Low cost is perhaps the single biggest attraction for people considering a bullet camera for their CCTV security system. But what is “low cost”, what features should you expect, and what are you giving up when you buy a camera in this category?

First, lets put things in perspective in terms of costs. A common commercial grade standard body camera may average around $175 dollars, with of course some models being more expensive and some being less expensive. To that, however, you must still add a lens and often times a housing if the camera will be going outside. Another common CCTV camera body style is a dome camera. Like standard body cameras, commercial grade dome cameras can also average around the two hundred dollar mark.

Now, of course, for both standard body and dome cameras there are thousands of less expensive and more expensive models that can be a good fit for your situation. But, for the purpose of illustration we are going to go with the above averages.

Though the same analogy can be made for bullet cameras, that there are always less expensive and more expensive models, the low cost bullet camera represents one of the most cost effective camera solutions on the market today.

But what should you expect if someone tells you about a “cost effective” camera solution? Well, for starters, you should expect a camera that’s going to last. A product that dies after 90 days was not a bargain at any cost. So we advise that you always look for a camera, even a low cost bullet camera, with at least a one year warranty. On price I would expect a low cost bullet camera to be under $90 with prices going as low as $60. But as one caveat: Remember the famous words of Fredrick Douglass who said ” Men may not get all they pay for in this world; but they must certainly pay for all they get.”

Now that we have price covered, lets talk about what you should expect, and what you should not expect. In no particular order: You should expect a fixed wide angle lens in the 3.6mm range. You should expect a resolution as measured in TVL between 380 and 420. You should expect a lux rating of 1. And finally, you should expect color. You should not expect a replaceable lens. You should not expect infrared. You should not expect any low light capabilities. You should not expect any complicated features like back light compensation, digital noise reduction or automatic white balance. And finally, you should not expect that a low cost bullet camera will automatically be rated for outdoor use.

Given the above features what then should you plan on using a low cost bullet camera to do? The answer, as I see it, is simple. Low cost bullet cameras should be used to fill out your security system in interior spaces where light levels are reasonable and constant, where the cameras can either be mounted close to the area that you wish to surveil or in spaces where the general overall / wide angle view is desired. With the costs of this product being what it is low cost bullet cameras can be installed in ratios of 2 or even 3 to 1 as compared to the average commercial grade standard body or dome camera.

So with this very quick look at the features and potential used of a low cost bullet camera we hope have a better understanding this class of bullet cameras.

Should have have any specific questions leave us a comment below or see our discussion thread on the www.tech-army.org forum and their Ask a CCTV Expert Discussion Thread.

Below I will list the specs and following is a link to a very nice IP based bullet camera. But specs in and of themselves do not answer the most important question about a product. That question is simply “Is this the right product for me?”

So since you are on a Blog about Bullet Cameras, let’s go with the theory that you know what Bullet Cameras are and where they fit in your security needs. That leaves the IP aspect of this product to ponder. What then, you ask, is there to ponder? It’s an IP camera. It connects to my internet connection and just works, right? Well, one would hope. And, if you have the right expectations and right need for the product, then this could be a great product for you.

To make this simple let’s list a few scenarios in which an IP Bullet Camera can be a good fit:

- You just have a single camera need.
- You want an easy way to put a live shot on your web page.
- You have a need for a camera at a remote location and you want to add it to your main video surveillance network.
- You don’t need to record any video; you just want internet access to live video.
- You would like to record the video from an IP camera and you already have the software or the funds budgeted to make that happen.
- You have more bandwidth then the US Government and you are not doing anything with it anyway.
- Or, conversely to the above situation, you just have a DSL connection and you don’t really care about the limits to resolution or frame rates that your connection will impose on your camera.
- You just want one because that’s what they use on CSI

Now let’s make a list of scenarios in which an IP Bullet Camera might Not be a good fit:

- You need multiple cameras and paying 4 times as much per camera as compared to a standard CCTV Bullet Camera is not in the budget.
- You or your IT guy have done the math and realize that running 16 cameras at a reasonable frame rate and resolution is not going to happen across your internet connection even though it’s a high speed corporate account.
- You have done the research into IP recording software and though impressed with the features are not really at the point where you can justify the expense of a package whose licensing scheme and costs somewhat mimic that of a Microsoft Exchange Server.
- You don’t have an internet connection at the site where you want the new camera so you think it would be cheaper to pull the less expensive CAT5 cable and use an IP product. But you remember half way into the project that it no simple matter to run a single CAT5 line more than 300ft so you stop and wonder what you should do now and begin to look to blame this decision on someone else.

Well, some of that is tongue-in-cheek but it was getting late. But still I hope it gives you something to think about.

So here are the specs I promised and if you are thinking about an IP Bullet Camera, you may want to call and discuss your plan with a professional security consultant like those at www.camerasecuritynow.com – 877-422-1907, prior to making your purchase.

IP/Network Color Bullet Camera – 2.8-10mmAuto Iris – Bullet Camera – IP-67 Rated – Premium software supplied at no extra cost for accessing advanced features.

