Key Features of Varifocal Cameras

Adjustable Zoom and Focus

• Zoom range is usually something like 2.8mm–12mm or wider.
• Zoom in for close-up detail (like a face or license plate).
• Zoom out for a wider field of view (like a parking lot or backyard).

Better Scene Customization

• Ideal for areas where the camera’s position may change or where you want to fine-tune your coverage later.
• Great for entrances, gates, loading docks, or long driveways.

Infrared Night Vision

• Most varifocal cameras include IR LEDs for clear images in low light or total darkness.

HD or 4K Resolution

• Often come in high-definition (1080p, 4MP, 5MP, or even 4K) to ensure you don’t lose clarity when zooming.

Weatherproof & Vandal-Resistant Options

• Available in dome or bullet housings for indoor or outdoor use.
• Many models are IP66/IP67 rated for harsh weather and built with metal casings to prevent tampering.

Wired (PoE) or Hybrid

• Typically used in professional-grade systems, often powered via Ethernet (PoE) for both video and power.

What Are Varifocal Cameras Used For?

• Commercial entrances – zoom in on visitors or license plates.
• Warehouses & loading docks – adjust view as your layout changes.
• Driveways or alleyways – monitor a narrow, long path.
• Retail stores – focus in on a register or merchandise.
• Ranches & acreage – get detailed views of gates or barn entrances.

Why Choose a Varifocal Camera?

If you need flexibility, precision, and long-term control over your surveillance view, varifocal cameras are a smart choice. They’re more versatile than fixed cameras and give you the power to adapt your system as your security needs evolve

Key Features of Dome Cameras

Discreet Appearance

• Low-profile, blends in easily with surroundings
• Harder for intruders to tell which direction it’s facing

Wide-Angle Coverage

• Often mounted on ceilings for 360° or wide-area viewing
• Great for monitoring open areas like lobbies, hallways, and retail floors

Vandal-Resistant Housing

• Durable dome casing protects against tampering or damage
• Often rated IK10 for impact resistance

Weatherproof Options

• Many outdoor dome cameras are IP66/IP67 rated, making them suitable for rain, dust, and extreme temperatures

Infrared Night Vision

• Built-in IR LEDs for clear footage in low-light or total darkness

Fixed or Varifocal Lenses

• Some models offer varifocal lenses (zoom in/out manually or remotely)
• Others are fixed for budget-friendly, consistent coverage

Smart Features

• Motion detection, mobile alerts, remote viewing, and cloud storage
• Can integrate with alarm systems and smart home platforms

Where Dome Cameras Work Best

• Retail Stores & Lobbies – Monitor wide spaces without being intrusive
• Office Buildings – Discreet overhead coverage in hallways and conference rooms
• Entrances & Exits – Watch doors while protecting the camera from tampering
• Parking Garages – Use vandal-proof, weather-resistant models for reliable surveillance
• Residential Ceilings – Indoor security with a clean look

Why Choose a Dome Camera?

Dome cameras offer a balance of coverage, durability, and discretion. They’re perfect for areas that need dependable monitoring without bulky equipment or obvious surveillance presence.

Key Features of Turret Cameras

Flexible Viewing Angles

• Ball-style lens can be easily adjusted during installation
• Offers wide-angle or focused views depending on the lens

No IR Glare (Better Night Vision)

• Unlike dome cameras, turret models don’t suffer from infrared reflection
• Superior night vision clarity, even in total darkness

Low Maintenance

• No dome to get foggy, dirty, or scratched
• Easier to clean and maintain over time

Easy to Install

• Simple mounting design for ceilings or walls
• Compact and discreet, but with visible deterrence

Weather- and Vandal-Resistant

• Most models are IP66/IP67 rated for outdoor use
• Available with metal casings for impact resistance

High Resolution + Smart Features

• Typically available in 4MP, 5MP, or 4K
• Supports motion detection, mobile alerts, and remote viewing
• Often includes PoE (Power over Ethernet) for simplified setup

Where Turret Cameras Work Best

• Home Entrances & Driveways – Clear night vision and easy aiming at doorways or garages
• Commercial Storefronts – Discreet look with strong surveillance presence
• Warehouses & Industrial Areas – Reliable, glare-free monitoring in low light
• Parking Lots – Weatherproof, with flexible viewing angles for open areas
• Indoor Hallways or Offices – Sleek ceiling-mounted option with high-definition views

Why Choose a Turret Camera?

Turret cameras strike the perfect balance between performance and practicality. They offer better night vision than domes and are easier to install and maintain—making them a favorite for both home and business security.

