Camera Guide

Get to know the different types of cameras. Choosing the right style of camera can make the difference in protecting your home or business.
Use our comprehensive guide to learn more. 

Young Man Stealing Computer Monitor Walking In Building Corridor

Camera Guide

Get to know the different types of cameras. Choosing the right style of camera can make the difference in protecting your home or business.
Use our comprehensive guide to learn more. 

Young Man Stealing Computer Monitor Walking In Building Corridor

Camera Types

Dome

dome style video surveillance camera

Dome cameras are ceiling mounted and named for their dome-like shape. These cameras are commonly used in indoor surveillance applications. Some models are fixed in place, while others can be remotely controlled to pan, tilt and zoom. The shape of these cameras can make it difficult to determine which direction the camera is facing. Most dome cameras have a vandal-proof encasing, so these are a good option for areas where you want to place a vandal-resistant camera.

Uses and applications: Casinos | Banks | Libraries | Exteriors of buildings | Hotels | Restaurants | Any area where a camera is susceptible to tampering or vandalism

Bullet

bullet style video surveillance camera

These cameras are long and protrude outward like a “bullet.” Bullet cameras are great for capturing long-range images from a fixed location and work well in setups where you know exactly where you want camera coverage. They are also attached to a mounting bracket, which makes them easy install.

Uses and applications: Hospitals | Banks | Libraries | Exteriors of buildings | Restaurants | Hotels | Theaters | Warehouses

Turret

turret style video surveillance camera

Turret cameras, sometimes known as mini dome, eyeball or flat-faced dome cameras, are small cameras that have a ball-and-socket design. These cameras offer lots of flexibility in terms of installation since the lens can pivot in any direction. Turret cameras also tend to have a compact form factor, allowing installation to be fast and easy in most cases.

Uses and applications: Parking lots | Airports | Traffic intersections | Hallways | Schools | Hospitals | Manufacturing sites | Gas stations | Other similar environments

Wireless/Cellular

ptz style video surveillance camera

These cameras are designed to be installed without wires. Certain models even offer cellular connectivity, which makes them an ideal option for surveillance in remote areas or for hunting applications out in the wilderness where access to electricity and Wi-Fi networks is not possible.

Uses and applications: Deer leases | Farms | Camp sites | Hunting sites | Cannabis farms

Dome

dome style video surveillance camera

Dome cameras are ceiling mounted and named for their dome-like shape. These cameras are commonly used in indoor surveillance applications. Some models are fixed in place, while others can be remotely controlled to pan, tilt and zoom. The shape of these cameras can make it difficult to determine which direction the camera is facing. Most dome cameras have a vandal-proof encasing, so these are a good option for areas where you want to place a vandal-resistant camera.

Bullet

bullet style video surveillance camera

These cameras are long and protrude outward like a “bullet.” Bullet cameras are great for capturing long-range images from a fixed location and work well in setups where you know exactly where you want camera coverage. They are also attached to a mounting bracket, which makes them easy install.

Turret

turret style video surveillance camera

Turret cameras, sometimes known as mini dome, eyeball or flat-faced dome cameras, are small cameras that have a ball-and-socket design. These cameras offer lots of flexibility in terms of installation since the lens can pivot in any direction. Turret cameras also tend to have a compact form factor, allowing installation to be fast and easy in most cases.

Wireless/Cellular

ptz style video surveillance camera

These cameras are designed to be installed without wires. Certain models even offer cellular connectivity, which makes them an ideal option for surveillance in remote areas or for hunting applications out in the wilderness where access to electricity and Wi-Fi networks is not possible.

Uses and applications: Casinos | Banks | Libraries | Exteriors of buildings | Hotels | Restaurants | Any area where a camera is susceptible to tampering or vandalism

Uses and applications: Hospitals | Banks | Libraries | Exteriors of buildings | Restaurants | Hotels | Theaters | Warehouses

Uses and applications: Parking lots | Airports | Traffic intersections | Hallways | Schools | Hospitals | Manufacturing sites | Gas stations | Other similar environments

Uses and applications: Deer leases | Farms | Camp sites | Hunting sites | Cannabis farms

Camera Features

Smart Phone with video surveillance monitor

Quality View

Today video quality and more distinct, finely-detailed images are based on a  camera’s higher resolution. In camera systems, resolution is typically quantified in megapixels. Presently, camera selections predominantly encompass choices like 2MP, 4MP, 5MP or 8MP. Higher priced and detailed camera resolutions include 10MP, 12MP and even 20MP.

Field of View

In the realm of security cameras, the term “field of view” pertains to the breadth or restriction of the area that a camera can encompass. This metric is quantified in degrees, with a prevalent field of view spanning approximately 90 degrees. In relation to the field of view, additional factors of significance encompass the type and dimensions of the camera’s lens.

field of view graph for video surveillance
man standing holding sign

Lens Type

There are two primary categories of lenses: fixed lenses and varifocal lenses. A varifocal lens offers the flexibility to modify the focal length, view angle, and zoom level according to your preferences. On the other hand, a fixed lens lacks these adjustable features. Fixed lenses are typically associated with wide-angle capabilities. A lens with a shorter focal length, like 4mm, delivers a broader visual field. Conversely, lenses possessing longer focal lengths, such as 100mm, provide a more confined and focused angle of view.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Most burglars don’t even have to break in. Statistics show that 34% of burglars simply walk in through unlocked front doors, making it the most common point of entry for burglars

Meanwhile, 23% of burglars climbed in through first-floor windows and 22% used the back door to gain entry. So even if you’re leaving your home for a short period, make sure all the entry points to your home are secured.

