Dome Cameras : Fixed Cameras Vs. PTZ Cameras

Crime is a common occurrence in any community. Any man, whether rich or poor, may fall victim to damages or theft, either if it is a loss of property or a threat to one’s well-being. That is why we always need to stay vigilant and take measures to keep our valuables safe. Investing resources and effort for such precautions are not considered a waste, but an invaluable factor in your home or business’ security. There is much truth to the saying: “Prevention is better than cure”.

Businesses and homes are now being protected by modern age eyes we call security cameras. They can be installed at strategic locations so we can keep an eye on our surroundings. Technology has evolved enough to allow recording of the feeds so we can have a copy should anything happen.

There are different types of security cameras out there. There are the inexpensive and common cameras known as Bullet Cameras; the customizable and mid-ranged priced C Mount Cameras and the expensive yet versatile Dome Cameras. Let’s talk about the best security cameras for your business or home – the dome camera.

You have probably seen a dome camera somewhere, but maybe you didn’t realize it was one or the fact that it was a camera at all. They are used in restaurants, apartment buildings, houses, and more commonly in casinos and retail stores.

The Dome Camera got its name from its appearance, because the camera is encased in a dome. The dome protects the camera from vandalism attempts. Cameras are fragile. Any camera can be taken out by a simple smash from a piece of wood, thus disabling your surveillance. A dome camera on the other hand cannot be easily destroyed. The dome absorbs the impact and keeps your camera safe. The dome not only protects your camera from vandalism, but it also protects it from the weather so moisture is not a problem.

There are two types of dome cameras – Fixed Dome Cameras and Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) Dome Cameras. The fixed dome cameras can only hold a single position. They are not as flexible and as versatile as a PTZ dome camera, which can pan, tilt and zoom giving you maximum vision. This also saves you money as you will only need one camera to access a 360 degree view, rather than get multiple cameras for each view.

Dome cameras come with different features. Some dome cameras have a day/night feature. This feature provides colored images during the day and black and white images during the night or low-light conditions. Some dome cameras are made with Armor Domes. Armor domes can make the camera better safe from vandalism since it can take on the whack of a hammer and other attempts to disable it. Just ask your retailer regarding more specific features that can give you greater benefits or better security.

Various Dome Cameras have varied features. Some dome cameras are more durable than others too. The more features, the more expensive they are. Price range may start from $40 to $300. Fixed dome cameras are cheaper while Pan, Tilt and Zoom dome cameras are more expensive.

Let’s compare two different dome cameras from different ends of the price range.

The fixed dome camera has:
1.)A ¼ inches Sharp CCD solid-state imaging sensor
2.)A minimum illumination of 1Lux/F2.0
3.)A signal-to-noise ratio of 48 dB
4.)350 TV lines of horizontal high quality picture
5.)AES (Auto Electronic Shutter)
6.)AGC (Auto Gain Control)
7.)AWB (Auto White Balance)

The PTZ camera on the other hand has:
1.)540 TV line
2.)3.3 – 12mm auto iris lens
3.)Built in joystick for easier navigation
4.)On screen programming
5.)1.3 inches Sony super II HAD CCD
6.)Low power consumption
7.)Ultra-sensitivity to low light
8.)AGC (Auto Gain Control)
9.)BLC (Black Light Compensation)
10.)AWB (Auto White Balance)
11.)Mirror Image control
12.)Sharpness control
13.)Programmable privacy zone and motion detection
14.)Electronic day/night mode with color removal circuit
15.)Auto sensing 24 VAC/12 VDC
16.)100 ft. infrared with intelligent LED Sync
17.)3D gimbal (pivot support) for easy control (360 degree pan and 90 deg tilt)
18.)Weatherproof
19.)Video test outlet cable included

The fixed camera is the cheapest one you can find in the market. Considering its features, it can cost at around $40.00. The PTZ camera, on the other hand, is one of the most expensive ones you can find out there. It can cost to as much as $250.00.

Whichever outdoor security camera you choose, I can say that dome cameras offer security for your property and security for itself. It not only protects you, but it also protects itself with its dome design.