Security cameras that are capable of capturing up to 80 degrees field of view (FOV) are commonly regarded as wide-angle security cameras. Super wide-angle security cameras could cover up to 180 degrees or higher.
Ultra wide-angle surveillance cameras (CCTV or IP) could boast 360 degrees.
The angle of IP or CCTV cameras or the field of view largely depends on the security cameras’ focal length of the lens and the size of the image sensor.
| Focal Length (mm) | Diagonal (°) | Vertical (°) | Horizontal (°) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 180.0 | 180.0 | 180.0 |
| 2 | 169.4 | 161.1 | 166.9 |
| 12 | 122.0 | 90.0 | 111.1 |
| 14 | 114.2 | 81.2 | 102.7 |
| 16 | 107.1 | 73.9 | 95.1 |
| 20 | 94.5 | 61.9 | 82.4 |
| 24 | 84.1 | 53.1 | 73.7 |
| 35 | 63.4 | 37.8 | 54.4 |
Meanwhile, the size of the image sensor and type of image sensor also plays a role in the security camera field of view, for example, a 1/3″ image sensor produces wider viewing angle than that of 1/4″ sensor image sensor.
For example, a surveillance camera with a 1/3″ CMOS sensor and the 4.0mm focal length like ZOSI IPC-182 is capable of capturing 90 degrees field of view horizontally, shown below.
4K Starlight PoE IP Camera - IPC-182
- 4K Ultra HD/5MP Super HD
- Person/Vehicle Detection
- PoE Plug and Play
- Live View & Smart Playback
- Two-Way Audio
- Motion Activated Light & Siren Alarm
- 100ft Color Night Vision
This wide-angle CCTV camera is adequate to monitor the front porch, entryway, hallway, side of the door, alley, side door, driveway, and relatively small areas.
Wide-angle IP cameras with 2mm focal length, in general, cover 166.9 degrees wide areas, like fisheye cameras (panoramic video cameras) with 180/360 degrees wide angle.
Wide-angle surveillance cameras like PTZ IP cameras are commonly seen in large areas like a crossroads, warehouses, parking lots, stadiums, museums, concert halls and etc.
Read also: Wide-Angle Security Cameras – Ultimate guide