CCTV Camera Types Explained

Dome, bullet and PTZ cameras are the three most common CCTV camera types — each suits different placements and use cases.

Dome cameras suit discreet indoor and covered outdoor coverage, bullet cameras suit visible long-range outdoor coverage, and PTZ cameras suit large open areas that need active pan-tilt-zoom monitoring. The right mix depends on each property's layout.

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Dome cameras

Dome cameras have a rounded, dome-shaped housing that sits flush against a ceiling or wall. Because the lens is hidden behind the dome, it's harder to tell which direction the camera is pointing, which is often useful for discreet coverage. They're commonly used indoors in reception areas, corridors and retail spaces, and in covered outdoor spots such as porches or car park ceilings. Their compact shape makes them less of a target for tampering than more exposed camera types.

Bullet cameras

Bullet cameras have a cylindrical housing that's clearly visible and points in an obvious direction. This visibility is often intentional — a clearly visible camera can act as a deterrent. They're a common choice for outdoor use on entrances, driveways and perimeter walls, and are generally straightforward to mount and aim at a specific area such as a gate or doorway.

PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras

PTZ cameras can be remotely panned, tilted and zoomed, either manually or on a programmed patrol pattern, allowing one camera to actively cover a wider area than a fixed dome or bullet camera. They suit large open spaces such as warehouses, parking areas or building perimeters where an operator may want to actively track movement or zoom in on a specific point, rather than relying on a fixed field of view.

Comparing the three types

Camera Type	Typical Use	Field of View	Weather Resistance
Dome	Indoor areas, covered outdoor spots, discreet coverage	Fixed, wide-angle	Varies by model; outdoor-rated versions available
Bullet	Outdoor entrances, driveways, perimeters	Fixed, narrower and more directional	Generally built for outdoor exposure
PTZ	Large open areas needing active monitoring	Adjustable, pan-tilt-zoom	Varies by model; outdoor-rated versions available

Weather resistance depends on the specific camera model's IP rating rather than the camera type alone, so this is confirmed against the mounting location during the site assessment. See our outdoor CCTV installation page for weatherproofing detail.