There are many options for security cameras. They come in different sizes and functions that can be used in different settings and situations. There are several categories for surveillance cameras, including Movement and Size & Form. Functions and Housing.

Security cameras can be placed in multiple categories and include different features.

Movement

Fixed security camera typically stay in the same position for the life of their deployment. Fixed cameras can only be moved by repositioning or mounting the device.

The type of lens used on different types of security cameras can be called “fixed”. An fixed lens does not allow you to adjust the focal length, view angle, zoom level, or angle of view. Nearly all fixed-lens cameras include a wide angle lens. Varifocal security camera lenses are the opposite of fixed.

  • Applications – A fixed area of focus that allows continuous recording of one area.
  • Advantages – This camera is easy to mount and point at a target area. There are no lenses or motors required.
  • The disadvantages: These security cameras cannot be moved manually so footage outside the frame will not be possible to be captured. Zooming digitally is the only way to magnify video footage. This can lead to pixilation at lower megapixel ratings.

The focal length of a manual varifocal lenses can be adjusted. You can adjust the focal length to manually control the horizontal field view of your security camera. This allows you to see more detail in any area you are monitoring. Motorization is possible for these varifocal lenses. We’ll discuss this next.

  • Applications – This allows you to manually focus on a specific area from a distance if more detail is needed. If the security camera is located far away, you can capture license plates or other details at an entry.
  • Advantages: These lenses can be manually adjusted to adjust the level of detail you want in your video recording. This is limited only by the lens and megapixel rating of the camera.
  • There are some disadvantages to a manual varifocal lenses. You will need to take it off to adjust the focal length manually.

Sometimes referred to as zoom lenses, a motorized varifocal Lens is also known as a variable lens . Motorized lenses can be adjusted from your smartphone or computer via a user interface in your video management software. An optical zoom ratio is the most common way to describe zoom lens adjustments. An example of optical zoom is 30x. This refers to the difference in focal length between the largest and smallest lenses, or 4.3 mm to 129.5 mm.

  • Applications – A motorized lens can be adjusted manually or automatically based upon motion at any moment. This allows you to focus in real-time on the finer details of people or objects via a mobile or computer application.
  • Advantages: Zoom lenses have a wider range of adjustment than varifocal ones. A zoom lens, or motorized varifocal lenses, is the next best option to a PTZ camera, but it is usually less expensive.
  • Advantages – Zoom lenses are more expensive than manual varifocal lenses, but they will still have a restricted field of view because the security camera doesn’t move.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom or Pan-Tilt-Zoom security cameras can adjust the field-of-view manually using a remote operator, or by using software applications to track people or movements. These cameras can track and pan-specific subjects in real-time.

  • Applications – PTZ cameras are able to cover large areas, but they are often used in conjunction with fixed security cameras. Pan-Tilt-Zoom cameras are the most common street cameras found in large public areas.
  • Advantages – A PTZ camera can cover 360 degrees of any area. There are many other benefits. The software allows the motorized devices to track and respond to intruders. You can set them up to perform manual patterns or tours. This allows you to reduce the number of cameras within a particular area.
  • There are disadvantages. PTZs have a limited coverage and can only record and see where they’re pointed at any given moment. If you require continuous 360-degree coverage, a PTZ should be paired with a fixed security cam. These systems also have more motors, software programming and configuration, so it’s possible for things to go wrong.