A bullet camera has a rectangular bullet shape and is a common security camera model. Before the emergence of the dome camera, the bullet camera was the only security camera model available and this camera form still enjoys great popularity. A bullet camera is mainly used to secure offices and industrial halls and you often see this model of camera at petrol stations, for example.
How does a bullet camera work?
The functioning of a bullet camera mainly depends on the type of security camera. There are Wi-Fi bullet cameras, Coax bullet cameras and UTP bullet cameras. The bullet security camera contains a fixed or varifocal lens. In practice, this means whether the bullet camera has a certain fixed viewing angle or can zoom to determine different viewing angles. The somewhat larger bullet surveillance cameras usually have a varifocal lens. Depending on the type of bullet camera, the images are sent directly to a server or first to a recorder.
What types of bullet security cameras are there?
Bullet security cameras almost all look the same in appearance. Of course, one bullet camera is larger than the other and may have a different color, but the shape remains the same. The difference is mainly in the technique used in the camera. The bullet camera is intended to be used stand-alone or can it only work as part of a system. We have listed the most common types below.
Bullet WiFi cameras
A Wi-Fi bullet camera works stand-alone and only needs to be powered with the power cable. The bullet camera must be registered on the existing Wi-Fi network during installation and will use that connection for the transfer of the images. You can then access the bullet security camera from a location with internet via an app on your smartphone. You can also review the recorded images if the bullet camera has an SD card.
Bullet IP cameras
An IP bullet camera is similar to a Wi-Fi bullet camera in many ways, with the big difference that the image transfer is via a network cable. IP bullet surveillance cameras are often POE, which means that both the image and the power run via the same UTP cable. A power point at the place where the bullet security camera will be installed is then not necessary because the cable runs from the bullet security camera directly to the router and a POE module will be installed there. Most IP bullet cameras use an NVR. The network video recorder is actually the base station of the camera system and you can control all settings from this NVR. NVRs also have an HDMI port that makes it possible to display images from the bullet camera directly on a TV or screen.
Advantages and disadvantages of a bullet security camera
Advantages of a bullet model camera
The advantages of a bullet camera are mainly the striking appearance and the possibility to film over a long distance both at night and during the day. The bullet cameras are robust and very weather resistant. Due to the sunshade and a high IP rating, bullet surveillance cameras can be used in almost all weather conditions.
Disadvantages of a bullet model camera
The disadvantages of a bullet camera are actually the advantages mentioned above in a situation where a conspicuous camera is not desired and must be filmed close to the camera. In these situations, a dome camera model is often chosen instead of a bullet camera.
How to install the bullet camera camera?
When installing a bullet camera, it is important to take into account the area you want to monitor. A bullet security camera cannot be hung too low, as it may then be rotated or destroyed. A height from 2.5 meters is recommended for installation. Furthermore, a bullet security camera can only monitor one specific angle. For that reason you sometimes see 2 bullet cameras mounted on poles that look in a different direction. this is often a cheaper and above all better solution than installing one PTZ camera. Installing a bullet camera is best done by 2 people and it is important that the viewing angle is already determined before the bullet security camera is attached.
Buy a bullet security camera
In our webshop we offer various bullet cameras which you can order directly online. Given the wide range of bullet surveillance cameras, we understand that sometimes you can no longer see the wood for the trees. Please feel free to contact us so that we can go through the different bullet cameras with you and select the best one for your situation. You can of course also visit one of our stores.
