Dome and bullet cameras perform differently, but are both advantageous to an effective security system.
As technology advances, so do the solutions to long-lived problems. Nowhere is this more true than in the physical security sector, where innovative ideas work together to create new, seemingly boundless security measures.
However, any standard security system is incomplete without security cameras. As we’ve explored in past blog articles, there are many types of cameras to choose from when outfitting your home or business with a security system. But it is not a “one size fits all” decision, as everyone has different priorities and needs when it comes to securing their property.
The two most common designs are dome security cameras and bullet security cameras. These types of cameras have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to their functionalities, making each one better suited to different areas of the surveillance site.
Let’s examine the features of dome and bullet cameras, as well as the pros and cons of both.
DOME CAMERA
Known as a dome camera because of its dome-shaped design, this (typically) IP camera is built to withstand the elements of its environment, both indoors and outdoors, because of the glass casing that protects the camera lens. Its wide angle lens gives it massive area coverage, negating the need for multiple security cameras in nearby areas. Generally, dome cameras are installed on ceilings, making them better suited for inside security purposes.
PROS OF DOME CAMERA
Built-in infrared LEDs allow for low light and night vision, creating a 24/7 effective surveillance camera system
Flexible capabilities allow different features to be utilized, like panoramic viewing, motion sensing, and pan-tilt-zooming
Protective glass casing over the lens protects the camera from bad weather conditions and tampering
Discreet design and placement allow for inconspicuousness; it can be difficult to determine where the camera is pointing, deterring vandals with a sense of uncertainty
Wide angle lens provides a large field of view, allowing more area to be covered and less cameras to be needed
CONS OF DOME CAMERA
Ceiling placement limits areas camera can be installed, limiting their effectiveness in outside situations
Protective glass casings require frequent maintenance for fingerprints, dust, and grime
Slightly more difficult to install than a bullet camera
BULLET CAMERA
Like the dome camera, the bullet camera is named for its shape, which resembles a bullet. A larger lens and powerful optical zoom makes this camera suited best for long range viewing needs. Parking lots, open fields and other expansive areas require a longer range than what dome cameras can offer, and the bullet camera’s easy installation and positioning fulfill that need effortlessly.
PROS OF BULLET CAMERA
Built-in infrared LEDs allow for low light and night vision, creating a 24/7 effective surveillance camera system
Very easy installation with wall mounts, allowing for flexible coverage
Protruding shape acts as a deterrent to vandals and criminals
Strong long distance viewing provides excellent coverage for outside areas
Powerful lens can capture details such as license plate numbers, creating an effective surveillance systems for parking lots in particular
CONS OF BULLET CAMERA
Easy for vandals to tamper with, as the wall-mounted camera can be repositioned to be facing a different way than the intended area
Shape makes camera more susceptible to spider webs and birds’ nests, requiring regular maintenance
Lens has less protection from the elements, as there is no protective glass casing like the dome camera has
DOME CAMERA VS BULLET CAMERA
In summary, dome cameras and bullet cameras function very similarly, but their small differences are significant when deciding which is right for your security needs.
The dome camera is sleek and minimalistic. Its unobtrusive design allows for discreet placement, putting it out of the eyes of vandals and criminals. Its wide angle lens provides massive area coverage that negates the need for multiple cameras in nearby areas and its protective glass casing shields the camera lens from bad weather conditions and vandals.
The bullet camera is cylindrical and obtrusive, making it an effective deterrent for criminals and vandals. Its lens is much larger than that of the dome camera, and has powerful long range capabilities. The long distance viewing is ideal for outside areas, specifically parking lots where a lot of crime statistically takes place.
Deciding which type of camera is best suited for your home or business depends entirely on your security needs, but both dome and bullet cameras can be used simultaneously for a dramatically robust surveillance system.
Monarch offers Verkada security cameras in both dome and bullet models, and these cameras do so much more than just recording and storing data. The Verkada system is entirely cloud-based and armed with advanced AI capabilities that allow for facial and object recognition, analytical insights, and even license plate recognition. Footage can be accessed from any platform with ease with simple filter and search features, and instant alerts can be set up to notify the organization when specific threats enter the premises.
So whether your security needs call for a dome security camera or a bullet security camera, Monarch has you covered. Check out our online shop or reach out for a free quote and demo!
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