Security isn’t just about stopping the bad stuff. It’s about feeling steady. Protected. A step ahead. And when it comes to keeping an eye on things—be it your business, your home, or that one dodgy-looking corner of the car park—CCTV still does the heavy lifting.
But not all security cameras are the same. Some are built to blend in. Others stare right back, bold as brass. Some swivel like hawks, some stay fixed like sentries. Choosing the right one can feel like trying to pick the best pair of shoes without knowing where you’re walking.
That’s where we come in.
Here’s a breakdown of the main types of CCTV cameras, minus the buzzwords and brochure-speak. Just the good stuff.
Dome Cameras
Quiet confidence
You’ve definitely seen these. Ceiling-mounted, usually with a smoked cover. They’re popular in shops, hotels, office foyers—the kind of places where visibility matters, but fuss doesn’t.
The beauty? You can’t quite tell which way they’re looking. That ambiguity alone makes them powerful. And they’re tougher than they look. Vandal-resistant models exist for environments where the cameras themselves might take a hit.
Good for: Reception areas, indoor monitoring, anywhere with foot traffic
Best trait: Subtle presence with a wide field of view
Bullet Cameras
Straight-talking and no-nonsense
Bullet cameras aren’t shy. They’re long, cylindrical, and usually pointed at something important—an entrance, a back alley, a fence line. If dome cameras whisper, bullet cameras shout, “I’m watching.”
They’re ideal for targeting specific zones and are often weatherproof, making them a solid choice for outdoor use.
Good for: External walls, narrow passages, gated driveways
Best trait: Long-range clarity and visible deterrence
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras
Your own set of remote-controlled eyes
PTZs are built for movement. They pan, tilt, and zoom—either manually, via a control room, or automatically along a programmed route. Watching a live feed from one of these can feel like playing a video game.
One PTZ can cover what three or four static cameras would need to, though they’re only ever watching one spot at a time. That’s worth keeping in mind.
Good for: Large open areas like car parks, warehouses, event venues
Best trait: Dynamic coverage and real-time control
C-Mount Cameras
Old-school muscle with modular brains
These are chunky, square, and a bit retro-looking. But don’t write them off. C-mounts are highly adaptable. You can swap out their lenses to suit long distances, wide angles, or low light.
They’re not usually the prettiest, but they punch above their weight in environments where other cameras struggle.
Good for: Industrial settings, logistics yards, places with changing conditions
Best trait: Swappable lenses for custom coverage
Wireless Cameras
Clean install, modern mindset
These are the go-tos for home security and temporary setups. No drilling. No wires. Just mount, connect to Wi-Fi, and you’re up and running. They’re often smart-enabled, with alerts sent straight to your phone if anything moves where it shouldn’t.
One caveat: they rely on a decent signal and power source. Batteries run out. Wi-Fi goes down. So always consider the infrastructure before going fully wireless.
Good for: Flats, rented properties, small businesses
Best trait: Easy install and mobile access
Night Vision & Infrared Cameras
Built for the dark
When the lights go out, these kick in. Using infrared LEDs, they can see in complete darkness—though the footage is usually monochrome. Still, it’s better than guessing what moved in the shadows.
They’re often paired with motion sensors, only recording when something happens, which saves space and makes playback easier.
Good for: Alleyways, unlit car parks, farms
Best trait: Round-the-clock reliability
IP (Internet Protocol) Cameras
The clever ones
These are the high-def, network-connected workhorses of modern CCTV. They don’t need a local recorder—the footage streams straight to your phone, laptop or cloud storage. Most support zoom, motion alerts, and even facial recognition if you’re into that sort of thing.
For businesses looking to future-proof their security, IP is the way to go.
Good for: Smart homes, tech-forward businesses, anyone who travels
Best trait: Remote viewing with stunning image quality
So… what should you install?
Honestly? It depends. A single dome camera might do the trick for a small office. A warehouse might need a mix—PTZs inside, bullet cams on the perimeter, a night vision unit at the back gate. It’s not about buying the flashiest kit. It’s about understanding the space, the risks, and the people using it.
At RJ Wilson, we don’t sell boxes—we build systems. That means talking to you, walking the site, figuring out what really needs watching. We bring the kit, the know-how, and a healthy dose of common sense.
Because security should feel smart. Not complicated.
