Housing shape alone does not determine image quality. A dome is discreet and protected, a turret is easy to aim and often limits infrared reflections, while a bullet is visible and suits targeted longer views. Scene, light, vandalism risk and maintenance should decide.
Key points
- Start with scene and required detail.
- Test night performance.
- Match resistance to accessibility.
- Plan maintenance and expansion.
Form follows the image task
Dome, turret and bullet mainly describe housing. Sensor, lens and settings determine usable detail.
Define detection, observation, recognition or identification, then measure distance and width.
- Area
- Distance
- Detail
- Lighting
- Mounting
Dome cameras
A dome integrates discreetly in lobbies and shops and obscures its exact direction.
Its bubble must stay clean because scratches and reflections can harm night images.
- Discreet
- Protected
- Vandal-resistant options
- Bubble maintenance
Turret cameras
A turret aims directly and has no bubble in front of the lens, often helping infrared performance and cleaning.
Its direction is visible, so choose adequate mechanical resistance.
| Type | Strength | Watch for | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dome | Discretion | Bubble care | Lobby, shop |
| Turret | Night and adjustment | Visible direction | Entrance, façade |
| Bullet | Distance | Exposure | Parking, perimeter |
Bullet cameras
A bullet is clearly visible and supports targeted coverage and deterrence.
Protect the arm, junction box and cable against weather and impact.
- Targeted view
- Visible presence
- Outdoor mounting
- Strong fixing
More important specifications
Dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, sensor and lens often matter more than megapixels.
Check recorder compatibility, compression, support lifetime and cybersecurity.
- Dynamic range
- Low light
- Lens
- Storage
- Updates
Match the building
Homes often use turrets; shops combine protected indoor views with targeted outdoor cameras; warehouses need mixed distances.
Apartment buildings also require discreet design, proportional views and compliance with Belgian camera rules.
- Home
- Retail
- Warehouse
- Apartment
A reliable selection process
Assign a purpose to every viewpoint and test difficult scenes on site.
Validate live view, recording and export, then document settings and maintenance.
- Purpose
- Measure
- Test
- Export
- Document
FAQ
Does a dome always see 360 degrees?
No. Lens and model determine its field of view.
Which form resists vandalism best?
Often a reinforced dome, but certification and mounting are equally important.
Is a bullet always better outdoors?
No. A properly rated turret or dome can also work outdoors.
Can formats be mixed?
Yes, provided recording, management and security remain coherent.
