If you’re looking to improve security, you’ve probably noticed just how many types of CCTV cameras are available in the market. Dome, bullet, PTZ, wireless, smart AI...there’s a lot to take in. The challenge isn’t a lack of choice; it’s knowing which camera fits your space, your routine, and your budget.
This guide gives you a simple run-through of the main camera styles, how they connect, and the features that matter day to day. Whether you’re securing a home, a small shop, or a busy workplace, you’ll walk away with a clearer idea of what to choose.
The Main Types of CCTV Cameras by Form Factor
When you compare different types of CCTV cameras, the physical shape – or form factor – is often the first thing you notice. The housing affects how visible the camera is, how you mount it, and what kind of area it covers. Here are the most common options:
Dome Cameras
Dome cameras sit inside a rounded, usually smoked, dome. They’re most often ceiling-mounted in shops, offices, corridors, and entrances.
Key points:
- The lens is partly hidden, so it’s harder to see exactly where the camera is pointing.
- The compact dome housing helps the camera blend into its surroundings.
- Many models are vandal-resistant and rated for indoor and outdoor use.
You typically use dome cameras when you want discreet coverage and a tidy look. They work well in reception areas, retail aisles, and open-plan offices where you want broad coverage without a very obvious camera on the wall.
Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras have the classic “tube” or “barrel” shape and usually mount on a wall or soffit. Their look is deliberate: you can see them from a distance, and they clearly signal that recording is taking place.
Typical traits:
- Highly visible, which can act as a deterrent.
- Often weather-sealed with sunshields, so they suit outdoor use and perimeter lines.
- Good choice when you want to cover a specific direction, such as a driveway or alley.
You’ll often see bullet cameras on building exteriors, car parks, loading bays, and along fence lines. They suit situations where you want strong directional coverage and don’t mind the camera being obvious.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras
PTZ cameras are motorised. They can pan (move left/right), tilt (up/down), and zoom in and out, usually via a joystick, app, or software.
What this means in practice:
- One PTZ can cover a wide area because you can move the view instead of installing many fixed cameras.
- Optical zoom lets you get closer views of people, vehicles, or incidents without losing detail.
- You can set up patrol routes or presets, so the camera automatically scans key zones.
You’d normally choose PTZ cameras for large, open sites: car parks, warehouses, industrial yards, stadiums, and city-centre schemes. They work best when someone is actively monitoring or when they’re paired with auto-tracking and smart analytics that can follow a moving person or vehicle and zoom in as needed. That way, the camera doesn’t just move because you tell it to; it can react to what’s happening in the scene.
Turret Cameras
Turret cameras (often called eyeball cameras) sit in a ball-and-socket mount: the camera “ball” rotates inside a fixed base. Unlike a classic dome camera, there’s no outer glass bubble.
Key characteristics:
- You can easily twist and tilt the “eyeball” to aim the lens after installation.
- No dome cover means less risk of infrared glare or reflections from the glass at night.
- The footprint is compact and fairly discreet.
Turret cameras often sit between domes and bullets in look and function. They’re common for both indoor and outdoor use, especially when you want flexible aiming, strong night-vision performance, and a clean, modern appearance.
Fisheye Cameras
Fisheye cameras use an ultra-wide-angle lens to capture a 180° or full 360° view from a single point.
What they offer:
- One camera can watch an entire room, atrium, or open area with no blind spots.
- Software can “dewarp” the circular image into more natural views (for example, a 360° overview plus several split-screen views).
They’re useful where you want general situational awareness more than tight detail on a single doorway. Typical locations include large retail floors, hotel lobbies, transport hubs, classrooms, and open-plan offices. One trade-off is that detail at the edges can be lower than with a dedicated narrow-angle camera pointed at the same spot.
Types of CCTV Security Cameras by Connectivity
Once you’ve thought about camera shape, the next step is how each camera is powered and how it connects and sends video.
Wired CCTV Cameras
Wired CCTV cameras use physical cables for data, power, or both:
- Traditional analogue CCTV uses coaxial cable back to a DVR, plus a separate power feed.
- Modern wired IP cameras usually connect via Ethernet to an NVR, often using PoE (Power over Ethernet) so one cable carries both power and data.
