Dome Security Camera: Features, Benefits, and Top Picks

Dome security CCTV cameras are often seen in our everyday lives, including in shops, schools and many other places for security surveillance purposes. As a specific type of security camera, dome-shaped cameras are always compared to bullet cameras.

In this article we will share some insights on what a dome security camera is, its main benefits, how dome CCTV cameras compare to bullet security cameras and at the end we will give you our recommendations on the best models.

What Is a Dome Security Camera?

In most cases, a dome security camera refers to a device with a dome shaped transparent cover. This cover helps to protect the camera from the outside world and also provides some protection against vandalism.

These cameras get their name for the dome-shaped housings. The special dome style with a rugged housing and other powerful features have made them an ideal choice for home or business owners.

What's Special about Dome Cameras: IK Rating

The ruggedness of a vandal-proof model depends on its IK rating, which ranges from IK00 to IK10. Cameras with an IK10 rating can survive up to twenty joules of impact, which is equal to being hit by a 5kg mass dropped from 40cm.

Here is a chart about IK rating for you to better understand it:

The special dome style with rugged housing and other powerful features have made these cameras an ideal choice for home or business owners. They can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Usually, a camera with dome housing is mounted upside down under the ceilings or eaves. They can be used in a lot of places, including homes, retail stores, restaurants, schools, banks, construction sites, hospitals, and so on.

What are the Advantages of Dome Security Cameras?

Besides their round shapes and adorable appearance, cameras with dome shapes have many other benefits that make them popular among users, and we have outlined the benefits and why you should buy one.

Durable and vandal proof

They are designed to be tamper resistant so that they cannot be easily damaged or disabled. They are suitable for public places like airports and government buildings where it is important to maintain a high level of security. They are also popular in businesses and homes because they offer a high level of protection against theft and vandalism.

Weatherproof & Water-Resistant

Security cameras dome are weatherproof and water-resistant because of their design. The camera is enclosed in a dome-shaped cover, which protects it from the elements. The cover protects the camera from the elements and prevents it from getting wet. This makes them ideal for use in outdoor environments where there is a high risk of inclement weather. The cover also keeps dust and dirt from getting into the camera, which can damage it.

The cover also helps to keep the camera dry, even if it's raining or snowing. Additionally, the camera is sealed so that no water can get inside. Most outdoor models come with an IP rating, such as IP66 or IP67. It proves that the camera is capable to withstand harsh weather and can keep working in most conditions.

Low profile and less invasive

Dome cameras are designed to be low profile and less invasive, making them a popular choice for use in public areas. This cover hides the camera lens, making it difficult to see which direction the camera is pointing. As result, they are less conspicuous, which can be helpful in deterring potential thieves or intruders.

It is not easy to see the orientation of the security camera lens, and it is low invasiveness. The lens of these cameras is mostly covered, making it not so noticeable and conspicuous. Looking from afar, you may hardly figure out which direction the camera is actually pointing.

This uncertainty can be a great help in deterring potential thieves or intruders. If people don't know where the camera point, they'll unconsciously think they're being monitored and control their behavior.

Highly adaptable for outdoor & indoor

These cameras are highly adaptable and can be used indoors and outdoors in a variety of locations. Made of high-quality materials that are weather resistant, they are ideal for outdoor use.

Additionally, security cameras with dome shape are easy to install and can be mounted on ceilings or walls.

Enhanced Night Vision Capability

Normally, dome CCTV cameras can stand guard on your property both day and night, even in total darkness. In virtue of the built-in infrared LEDs, the outdoor cameras can deliver sharp and clear images without ambient light at all.

In the unfortunate case that you suffer from a home break-in, the dome-shaped security cameras would send you instant alerts and the recorded footage can also be the proof to help pinpoint suspects.

Different Types of Dome Camera

In the security camera market, cameras of dome style often include the following 3 types, each with its own special feature:

1. PoE CCTV Dome Camera: This type requires only one Ethernet network cable for data transmission and power supply. Once you connect the PoE camera to the router with a CAT5 or CAT6 cable, you can see everything the camera captures from anywhere on your mobile devices.
2. PTZ Dome Surveillance Camera: This type can pan left to right, tilt up or down, and zoom in/out for all around views. Since its lens can be adjusted to different angles, the camera can even see 360° with no blind spots.
3. 4K Security Camera with Dome Shape: A 4K camera boasts 8 megapixels high resolution, which is nearly 4 times clearer than 1080p or 2MP. They are becoming trending because they provide richer details as well as clearer images.

