The best CCTV Cameras in Kenya?
1) Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras are one of the two most common CCTV camera types. They have a long cylindrical shape, giving them their name and a distinctive look. This look is recognizable to nearly everyone and thus acts as a deterrent to unwanted individuals. If security cameras are visible, the hope is criminals and intruders go elsewhere instead.
The bullet cameras are more prone to vandalism because of their obvious look. Additionally, the shape of the camera is ideal for focusing on a fixed field, such as an entry or exit, but requires multiple cameras if a user needs to see multiple fixed views. Bullet cameras are easily mountable and can work indoors or outdoors. They feature a small lip on the end of the camera that adds weather protection and reduces glare.
2) Dome Cameras
The second most common CCTV camera type is the dome camera. Similar to the bullet camera, dome cameras have a specific shape but are less noticeable at first. Typically the cameras are mounted on ceilings, thus making them an indoor camera, but they can be used outside if needed and mounted on a wall.
The dome camera has a wider viewing angle than the bullet camera and tends to be more resilient toward tampering and vandalism.
3) IP Cameras
Among IP security options, there are wired, wireless, and wire-free cameras. Wireless cameras collect and send data over a wireless network. These security cameras connect to a user’s home wifi network and allow that user to see the footage from anywhere. A common misconception is that wireless means the camera is wire-free.
a) WIRELESS CCTV – Below is a wireless cctv camera that record audio and has a microphone.
Wireless cctv cameras will need wires to run from your power source to where the camera is mounted to power the camera.
b) Wired IP Cameras.
Wired security cameras are connected to a recorder directly which then connects to a router and the internet.
4) PTZ Camera (Pan-Tilt-Zoom)
PTZ cameras, short for pan, tilt, zoom, work well for monitoring large spaces. The camera lens moves anywhere from no pan/tilt to a 360-degree movement and 180-degree tilt.
The advantage of PTZ cameras is that only one is necessary to monitor a room, as opposed to several individual fixed cameras. The camera often has preset capabilities so that a user can easily aim the camera towards whatever location they would like, as well as zoom in and out.
Indoor and Outdoor CCTV Cameras
Most security cameras can be used both indoors and outdoors. They typically have the same features like night vision or remote viewing, but they differ in durability. Outdoor cameras should be weather resistant and in some cases, completely waterproof. Cameras with an IP66 or IP67 weather resistance rating are the most durable.
Bullet cameras tend to be among the most popular outdoor options because their design allows for minimum glare. In terms of detection, it is better to have a camera equipped with infrared detection as opposed to motion detection. This will provide more accurate and less frequent alerts because oftentimes the motion detection is set off by movements such as a tree blowing or an animal running by.