Dome Cameras

If security is major concern at your home or business let our professional grade dome cameras put your mind to rest. A dome camera is the most versatile security camera type ever made. Installing a dome camera is the best solution for deterring potential criminals from entering your home or possibly stealing from your business. We have the indoor and outdoor dome cameras you need to build your own high security surveillance system.

Professional grade Dome Cameras with the best warranties!

Dome cameras are basically security camera types that are installed in dome housings. The dome housing protects the camera and gives it the flexibility to be mounted almost anywhere. Dome cameras also allow you to secure an area without having to break the bank. Depending on the dome cameras you choose, you can install a very effective surveillance system on a limited budget. Dome cameras are also very simple to install, so you can have a complete surveillance system up and running in a very short time.

Dome cameras are offered to support numerous different installation needs. You can choose a dome camera with a fixed lens, Varifocal lens, with infrared LED’s, or with indoor or outdoor housings. An outdoor dome camera will have a weatherproof and vandalproof housing that is made to protect the camera from both the weather and possible vandalism. An outdoor dome camera will provide the impact resistance housing needed to ensure an outdoor area is always secure. An infrared dome camera will feature numerous LED lights that turn on only in the night to ensure the camera is viewing an area even in total darkness. When it comes to the lens of a dome camera you can choose from a Varifocal or fixed lens type. The fixed lens will give you a fixed view on an area, where the Varifocal lens will give you the flexibility to adjust the lens view to better focus on a particular area or object. Regardless of the installation type or security requirements you have, there are dome cameras available to support your needs.

We offer a huge selection of professional grade dome cameras that support various surveillance requirements. We only distribute dome cameras that are manufactured by the best names in the security industry. All of our dome cameras are backed by the best warranties, and are guaranteed to produce the highest quality surveillance video. With decades of security experience we have chosen to only offer the dome cameras that are built for performance, durability, and critical 24/7 surveillance applications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dome Cameras - FAQ’s

What is an Infrared Dome Camera?

Infrared LED’s are small lights that are mounted around the dome cameras lens. The camera will sense that the lighting conditions are too poor for it to perform at its best; as a result the camera will use its Infrared LED’s to create its own light. Most security cameras will provide color video in the day time, but at night the LED’s will turn on and the video will turn to black and white. A dome camera with infrared LED’s will provide you with the required light needed for the camera to see in areas where there is little or no light. One mistake people make is that they think infrared LED’s are these big bright lights. This is not the case. You will see a small glow from the camera but it is not like shooting a flashlight in an area. The infrared lighting has a longer and lower frequency than visible light. So you cannot see the actual light with your eyes. The camera though can see it and use it to ensure clear, good quality video in even total darkness.

Do I need infrared LED’s for my security cameras?

If there is any question that the lighting in an area is not adequate enough for the camera to perform at its highest level then using infrared dome cameras is the right choice for you. The truth is that we always encourage our customers to buy cameras that have infrared LED’s because they are just good to have. If your camera needs to use them they will, which will ensure your camera will perform and your property will be secured regardless of the lighting conditions. Although cameras with infrared LED’s are a little more expensive than cameras without, they are good to have just in case.

Should I buy 12VDC or 24VAC dome cameras?

If you have a current security camera system in place you will want to evaluate your current power type and buy the cameras that will integrate directly with your current system. Or you can buy any camera you want but add a CCTV power supply that will support the cameras power type. If you are installing a new system it is always recommended to use the 24VAC power type. 24VAC power just does not have the voltage drop that 12VDC does. Which means managing and delivering power to cameras is much easier with 24VAC. Most professional grade security cameras are usually dual voltage. Which means the camera will automatically sense the power type, and use it. So you can use either 12VDC or 24VAC without any issues. If you choose the security cameras that are dual voltage you for sure want to go the 24VAC route.

How do I mount a dome camera?

A dome camera is designed to be mounted to a ceiling, over-hang, or eave. Meaning it needs a flat surface to mount up to. It is important to evaluate the mounting locations for your cameras and choose the right cameras that will support the mounting options on your structure. Most high quality dome cameras will have a wall mount option that will allow you to mount the camera directly on the wall. If you really want the dome camera look then there are numerous mount accessories available to support your needs regardless of the structure or surface type you have to mount the cameras.

What is a vandal proof dome camera?

A vandal resistant or vandal proof dome camera is designed with a special housing to combat vandalism, or someone trying to tamper with the camera. The housing is also weatherproof and constructed to withstand even the toughest environmental conditions. Although vandal proof cameras are most commonly installed outdoors, many business owners use them in high traffic areas to ensure their cameras have extra protection. Along with the housing, vandal proof cameras also use tamper resistant screws which mean someone would need a special screw driver to tamper with the camera. They also have areas where the cameras connections can be stored and protected. A vandal proof dome camera is designed to withstand a blow from thrown objects or an impact from someone trying to damage the camera.

Which lens do I need for my camera?

There are essentially two types of lenses that come standard in dome cameras. A fixed lens and a varifocal lens. The fixed lens is set to a particular varifocal length, and once installed what you see is what you get. A varifocal lens gives you the flexibility to adjust the focal length to get the best possible view of the area you are trying to secure. Although dome cameras with varifocal lenses are more expensive then the fix lens cameras, they give you the most flexibility in an installation. Having the ability to adjust the lens in a way that best supports the area you are trying to secure may be very valuable to your over-all surveillance application.

How do I install a dome camera in my business?

Installing a dome camera inside a business is usually very simple. Most businesses have a drop ceiling which makes the installation easy. Dome cameras come with a template that allows you to mark the hole positions that need to be drilled. A quality camera will include all the mounting hardware you need for a successful installation. Once the holes are drilled and the cables are ran into the camera, you can then attach the BNC and power connections to the camera, and attach the camera and outer dome to the base. This will complete your installation.

How do I adjust the lens and features on a dome camera?

A good quality dome camera will be packed with features that can be adjusted to ensure the best quality video possible in a particular area. Since not all areas you are trying to secure are the same, it is important make all the adjustments you need to fine tune the camera. If you have a varifocal lens you will also have to adjust the focal length of the lens to ensure you are getting the best view possible. All dome cameras will have a small lever that allows you to properly adjust the lens. Also, there will be a small joystick or multiple buttons inside the camera that allow you to access its menu and make the needed adjustments. Once you activate the menu, it will come up on the systems monitor for you to view and navigate. Most professional installers have a test monitor that allows them to manage the menu and adjust the camera right at the cameras location. Without a test monitor you will have to have someone at the main monitor and someone at the camera communicating on the changes that need to be made.

What are the connection types on a dome camera?

All security cameras will have a BNC connection and a power connection. Both connections will provide a small pigtail coming out of the camera. The BNC connection will attach to the coaxial cable that delivers video between the camera and the security DVR. This connection is made by terminating a BNC connector on the end of the coax and attaching it to the BNC connection cable on the camera. The power pigtail will attach to the multi-conductor cable that is used to deliver power from the security camera power supply to the camera. This connection is made by either slicing the cable together or using power connectors. Making the required connections to install a dome camera is very simple and requires minimal tools.