Common fixed camera body styles

Images of common CCTV camera body styles


 

General Types of CCTV Cameras

CCTV cameras and their core features can be broadly divided into the following categories or types

Fixed Cameras

PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) manoeuvrable Cameras

Non-A.I. capable cameras

AI cameras. That use AI deep learning to examine the video and distinguish certain objects or behaviour

People Counting, Occupancy monitoring, Queue management Cameras

ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras for vehicle plate capture

Active Deterrence cameras (sometimes called 3 in one cameras)

Vandal Resistant (i.e. IK rated)

Full Colour cameras:, these are designed to operate in 'Full Colour' 24/7 including at night

Thermal cameras that detect heat and temperature variations

Pinhole and covert cameras, designed to be small & discrete often hidden behind or inside other objects

Fisheye or panoramic cameras, these cameras can give you a 360° or 180° view of an area.


 

Fixed cameras

Fixed cameras are cameras that permanently point at the same relative area. Fixed cameras are the most common form of CCTV camera. Many of the fixed camera well sell also include a 'motorized' zoom lens. Although a bit more expensive than models with a 'manual' lens, a motorized lens model allows you to remotely zoom the camera in closer to an area, or zoomed out wide to capture more area.Images of fixed cameras


 

PTZ cameras

PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) cameras give you the ability to manoeuvre and zoom the camera to look at different locations. PTZ cameras come in many different form factors and feature sets. Some are small mini PTZs that usually have a 4x optical zoom and limited panning, to larger models supporting up to 60x optical zoom, endless panning and A.I functionality. Many higher end PTZ cameras now come with multiple lens, so one lens can be looking at a different location, while the other lens can be pointed at a completely different location. This means you are really getting multiple multiple cameras with this one camera which should be considered when evalulating the true cost of this type of camera. With PTZ cameras you pay for the optical zoom capacity, number of lenses, resolution and video analytic feature set. Below: PTZ camera styles Pictures of common PTZ cameras

Different features available from selected PTZ models

Ability to optically zoom into an area, up to 60X optical zoom available on some models

Ability to 'track' people over a distance using A.I deep learning

Ability to distinguish objects as 'human' or 'motor vehicle' using A.I deep learning

Ability to cover a wide area (i.e. Ovals, transport hubs, parks, school playgrounds)

Multi lens models allow you to cover multiple areas simultaneously

Can be integrated into existing alarm sensors, like door sensors (i.e when a door opens the PTZ goes there)


 

A.I cameras

AI (Artificial Intelligence) cameras support some form of A.I video analytic, the most common types of A.I include SMD (Smart Motion Detection) and PP (Perimeter Protection). Other types include FD (Face Detection), FR (Face Recognition), PC (People Counting), AT (Auto-tracking), Mask detection, PPE detection and VM (Video Metadata [human, vehicle attribute detection]) Pictures of AI logos

 

Active Deterrence Cameras

Active Deterrence cameras, often referred to as 'three in one cameras' are a relatively new type of camera. These cameras include an inbuilt speaker, microphone, and LED White lights. They are called 'Active Deterrent cameras' because they have the ability to make a sound and flash LED lights when an event occurs. So when an event is triggered an audible siren, or a pre-recorded voice message will sound, also you have the option to have flashing LED lights. You can also manually trigger the siren, voice or flashing lights from your mobile phone. These cameras also support 2 way audio. Common uses include:

When someone intrudes into an area, a voice message or alarm sound is played

Play a message &, or flash lights when someone crosses a certain area, to let them know they are being observed

When the number of people in a room is too high, play pre-recorded message

What do you pay for in a camera (differences in cost)

Some of the factors that determine the price of a camera are listed below.

The Quality & performance of the cameras CMOS sensor & digital signal processor

The power of the Cameras CPU; AI functionality requires a powerful CPU

Types, & quality of analytics supported by the camera

The resolution supported by the camera, typically 1080p(FHD), 4MP(QHD), 5/6MP, 4K(UHD) and 12MP+

Type and quality of the lens, a really good lens can cost more than the camera itself

The cameras IK vandal resistance rating (ability to withstand impacts)

The cameras IP ingress protection rating (ability to withstand water and dirt ingress)

Other features like inbuilt microphone, inbuilt speaker, additional LEDs, IRs, alarm I/O

PTZ (manoeuvrable) cameras usually cost more than an equivalently featured fixed camera


 

Choosing the right Camera

Before you choose a camera, you need to be clear on what you are using it for. There are many different uses for a CCTV camera. Certain cameras are better suited to certain uses. Below is a list of some common uses and recommended camera types and features.

General Surveillance, Detection (Something is happening here)
Identification ⁄ Recognition (Who is it)
Monitoring Hotspots and construction sites
Equipment and machinery monitoring
Promotional (allow visitors to view other activities across a venue or tourist site)
Car Parks
Dance floors, showrooms
Large auditoriums, Sporting Fields
Health and Safety

(Caution should be taken when using these types of cameras, due to TGA regulatory requirements, contact sales for further info)

Covert, Hidden

 

Other Considerations

Because A.I functions are very CPU intensive, using an A.I IP cameras in conjuction with an A.I recorder allows more 'A.I' functionality by freeing up resources on the recorder.
4K cameras do require more storage on the recorder, so you may need to add additional storage to support these cameras.