What this means for you:
- The video signal doesn’t depend on Wi-Fi, so you get a stable, consistent connection.
- Once installed, a wired system is usually low-maintenance; there are no camera batteries to keep charging or replacing.
- Cabling is the main job. In a finished or listed building, running cable can be disruptive, and you may need a professional installer.
Wired cameras are a good fit when you want a permanent system with strong reliability: for example, a shop, warehouse, office, or a home where you’re happy to run cables once and then leave the system in place.
For an advanced PoE wired option, the eufy NVR Security System S4 Max is worth checking out. It combines an 8-channel NVR with four triple-lens bullet-PTZ PoE cameras.
Each camera uses:
- A 4K wide-angle “bullet” lens at the top for a fixed overview (122° field of view), so you always see the full scene.
- Two 2K PTZ lenses underneath that can pan 360° and use up to 8× auto-zoom to follow movement.
In practice, that means the top lens keeps a constant wide shot of your drive, garden, or car park, while the PTZ lenses lock onto a person or vehicle and auto-track them with a centred close-up, even at distances of up to about 50 metres.
The S4 Max system also leans on local processing rather than cloud dependence:
- Live cross-cam tracking: Cameras can pass a moving person or vehicle between them as they travel across your property, which is useful on larger sites with long driveways, gates, or multiple buildings.
- AI video finder: You can search recordings by event or keyword instead of scrolling through hours of footage.
- On-device AI with an 8-core CPU: The system can identify people, vehicles, and pets, and recognise familiar faces, so alerts stay focused on activity that matters.
The wired NVR includes 8 PoE ports and can grow to 16 channels with an extra PoE switch. It ships with a 2 TB hard drive and supports expansion up to 16 TB for reliable 24/7 recording.
Wireless CCTV Cameras
Wireless CCTV cameras send video over Wi-Fi or another wireless link, rather than a dedicated video cable. Many “wireless” cameras still use a mains adaptor for power, while truly “wire-free” models run on batteries. Some add a solar panel to keep the battery topped up so you don’t have to climb a ladder to swap it as often.
They can record to on-board storage or connect back to an NVR, hub, or cloud service over your network. How well they perform depends on your Wi-Fi strength and any interference from walls, steelwork, or other devices.
For you, the main benefit is flexibility:
- Installation is lighter, especially in flats or rented property where you can’t easily run new cables.
- It’s easier to move or replace cameras later if you change how you use the space.
The trade-offs are that you rely more on your network quality, and you need to stay on top of passwords and firmware updates, so the wireless link remains secure.
A good example of this kind of setup is eufyCam S4, a wireless, solar-powered, triple-lens “bullet + PTZ” hybrid camera.
- The upper 4K lens provides a wide 130° fixed view across your garden, drive, or side passage.
- The lower PTZ camera uses dual 2K lenses to rotate 360° and zoom in/out, so it can track movement around the area.
When motion is detected, the bullet lens spots the subject first and then the PTZ section takes over, automatically locking on, tracking, and reframing as the person or vehicle moves, up to about 50 metres away. If more people step into view, the camera can zoom out to keep everyone in frame.
Power is handled by a large 5.5W solar panel, designed so an hour of direct sunlight per day is enough to keep the camera topped up under typical use. For storage and intelligence, eufyCam S4 offers flexible options:
- The camera can work on its own using on-device AI and local storage, or you can pair it with HomeBase S380 to unlock BionicMind™ person recognition and expand storage up to 16 TB.
- Built-in radar and PIR sensors help refine motion detection, and when something enters a defined zone, the camera can trigger red and blue warning lights and a 105 dB siren to act as a deterrent.
Network/IP Cameras
Network or IP (Internet Protocol) security cameras are digital CCTV cameras that send and receive data over an IP network rather than using a purely analogue video signal.
In simple terms, each camera is a small network device with its own IP address. It can connect via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Video streams go to an NVR, server, VMS (video management system), or cloud platform, where you can record, search, and manage footage.
For you, the key advantages are:
- Higher resolutions: IP cameras commonly support Full HD, 4MP, 8MP/4K and above, which helps when you need to identify faces, number plates, and other fine details.
