Dome vs Bullet Camera, Turret vs Fisheye Camera: How to Choose?

For many industries, businesses, and even our living communities, video surveillance is set up for protecting safety and property. In a video surveillance system, IP cameras have been playing an integral part in video surveillance systems. However, there are various types of IP cameras and each of them can be used in different areas. Some of us may wonder what's the difference between dome vs bullet camera, or the difference between turret vs fisheye camera. Here in this article, we will explain the difference among these four commonly used security cameras- dome camera vs bullet camera vs turret camera vs fisheye camera with brief introduction and analysis of their functions, hoping it can be a good reference for you to make your best choice on the cameras that you need.

Dome Camera vs Bullet Camera vs Turret Camera vs Fisheye Camera

What Is a Dome Camera?

Dome cameras, named for their dome shape, are commonly used in surveillance systems for homes, entertainment venues and commercial stores. The round shape design makes it hard for outside observers to realize where the camera is pointed and gives large flexibility to adjust the camera's focus distance for accurate positioning. Most dome cameras have a built-in infrared LED light for night vision, which enables them to provide high quality video surveillance. Apart from that, dome cameras are generally encased in durable covers to avoid vandalism and damage, making them an ideal option when using in exposed areas.

What Is a Bullet Camera?

Known for their cylinder-shaped appearance, bullet cameras look like bullet shells. They are usually used as video surveillance equipment for indoor security concealment, or for outdoor security and durable fixtures. A bullet camera usually comes with a large motorized variable-focus or fixed lens, which allows it to monitor a wider range of areas. In addition, the built-in infrared LED in a bullet camera is very strong which enables it to provide extremely accurate images during the day, night, and in a variety of light conditions. Normally, a bullet camera is relatively large and easy to spot, but the mini bullet camera offers another solution. A mini bullet camera can be small enough to be hidden in something like a stuffed animal or large enough to be an obvious form of deterrent for external security.

What Is a Turret Camera?

Turret cameras are named for their turret style 3-axis construction that allows installers to point the lens in any direction. Most turret cameras have built-in IR night vision, which allows the camera to capture video in complete darkness. Unlike dome cameras with the glass housing, the lack of dome shell makes turret cameras free from glare effects. Besides, its unique structure makes it easier to adjust than other cameras. Turret dome cameras are commonly used in video surveillance systems for homes, businesses, and government installations.

What Is a Fisheye Camera?

Fisheye cameras are known for their ultra-wide-angle lens. The image from the fisheye lens is hemispherical or wide panoramic, which is pretty much like the warped, circular and extremely wide image when we see through the peephole of a door, just like the effect of a fisheye and that's how it gets the name. Most fisheye cameras can provide 360° panoramic view to cover a extreme wide area without blind spots. In addition to its ultra-wide-angle lens, fisheye cameras also have outstanding features like night vision, HD resolution, 3D noise reduction, etc. Due to its extreme wide angle, vandal-resistant and discrete look, fisheye cameras are commonly used in manufacturing sites, hospitals, parking lots, airports, hotels, etc.

Dome vs Bullet vs Turret vs Fisheye Camera Comparison: Pros & Cons

Bullet vs Dome Camera, Turret vs Fisheye Camera: How to Choose?

The above three types of camera are all good video surveillance options, but it's important to choose the right one for your own needs. Therefore, we have summarized the following content for your consideration.

Dome camera is a popular choice for more vulnerable external systems and places such as schools, offices, homes, small shops and shopping centers. Dome cameras can be installed directly on the wall or under the eaves. They also have optional junction boxes and wall supports. This type of camera has an amazing anti-damage capability as the lens is completely covered in a destruction-proof glass dome, which makes it easy to hide.

A bullet camera is ideal for large, dark locations such as warehouses, factories, and parking lots as it can be a great deterrent. Normally, it is equipped with full-color night vision by adopting different sensors (such as FS super HD 5MP and 8MP bullet camera) , plus its wide dynamic range (WDR) and high-definition lens, enabling it to provide wider monitoring and deliver clear video footage.

Turret cameras are becoming more popular amongst professionals and are very suitable for indoor use. Same as dome cameras, turret cameras provide high-quality video surveillance as well, but unlike dome security cameras with glass housing, the lack of dome shell makes turret cameras free from glare effects. In addition, the easy angle adjustment also makes turret security cameras overshadow bullet and dome cameras.

Fisheye cameras can be a great solution for a number of different situations. With 360° panoramic view, they can be placed in areas where you normally need a number of cameras to get views in different directions, such as parking lots, manufacturing sites, etc. Less cameras means less infrastructure needs, less wiring, less power and less expenditure. They are easy to set up and can be mounted in several different ways.

Being familiar with the difference between Dome vs Bullet camera, Turret vs Fisheye Camera is very crucial. Another important thing is to find out the ideal video surveillance solution for your home or business which involves couple of different types of IP cameras for different areas. Below is an application model of FS home video surveillance solution with different types of IP cameras deployed for your reference:

FS also provides different video surveillance solutions for different situations, including solution for supermarket and retailer, solution for hotel, solution for campus, solution for family villa, as well as solution for bar.