According to a study conducted on 422 career burglars, 79% of burglars are interested in cash, 68% in jewelry, 58% in illegal drugs, and 56% in electronics.

While the best way to protect your money is by putting it in the bank and out of a burglar’s reach. You can also consider installing a wall or floor-mounted safe in your home to protect valuables that are hard to replace like jewelry.

Burglars will always look for items that are quick to turn over and resell, so it is a good idea to mark your property to reduce the risk of your valuables being sold.

While you can purchase security cameras from retail stores, they’re simply not home security systems. They lack important features like person detected alerts, in panel Glassbreak, 2-way audio, auto arm/disarm, and professional monitoring. Without monitoring, your home is left vulnerable and it’s impossible to know who or what set off the alarm, leading to costly false alarm fines and send out fees.

According to the F.B.I, burglars are almost 3 times less likely to target homes with home security systems, making them the most effective way to prevent break-ins.

Not only do they make great burglar deterrents, but some home security systems like the ones from RI Home Security can also do so much more. You can rest easy knowing you’ll receive an alert on your smartphone if an intruder is detected. You can then switch to Live View to see what’s going on through your doorbell camera or tap to call the Police straight from the app. Countless features like Bluetooth arming and disarming is peace of mind made easy!

Professional Monitoring & Interactive Service

Our on shore central station monitoring is a vital service where our dedicated team oversees alarms and emergency events triggered by your home security system. It provides immediate response to emergencies, reducing property damage and potentially saving lives.

You can choose between two of our service plans each including 24/ Professional Monitoring and prioritizing the safety and protection of your home and family: 

Interactive:

– Mobile & Desktop App
– Alarm Event Notifications
– Remote Arming/Disarming
– User code Management
– Sensor Activity Notifications
– Verizon / AT&T Cellular Backup
– 36 Month Price Protected Monitoring Agreement Included.

Interactive + Pro Video:

– Video Analytics (People, Animal and Vehicle Detection)
– Up to 4x Video Cameras 
– Package Delivery Verification
– 3000 Video Clips per Month 
– Choose two 24/7 Onboard Recording Cameras

Professional Monitoring Call Center contact us

Video Doorbell Camera

  • Video Analytics differentiates between people, animals, and vehicles seen in your camera’s field of view, removing the need to constantly monitor your video feeds.
  • Interact with Visitors using Two Way Voice 
  • Deter Unwanted Behavior with Perimeter Guard 
  • Battery-powered option so you can install it at any entrance regardless of the existing setup
Video Doorbell Cameras
lifetime service warranty

HD Indoor Camera (WiFi)

  • 1080p HD video
  • Infrared Night Vision
  • Two Way Voice 
  • 24/7 and secure cloud recording options.
  • Compact design and flexible mount 
indoor camera and safety alert notification with iphone and alarm.com app open

Professional Installation

Our Certified Technicians always: 

  • Wear Booties to cover there feet 
  • Provide Training on your new security system 
  • Maintain Professional Demeanor 
  • Keep private information Confidential and PCI Compliant 
  • Go above and beyond to ensure your home is protected

We’ll never cancel your Installation:

We understand protecting your home and family is a priority. Which is why we promise to install your security system on it’s scheduled installation date or we’ll give you $150 cash if we ever have to reschedule your installation.  

We’ll teach you about your new system:

Our favorite part of installing your new system is showing you and your family how to use it to it’s full potential. Our technicians will test your system ensure that it is communicating with the monitoring center as well as:

  • Help you install the mobile/desktop app on your phone or computer 
  • Show you how to arm and disarm your system for specific scenarios
  • Identify any additional security concerns to be aware of while we’re on site
  • Answer your questions to ensure you’re 100% confident in your new security system 
professional technician
Glass Break Detector

HD Outdoor Video Camera (WiFi)

  • Our Video Analytics distinguishes between people, animals, vehicles so you can focus on the notifications that are most important to you.
  • Activate Perimeter Guard™ to deter potential intruders. Loud whistles or beeps, and a flashing red LED ensures any bad actors know that they’re on camera.
  • Interact with visitors from wherever you are. Crisp Two-Way Audio keeps you connected to your home and lets you communicate in real-time—even when you’re not there.
Outdoor Video Camera
passive infrared motion detector
Door Window sensor

Touch Screen Smart Security Hub

  • Built in Glass Break Detector – The IQ Panel includes a glass break detector right in the panel, using the microphones and quad core processor. It will cover multiple windows within a 15 foot range.
  • Bluetooth Disarming – Disarming you can leave your phone in your pocket/purse and it will automatically disarm when your phone gets in range. No typing codes, you just walk in the house and it disarms like magic! You can pair up to 5 smartphones. 
  • Dual Path Cellular LTE & Wifi – The days of using a landline to call out in an emergency are over. This system uses cellular towers to communicate just like your smartphone. It has WiFi as a fail safe giving you undisrupted connection to your monitoring station. 
  • Back Up Battery – Lasts up to 36 hours during a power outage.
  • Software Updates – Every system is designed to improve over time, giving you the latest features by downloading software updates over the air, so you’ll never have to worry about your equipment becoming outdated.
  • Smart Arming Reminders – We know that the best way to protect your home is to make sure the security is activated, so you can create arming reminders that will send you a text message if you forget to arm by a certain time each day or if you every drive away from the house.
  • Add Smart Locks, Video Live Streaming and so much more…
woman arming security system