What Kind of Camera
Do You Actually Need?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer. The right camera depends on where it's going, what you need to see, and how your property is laid out. Here's a plain-language breakdown of your options.
When you call us, we'll walk your property and recommend what actually makes sense for your layout — not the most expensive option, and not a generic package. This page is here so you know what to expect and can come to that conversation informed.
Dome Camera
Dome cameras mount flush to a ceiling or soffit and cover a wide area without pointing in a way that's obvious. Because you can't easily tell which direction a dome is facing, they're harder to avoid or vandalize. They blend in well in retail spaces, offices, and indoor common areas.
Why choose this:
- — Hard to tell where it's aiming
- — Vandal-resistant options available
- — Wide viewing angle
Bullet Camera
The classic cylindrical camera you've probably seen on the corner of a building. Bullet cameras are great for driveways, parking areas, and entry points — anywhere you need to see a specific direction at distance. They're visible on purpose, which helps deter activity before it starts.
Why choose this:
- — Highly visible — great deterrent
- — Long-distance viewing
- — Weather-resistant design
Turret Camera
Turret cameras (also called eyeball cameras) sit on a ball-and-socket mount, so the angle can be adjusted after install without tools. They're compact, sharp, and work well both indoors and outdoors. Because the lens and IR are separate, there's no glare off a glass dome at night — you get cleaner night vision.
Why choose this:
- — No glare from glass domes
- — Excellent night vision
- — Flexible aim and placement
PTZ Camera
PTZ stands for Pan, Tilt, Zoom. These cameras can rotate left/right, tilt up/down, and zoom in — either from an app or automatically when motion is detected. They cover the area of multiple fixed cameras and are a great fit for large open spaces like parking lots and warehouses.
Why choose this:
- — Can pan, tilt, and zoom remotely
- — Covers the area of multiple fixed cameras
- — Great for parking lots and warehouses
360° / Fisheye Camera
Fisheye cameras use an ultra-wide lens to capture a full 360° view from a single mount point. Great for open indoor spaces where you want complete visibility without mounting multiple cameras. The software dewraps the image so it looks normal on playback — one camera, whole room.
Why choose this:
- — One camera covers a full 360°
- — Fewer cameras needed in open spaces
- — Great for lobbies, showrooms, open floors
Floodlight Camera
Floodlight cameras combine a camera with a built-in LED light. When motion is detected, the light floods the area — producing bright, full-color footage and acting as an active deterrent at the same time. Great for dark exterior spots where you want both visibility and an immediate response to movement.
Why choose this:
- — Motion-activated lighting
- — Bright lights deter intruders
- — Clear full-color nighttime video
Night Vision: What to Know
Most cameras we install have built-in infrared (IR) night vision — they can see clearly in complete darkness without any extra lighting. You won't see color (IR footage is black-and-white), but you'll see faces, vehicles, and movement clearly.
Some newer cameras offer color night vision using a low-light sensor instead of IR. These need some ambient light (a porch light, a street lamp) but produce full-color footage even at night. Great for entry points where a little light is already present.
We'll match the right night vision type to each camera location based on how much light is naturally there.
Night Vision Quick Reference
Infrared (IR) Night Vision
Works in total darkness. Black-and-white footage. The most common and reliable option for outdoor cameras.
Color Night Vision
Needs some ambient light. Full-color footage after dark. Best for lit entryways and well-lit exterior spots.
Floodlight / Spotlight Cameras
Built-in LED lights up the scene when motion is detected. Color footage and an active deterrent in one.
Wired or Wireless — Which Is Right for You?
Wired Systems (What We Recommend)
Hardwired cameras run a cable from each camera back to a central recorder. There's no WiFi dependency — they record 24/7 no matter what. The install takes more work, but the system is more reliable and more secure. Once it's in, you don't have to think about it.
- ✓ Records 24/7 — not just on motion
- ✓ No WiFi dependency
- ✓ More reliable over time
- ✓ Footage stays on your property
Wireless / WiFi Cameras
Wireless cameras connect over your home WiFi and are easier to place in spots that are hard to run wire to. The tradeoff: they depend on your WiFi staying up, usually only record on motion, and may need a subscription service. They work well in the right situations — we'll let you know if that's the case.
- ✓ Easier to place in tricky spots
- ✓ Lower upfront cost in some cases
- — Dependent on WiFi
- — Often motion-triggered only
Real Cameras, Real Footage
A quick walkthrough of the camera types we install so you know exactly what you're looking at before we ever show up.
Not Sure What You Need?
That's what the walkthrough is for. We'll look at your property, talk through your concerns, and tell you exactly what makes sense — no pressure, no upsell.