
14 Different Types Of CCTV Cameras For Businesses
CCTV cameras have become a familiar sight these days. Advances in technology have made surveillance systems more affordable, accessible, and adaptable. From businesses and government agencies to private households, many rely on CCTV for security, monitoring, and operational purposes. With rising concerns about safety, theft, and crime, coupled with the growing demand for real-time monitoring and remote access capabilities, CCTV usage has arguably surged.
When it comes to CCTV for your business, there are several factors you should take into consideration, including:
- Where entrances and exits are located?
- Where are other access points located? E.g., loading bays, garage doors, and roof lights.
- What is the size of the property?
- What is the availability of electrical outlets within the premises?
- What are security risks?
- What specific functionality do you need? For example, CCTV for low-light conditions, nighttime surveillance, or outdoor environments.
In this article, we are going to look at different types of CCTV cameras, how they can benefit business and property owners, and how to choose one that best suits your business.
Benefits of commercial CCTV cameras
One of the most obvious benefits of CCTV cameras is the security it provides. However, businesses can reap many more rewards from having CCTV cameras installed on the premises, including:
Enhanced security
As mentioned earlier, CCTV cameras provide businesses with a vital layer of security, acting as a deterrent to theft, vandalism, and other crimes. As an example, in car parks, crime decreased by 37% overall in treatment areas compared to control areas (based on eight studies) thanks to CCTV cameras.
The constant presence of CCTV cameras makes potential offenders think twice and, as a result, reduces incidents. With 24/7 monitoring, businesses can ensure their premises are protected, even during non-working hours.
Employee safety
CCTV cameras help enhance workplace safety as their presence can discourage harassment, bullying, or violence. Employees feel reassured knowing their environment is monitored, which further creates a safer atmosphere. In fact, 40% of adults in Great Britain feel more comfortable with the presence of visible CCTV cameras, according to YouGov. Additionally, CCTV footage can provide critical evidence during emergencies, helping to identify causes and inform safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Prevent fraud and theft
Internal and external theft is a significant concern for most, if not all, businesses. CCTV cameras discourage dishonest behaviour among staff and customers alike. They also provide evidence for investigations and ensure offenders are held accountable.
Retailers especially benefit from this, as shoplifters are less likely to target stores with visible surveillance systems. For instance, the UK’s leading wellness retailer Holland & Barrett is investing millions in adding new anti-theft measures to its stores, as it battles surging levels of retail crime*.
Evidence collection
CCTV footage is invaluable for documenting incidents such as theft, disputes, or accidents. In legal or insurance claims, recorded evidence can resolve disagreements swiftly and accurately. This not only saves businesses time and money but also ensures a clear and unbiased account of events is readily available when needed.
Remote monitoring
Modern CCTV systems enable owners to monitor their premises remotely via smartphones or computers. This is particularly useful for businesses with multiple locations or remote operations. Real-time alerts notify users of unusual activity, providing reassurance and allowing immediate action to protect assets and ensure smooth operations.
Cost-effective security
Investing in CCTV systems is more economical than hiring additional security personnel. Cameras provide round-the-clock surveillance without incurring ongoing costs like wages. Many insurers offer discounts on premiums for businesses with CCTV as they recognise the reduced risk. This makes CCTV a cost-effective security solution for businesses of all sizes.
Better customer experience
CCTV footage allows businesses to analyse customer behaviour, offering insights to improve store layouts or optimise service. For example, a clothing retailer like Zara uses CCTV to analyse customer movement within stores. As areas with high foot traffic are identified, stores can rearrange shelves or displays to make popular items more accessible and less crowded.
Besides, cameras provide evidence in customer disputes, ensuring swift resolutions that maintain trust and reinforce positive customer experiences.
Compliance and accountability
Last but not least, CCTV cameras can help enforce workplace practices and policies as well as ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. Employees are more likely to follow procedures when monitored. Recorded footage also supports audits and inspections by providing clear, time-stamped records of activities. This demonstrates adherence to legal and operational standards while promoting accountability among employees, management, and third parties.
14 types of commercial CCTV cameras
Commercial CCTV cameras come in various shapes and sizes, but they all share a common purpose: capturing visual footage for surveillance. Whether it’s a dome, bullet, PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom), or thermal camera, to name a few, each is designed to monitor environments and provide visual records for security, monitoring, or operational efficiency.
Different types of CCTV cameras serve different purposes, offering unique functionalities tailored to specific needs. Cutting-edge technology now enables features like facial recognition, license plate reading, and even heat mapping to track foot traffic patterns.
Knowing what type(s) of CCTV camera your business actually needs is incredibly important. You probably don’t need a PTZ camera for a small retail store with a simple layout where a basic dome or bullet camera would work perfectly.
Here are the most common CCTV camera types used in businesses across the UK.