- Smarter features: many models support AI-based analytics, multiple video streams at different quality levels, and flexible storage to NVRs, NAS devices, SD cards, or the cloud.
- Easy remote access: because the cameras sit on your network, you can usually view live and recorded footage through secure apps or web portals when you’re away from the property.
Types of CCTV Cameras by Technology and Features
Technology shapes what a CCTV camera can do after dark, in poor weather, or when you need more than basic recording. These categories help you understand what each type offers in real-world use.
Day/Night Cameras
Day/night cameras are built to cope with changing light. They aim to keep images usable from bright daylight through to low-light conditions at night.
Most professional day/night models use a mechanical IR-cut filter. In normal daylight, the filter sits in front of the sensor and blocks infrared light so colours stay accurate. When light levels fall, the filter moves out of the way, the camera switches to black-and-white mode, and it becomes more sensitive to whatever light is available, including infrared from built-in LEDs.
You’ll usually pick day/night cameras for areas where light changes a lot: driveways, car parks, entrances, or indoor spaces with big windows and strong backlight.
Some newer systems go a step further and work to keep colour at night for as long as possible. A good example is the eufyCam S3 Pro kit with HomeBase S380. Each camera uses a 4K sensor combined with MaxColor Vision to deliver “day-like” colour clarity even in very low light, without needing to switch on a spotlight straight away.
When it does get too dark, the camera still has IR night vision and adaptive spotlights to fall back on. IR lets the camera see in the dark in black and white, while the adaptive white light can come on when it’s needed to keep faces and details clear in full colour.
Because the S3 Pro pairs with the HomeBase S380 and a 1 TB hard drive (expandable up to 16 TB), you can keep a long history of those day and night events locally, without relying on a cloud subscription.
Infrared Night-Vision Cameras
Infrared cameras help you see in complete darkness. They use IR LEDs to light the scene with invisible infrared light. You won’t see the light, but the sensor does, producing a clear black-and-white image.
Many models list an IR range (like 20 m or 30 m). Some cameras use smart IR, which stops bright objects from washing out when they’re close to the lens. Infrared cameras are ideal for areas with no lighting at all, such as gardens, alleys, and car parks after hours.
Smart Analytics-Enabled Cameras
Smart analytics-enabled cameras go beyond simple motion detection. They use on-board processing (often with AI) to interpret what’s happening in the scene and trigger alerts or tags based on defined rules.
Common tools include:
- Intrusion zones: alerts when someone enters a marked area
- Line crossing: triggers when a person or vehicle crosses a set boundary
- People and vehicle detection: cuts down false alerts from animals or moving trees
- Loitering rules: flags unusual behaviour in sensitive spots
These features help you focus on real events, search recordings faster, and link cameras with alarms or lights. You’ll see them built into many modern IP cameras and NVR-based systems.
License Plate Recognition (LPR) Cameras
LPR, also known as ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras, are designed to read number plates. They use tuned shutter speeds, exposure settings, and often infrared lighting to keep plates sharp—day or night.
They’re usually installed at:
- Gates and barriers
- Car park entrances
- Loading bays
- Private roads and vehicle access points
Once captured, the system converts plates into text so you can search, log, or automate access. LPR cameras often work alongside a normal overview camera that shows the wider scene.
Thermal Cameras
Thermal cameras detect heat, not visible light. They read infrared radiation from warm objects and turn it into a clear image with strong contrast.
This makes them useful when:
- The area has no light at all
- Fog, smoke, or weather blocks normal cameras
- You need fast, reliable detection on a perimeter
You’ll often see thermal units on industrial sites, utilities, and large outdoor boundaries. The trade-off is lower fine detail than standard cameras, so they’re best paired with a visible-light camera for identification.
What Type of CCTV Camera Should You Buy: Factors to Consider
Choosing the right types of CCTV cameras for home or business starts with how you use your space and what you want to see. These points will help you narrow the list.
Your Property Layout
Think about the areas that matter most: doors, gates, car parks, side paths, stock rooms, or till points. High-risk spots may need stronger features like analytics or LPR, while quieter areas might only need basic coverage.
