Choosing CCTV cameras can feel confusing because every camera is marketed as high definition, weatherproof and smart. The better question is not which camera is best. It is which camera is right for each position on the property.

Dome cameras are common for entrances, patios, garages and indoor areas. They are compact, discreet and harder to see directionally because the lens sits inside a dome. That makes them useful where you want security without making the camera too visually aggressive. A vandal-resistant dome can also work well in exposed public areas.

Bullet cameras are more visible. They are often used on driveways, perimeters, boundary walls and long approaches because they can be aimed clearly and usually handle longer-range views well. Their visibility can be a deterrent. The downside is that they are easier to notice architecturally, so placement matters on high-end homes.

PTZ cameras can pan, tilt and zoom. They are useful on large properties where one camera needs to inspect a wide area, such as a yard, estate entrance or commercial site. For most homes, PTZ is not a replacement for fixed cameras because it can only look in one direction at a time. It works best when it supplements fixed coverage.

Fisheye cameras provide a very wide view, often close to 360 degrees. They can be useful indoors, in reception areas, garages, shops or open-plan spaces. The trade-off is that detail at distance is limited. A fisheye is good for awareness, not always for identifying faces or number plates.

Indoor and outdoor cameras are built differently. Outdoor cameras need proper weather rating, infrared performance and mounting that handles wind, heat and rain. In coastal KZN areas, brackets and housings should be chosen carefully because salt air can shorten equipment life.

Wired cameras are usually the better choice for permanent CCTV. PoE IP cameras get power and data over one cable, record to an NVR and are generally more reliable. Wireless cameras can be useful where cabling is impossible, but they depend on Wi-Fi, batteries or local power. For security, reliability matters more than convenience.

Before buying, decide what each camera must capture:

  • faces at the gate
  • number plates in the driveway
  • wide garden awareness
  • entrance and door activity
  • pool or outdoor movement
  • indoor common areas

DG Technologies designs CCTV installation around those outcomes, so the lens, height and camera type match the job.