A bullet security camera is a type of CCTV surveillance camera that is often used for CCTV monitoring areas such as parking lots, school, offices, and high crime areas.
Bullet security camera is a sleek cylindrical shape video monitoring device that resembles a loaded rifle and is placed on walls or ceilings. Bullet security cameras are almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
You can find them at Shopping malls, commercial buildings, construction sites, parking lots, and auto dealerships. They come in non-HD and ultra-HD options.
This blog is for you if you want to explore the significance of bullet security cameras in CCTV surveillance. We’ll discuss their features, advantages, and drawbacks.
It covers their widespread use in various settings. It emphasizes their outdoor durability and effectiveness in deterring criminal activities.
Finally, our guide will enable you to make an informed choice about the right bullet security camera for your business.
Global CCTV camera market
A report by Wall Street Journal confirms that individuals, vehicles, and properties are being watched by over a billion surveillance cameras globally. Among these, how many are bullet security cameras?
Well, an interesting survey reveals bullet cameras to be the preferred low-light security camera choice of the majority of commercial businesses such as retail, automotive dealerships, and parking lots within Canada.
These businesses prefer bullet security cameras for both their indoor and outdoor surveillance needs.
Top bullet security camera brands
Globally, businesses big or small rely on top brands such as Avigilon, Axis, Verkada, Pelco, and Lorex. These brands are the go-to choice because they have been integrated with maximum features for optimum protection, such as free cloud storage, IR LEDs, and video analytics.
The Verkada bullet camera simplifies setup with its plug-and-play design, making deployment effortless for users.
The Pelco bullet camera stands out for its robust build quality, making it a reliable choice for outdoor surveillance applications where durability is crucial.
How to choose the right bullet security camera for your business
When picking the right bullet security camera, start by thinking about what you want to keep an eye on. If it’s a big area, you might need a camera that can see far, like one with a bigger lens.
Then, consider how clear you want the pictures to be. A higher resolution, like 4K, makes things sharper, which is useful if you need to recognize faces or license plates.
The following image will help you understand how to choose the lens for the security camera:
Also, think about how much of the area you want the camera to capture at once. If it’s a really wide space, you’ll need a camera with a wide field of view.
And if you’re worried about seeing well in the dark, find a bullet security camera that can be used in low light or has infrared lights built in.
Remember, it’s all about what your business needs to keep things secure and under control.
*** When integrating AI solutions like object detection or loitering detection with your security camera feed, it’s advisable to avoid using built-in infrared lights.
These lights can cause glare, potentially hindering the AI’s functionality. Instead, utilizing adequate external lighting is a more effective approach.
Pros of bullet security cameras
Now you must be wondering what features have convinced businesses around the globe to choose bullet security cameras.
We have prepared a list of top reasons why you should choose a bullet security camera.
Outdoor durability:
Bullet CCTV cameras are often designed for outdoor use and are built to withstand various weather conditions. They are typically weatherproof and have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
An outdoor IP bullet camera indicates their resistance to dust and rain. They have a distinct shape that allows for more significant infrared (IR) illumination, making them effective in various lighting conditions.
You can easily place them in parking lots and automotive dealerships, giving you clear and detailed footage during low-light conditions or at night.
Long-range CCTV monitoring:
Bullet cameras often have a longer focal length and are equipped with a varifocal or fixed lens, allowing for long-range CCTV monitoring.
This makes them suitable for applications where the target area is at a distance, such as parking lots, entrances, or large outdoor spaces.
This camera is perfectly suited for installation at construction sites, both around the perimeter and inside buildings. With a range of 300 to 800 feet, it can efficiently capture license plate details or recognize faces in your parking area or site.
Night vision capabilities:
Many bullet security cameras come with built-in infrared (IR) illuminators, or LEDs, enabling them to capture sharp and clear images even in low-light or complete darkness.
This feature is particularly useful for nighttime surveillance of outdoor perimeters of residential properties, commercial facilities, outdoor storage yards, warehouses, and industrial sites.
In urban or suburban settings, dark alleys and walkways can pose security risks and require continuous CCTV camera monitoring, especially during off hours.
Deterrence:
Some bullet security cameras are designed with visible deterrent features, such as LED lights or a housing that resembles a larger camera. This can help deter potential intruders or criminals from targeting the monitored area.
It enables you to see nighttime motion events in colors and deters criminals effectively by scaring off unwanted trespassers with its light.
Flexibility and adjustability:
Bullet security cameras often offer a wide range of adjustability. You can rotate, tilt or adjust to cover specific areas for monitoring.
Some models also come with zoom lenses that allow you to make remote adjustments to the focal length.
This flexibility and adjustability allow you to monitor remote or challenging locations, such as construction sites, property perimeters, and boundary intrusion detection.
Easy installation and maintenance:
Bullet CCTV cameras are generally easy to install and set up. They often come with mounting brackets and accessories, simplifying the installation process.
They should be placed at a recommended height of 8-10 feet so that they cannot be tampered with. Placing them on the corners of the walls of commercial buildings is also viable for wider monitored area coverage.
Additionally, their protective casing makes them relatively easy to maintain and clean.
Zoom capabilities:
Bullet cameras offer enhanced zoom capabilities and low-light performance due to the ample space for lenses and potentially larger CCD (charge-coupled device) sensors.
Overall, the biggest advantage of bullet cameras is their cost-effectiveness and ease of optical zoom implementation.
The drawback of bullet camera
The design of the bullet security camera, when positioned too low, could present notable drawbacks, as follows:
| Feature | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Conspicuous appearance | Bullet cameras are easily noticeable, which may not be ideal for discreet surveillance in certain scenarios. |
| Potential for shifting if mounted too low | If mounted at a low height, bullet cameras may be shifted or repositioned by individuals, affecting the intended surveillance area. |
| Cobweb collection and cleaning | Outdoor bullet cameras can collect cobwebs and debris, requiring periodic cleaning for optimal performance. |
Types of bullet cameras
A bullet camera is a surveillance camera that has a long, cylindrical shape and is usually mounted on walls or ceilings.
As technology has progressed, bullet cameras have evolved into various shapes and types. We’ve outlined the different kinds of bullet security cameras and suggested suitable locations for placing them.
| Camera type | Description | Use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Mini bullet camera | Video bullet surveillance camera capabilities at shorter distances and wider viewing angles. | Entrances, smaller outdoor areas. |
| PTZ bullet camera | Allows remote adjustment of zoom and direction for monitoring large areas. | Ideal for covering wide areas like parking lots and building exteriors. |
| Outdoor bullet camera | Its presence is prominent, but exposed mounting arms make them prone to tampering. | Suitable for nighttime bullet surveillance and extended night vision. |
Conclusion
This blog is your go-to guide for understanding and choosing bullet cameras for your business. Whether you need to secure entrances, monitor large outdoor spaces, or enhance nighttime remote CCTV surveillance, your decision should align with your office or business’s security requirements.
It’s not just about having a camera with long-range and infrared capabilities—proactive monitoring is key to deterring criminals before they cause financial damage.
Connecting your bullet camera system to a top-notch remote video monitoring center adds another layer of security.
The true power of a bullet camera unfolds when seamlessly integrated into such a system, offering proactive CCTV surveillance against potential financial losses.
A top-tier remote live video monitoring hub, with vigilant operators responding to alarms and following predetermined SOPs, can effectively deter criminals until authorities arrive.
If you want to explore remote video monitoring further, contact us for expert guidance and tailored solutions to enhance your remote video surveillance strategy.
