There are many different types of security cameras available in the market today.

If you’re looking into buying one, it’s important you first know the different options you have.

Find out what each type is good at. So you can decide which one can best serve your purpose.

Here are the most common types of security cameras you’ll see in the market today:

1 – Indoor and Outdoor Security Cameras

The first thing you should know is there are cameras made for indoor use and there are cameras designed for outdoor use.

Indoor cameras are usually smaller and lighter than outdoor cameras.

Outdoor cameras are built tough to withstand vandalism and varying weather. Some even come with blowers and heaters.

2 – Motion Detector Security Cameras

They come with motion-detecting functionality.

If you want a camera that only starts recording when it detects movement, this is the type of camera for you.

Because of this, you can save on DVR storage space.

The best place to install motion detector cameras is in areas that are not very busy such as in the front porch or back door.

3 – Thermal Security Cameras

This type of security camera uses heat energy from objects to detect an image. They use heat to distinguish people from other things.

Thermal security cameras work best when it’s dark.

4 – Dome Security Cameras

In a dome camera, the camera is protected by a dome-shaped housing.

The dome protects the camera inside. If you don’t want people to see where the camera is facing, this is the best option.

Dome cameras are common for both indoor and outdoor use.

It is usually recommended for areas where cameras can easily get dirty like the kitchen, streets or warehouses.

5 – Bullet Security Cameras

Bullet cameras got their name from their shape.

They are usually small in size. The size can range from as big as a soda can or as small as a lipstick.

The downside to bullet cameras is they have a limited view. They can only focus on one area.

If you are planning to put it in a room with a small area, this is a good option.

6 – Box Security Cameras

They got their names from their shape. They can be used indoors and outdoors.

Box security cameras allow easy customization and replacement of the lens, housing/enclosure, and camera.

7 – PTZ Security Camera

This type of camera has the capability to pan, tilt, and zoom.

This allows you to take a closer look at the subject. Or you could also scan the entire area.

You can control the movement of the camera through a joystick or software.

8 – IP Security Cameras

Internet Protocol (IP) security cameras are often used for surveillance.

These cameras can send and receive data through the internet or through a network. They record and manage the videos through an NVR (network video recorder) or cloud storage.

9 – Wireless and Wire-free Security Cameras

Wireless security cameras use fewer wires/cables. They transmit the videos and connect to the system through WiFi.

It only uses a wire to charge the camera.

If you want to have a security system without any wires at all, you can turn to wire-free security cameras.

They are battery-powered or solar-powered. So you don’t need to plug them in to charge them.

Wire-free cameras are ideal as spy cameras.