Choosing an indoor security camera for your home or workplace isn’t straightforward. There are plenty of models on the market, and no single camera is best for every property. The right one depends on your circumstances.
It helps to know what’s available before you decide. Here’s a plain-English guide to the main camera types, and what to look for beyond the housing.
The main types of indoor camera
- Static cameras: fixed on a single point, best for covering a limited area such as a doorway or till.
- PTZ cameras: they pan, tilt and zoom, and can be controlled remotely. Coverage isn’t as comprehensive as a set of static cameras, but they can be cost-effective.
- Dome cameras: the familiar dome shape, available as static or PTZ, and the most common camera in commercial settings.
- Bullet cameras: named after their weatherproof casing. Weather resistance matters less indoors, so they’re often not the first choice inside.
- C-mount cameras: interchangeable lenses let you choose a long view or a closer one that picks out facial detail. Useful in warehouses and other large spaces.
Specialist options
- Covert cameras: disguised as everyday objects such as clocks or smoke detectors, for discreet recording.
- Vandal-resistant cameras: for places where cameras are likely to be targeted, such as businesses holding cash overnight.
- Wireless cameras: no messy cabling, which makes them handy for remote or hard-to-reach spots.
Features worth looking for
Beyond the camera type, many modern models come with smart features that let them talk to other devices and send a live feed to your phone. Depending on what the camera is for, it’s worth considering:
Indoor camera checklist
- Smart features and live viewing on your phone
- Night vision for low-light rooms
- A microphone for two-way communication
- Enough storage, locally or in the cloud, to keep footage safe
You may not need all of these, or any of them. Don’t pay for features you won’t use.
Not sure which to choose?
If you’re unsure what level of security your property needs, or which camera suits it, get in touch. We’ll talk you through the options and tell you straight what you do and don’t need. You can also see our CCTV systems for more detail.