Lighting Conditions
Check how each area looks through a full day:
- Do you have steady outdoor lighting at night?
- Does the sun cause harsh glare indoors?
- Do you need full visibility in darkness?
Good ambient light may only need day/night mode. Poor light might call for stronger IR night vision or thermal imaging.
Coverage vs. Detail
Wide-angle dome, bullet, or fisheye cameras give broad coverage but less detail at long distance. Higher-resolution (2K, 4K or even higher) IP cameras and PTZ cameras help when you need close-up identification or follow activity over a wider area.
Ask yourself:
- How far away will people or vehicles be?
- Do you need to read plates or recognise faces?
- Would one PTZ work, or are several fixed cameras more reliable?
Wiring and Power
Your building and infrastructure will heavily influence the choice between wired, wireless, and hybrid setups:
- If you can run Ethernet, wired systems (especially PoE IP cameras) offer stable connections and straightforward power delivery
- If you’re in a rental or finished building where cables are difficult, wireless cameras reduce disruption but depend more on your Wi-Fi quality
- Remote or awkward areas might benefit from battery or solar-assisted cameras, possibly using Wi-Fi or 4G links
It helps to think about future expansion too. If you plan to add more cameras later, make sure your recorder, network, and power plans allow room for growth.
Storage and Access
Decide how you want to store and access footage:
- Local NVR or DVR: centralised recording with predictable storage and no reliance on external services
- On-camera storage (SD card): simple setups with fewer cables but limited capacity
- Cloud or hybrid storage: convenient remote access and off-site backup, but often with ongoing subscription costs
Think about how long you need to keep recordings and who needs access.
Smart Features
Smart detection, line crossing, and zone alerts help reduce noise and make the system easier to use. Tools like LPR, person detection, and vehicle tracking can also support access control or day-to-day operations.
Budget and Ongoing Costs
Look beyond the camera price. Include installation, storage upgrades, and any subscription fees. A well-planned system often costs less in the long run than a cheaper kit that misses important areas.
Conclusion
Understanding the different types of CCTV cameras helps you choose a setup that fits your space, lighting, and day-to-day needs. Whether you rely on simple day/night coverage, strong infrared, smart analytics, licence plate capture, or thermal detection, each option serves a clear purpose. Once you match the right camera to the right spot—and decide how you’ll power and store your footage—you’ll have a system that works smoothly and gives you the level of visibility you need around your property.
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FAQs
How many types of CCTV cameras are there?
There’s no single fixed number, but most systems fall into a few clear groups. You’ll see common types of CCTV cameras such as dome, bullet, PTZ (pan–tilt–zoom), turret, and fisheye models. You can also sort them by how they connect (wired, wireless, or IP) and by the technology they use, including day/night, infrared, smart analytics, LPR, and thermal imaging. Each type serves a different purpose, so the best choice depends on your space and what you want to monitor.
Which CCTV camera is best, DVR or NVR?
DVR and NVR aren’t cameras but recording systems. DVRs work with analogue or HD-over-coax cameras, while NVRs are designed for IP cameras using network cables. NVR systems usually offer better image quality, easier expansion, remote access, and more smart features, so they’re often the better long-term choice for modern homes and businesses, while DVRs can be more budget-friendly where coax cabling already exists.
What’s the difference between CCTV and security cameras?
CCTV (closed-circuit television) traditionally refers to a closed, wired system that sends video to specific monitors or recorders, often using analogue cameras. “Security cameras” is a broader term that covers both CCTV and newer IP or wireless cameras connected over a network or the cloud. In everyday use, people often use the terms interchangeably, but security cameras can include more flexible, smart, app-based systems.
Which type of CCTV camera is best for a home?
There isn’t one “best” option for every home, but most households choose a mix of wide-angle cameras for general coverage and higher-detail cameras for key spots like doors and driveways. Wireless or PoE IP cameras work well because they’re easy to place and offer clear recording. If you need night visibility, look for strong infrared or colour night-vision features. For larger gardens or side paths, a PTZ camera with smart motion detection or auto-tracking can help you catch movement without constant monitoring.
