Dome Cameras – Sleek, Vandal-Resistant, and Ideal for Indoor Use

Best for Monitoring Entryways, Shops, and Reception Areas

Dome cameras are popular for a reason. Their compact, ceiling-mounted design blends into interior spaces while still offering wide-angle coverage. They’re often used in retail, clinics, office lobbies, and hospitality settings.

Because they’re harder to tamper with or redirect, they provide reliable, uninterrupted footage—especially useful in indoor commercial environments.

Weatherproof Dome Options for Outdoor Use

Not all dome cameras are limited to indoor use. Many models are now IP66 or IP67 rated, meaning they’re weatherproof and ideal for outdoor setups as well. In comparing indoor vs outdoor commercial cameras, domes can serve both roles when equipped with the right housing.

Bullet Cameras – High Visibility and Long-Range Outdoor Coverage

This type of commercial security camera is ideal for businesses looking to deter crime through visibility. The long, cylindrical shape of bullet cameras sends a clear message: “You’re being watched.”

Great Deterrent Effect for Parking Lots, Gates, and Fences

Their high visibility makes bullet cameras perfect for car parks, loading docks, or building perimeters. Just seeing the camera is often enough to discourage unwanted activity.

Enhanced Image Clarity for Long Distances and Fixed Monitoring

Bullet cameras are best for monitoring specific zones, especially where clarity over distance is required—like watching an entrance gate or perimeter wall. Their fixed-angle view also makes them reliable for consistent coverage of high-priority areas.

PTZ Cameras – Precision Control and Coverage with One Device

Zoom, Rotate, and Pan Features for Live Monitoring

A PTZ camera for business surveillance gives you control—literally. With the ability to pan, tilt, and zoom, it allows security staff to follow individuals in real time or zoom into suspicious activity. They’re ideal for large facilities like stadiums, shopping centres, or warehouses.



When to Choose PTZ Over Multiple Fixed Cameras

If you’re monitoring wide areas with varying activity, a single PTZ may replace the need for several static cameras. While they tend to be more expensive, the flexibility and real-time response they offer often outweigh the cost, especially in environments with live monitoring staff.

IP Cameras vs Analog Cameras – What’s Right for Your Setup?

In understanding the different types of commercial security cameras, it’s essential to look at IP vs analog security cameras.

Pros and Cons of Digital (IP) Systems

IP cameras provide high-resolution footage, remote access via apps, and integration with smart analytics (like facial recognition or license plate capture). They’re modern, scalable, and ideal for businesses looking for future-ready solutions.

Where Analog Systems Still Work Best

Analog cameras, connected via coaxial cables to a DVR, remain a budget-friendly option for businesses with legacy infrastructure. They’re straightforward and can be upgraded gradually with hybrid DVRs.

Hybrid Systems for Growing Businesses

SCAVI often recommends hybrid solutions that combine existing analog systems with new IP installations. This allows businesses to grow their security capabilities over time without full system replacement.

Specialty Cameras – Tailored Solutions for Unique Business Needs

Thermal Cameras for High-Risk or Low-Visibility Environments

In construction, mining, or industrial sites, thermal cameras can detect heat patterns, making them useful for early fire detection, equipment monitoring, or spotting movement in total darkness.

Fisheye/360° Cameras for Open-Plan Offices or Lobbies

Need to cover an entire space without multiple units? A 360° camera can monitor open-plan layouts, boardrooms, or hotel lobbies with fewer blind spots and cleaner aesthetics.

Hidden or Covert Cameras for Loss Prevention

Retail stores and inventory rooms benefit from discreet surveillance. Hidden cameras help detect internal theft or policy violations, especially when traditional visible cameras are avoided or tampered with.

How to Decide Which Camera Type Suits Your Business Best

Map Your Site and Identify Priority Surveillance Zones

Start by identifying areas with the highest security needs—entrances, cash registers, storage rooms, etc. SCAVI offers planning support with digital mapping to pinpoint optimal camera placement.

Consider Lighting, Foot Traffic, and Installation Ease

In areas with dim lighting, choose cameras with infrared or low-light features. In busy spaces, wide-angle or motion-activated cameras work better. Installation location also affects which camera type is suitable.

Factor in System Scalability and Future Growth

Don’t just think about today. Ask: Will you open new branches? Add more employees? Opt for camera systems that allow for easy expansion, especially IP-based or hybrid setups.

Expert Advice: Top Picks for the Best Security Cameras for Business

Best for Small Retail Stores

For a boutique or café, the Reolink 4MP dome camera offers great clarity, easy mobile access, and an affordable price point—ideal for tight budgets.

Best for Large Warehouses or Logistics Hubs

A PTZ camera with AI tracking and 30x optical zoom provides full-facility coverage and real-time response, minimising the need for extra guards or static units.

Best All-Around Solution for Mixed Indoor/Outdoor Coverage

A combo of IP bullet and dome cameras gives businesses versatility and cost-efficiency. Bullet cameras cover the exterior, while domes protect indoor zones like entrances or POS counters.

Finding the Right Types of Commercial Security Cameras

Choosing the right types of commercial security cameras can be the difference between catching a break-in and missing crucial evidence. From IP vs analog options to PTZ, bullet, or dome setups, the best solution depends on your business layout, security priorities, and long-term growth.

Still unsure which camera type fits your operation? That’s where expert guidance from SCAVI makes all the difference.



This article is brought to you by SCAVI – Sydney’s trusted name in security and AV installation services.
Contact us today for a free business assessment, expert recommendations, and professional installation tailored to your industry.