What is a bullet camera?

May 18 2021, by Rob Pilkes
1 min reading time

A bullet camera is an elongated security camera equipped with a mounting base. Besides the shape and base, this bullet camera often features a canopy to protect the lens from rain and sun.

Benefits of a bullet camera

Bullet cameras are often relatively large. This makes it easier for manufacturers to integrate additional components into the housing. Think of a varifocal lens, PoE power supply, or a motorized lens.

Besides the installation options, the larger size of a bullet camera also acts as a deterrent. During burglaries and thefts, perpetrators often conduct a preliminary inventory. If a potential target is secured with bullet cameras, perpetrators are guaranteed to spot them during the inventory. This can be advantageous if they abandon the target and opt for a less secure location.

The bullet camera housing features a canopy that hangs over the lens. This protects the lens from rain and overexposure from the sun.

Bullet cameras are equipped with a multi-adjustable base, allowing you to mount the camera in a variety of positions and angles.

When to use a bullet camera

Bullet cameras are used in a variety of situations. Due to the wide range of bullet cameras available, there's a suitable model for every situation. In general, we recommend bullet cameras for outdoor use because of the canopy over the lens.

Please note that the size and shape of the bullet camera also have a downside. In certain situations where the security camera should not be exposed to light, we do not recommend installing a bullet camera. In such situations, we recommend choosing a small dome or spy camera.

Different types of bullet cameras

Bullet cameras come in all sorts of variations. Consider the variety of sizes, from the smallest mini-bullets to the enormous bullet cameras you sometimes see hanging in cities or over highways. Of course, there's also a choice of colors. In practice, bullet cameras are often chosen in a neutral color that blends well with the background and isn't conspicuous, such as white, cream, or silver.

Ultimately, the hardware inside the bullet camera determines the image quality. Consider a high-quality image sensor, a lens with the right angle, and possibly a PTZ function .