Long-range security cameras are capable of recognizing a person or vehicle from far distances, typically 75 feet or more. They are often used to monitor long, narrow areas such as hallways, as well as large properties like farms, ranches, and parking lots.
The distance capabilities of long-range security cameras vary greatly in the market, ranging from 100 feet to 300 feet or more. Long-distance security cameras are especially helpful for those who have trouble installing a camera near the monitoring area.
Long-range security cameras can be divided into three types: fixed-lens cameras, varifocal lens cameras, and PTZ cameras.
A fixed-lens long-range camera provides a fixed angle of view and cannot adjust its focal length or zoom. Fixed-lens cameras may not see as far, but they have a wider angle, making them ideal for monitoring places such as front yards, swimming pools, barns, front doors, etc.
Varifocal lens cameras allow you to adjust the angle of view, zooming in to see specific details with magnified images or zooming out for a wide-angle overview. They make it easier to identify things at a long distance and are often used to monitor hallways, farms, and other outdoor areas.
PTZ cameras have functions for panning left and right, tilting up and down, and zooming in or out. They are among the most powerful long-range security cameras and can see hundreds of feet away, making them ideal options for wide and open areas such as ranches, parking lots, etc.
Here’s a chart to help you quickly compare these three types of long-range security cameras.
| / | Fixed Lens | Varifocal Lens | PTZ Cameras |
|---|---|---|---|
| Viewing Angle | Fixed, wide | Flexible | 360° seamless |
| Distance | Fixed, not very far | Flexible, far | Flexible, far |
| Scenarios | Front door/backyards/swimming pool | Hallways/farms/outdoor areas | Farms/ranches/parking lots/wide&open areas |
Read also: Long Range Security Camera: Best Buying Guide 2024