Hikvision DS-2CD3686G2-IZS
9. Hikvision DS-2CD2646G2-IZS
10. Honeywell HC35WB5R2

Thermal Cameras

Best for: Perimeter protection, detecting intruders in total darkness, and fire/smoke detection.
Thermal cameras detect heat signatures rather than relying on visible light, making them ideal for 24/7 surveillance in pitch-black environments. They identify temperature differences to spot people, vehicles, or anomalies (e.g., fires) through fog, smoke, or foliage. While they don’t provide detailed facial recognition, their ability to monitor large areas (e.g., borders, warehouses) in any lighting condition makes them invaluable for critical infrastructure.

Best thermal cameras

1. Hikvision DS-2TD2628-10/QA
2. Hikvision DS-2TD2628-7/QA
3. Axis Q1951-E
4. Hikvision DS-2TD2628T-3/QA
5. Hikvision DS-2TD2628-3/QA
6. Hikvision DS-2TD2628T-7/QA
7. Hikvision DS-2TD1228T-2/QA
8. Dahua DHI-TPC-BF5441
9. Axis Q1971-E
10. Hikvision DS-2TD1228-2/QA

Multisensor Cameras

Best for: 360° coverage of expansive areas like parking lots, stadiums, or retail stores.
Multisensor cameras combine multiple lenses (e.g., 2–4 sensors) into a single housing to eliminate blind spots. By stitching together feeds from each lens, they provide panoramic views or split-screen monitoring, reducing the need for multiple cameras. Advanced models use AI to track motion across sensors, making them cost-effective for large-scale surveillance.

Popular Multisensor Cameras

1. Hikvision DS-2CD6D52G0-IH(S)
2. Axis P4707-PLVE
3. Axis P3737-PLE
4. Axis Q6100-E
5. Axis Q6010-E
6. i-Pro WV-X86531-Z2
7. Axis P4705-PLVE
8. Axis P3827-PVE
9. Dahua DH-IPC-HDW8441X-3D
10. Axis P3807-PVE

Fisheye Cameras

Best for: Ceiling-mounted 360° surveillance in compact spaces like offices, elevators, or lobbies.
Fisheye cameras use ultra-wide-angle lenses to capture a hemispherical (180°) or full 360° view in a single frame. While the raw footage appears distorted, specialized software “dewarps” the image into a usable format (e.g., panoramic or split-screen views). Their discreet design and single-unit installation simplify coverage of tight spaces without needing PTZ functionality.

Top Fisheye Models

1. Axis M4317-PLVE
2. Axis M4318-PLVE
3. VIVOTEK CC9381-HV
4. Hanwha Vision XNF-9010RV
5. Hanwha Vision QNF-8010
6. Hikvision DS-2CD63C5G1-IVS
7. Hikvision DS-2CD6365G1-IVS
8. Verkada CF81E
9. Hanwha Vision QNF-9010
10. Axis M4328-P

PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras

Best for: Actively tracking movement in dynamic environments like stadiums, city centers, or industrial sites.
PTZ cameras can pan (rotate horizontally), tilt (move vertically), and zoom optically to follow subjects or focus on details. Operators control them remotely or use AI-powered auto-tracking to monitor suspicious activity. With high zoom ratios (e.g., 30x–45x), they’re ideal for large facilities requiring flexible, real-time monitoring. Some models include infrared or spotlights for nighttime operation.

Best PTZ Cameras

1. Axis Q6135-LE 50 Hz
2. Dahua DH-SD5A445GB-HNR
3. Honeywell HC35WZ5R30
4. Axis Q6318-LE
5. Axis Q6315-LE 50 Hz
6. Axis Q6075-E
7. Hikvision DS-2DE7A432IW-AEB(T5)
8. Pelco S7230L-PW
9. Axis Q6225-LE 50 Hz
10. Bosch NDP-5523-Z30L

Turret Cameras

Best for: Versatile indoor/outdoor use with flexible positioning.
Turret cameras, also known as mini-dome cameras, feature a compact, ball-shaped design that allows for easy manual adjustment of the viewing angle. Their vandal-resistant build and discreet profile make them suitable for both residential and commercial settings.

Best turret security cameras

1. Hikvision DS-2CD2346G2-I(U)
2. Hikvision DS-2CD2345FWD-I
3. MOBOTIX Mx-VT1A-5-IR
4. Hikvision DS-2CD2387G2H-LI(U)
5. Hikvision DS-2CD2347G2H-LI(U)
6. Hikvision DS-2CD1323G0E-I
7. Hikvision DS-2CD1323G2-LIU(F)
8. Hikvision DS-2CD2386G2-I(U)

Box Cameras

Best for: Customizable setups requiring interchangeable lenses, such as entrances or high-risk areas.
Box cameras are characterized by their rectangular shape and modular design, allowing users to attach different lenses for varying focal lengths. Ideal for scenarios requiring tailored field-of-view adjustments, they are commonly used in professional installations where precise imaging is critical.

