Dome vs Bullet Camera, Turret vs Fisheye Camera: How to Choose?
Updated at Jun 14th 20241 min read
For many industries, businesses, and even our living communities, video surveillance is set up to protect 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 a 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 used 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 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 a 360° panoramic view to cover an extremely 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 extremely 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
Dimensions | Dome Camera | Bullet Camera | Turret Camera | Fisheye Camera |
Appearance | Dome shape Small size | Bullet shell shape Highly visible and can easily be damaged | Sliced sphere shape Small size | Flat round shape Small size |
Visual range | Small lens and range | Bigger lens with a wider range | Small lens and range | Ultra-wide range |
Night vision | Night vision Built-in infrared LED | Night vision High zoom capabilities Extended IR | Night vision Built-in infrared LED | Night vision Built-in infrared LED |
Indoor use | More discreet and less distracting | More visible and easier to vandalize | More discreet and less distracting | More discreet and less distracting |
Outdoor use | High concealment Condensation and IR Bounce back | Wider range Visible deterrent Prone to wildlife nesting | Clear image No IR Bounce Easy to be damaged | Clear panoramic image Vandal resistant |
Installation | Professional installation | Easy installation | Easy installation and adjustment | Easy installation and adjustment |
Bullet vs Dome Camera, Turret vs Fisheye Camera: How to Choose?
The above three types of cameras 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: Ideal for vulnerable external systems and places such as schools, offices, homes, small stores, and shopping malls. These cameras are vandal-resistant due to their destruction-proof glass dome and can be discreetly mounted on walls or under eaves.
Bullet Camera: Best for large, dark areas like warehouses, factories, and parking lots. it is equipped with full-color night vision by adopting different sensors (such as FS super HD 5MP bullet camera 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 Camera: Popular for indoor use. Similar to dome cameras in provide high-quality video, but without the glare effects due to the absence of a glass housing. In addition, it is easier to adjust the angle.
Fisheye Camera: Suitable for areas requiring 360° panoramic views, such as parking lots and manufacturing sites. They reduce the need for multiple cameras, minimizing infrastructure, wiring, power requirements, and costs. Easy to set up and mount in various ways.
Being familiar with the difference between Dome vs Bullet camera and turret vs Fisheye Camera is very crucial. Another important thing is to find the ideal video surveillance solution for your home or business, which involves a couple of different types of IP cameras for different areas. Take the FS home video surveillance solution as an example. Below is an application model with different types of IP cameras deployed.
For around the house, dome cameras like the IPC425-4M-P are ideal due to their discreet design and durability. At the entrance and exit, bullet cameras such as the IPC305-5M-B work well, handling challenging lighting and offering smart motion detection for people and vehicles. For indoor surveillance, turret cameras like the IPC301-8M-T are recommended, featuring 8-megapixel resolution for clear, detailed images, powerful IR night vision up to 131 feet, and advanced motion detection.
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. You can learn more on the FS.com.