A Complete Guide to CCTV Camera Types in Kenya and Where Each One Works Best
Choosing the right CCTV camera for your home, business, or institution in Kenya can be confusing, especially with so many different models available. At Boardtac Solutions, we help clients select the ideal camera based on location, lighting conditions, distance, and security needs. Below is a full guide to the most common CCTV camera types used in Kenya today and recommendations on where each one performs best.
1. IP Cameras (Network Cameras)
IP cameras are the most modern CCTV cameras in Kenya, offering high-definition video, remote viewing, and advanced smart features. They use Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi, and can integrate easily with phones and computers.
Best for: Homes, apartments, offices, schools, warehouses, and modern buildings.
Examples: 4MP or 8MP Hikvision IP cameras, Dahua 5MP IP cameras, Wi-Fi indoor IP cameras.
2. Analog / HD Cameras (Coaxial)
These are traditional CCTV cameras that use coaxial cables. They provide clear HD video at a lower cost, making them suitable for budget installations. HD cameras now support 1080p and 5MP quality, which is excellent for basic surveillance.
Best for: Small shops, homes, rental properties, small offices, and areas where cost-saving is important.
Examples: Hikvision Turbo HD cameras, Dahua HD-CVI 1080p cameras.
3. Dome Cameras
Dome cameras are shaped like a dome, making it difficult for intruders to tell where the lens is pointing. They are usually vandal-resistant and blend well with indoor environments. They can be IP or analog.
Best for: Indoor areas such as living rooms, offices, supermarkets, reception areas, corridors, schools, and restaurants.
Examples: Vandal-proof Hikvision Dome IP cameras, Dahua Dome HD cameras.
4. Bullet Cameras
Bullet cameras are long and cylindrical, designed for long-distance monitoring and outdoor use. They often come with stronger infrared LEDs for better night vision.
Best for: Perimeter walls, gates, parking areas, compounds, driveways, godowns, and construction sites.
Examples: Outdoor 5MP Bullet IP cameras, long-range HD Bullet cameras with EXIR night vision.
5. PTZ Cameras (Pan–Tilt–Zoom)
PTZ cameras can rotate left and right, tilt up and down, and zoom in to capture details. They are ideal for monitoring wide areas and can replace multiple fixed cameras. Some models feature smart auto-tracking for following moving objects.
Best for: Estates, large compounds, commercial buildings, stadiums, car parks, schools, hospitals, and security-critical facilities.
Examples: 25X PTZ IP camera, 4MP Auto-Tracking PTZ, Dahua 30X Outdoor PTZ.
6. Night-Vision and Day/Night Cameras
These cameras are designed to perform well in both daylight and complete darkness. They automatically switch from color to black-and-white depending on lighting conditions. Some models offer ColorVu or Full-Color night vision without infrared.
Best for: Outdoor spaces, poorly lit areas, schools, compounds, shops, and any location needing 24-hour surveillance.
Examples: Hikvision ColorVu cameras, Dahua Night Color cameras, standard IR HD cameras.
7. Thermal Imaging Cameras
Thermal cameras detect heat instead of relying on visible light. They can see through smoke, dust, and total darkness. They are more specialized and mostly used in high-security environments.
Best for: Critical infrastructure, industrial plants, large farms, borders, wildlife conservancies, airports, and security companies.
Examples: Hikvision Thermal Bullet camera, Dahua Thermal PTZ.
8. 360° Fisheye Cameras
Fisheye cameras capture a full 360-degree panoramic view, allowing one camera to monitor an entire room or hall. They reduce blind spots and are ideal for areas with high foot traffic.
Best for: Offices, boardrooms, retail stores, hotels, warehouses, classrooms, and open-plan spaces.
Examples: 6MP or 8MP Fisheye IP panoramic cameras.
9. ANPR / LPR Cameras (Automatic Number Plate Recognition)
These cameras are built to capture vehicle number plates clearly, even at high speed or in low light. They are used for traffic monitoring and gated access control.
Best for: Estates, gated communities, toll stations, parking lots, business entrances, and logistics companies.
Examples: Hikvision ANPR cameras, Dahua LPR IP cameras.
10. Hidden / Covert Cameras
These small cameras are disguised as normal objects such as smoke detectors, USB chargers, clocks, or sensors. They provide discreet surveillance.
Best for: Offices, cash handling areas, home nanny monitoring, retail shops, and investigations.
Examples: Wi-Fi clock camera, smoke-detector hidden camera, USB charger spy camera.
Choosing the Right CCTV for Your Location
Every location is different, and the right camera depends on coverage area, lighting, distance, budget, and security level needed. At Boardtac Solutions, we assess your home or business and recommend a combination of cameras that eliminates blind spots and provides full protection day and night.
Why Choose Boardtac Solutions
We install CCTV cameras for homes, apartments, schools, companies, real estate developments, warehouses, and commercial buildings across Kenya. Our team offers site surveys, professional installation, remote viewing setup, and after-sales support to ensure your security system performs reliably.
If you need help selecting the right CCTV system, Boardtac Solutions is ready to assist you.