Popular Box Cameras

1. Bosch NBN-73023-BA
2. Axis P1388-LE
3. Bosch NBE-6502-AL
4. Axis P1378-LE
5. Axis P1387-LE

Niche Categories

• Modular Cameras

Best for: Specialized applications needing flexible configurations, like industrial sites or large-scale projects.
Modular cameras offer a customizable approach by allowing separate components (lenses, sensors, housing) to be combined based on specific needs. This adaptability makes them perfect for unique environments where off-the-shelf solutions may fall short.

Popular Modular cameras
1. MOBOTIX Mx-O-M7SA-8DN050
2. MOBOTIX Mx-O-M7SA-8DN040

• Eyeball Cameras

Best for: Discreet ceiling-mounted surveillance in offices or hotels.
Eyeball cameras feature a spherical design that blends seamlessly into ceilings, providing unobtrusive monitoring. Their fixed position and subtle appearance make them ideal for maintaining aesthetics while ensuring security coverage.

Popular Eyeball Cameras
1. GeoVision GV-EBD4700
2. GeoVision GV-EBD2704
3. Dahua DH-IPC-HDW1230T1-A-S4

• PTRZ Cameras

Best for: Advanced tracking in critical infrastructure or large perimeters.
PTRZ (Pan-Tilt-Rotate-Zoom) cameras combine enhanced mobility with high-powered zoom for comprehensive coverage of expansive areas. Their ability to rotate and track targets makes them ideal for monitoring wide-open spaces like airports or industrial complexes.

Popular PTRZ Camera
1. Bosch NDE-8512-RX

• Corner Cameras

Best for: Maximizing coverage in tight spaces like hallways or retail aisles.
Corner cameras are uniquely shaped to fit into corner junctions, offering a wide field of view that minimizes blind spots. Their strategic placement optimizes space utilization in confined areas, making them a smart choice for corridors, stairwells, or small retail environments.

Popular Corner Cameras
1. Axis P9117-PV
2. Axis P9106-V

 
 

Less Common & Specialized Security Cameras

While standard cameras dominate the market, niche surveillance needs often require specialized designs. Here are some unique types and models:

Covert Cameras

Best for: Corporate espionage prevention, high-risk retail, or discreet home security.
Disguised as everyday objects (e.g., smoke detectors, clocks, or wall outlets) to avoid detection. Ideal for undercover monitoring in sensitive environments.

 

 

Cube Cameras

Best for: Small offices, smart homes, or environments prioritizing aesthetics.
Compact, cube-shaped cameras with minimalist designs, often supporting PoE (Power over Ethernet) and edge analytics.

 

 

Intercom Cameras

Best for: Gated communities, apartment entrances, or front-door security.
Combine video surveillance with two-way audio communication. Often integrated with doorbell systems or access control.

 

 

Pinhole Cameras

Best for: Hidden surveillance in retail, casinos, or private investigations.
Ultra-small lenses (1–3mm) for covert placement in tight spaces like ceilings or behind objects.

 

 

Speed Dome Cameras

Best for: Traffic monitoring, stadiums, or tracking fast-moving targets.
High-speed PTZ cameras with rapid pan/tilt movement (e.g., 360° rotation in seconds) and advanced auto-tracking.

 

 

PTZ+Thermal Cameras

Best for: Border security, critical infrastructure, or wildfire detection.
Hybrid cameras combining PTZ mobility with thermal imaging for 24/7 tracking of heat signatures.

 

 

Wedge Cameras

Best for: Discreet indoor surveillance with wide-angle coverage.
Slim, wedge-shaped design for low-profile wall mounting. Often used in retail or corridors.

 

 

 

Notable Niche Models

The security camera market includes countless specialized solutions tailored to unique scenarios—from explosion-proof industrial cameras to underwater marine cameras. The diversity of security cameras is staggering—here are a few standout examples:

• CP PLUS CP-UNC-ST21ZL10-VMD: A rugged 2MP explosion-proof network camera with 30x optical zoom and integrated IR illumination, engineered for reliable surveillance in hazardous environments such as oil refineries, chemical plants, or mining facilities.



• Hanwha Vision TNO-6320E: A 2MP (1920×1080) explosion-proof camera with 32x optical zoom, certified for hazardous environments.



• VIVOTEK CC8160(HS):A space-efficient 2MP network camera featuring a 180-degree panoramic lens, designed to capture high-definition footage across wide areas. Its vertical “height-strip” form factor enables discreet installation while maintaining sharp image clarity for reliable facial recognition in crowded or confined spaces.

 

 

Why Trust JVSG’s Camera Ratings?
The IP Video System Design Tool aggregates data from thousands of installations, highlighting models trusted by professionals.

Optimize your security today with the right camera type!