Key Features of Bullet Cameras

Long-Range Viewing

• Typically equipped with larger lenses for monitoring long distances
• Great for covering driveways, fences, parking lots, and entrances

Powerful Night Vision

• Built-in infrared (IR) LEDs allow clear video in total darkness
• Ideal for 24/7 surveillance in outdoor environments

Visible Deterrence

• Highly visible shape deters would-be intruders
• Looks “obvious,” which can help prevent crime before it happens

Weatherproof Design

• Rugged construction with IP66 or IP67 ratings for rain, dust, and harsh environments
• Commonly installed on buildings, light poles, or overhangs

Optional Vandal-Resistance

• Some models include protective housing to prevent tampering or damage

High Resolution & Smart Features

• Often come in 1080p, 4MP, 5MP, or 4K
• Support for motion detection, mobile alerts, AI analytics, and remote access
• Available in PoE or wireless versions

Where Bullet Cameras Work Best

• Perimeter Security – Long-range visibility for fences and boundaries
• Driveways & Entrances – Monitor who’s coming and going
• Parking Lots & Garages – Track vehicles and nighttime activity
• Commercial Exteriors – Keep an eye on loading docks, storefronts, or warehouse doors
• Rural Properties & Ranches – Great for watching long stretches of land

Why Choose a Bullet Camera?

Bullet cameras are ideal when you need long-distance, focused monitoring in a visible, deterrent-friendly form. Their powerful optics and night vision make them a go-to for outdoor use and high-risk areas.

Key Features of PTZ Cameras

Pan-Tilt-Zoom Movement

• Pan: Rotate horizontally—often up to 360°
• Tilt: Move vertically to cover multi-level spaces
• Zoom: Optical zoom (up to 30x or more) for detailed close-ups without losing clarity

Auto-Tracking & Presets

• Automatically follows people or vehicles as they move
• Set up preset tours so the camera scans multiple zones on a loop

Remote Control Access

• Control movement and zoom in real time from a mobile app or security station
• Ideal for live monitoring by security personnel

High-Quality Night Vision

• Equipped with infrared (IR) LEDs or laser IR for extended-range night vision
• Some models have color night vision for added clarity

Rugged & Weatherproof

• Outdoor models are built to withstand wind, rain, and heat (IP66/67)
• Often mounted on poles, walls, or ceilings for wide visibility

Smart Integrations

• Supports motion detection, AI analytics (e.g., facial or vehicle recognition)
• Integrates with alarm systems or video management software (VMS)

Where PTZ Cameras Work Best

• Large commercial or industrial properties – One PTZ can cover what would take several fixed cameras
• Parking lots and garages – Track vehicles entering, exiting, or circling
• Ranches or acreage – Zoom in on distant gates, barns, or equipment
• Retail and stadium security – Follow suspicious behavior or crowds in real time
• City surveillance and intersections – Monitor wide, public areas dynamically

Why Choose a PTZ Camera?

PTZ cameras are ideal when you need active, flexible, and far-reaching surveillance. Whether you’re managing a large facility, monitoring traffic, or protecting a wide outdoor area, PTZ cameras offer unmatched control and visibility.

Key Features of Panoramic Cameras

360-Degree Coverage

• Captures an entire scene in a single frame—ideal for monitoring large areas without gaps in coverage.
• Perfect for high-traffic locations like entrances, lobbies, and parking lots.

Seamless Video Stitching

• Often equipped with multiple lenses or advanced software to stitch video feeds together for a unified, continuous image.
• Provides an ultra-wide field of view (often up to 180°, 270°, or even a full 360°) without distortion.

High Resolution

• Commonly available in 4MP, 5MP, or 4K for clear, detailed images even in expansive spaces.
• Great for capturing high-definition video across large areas.

Vandal-Resistant and Weatherproof

• Many models are built with IP66 or IP67 ratings to withstand outdoor conditions, rain, dust, and tampering.
• Tough, tamper-resistant designs prevent unauthorized manipulation.

Enhanced Night Vision

• Equipped with infrared (IR) LEDs for clear visibility in low light or darkness, without losing the wide-angle benefits.
• Ideal for 24/7 monitoring.

Smart Features

• Often come with motion detection and real-time alerts.
• Some models integrate with AI analytics, such as people counting, intruder detection, or vehicle monitoring.

Easy Installation and Maintenance

• These cameras typically require only one central installation point to cover wide areas, simplifying setup and maintenance.
• May include features for remote pan/tilt control to adjust coverage after installation.

Where Panoramic Cameras Work Best

• Large Commercial Spaces – Perfect for monitoring expansive areas like shopping malls, airports, or large office floors.
• Parking Lots & Garages – Covers entire parking structures or lots in one view.
• Warehouses and Distribution Centers – Get comprehensive views of large storage areas with minimal camera placement.
• Public Areas – Ideal for places like stadiums, museums, or exhibition halls that need wide coverage.
• Retail Stores – Offers a complete view of the shop floor, entrances, and aisles to monitor customers and staff.

Why Choose a Panoramic Camera?

If you need to eliminate blind spots and monitor large, open areas with a single camera, panoramic cameras are the best choice. They provide complete surveillance coverage with high-definition resolution and flexible features, all while reducing the need for multiple camera installations.

Choosing the right security camera starts with understanding your property’s layout, surveillance goals, and environment. Whether you need the wide coverage of a panoramic camera, the flexibility of a PTZ, or the subtle look of a dome, there’s a solution that fits. By matching the camera type to your specific needs, you’ll get better protection, smarter monitoring, and greater peace of mind. If you’re still unsure, our team at Sentry Security is here to help guide you toward the perfect setup.

Have more questions? We have answers. Call us today.