Choosing between the different types of CCTV cameras can be confusing. Installers talk about domes, bullets, turrets, PTZs, IP, analogue HD, fisheye and ANPR, and product listings on Jumia and Jiji add even more terms. Yet choosing the right camera for each position is what makes a CCTV system genuinely useful. The wrong camera in the right place, or the right camera in the wrong place, gives you footage you cannot use.

This guide explains the main types of CCTV cameras used in Kenya, what each does well, where it works best and what to watch out for.

Quick comparison

Dome cameras

Dome cameras sit in a rounded housing, usually on ceilings. They are discreet, harder to tamper with and suit indoor spaces such as receptions, corridors, shop floors and offices. Vandal-resistant domes are also used outdoors under eaves.

Watch out for: reflections from the dome cover when infrared is used near walls or ceilings.

Bullet cameras

Bullet cameras are cylindrical and clearly visible. They are popular for gates, perimeter walls, driveways and parking areas because they can see far and act as a visible deterrent.

Watch out for: mounting them too low, where they can be moved or damaged. Mount high and angle down.

Turret cameras

Turret, or “eyeball”, cameras combine features of domes and bullets. They are easy to aim, have good night vision without dome reflections, and suit entrances, walls and eaves.

PTZ cameras

PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras can move and zoom, either controlled by an operator or following preset tours. They suit large sites such as warehouse yards, car parks, factories and estates.

Watch out for: a PTZ camera looking one way cannot see the other. For most sites, PTZs complement fixed cameras rather than replace them.

Fisheye cameras

Fisheye cameras give a 360° view from a single ceiling position. They suit open shop floors and offices where you want an overview.

Watch out for: detail at the edges of the image is lower, so they are not ideal for identifying faces.

Number plate cameras

Number plate cameras (ANPR or LPR) are set up to capture vehicle plates clearly, even when cars are moving and headlights are on. They suit estate gates, car parks and warehouse entrances.

Watch out for: they need careful angle, distance and shutter settings. A general camera rarely reads plates reliably at night.

Night vision and colour-at-night cameras

Most modern cameras include infrared night vision, producing black-and-white footage in darkness. Newer colour-at-night cameras use sensitive sensors or small white lights to record colour footage at night, which helps identify clothing and vehicles.

Watch out for: night vision range varies widely. Check the stated range against the distance you need to cover. See security lighting for homes, since good lighting improves any camera.

IP vs analogue HD

These describe how cameras send video rather than their shape:

• Analogue HD: cameras connect by coaxial cable to a DVR. Usually simpler and cheaper.
• IP: cameras connect by network cable to an NVR or network. Usually higher resolution and more flexible.

Most shapes come in both versions. See IP cameras vs analogue HD CCTV.

Wireless and solar cameras

Wireless cameras reduce cabling but still need power. Solar and 4G cameras work without mains power or cables, making them useful for construction sites, farms and remote gates. See wireless vs wired CCTV and solar CCTV cameras in Kenya.

Choosing the right type for each position

Resolution: how much detail do you need?

Higher resolution gives more detail, which matters for identification. But resolution alone is not enough; lens choice, distance, lighting and placement matter just as much. A lower-resolution camera close to a door can identify faces better than a high-resolution camera across the compound.

Brands and quality

Kenya’s market includes established international brands and many unbranded products. Established brands generally offer better image quality, reliability, software and support. Ask your installer which brands they use and why, and check warranty terms.

Common mistakes when choosing camera types

• Using one type everywhere regardless of position
• Expecting general cameras to read number plates at night
• Relying on a single PTZ to cover a whole site
• Choosing fisheye cameras where identification is needed
• Ignoring night vision range
• Mounting bullets too low

Worked example: a mixed system for a Westlands office

An office in Westlands wanted to replace an old system of identical bullet cameras that produced blurry night footage. The new design used a number plate camera at the car park entrance, turret cameras at the building entrance and back door, dome cameras in reception and corridors, a fisheye camera in the open-plan office, and bullet cameras with strong night vision along the perimeter. The result was clear identification at entry points and good overall coverage, with fewer cameras than before.

How Bestcare Security can help

We design CCTV systems using the right types of CCTV cameras for each position, based on a free site survey. Learn more about our CCTV monitoring services and see how many CCTV cameras you need.

Lens choice: fixed vs varifocal

Cameras of the same type can have very different lenses. A fixed wide lens covers a broad area but shows less detail at distance. A varifocal or motorised zoom lens lets the installer adjust the field of view to fit the exact position, such as zooming in on a gate 20 metres away. For identification at a distance, lens choice is often more important than resolution. Ask your installer what lens each camera uses and why.

Audio, two-way talk and other features

Some cameras include microphones, speakers for two-way talk, built-in sirens, warning lights or smart detection that distinguishes people and vehicles from animals or moving trees. These features can be useful, for example speaking to a visitor at the gate or reducing false alerts. Before using audio recording, consider privacy and legal implications, especially in workplaces. See CCTV and the Data Protection Act.

Matching camera types to budget

If budget is limited, spend where it matters most. Invest in good cameras at the main gate and doors, where identification is essential, and use more affordable models for general overview positions such as gardens or long walls. A dedicated number plate camera is worth it only if you genuinely need plates recorded, for example at an estate or warehouse gate. Plan the system so you can upgrade individual positions later.

Frequently asked questions

What are the main types of CCTV cameras?

Dome, bullet, turret, PTZ, fisheye, number plate, night vision, wireless and solar cameras.

Which CCTV camera is best for a gate?

A turret or bullet camera for faces, plus a number plate camera if you need plates recorded.

Are dome or bullet cameras better?

Domes suit indoor and discreet positions; bullets suit long-range outdoor views and deterrence.

Do I need a PTZ camera?

Only for large areas such as yards or car parks, usually alongside fixed cameras.

Can a normal camera read number plates?

Rarely at night or with moving vehicles. Use a dedicated number plate camera.

What is colour-at-night CCTV?

Cameras that record colour images in low light, helping identify clothing and vehicles.

Are IP cameras better than analogue HD?

IP cameras usually offer more detail and flexibility; analogue HD is often simpler and cheaper.

Should I mix different types of CCTV cameras?

Yes. Most good systems use several types, each matched to its position and purpose.

Which camera type is hardest to tamper with?

Vandal-resistant domes mounted high are among the hardest to tamper with, especially indoors or under eaves.

How do I choose the right cameras?

Call 0709 004 600 for a free CCTV survey and recommendation.

Related reading

• CCTV Installation Price in Kenya: What Affects the Cost
• How Many CCTV Cameras Do I Need for My Home or Business?
• Wireless vs Wired CCTV in Kenya: Which Should You Choose?

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