We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.

Advertiser Disclosure

Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

How We Make Money

We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently from our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.

What are the Different Types of CCTV Security Products?

By Ryan Russell
Updated May 17, 2024
Our promise to you
WiseGEEK is dedicated to creating trustworthy, high-quality content that always prioritizes transparency, integrity, and inclusivity above all else. Our ensure that our content creation and review process includes rigorous fact-checking, evidence-based, and continual updates to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

Editorial Standards

At WiseGEEK, we are committed to creating content that you can trust. Our editorial process is designed to ensure that every piece of content we publish is accurate, reliable, and informative.

Our team of experienced writers and editors follows a strict set of guidelines to ensure the highest quality content. We conduct thorough research, fact-check all information, and rely on credible sources to back up our claims. Our content is reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.

We believe in transparency and maintain editorial independence from our advertisers. Our team does not receive direct compensation from advertisers, allowing us to create unbiased content that prioritizes your interests.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) security products are a great way to secure property and protect valuables. There are multiple types of CCTV security products available for purchase. Some are more powerful than others, offering better picture quality and a larger image. Other CCTV security products are easier to set up for discreet monitoring

The dome camera is a popular CCTV security product. Dome cameras are designed with a hard casing to prevent a vandal from breaking or tinkering with them. These are great security cameras for high-traffic businesses. Dome cameras are simple to install, requiring only a couple of screws. Due to the camera lens being hidden by a larger enclosing, it can be pointed in any direction without being seen.

The box camera is another CCTV security product that is commonly attached to walls or the sides of buildings. The box camera is excellent for viewing at long distances, as the length of the lens can be extended. This is not the case with the dome camera. The box camera is ideal for relatively clear lighting conditions. Box cameras should be placed in a protective enclosing if they are low enough to be damaged.

Infrared CCTV cameras are ideal for dark lighting conditions. They are typically not able to see at very great distances, but can be used effectively in closed quarters. The infrared cameras use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to view images in dark lighting. How many LEDs they are designed with usually determines the distance with which they are able to see.

Covert CCTV security products are designed to look like another unassuming object to fool people passing by. For instance, a covert CCTV camera may be designed like a smoke detector. This is a useful way to catch people acting naturally and avoid damage of the CCTV by criminals.

Wireless CCTV cameras are ideal for situations in which there is no digital video recorder. Wireless cameras come with a transmitter and receiver to transfer video in real-time. The wireless CCTV cameras typically do not have the same distance capabilities as other CCTV security products. They also tend to be more expensive.

The Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera allows real-time operation of the CCTV device. The camera's movement can be controlled as needed. These cameras are commonly used in retail stores to catch shoplifters. The camera can be tilted up and down, panned from side to side, and also zoomed in. These are significantly more expensive than other types CCTV security products.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Discussion Comments

By BigManCar — On Jun 29, 2011

@KLR650 - Good job replacing your old cameras with new, small ones. I love how small electronics have gotten. When I see those big huge cameras in the glass boxes to keep the rain out, it reminds me of those big cell phones people used to have on shows like Miami Vice. These days, smaller is better.

By KLR650 — On Jun 28, 2011

@Nepal2016 - Not only can you do it for not much money, but the whole thing can be pretty stealthy these days.

Cameras are really tiny now. I have a few up on my hunting property because of trespassers. They used to find my old cameras and mess with them, but they can't even see the new ones.

With everything being so cheap and easy, there's no reason not to set up something like this to help keep your place secure.

By Nepal2016 — On Jun 28, 2011

You can do a really nice CCTV security system pretty cheaply now. I have cameras on the outside of my house, and they work night and day. There's a secure wireless feed to my computer that I can watch anytime. I don't even have to answer the door anymore if I am not expecting anyone. I can just look on the computer to see who it is.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGEEK, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.