Bullet Cameras - A Simply Guide to What Where Why and How

Bullet cameras, also known as lipstick cameras, are some of the most popular style of security cameras available today. This quick guide should help in deciding whether they are the right type of camera for your security system application.

Bullet cameras get their name from their shape because they tend to be small and cylindrical, usually three to four inches in length, which makes them easier to hide. Some more powerful cameras are larger and feature adjustable lenses.  Most bullet cameras are weatherproof and can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications.  Because of their small size they can also be the right choice when discreet or covert surveillance is needed.  Most bullet cameras have IR infrared night vision allowing the cameras to see in total darkness. When looking at a bullet camera, you can tell if it has infrared nightvision by looking at the front of the camera. Infrared bullet cameras will have small clear LEDs, or light emitting diodes, that will glow red when they see low light situations. Bullet cameras can also be a more cost effective solution for outdoor surveillance because they don't require an additional housing like box style cameras.

Bullet cameras do have a few draw backs that should be considered before deciding which camera is right for you.  Due to the bullet cameras compact design they usually have smaller non-adjustable lenses which limit the cameras to wider angle shots but this also means you will not have to focus the camera.  Bullet cameras are also not considered vandal proof as they can easily be re-aimed or tampered with and unlike a dome camera it is easy to see what the camera is pointed at.  Most of these issues can be handled with smart placement of the camera.

Keep these things in mind and you will find that bullet style cctv cameras are some of the most economical and versatile security cameras available today.