1. PTZ Cameras
PTZ cameras are robotic cameras that can rotate horizontally or pan, tilt vertically, and zoom in or out, offering a wide range of viewing angles. PTZ systems can be controlled remotely, allowing you to monitor security threats and upload CCTV footage to your cloud system from virtually anywhere.
While PTZ CCTV cameras provide impressive versatility, they come with some challenges. Their complexity makes installation and operation difficult without professional help and, as a result, potentially increases upfront costs. Due to their moving mechanical parts, PTZ cameras are more prone to breakdowns and generally have shorter lifespans compared to other CCTV options.
2. Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras are named after their bullet-like shape and are considered one of the most durable CCTV systems available. They can operate in all weather conditions and remain functional even after severe impacts. Additionally, they are among the most affordable CCTV options, making them a popular choice for businesses across the UK.
However, it’s important to note their limitations. Bullet cameras typically have fixed lenses and a tunnel-like design, which can result in narrower viewing angles. They are designed to provide only basic features, meaning advanced functionalities like zoom or traffic heat mapping are not supported.
3. Dome CCTV Cameras
Dome CCTV cameras are a type of security camera with a round or cylinder-shaped cover. This design makes dome cameras highly resistant to harsh outdoor conditions and protects them from vandalism or damage. In the event of damage, you only need to repair or replace the dome rather than the entire CCTV system. Dome cameras are also easy to upgrade and can integrate seamlessly with other technologies, such as infrared illumination and motion detection sensors.
The downside is that dome cameras usually have a fixed lens, so they can only look in one direction. This can leave blind spots and limit the area they can monitor in your security system.
4. IP CCTV Cameras
Internet protocol camera, or IP camera, in short, is a digital video camera that receives control data and transmits image data, including audio and video footage. Unlike analogue closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, IP cameras do not require local recording devices—only a connection to a local network. IP CCTV cameras are ideal for remote viewing and can integrate with advanced technologies such as facial recognition, heat map analytics, and motion detection.
Installing IP cameras involves setting up the physical hardware and configuring the network, tasks that often require professional assistance from CCTV service providers like RACAM. Since IP cameras are network-based, they are vulnerable to cyber-attacks, making it essential to implement robust cybersecurity measures to shield them.
5. Infrared Cameras
Infrared cameras are known to work best in low-light or no-light conditions by using infrared light to illuminate the area. Unlike conventional night vision, which requires some ambient light to operate, infrared cameras generate their own light source, making them effective even in complete darkness. This adaptability makes them one of the most reliable options for night vision CCTV, capable of performing well in various lighting conditions.
However, infrared cameras are a significant investment and can be affected by intense light sources. For example, an intruder shining a bright torch at the camera may impair its functionality. Harsh weather conditions can reduce the range and effectiveness of infrared illumination, too.
6. Night Vision Cameras
Night vision cameras are very similar and often mistaken for infrared cameras. However, night vision cameras are specifically designed to capture footage in low-light or no-light conditions by using image intensification technology, which enhances existing light (such as streetlights or moonlight) or by relying on their own integrated light sources, such as LED features. This makes night vision cameras versatile in varying lighting conditions and more affordable compared to infrared cameras.
That said, night vision cameras have limitations. They are not effective in complete darkness without an available light source. Their performance can be significantly affected by harsh weather conditions and the limited range of their LED lights, making them less suitable for outdoor installations.
7. C-Mount Surveillance Cameras
C-mount cameras use interchangeable, standardised C-mount lenses, allowing you to swap them as needed. This design provides flexibility and control over footage quality as you can upgrade or customise the lens over time. Plus, C-mount cameras are known for their durability, making them one of the most robust systems available on the market.
However, while their strength lies in the flexibility of interchangeable lenses, this feature also comes with a learning curve. Choosing the right lens and installing it correctly requires a thorough understanding of camera optics and mounting techniques. As such, the often complex installation process is best handled by certified CCTV installers, such as RACAM.
8. WDR CCTV Cameras
Wide dynamic range (WDR) cameras are commercial CCTV systems designed to handle challenging lighting conditions, such as scenes with varying light intensities. WDR cameras are ideal in environments prone to overexposure or stark lighting contrasts, like commercial spaces requiring nighttime security patrols or areas with large windows that let in varying daylight.
Advanced WDR technology can balance light effectively, which is a key challenge for standard CCTV systems. However, this comes at a cost. WDR cameras are generally more expensive due to their enhanced sensors and processing capabilities. They also consume significantly more energy than traditional CCTV systems, especially when scaled up for a full commercial installation. This increased energy usage can lead to noticeable changes in operational costs, particularly for larger deployments.
9. Thermal CCTV Cameras
Thermal cameras are a type of infrared camera designed to detect and measure heat radiation emitted by objects. Because they monitor thermal signatures rather than visible light, they remain effective in various weather conditions. Beyond crime monitoring and prevention, thermal cameras can detect fire hazards in their early stages and can be integrated into larger fire alarm systems as early warning devices.
