Dome Security Cameras for Video Surveillance

A dome camera is called so because here the camera unit is housed inside a dome-like structure that is made of a very tough polymer material (such as polycarbonates) and the unit looks like an acrylic bubble. The dome structure may or may not be permanently fixed to the camera. Mini dome cameras are dome security cameras where the dome is permanently fixed to the camera.

The tough polymer material - called armor in marketing clichés - used for the dome cover makes it very difficult for offenders to break the dome and access the camera. In fact, many manufactures claim that their dome armor is virtually indestructible. Dome cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors with video surveillance dome camera accessories

Why are dome surveillance cameras so popular?

Dome surveillance cameras are very popular with the business fraternity. Here are the reasons why:

• Dome cameras are more discreet than the conventional cameras.
• They are also more adaptable than the traditional static cameras.
• They are relatively easy to install, can be installed in a semi-covert manner, and they blend well with any user environment, be it commercial, retail, leisure, or industrial.
• As the dome is made up of a very tough polymer material, it is nearly impossible for a vandal to mess up the camera unit without being noticed. This makes the cameras vandal-resistant as well as weatherproof.
• The domes are available in a variety of colors (to suit the surroundings) and finishes (translucent, milky, mirror, etc.). If color-coordinated, they give a nice cosmetic touch to the surroundings.
• Though a dome camera unit can be easily seen, it is almost impossible to see which way the camera unit - located inside the dome structure - is pointing. This makes the camera seem “polite” as the camera unit does not seem to focus on anyone.

Limitations of dome surveillance cameras

Dome cameras have their limitations, just like any other camera. These are:

• Sometimes the images produced by a dome camera appear darkened because of the dome covering.
• Another disadvantage, particularly in mini dome cameras, is that the camera lens is not exchangeable as the dome is fixed and there is not enough dome space to allow lens exchange.
• The cost can be a prohibitive factor if one is going for the more versatile models where the dome camera can pan, tilt, and zoom.

Types of dome cameras

There are basically two types of dome cameras: (i) fixed dome cameras or the mini dome cameras and (ii) fully functional dome cameras, also referred to as speed dome cameras. A variation that is functional even in dark conditions employs infrared camera lenses, and is referred to as infrared dome cameras.

Mini dome cameras being static monitor an area from a single fixed point. These are the most popular types and are available in a variety of sizes (8-12 cm) and colors to suit all tastes. Many new models of these come with an intuitively designed in-built attachment called 'gimble' that allows three-axis flexibility, making it possible to mount the dome on a variety of surfaces and at almost any angle.

Speed dome cameras are the fully functional type. They are also called PTZ dome cameras because, contrary to static types, they have pan, tilt, and zoom facilities. The camera can pan or tilt inside the dome either automatically or manually. For example, if a PTZ camera spots a suspicious person in a supermarket, then the personnel who is operating the PTZ camera can manually control the unit and get it to focus on the person under surveillance.

They are available in many variations offering different angles of tilt, different angles of panning, continuous pan or not, high resolution or low resolution, varying degrees of zoom, etc.

Choosing the right dome camera for your office

With so much choice available online as well as otherwise, it can be a quite a taxing task to pin down your choice to a single dome camera with the correct specifications. Nevertheless, making the correct choice can be much easier if you undertake a full site survey to assess preferable camera positions, the expected lighting levels, and vulnerable areas.

It is also important to understand the limitations, if any, of the camera, and know how it will react to changes in lighting conditions.

As said earlier, the best dome camera depends on what you require: if you need razor-sharp images then you have to go in for high-resolution digital dome cameras. If you need deterrence with a little bit of monitoring, a black and white dome camera will work just fine. If you need to capture facial identity then you need a high-resolution camera with a high zoom factor. In the end you should remember that choosing a dome camera for your business depends on the type of your business you are in.