Let’s take a look at 3 different types of security cameras and discuss the pros and cons of each.  In this video we are doing a subjective and objective comparison of the differences in the dome, bullet and turret cameras.  Hopefully this will help you decide which type of security camera to buy.

I have been using both the hikvision cameras now almost 4 years.  I like their quality and usability.  They prices are pretty good for what you get.  So you know, this is not paid advertising or promotion by Hikvision; I like certain things about the products and if I hate something about their stuff, I’d tell you.

People often ask me why I picked one type over the other for certain locations.  I initially thought the bullet cameras were more rugged and better for outdoor and the domes were more for indoors.  I also thought the night vision was better on a bullet.  When it came to turrets, I though they were cheap quality and all plastic.  The fact is, all have very similar internal specs so the guts of these cameras are pretty much identical.  There is no need for me to review their internal specification, since they are all pretty much identical.

First off, the cost.  On Amazon they are all around the same price. $150 CAD, or 120US.  If you shop around you can get these at a better cost, especially if you purchase the Chinese version.  Here are links to each (and some higher resolution cameras from AliExpress.com):

AliExpress.com 4MP Bullet

AliExpress.com 4MP Dome

AliExpress.com 8MP Turret

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The Dome:
Pros

  • It looks great. When installed correctly they look very professional and clean.  All wiring exits through its base and can be mounted so no wires are visible.

  • Vandal resistant.  Hard plastic dome and metal body make it tougher to grab a hold of and rip from its mounting surface.    The 3 screws which attach the camera to the mounting surface are only accessible inside the camera and a special star wrench is required to access this area.  This makes it more difficult for someone to open it.  Also, attempting to damage this with something like a baseball bat is more challenging and it’s more securely attached and flush to the mounting surface.

  • No glare. The cover will need to be cleaned a few times per year, but I find there is little to no glare when a light shines on the camera.

  • The covers’ screws do not come out all the way. This makes them more difficult to lose.

Cons

  • Difficult to install on a junction box. The screws to attach the camera do not align with the screw on a junction box.  An adapter/converter must be used to cover the box.

  • The dome isn’t tinted. If it were, the image would be darker, but it looks cool when it’s tinted because it makes it more difficult for your subject to tell which direction your camera is pointing.

  • You cannot adjust the camera direction easily after it’s installed. You need to remove the cover, loosen the screw to pivot lens.

  • Cover needs to be clean to avoid lens glare.

3 megapixel High Resolution Full HD 1080p Video Output Low Illumination, True Day and Night 3D DNR, True WDR and BLC IP66 Rating. IR Range: up to 100ft
Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I CCTV POE 3MP Bullet IP HD Security Network Camera, 4mm #1
Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I CCTV POE 3MP Bullet IP HD Security Network Camera, 4mm #2
Hikvision DS-2CD2032-I CCTV POE 3MP Bullet IP HD Security Network Camera, 4mm

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$240.00
3 megapixel High Resolution Full HD 1080p Video Output Low Illumination, True Day and Night 3D DNR, True WDR and BLC IP66 Rating. IR Range: up to 100ft
(as of September 19, 2024 15:16 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The Bullet:
Pros

  • Quicker to install. No need to open the camera, you just screw it on to the mounting surface.

  • Installs on a junction box cover. Some drilling in the metal junction cover is required, but it works because it has a smaller base. The junction box cover can then easily install over an electrical box.

  • It’s easy to adjust the camera’s direction after it’s installed.

  • No visible wires for someone to cut. The wires feed from the bottom of the camera

Cons

  • Not vandal resistant. The camera hangs like an apple and can be picked from its mounting surface or can be smashed off its mount with a baseball bat.

  • Attracts bugs when outside. Small spider love build webs over the lens and disrupt the view.  Weekly cleaning with a broom is required in the summer.

4 megapixel high resolution (2688 x 1520) , Full HD1080p video Dual video streams , 120dB Wide Dynamic Range , 3D Digital Noise Reduction , Backlight Compensation 3-axis adjustment , High performance EXIR LED , Up to 30m IR range Outdoor weather prot...

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HIKVISION 4 Megapixel EXIR PoE Turret IP Outdoor Surveillance Camera, DS-2CD2342WD-I 2.8mm Lens,White

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Available for Amazon Prime $122.00 $114.99
4 megapixel high resolution (2688 x 1520) , Full HD1080p video Dual video streams , 120dB Wide Dynamic Range , 3D Digital Noise Reduction , Backlight Compensation 3-axis adjustment , High performance EXIR LED , Up to 30m IR range Outdoor weather prot... read more
(as of September 19, 2024 15:16 GMT -06:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)

The Turret (Half Domes):
Pros

  • Like the bullet, it’s quick to install. The mount pops off and you have access to the mounting holes.

  • The camera is metal and feels like good quality.

  • Point of view can be adjusted after installation.

Cons

  • Does not fit into a junction box and requires finding an adapter.

  • The base is plastic and I’m hesitant on placing it outdoors in the hot summer heat and -40 winters. I’m more comfortable using this one inside.

  • There is no way to tighten the camera. The point of view can be changed without having to loosen any screws.  I’d be concerned that someone would turn the camera.  The only advantage to this would be if you needed to be changing the point of view of the camera regularly.

  • You still get bug and spiders, but not as bad as the bullet.

Again, the quality of the video and the night vision is good for all of the cameras.

Don’t forget, I have a complicated setup where all my cameras configured separately and are fed into a designated computer where I use software to manage the recording.  If you are just starting out or want an easy solution, I’d recommend a kit from Costco or online from Hikvision.

In conclusion, I prefer the dome cameras because they only need to be cleaned off a few times a year, where the bullets need to be cleaned weekly in the summer months.  Also, the look of the Dome IMO is much cleaner and sleeker looking.