Types of Security Cameras

Types of security cameras by form

What your security camera looks like is more than just aesthetics. The overall design and camera housing support specific features such as wide-angle field of view, panning and zoom. Form also affects whether security cameras act as visible crime deterrents or if they’re designed to be discreet and provide hidden surveillance to reduce tampering.

Compare the type of camera design and its primary features below:

The best home security companies typically offer turret and dome cameras, although fisheye, PTZ and modified bullet cameras may be used in larger properties. Some companies, such as ADT, also have commercial and small business divisions that may offer more advanced cameras.

Types of security cameras by connectivity

Beyond camera shapes, security cameras come in several connectivity types. Wi-Fi is the most common, but Power over Ethernet (PoE), cellular and peer-to-peer wireless are also available.

Analog vs. IP security cameras

Analog and IP security cameras use wires to transmit footage to either a physical or virtual video recorder. Analog is the older technology, and IP (Internet Protocol) is the updated version.

However, analog security cameras still have strong uses when coaxial cable infrastructure already exists, the initial cost is a concern or hacking risks outweigh higher-resolution needs.

Wi-Fi security cameras

Wi-Fi security cameras are extremely popular because they don’t require wiring, work with home internet and typically have a low starting price. They’re offered by almost every top home security company, such as Vivint and Vector, plus DIY home security companies such as Arlo and Ring.

If you’re a homeowner or renter looking for an easy setup, most Wi-Fi security cameras are DIY friendly.

Although less secure than wired analog and IP cameras, Wi-Fi networks typically offer security protocols such as WPA2 and WPA3 that reduce risk in conjunction with good security measures such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and using a reputable company for cloud-based storage.

Peer-to-peer (P2P) connections are often called “direct Wi-Fi,” although they’re not technically Wi-Fi. P2P security cameras may require manual check-ins to download data and lack the encryption tools of Wi-Fi networks. However, P2P cameras offer wireless connectivity in areas that lack Wi-Fi coverage.

Cellular security cameras

Cellular security cameras use cellular networks to transmit data. While they are an excellent option in areas without Wi-Fi coverage, these cameras typically require buying a separate cell plan in addition to your monitoring plan.

Types of security cameras by placement

For most homes, a combination of camera placements and types is recommended. Multiple camera types, connections and locations come together to cover blind spots and fill specialized needs for specific locations. Where you place your security cameras often determines the type and special features needed.

Indoor security cameras

Indoor security cameras have simplified housings because they don’t need to stand up to weather or extreme temperatures. For home security, indoor cameras typically don’t need to be tamper-proof. The best indoor security cameras often offer two-way communication and low-light recording.

Outdoor security cameras

Weather resistance is a key feature for the best outdoor security cameras. Housings often feature brims that deflect rain, clear shields in front of camera lenses and insulation against extreme temperatures.

While most common for commercial applications, home outdoor security cameras may include deterrents against tampering, such as stronger cases and sturdy mounts. However, home Wi-Fi outdoor security cameras often forego tampering protections in favor of easy magnetic mounts that make removal for charging easier.

Video doorbells are a subset of outdoor security cameras and typically feature wide-angle camera lenses and two-way communication.

Security camera types by special features

Special features on security cameras usually combat difficult recording situations or high-risk locations. When researching the best security camera for you, it’s important to know what recording challenges you may face.

Low-light security cameras

Property crime rates for residences don’t peak at night. Instead, they peak during working hours when more homes are empty. However, low-light cameras are a good idea regardless, since nighttime crime rates are still quite common.

Low-light security cameras typically record in grayscale and feature high ISOs with built-in lighting — typically infrared (IR). Some cameras also offer false-color processing to improve clarity by colorizing images based on recorded shades of gray

Thermal security cameras

While low-light security cameras offer traditional video and images in low-light conditions, thermal cameras record heat signatures regardless of lighting conditions. The benefit is improved detection, but the downside is that no facial features are recorded.

Thermal security cameras won’t give you an image you can use to identify a suspect in the traditional way. You’ll be able to tell a person's general shape, size and gait, but there won’t be recognizable features.

Varifocal and zoom lens security cameras

Many security cameras focus on an overview of an area. However, detailed and close-up images often help law enforcement identify a suspect or suspect vehicle. Telephoto lenses and specialized software offer the ability to zoom in on suspicious activity, either via automated or AI-enabled systems or manually.

License plate recognition security cameras

Flock gets most of the national attention, but license plate cameras have been around long before the company’s home and business applications. License plate cameras typically come in two types: license plate recognition (LPR) and license plate capture (LPC).

LPC security cameras focus on taking a clear image of a license plate for humans to decipher later. LPR security cameras use AI and infrared pulses to record a captured tag. Plus, it adds analytics to the mix, allowing you to create a database of vehicles, such as tracking your company fleet as it comes and goes from a loading dock.

Automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), a subset of LPR, uses AI to automatically catalog and process captured plate data — Flock uses ALPR systems.

Vandal-resistant security cameras

Often used in retail and other commercial applications, vandal-resistant security cameras have cases that withstand damage better than non-hardened models. Most can withstand attacks such as thrown stones and are either mounted too high to reach or secured with strong mounts to reduce removal.

Cases may look like other security cameras but are built stronger or have external additions, such as wire cages over the camera.

Active deterrence and defensive security cameras

Rather than relying on silent alarms and notifications, active deterrence security cameras offer features to warn off criminals. While a visible camera itself acts as a deterrent, defensive cameras go further by triggering floodlights, emitting loud alarms or giving verbal commands for an intruder to leave the area.

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