One of the most common questions we get from first-time buyers is: "Which type of camera should I get?" The answer depends on where you're placing it, what you want to cover, and your budget. This guide breaks down the three most common types clearly.
The Three Main Types
🔵 Dome Camera
A round, compact camera that mounts flush on ceilings. The lens direction is discreet — hard to tell exactly where it's pointing. Most common for indoor use.
⚫ Bullet Camera
A cylindrical, forward-facing camera that mounts on walls or poles. Its visible design acts as a strong visual deterrent. Best for outdoor monitoring of a specific direction.
🟣 PTZ Speed Dome
A motorised camera that can Pan (left-right), Tilt (up-down) and Zoom optically. One camera covers an area that would need 4–6 fixed cameras. Premium cost but exceptional coverage.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Dome | Bullet | PTZ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best location | Indoor / ceiling | Outdoor / wall | Large open areas |
| Field of view | Wide (90–120°) | Narrow, long-range | Full 360° |
| IR range | 15–30m | 20–60m | Up to 100m |
| Optical zoom | Fixed | Fixed or varifocal | 25× optical |
| Deterrent value | Medium | High (visible) | Very high |
| Typical cost | ₹1,299–₹3,000 | ₹1,500–₹5,000 | ₹15,000–₹40,000 |
| Auto-tracking | No | No | Yes (AI) |
What Does a Typical 4-Camera Home System Look Like?
For a standard 3BHK home or shop in Jaipur, our typical recommendation is:
- 1 Bullet camera — main gate/entrance (long range, visible deterrent)
- 1 Bullet camera — back door or side passage
- 1 Dome camera — living room or reception (wide indoor coverage)
- 1 Bullet or Dome — parking area or internal compound
This combination covers the most vulnerable entry points while keeping costs reasonable. A complete 4-camera system with DVR and installation typically starts at ₹7,999.
IP Camera vs Analogue HD — Which is Better?
Both bullet and dome cameras come in two variants: traditional analogue HD (connected via coax cable to a DVR) and modern IP cameras (connected via CAT6 cable to an NVR). IP cameras offer higher resolution, better compression (H.265+) and easier expansion — but cost a little more. For new installations, we generally recommend IP systems for future-proofing.
Not Sure Which Cameras You Need?
Book a site survey. Our expert will visit your property, identify blind spots and recommend the exact camera types and positions — with no obligation.
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