Top Picks for Best Dome Security Cameras

With everything explained clearly above, now you're prepared to get your own camera. To save your time, we've picked several best options for you.

Best Outdoor Dome Security Camera - Reolink RLC-842A

From its outlook, you'll see how durable RLC-842A is. This camera comes with IP66 waterproof and IK10 vandal-proof housing. Neither harsh weather conditions nor hits from burglars won't beat it down.

It can be installed anywhere - indoors and outdoors. It can give you more reliable protection while deterring tampering or vandalism.

It's equipped with smart detection and will alert you when any person or vehicle gets close to your property. Moreover, it boasts 4K 8MP ultra high resolution and 5X optical zoom, which are great for you to enjoy flawless pictures and videos.

Below you can see a video taken by the Reolink RLC-842A and how it performs in daylight. You can also observe the good video clarity and detail that come with the high resolution.

Incredible 4K 8MP Video Captured by RLC-842A in the Daytime

Best Wirelss Dome Security Camera - Reolink RLC-542WA

As a dome security camera with wireless connectivity, Reolink RLC-542WA can be easily installed inside and outside your house without messy cabling. It is also IK10 vandal-proof and can stay safely in high-traffic places.

RLC-542WA supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies to ensure better performance for camera networking. It can record 24/7 and never miss a thing. 24 IR LEDs ensure good night vision quality.

Best Dome Security Camera System - Reolink RLK8-800V4

If your looking for a system with dome-shaped cameras, we recommend you the new RLK8-800V4. This system omes with four dome weatherproof cameras and an NVR (Network Video Recorder). These four 8MP security cameras ensure you get sharp and vivid images and you can view the footage via the NVR, Reolink app and client. The NVR supports up to 16TB of storage, allowing you to keep a substantial amount of recorded footage for later review.

What to Consider Before Buying A Dome CCTV Camera

There are so many options available in the market with different features and prices, and you may hesitate to choose one. Don't worry. Answer the following questions and you'll know which one to buy.

Indoors or outdoors

If you need a dome camera inside your house, you can choose a simple model with basic functions: 1080p or higher resolution, infrared night vision, motion detection, and so on.

But if you want to use it outside your house, you must consider its durability. An outdoor model with weather-proof and vandal-proof capabilities is your best choice. It should have an IP65 or IP66 rating to withstand the outdoor environment.

Number

The number of cameras depends on where you want to monitor. If it's a large area such as parking lots and crossroads, you should choose a PTZ camera for a wide viewing angle. Or you can buy several dome-style cameras and put them in different places.

Environment or working scenario

Will harsh weather occur frequently in your area? Will it be extremely hot or cold?

If so, you should care about the working temperature besides its IP rating. You can check the specification on the manufacturer's website or ask the support before purchasing one.

Many outdoor devices normally works in temperature ranging from 14°F to 131°F (-10˚c - +55˚c) with the humidity level around 10%~90%. If the ambient temperature exceeds this range, you should take other measures, such as using an additional rain cover or enclosure to protect the camera.

FAQs

Can dome cameras see 360？

Yes, dome cameras can see 360 degrees. This is due to the ability of the camera to rotate around its axis. Additionally, many models have the ability to tilt up and down, which gives even greater viewing range.

A PTZ camera can see in all directions, allowing for a full 360° view without any blind spots. This type of camera can rotate left to right or up and down, making it perfect for monitoring a large area. Additionally, many PTZ cameras have the ability to automatically track people or vehicles, making it easy to keep an eye on everything happening in the scene.

How far can a dome camera see？

The range of dome security cameras varies due to different focal lengths, resolutions, and quality. Generally speaking, a dome camera can see in a range between 20 - 70ft. If you want to see further, you can choose professional cameras designed for long-range surveillance.

Conclusion

Dome cameras are good to use both indoors and outdoors for their many benefits. Such a security camera helps a lot in building home security systems.

From this article you've learned how to choose the best one for your home. Now it's your turn. Leave a comment below and share your ideas about dome security cameras, how you use them, and any related experience!