Differences Between Bullet Dome PTZ Security Cameras

Last Updated on April 7, 2024

What are the differences between bullet cameras, dome cameras and PTZ cameras? Bullet vs. dome vs. PTZ camera: which one to choose?

Understanding bullet, dome and PTZ camera benefits and limitations, therefore, is important in helping the user decide which one to choose.

Regardless of your property type (residential or business) and size, there are some subtle differences between the three security cameras that should know.

This article will address these concerns and specifically detail the definitions of Bullet vs Dome vs PTZ cameras alongside their benefits, limitations, and differences so that you can choose the one that’s most suitable for your business or your home.

Bullet, Dome & PTZ Cameras Definition

Before going into the main differences between Bullet Dome PTZ Security cameras, let’s first understand what each camera is, including their perks for business or home monitoring.

1. What Is a Bullet Camera?

This type of surveillance camera is designed to take the shape of a rifle bullet. Usually 2 to 8 inches long, these are generally the smaller of the bunch and are often pertained to as “lipstick cameras”. Moreover, these cameras have a variable or fixed focal length lens that’s especially useful for when you want to focus on particular spaces.

Main Bullet Camera Advantages:

• Cheaper in general (Check the best budget pick)
• Longer range
• Easy of installation
• Indoor & outdoor use
• Weatherproof
• Night Vision

2. What is the Dome Camera?

These cameras obtained their name because of their dome-like, circular shape. They’re also usually situated on the ceiling, under the soffit or eaves, either outdoors or indoors. While you can use dome cameras both ways, many restaurants or hotels opt for this device inside mainly due to their design.

Main Dome Camera Advantages:

• More discreet – blends in with surroundings
• Wide-angle
• Indoor & outdoor use
• Weatherproof
• Night Vision
• Vandal-resistant (IK10 rated ones)

3. What is a PTZ Camera?

Also known as a pan-tilt-zoom camera, this is a speed dome camera that’s great for zoom or remote directional control. Here, you can pan PTZ cameras left and right, tilt them up or down, and zoom in or out. Generally, PTZ cameras tend to be larger for outdoor usage with impeccable resolution.

Major PTZ Cameras Advantages:

• 360° pan, 0°~90° tilt to provide a larger field of view
• Optical zoom to see far-away objects clearly
• Most PTZ dome cameras capture high-quality images

Main Differences Between Bullet Cameras, Dome Cameras, and PTZ Security Cameras

While all three surveillance cameras can both be applied in your business or home purposes, many of their differences lie in several standards such as night vision, visibility, installation, view range, and more.

1. Location

The best locations for each type of camera largely depend on where they’re best installed.

Here is a table showing the differences between the common and best installation places of the bullet, dome, and PTZ dome cameras.

PTZ vs. Bullet vs. Dome IP Camera in Installation Location

Comparison	Common installation locations
Bullet cameras	The walls of the front door, backyard, off-street windows or anywhere outdoors
Dome cameras	Under the ceilings indoors, and under the eaves or the soffit outdoors
PTZ cameras	The second floor outdoors, construction sites for a wider view or very large indoor areas (supermarkets, airport, etc)

For bullet surveillance cameras, the best location is usually in any area outdoors like your backyard, front door walls, windows or more. They’re the most suitable choice among the three if you want an outdoor security camera. This is because bullet security cameras not only have a better range for large backyards or parking spaces but are also fairly weatherproof at the same time.

Dome cameras tend to be installed indoors under ceilings or eaves or outdoors on the soffit. Unlike bullet cameras, these are best placed indoors because of their sleek and non-intrusive design. Furthermore, they also err on aesthetics and blend in with most indoor decorations.

On the other hand, you can place PTZ cameras on second floors situated outdoors. Like bullet cameras, these are generally used outdoors or in spacious indoor areas because of their capability in catching wider fields of vision than the other types.

Whether you choose bullet or dome cameras, it is very important for you to plan the security camera placement ahead, so they can do the best job.

2. Field of View

Among the three, the PTZ cameras generally have the widest field of view because they are specifically designed for larger areas. These cameras support an approximate 360 degrees horizontal and 90 degrees, or even a vertical rotation of about 180 degrees. Meanwhile, both dome and bullet cameras have a fixed field of view of about 70 to 100 degrees.