While lighting and visual conditions do not affect thermal cameras, certain factors can impact their performance. For example, extreme heat can blur or blend thermal images, and temperature-shielding materials, such as insulated clothing or certain objects, can obscure intruders. Additionally, thermal cameras are highly specialised infrared systems, making them significantly more expensive to purchase and repair compared to standard cameras.
10. Wireless Cameras
Wireless CCTV cameras, as the name suggests, do not rely on physical cabling. Instead, they use Wi-Fi or other wireless protocols, which make installation much simpler. This flexibility allows for easier placement, scalable setups, and comprehensive security coverage.
However, the lack of cabling means that they run on battery power, adding maintenance costs and labour to keep them operational. Their dependence on network connectivity means poor signal strength can degrade footage quality by up to 80%, and they are also vulnerable to cyberattacks, which can compromise your system and recorded footage.
11. High Definition (HD) Cameras
High-definition (HD) cameras deliver significantly improved image quality compared to standard-definition (SD) cameras. This allows businesses to achieve better situational awareness and conduct more effective incident investigations when necessary. Additionally, if footage needs to be analysed or presented in legal proceedings, HD cameras eliminate the need for costly image upscaling, which is often required with standard CCTV systems.
One thing to note is that you will definitely need to increase your digital storage. This is because higher-quality footage takes up significantly more space. Also, HD cameras tend to be more expensive to purchase and repair due to the advanced imaging sensor technology needed to produce high-resolution footage.
12. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are designed to capture vehicle number plates using imaging technology that employs pattern recognition to automatically identify characters. They are commonly used to combat road crime and are well-suited for integration with access control systems. ANPR technology is often deployed in car parks to calculate parking fees and grant entry to designated areas by matching number plates with access control networks, which in turn activate automatic barriers.
While ANPR cameras are highly effective, they require specialised software to function, leading to higher installation costs compared to standard outdoor CCTV systems. It’s also worth noting that factors like poor lighting, dirty plates, or unusual fonts can also impact their performance.
13. Fisheye Cameras
Fisheye cameras use a wide-angle lens to capture panoramic views, enabling a single camera to monitor large areas and thereby reducing the total number of cameras required in an installation. Depending on placement, a fisheye camera can provide either a 180-degree view (wall-mounted) or a full 360-degree view (ceiling-mounted). In comparison, standard CCTV cameras typically have a viewing angle of 60-80 degrees.
However, fisheye cameras inherently produce a distorted, stretched image, particularly near the edges, where the warping becomes more pronounced. While this distortion allows for broad coverage, it can complicate monitoring and analysis. In situations requiring detailed examination, such as incident investigations, the poorer image quality may necessitate the use of software for image de-warping or upscaling, potentially increasing costs.
14. Turret Cameras
Turret cameras, also known as eyeball cameras, are enclosed in a compact, dome-shaped housing but are different from dome cameras in their mounting mechanism and adjustability. Turret cameras feature a 3-axis ball and socket mount, allowing them to swivel freely for precise positioning, much like the movement of an eye. Many turret cameras are equipped with motorised lenses, enabling them to effectively monitor both close and long-range areas. With most models being IP66-rated, turret cameras are highly durable and well-suited for outdoor use.
Turret cameras, however, can have limitations in coverage due to their fixed mounting position, potentially creating blind spots similar to those of dome cameras. While motorised lenses offer flexibility and superior focus compared to fixed-lens options, they are often considered an upgrade by providers, which may result in higher installation costs.
What to consider before installing CCTV cameras at your commercial properties
According to GOV.UK, “if your business uses CCTV, you must register your details with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and pay a data protection fee, unless you are exempt.”
GOV.UK also advises on CCTV installation at commercial properties as follows:
You can use CCTV to protect your property but you must follow data protection law. You must:
- put up a sign to let people know CCTV is being used and why
- in most circumstances, be able to provide images within 1 calendar month to anyone you’ve recorded
- share images with the authorities, such as the police, if they ask for them
- keep images only as long as your business needs them
- pay a data protection fee
You usually can’t charge a fee for providing images.
There are also legislation and codes of practice that have been developed to try and strike the correct balance between the rights of the individual and those of CCTV system operators, including Data Protection Act, Human Rights Act, Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) Code of Practice, Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), to name a few.
If you decide to install CCTV at your commercial property, it’s your responsibility to comply with the law and ensure your system meets all legal requirements.
Commercial CCTV Installation for Your Business
You can’t just pick up a commercial CCTV system and pop it up on a whim. As you can see, there’s a lot to think about, plan, and get right before the installation even begins. That’s why it makes sense to bring in a professional commercial CCTV installation provider like us at RACAM.
With over 20 years of experience, our CCTV experts and engineers ensure everything is done properly—tailored to your needs, properly installed, and built to last. Skip the guesswork and go with RACAM for a system you can rely on. Get in touch now.