Nonetheless, the view and range of these cameras can be influenced by different factors such as the kind of lens, sensor chips, and more. Because of this, it’s always better to consult the specifics of the camera so that you learn each type’s accurate viewing field.

Bullet vs. Dome vs. PTZ CCTV Cameras in FOV

Comparison	Camera view
Bullet cameras	70°-100°
Dome cameras	70°-100°
PTZ cameras	360° endless pan & 90° tilt

3. Camera Visibility

CCTV bullet vs. dome cameras (PTZ cameras included), which one is easier to hide?

Comparing the size of the dome, bullet and PTZ CCTV cameras may give you a clue.

PTZ vs. Bullet Type vs. Dome Camera in Size

Comparison	Camera size
Bullet cameras	2-8 inches
Dome cameras	About 4 inches
PTZ cameras	About 8 inches

When talking about visibility, bullet cameras are the most obvious because of their shape and size range of about 2-8 inches. For this, they can be a suitable option if you want to discourage vandals or burglars from invading your home. However, keep in mind that its evident visibility can also prompt thieves to damage them if they’re determined enough to break into your premises.

Dome cameras, which are about 4 inches in size, are a bit harder to see and are an excellent choice if you plan on keeping them discreet, away from the attention of people. PTZ cameras are generally larger at 8 inches and are mounted in a high place away from people’s reach so that they can catch a larger field of view.

Click to learn more about how to hide security cameras indoors and outdoors here.

4. Night Vision

Although most bullet, dome, and PTZ surveillance cameras have infrared LEDs to create their own light when there is none, the night vision cameras vary from short night vision distance to long one.

Unlike dome and bullet cameras that only have a 100ft night vision range, PTZ cameras are extraordinary when it comes to long-distance night vision because they have more LED lights.

PTZ vs. Bullet vs. Dome Surveillance Camera in Night Vision

Comparison	Night vision range
Bullet cameras	100ft
Dome cameras	100ft
PTZ cameras	190ft

5. Installation

PTZ and bullet cameras are generally easier to install since they come with a bracket and a mounting handle, making attaching them to the wall convenient. Once you’re finished installing them, you can move them to conceal any area that you want.

On the other hand, dome cameras typically need more effort for installation. Here, you’d have to unscrew the camera from its mounting house, situate the housing on your wall, and fixate the dome camera in the designated wall.

Buying Guide: Bullet Cameras VS Dome Cameras VS PTZ Cameras

After seeing the differences between bullet cameras, dome cameras, and PTZ cameras, you may ask what is best, a dome camera or bullet.

Here is an overview of the difference between the PTZ and fixed cameras (dome and bullet type) to help you reach a final decision.

PTZ vs. Dome vs. Bullet Cameras

Comparison	Bullet cameras	Dome cameras	PTZ cameras
Installation location	On the wall	Under the ceilings, eaves	Higher places like the second-floor level
Camera view	70°-100°	70°-100°	360° endless pan & 90° tilt
Night vision	About 100ft	About 100ft	About 200ft
Visibility (size)	2-8 inches	About 4 inches	About 8 inches
Indoor or outdoor	Mostly outdoors	Indoors or outdoors	Mostly outdoors

You can choose the most appropriate type depending on your needs:

Would you like to install it outdoor, or indoor? Do you use it for a home office? What about the light conditions? How large is the detected area?

Think about these questions before making the decision of bullet or dome IP cameras.

And here I’ll recommend the best pick in each category if you want a quick decision.

1. Best Bullet Security Camera: C190 Pro

At a reasonable price, the C190 pro can be a trustworthy surveillance camera when it comes to detecting and alerting you of any potential danger within your premises. Its excellent features, such as Smart AI human detection and light and sound alarm, prove useful in keeping unprecedented troubles away.

Not only that, but it also comes with customizable advanced motion detection that notifies you via the ZOSI app for any unexpected movement. Moreover, its high-efficiency video compression keeps the video at high quality even with a low-bitrate, thereby allowing you to maximize storage space for long recordings.

Key features:

• 5MP Super HD
• Excellent IR night vision to capture thieves in low-light night vision
• Smart motion detection alerts you if anything happens
• Easy to install (plug and play)
• IP66 waterproof rating for outdoor uses