The IP/Network Bullet Cameras have built-in web servers that work with Internet Explorer. No special software required for basic functionality and recording • Models with “INT” in the part# include intensifier technology • Linux Operating System built into camera – No virus threats • Dual Streaming: Cameras have both MPEG-4 and JPEG CODECS which allow you to choose between streaming or high quality video • Support of Dynamic and Static IP addresses • Changeable/Selectable Ports allow one IP address to handle multiple cameras • Premium software supplied at no extra cost for accessing advanced features • Remotely view up to 16 cameras in one window… from anywhere in the world! • Multiple levels of password protected remote access • Includes advanced IP locator software to make system setup easy • User adjustable settings for MPEG-4 and JPEG quality • Built in motion detection • Multiple Alarm handling capabilities • RS-232 pass through for control of many popular Speed Domes • Remotely upgradeable for software functions • Schedule Recording, per camera, per day, per hour • Selectable Resolutions: 704 x 480, 352 x 480, 352 x 240 • Protocols: HTTP, FTP, TCP/IP, DHCP, ARP, DNS, ICMP,DDNS • Analog composite video output for local viewing • Up to 50 simultaneous users • Free DDNS Server • Various filters simplify searches • Power – 12 Volts DC • Current consumption is less than 400 ma IP-INTB1: IP/Network Bullet Camera with 2.8-10mm Auto Iris Lens IP-INTB2: IP/Network Bullet Camera with 5-50mm Auto Iris Lens RoHS compliant.

When it comes to bullet cameras, as is the case with just about any topic, the concept of “perfect”, like beauty itself, is in the eye of the beholder. But when it comes to something so utilitarian as a security camera, I think we can easily agree on a short list of traits that contribute to a “perfect bullet camera”.

1. The perfect bullet camera must not be big. In the case of the perfect bullet camera small can be a good thing. Small bullet cameras are easy to mount. Small bullet cameras are discrete. Small bullet cameras are going to be less expensive. And, in my opinion, small is clearly that way to go.

2. Low light is a must for the perfect bullet camera. And when I say low light, I mean just that, a bullet camera with a Sony EX-View CCD that will operate in the range of .05 Lux. A low light bullet camera does require some ambient light, but it does not require its own infrared illuminators that produce a visible bug attracting glow and require a larger housing to be effective.

3. Being weatherproof is a must for the perfect bullet camera. So when considering a bullet camera, be very careful that it is truly rated for outdoor use. In a perfect world all outdoor cameras would list their IP (Ingress Protection) rating and then there would be no doubt about the cameras ability to live outside. Failing that, look for the phrase “Waterproof”, “Weatherproof”, or “Outdoor”.

4. Dual voltage is worthy of mention as a trait for the perfect bullet camera. However, dual voltage can be a double-edged sword. A camera that can operate at either 12VDC or 24VAC can give you a lot more flexibility when it comes to installation; however, that flexibility comes at a high sticker price which is incompatible with another one of our traits for the perfect bullet camera. So be sure to weigh the pros and cons of dual voltage prior to making your next bullet camera purchase.

5. Finally, the perfect bullet camera must also be affordable. Affordability allows for larger security camera systems that of course can provide a larger coverage area. So even though there are always better bullet cameras out there, they will do you little good if they are outside of the budget.

Call us today at 877-422-1907 for our current choice for the most perfect bullet camrea.

In  this recently added page by an online Security Camera supplier you can get a real good feel for an actual Infrared picture from an IR bullet camera. Of course the video also covers the cameras features as well.
 
From our experience we would agree with the author’s comments that Infrared cameras are often misunderstood and we appreciate their effort with the video demo of the IR135 to educate the bullet camera buying public.

One further caveat when considering an Infrared bullet camera is to be sure to remember that the majority of IR cameras use a LED that glows red which can attract bugs during the summer or the unwanted interest of the party under surveillance.

Follow this link to read more and watch the video demo of the IR135 Infrared Bullet Camera.

Often time’s a surveillance system for a home or a business requires a security camera that can be concealed outside.  Outside cameras of the highest quality are typically found in professional grade standard body models as these units have plenty of room for all the latest CCTV electronics that allow for low light viewing, wide dynamic range, digital noise reduction, etc. However standard body cameras require a large housing to survive outdoors.  Many times the overt nature of this solution can itself be a deterrent to trouble. However there are times when ascetics, or the need for a more covert camera, make the standard body camera impractical.

In this scenario a bullet camera can provide a reasonable solution as they can both survive the weather without any additional housing and they are small enough to be easily concealed. Or to put that another way, a bullet camera can be a great fit for the exterior of a property where you need surveillance but don’t want the place to look like Fort Knox.

For example a bullet camera can make concealing a camera at the end of a driveway all the easier. It would go relatively unnoticed in dozens of spots such as on a fence post, under a freestanding lantern, or even hid in a tree or other landscaping feature. Likewise a bullet camera is a good choice for a front porch, a back door, or even a garage door. As a small black bullet camera mounted on the side of a brick house close to the eves would most likely not be noticed until the subject had already been observed by the camera.

So the next time you are faced with that dilemma of needing an outdoor CCTV security camera while wanting to preserve the overall look of the property then consider a CCTV bullet camera.

The use of bullet cameras on Fishing Charter Boats has become a hot trend lately. Fishing and bullet cameras seem like and odd mix, but many charter companies that take tourists on deep sea fishing trips are having bullet cameras set-up to capture footage of their customers fish catching adventure. What would be better than catching a monster sword-fish and then going home and showing off the footage to all of your friends and family? This is exactly the type of moments the deep sea fishing charters are trying to capture to help give tourists the best fishing trip possible.

However to capture this footage a standard Bullet Camera would simply not work, because in the long run most bullet cameras are not meant to be used out at sea. In salt water a special type of Bullet Camera is used that is built with an aluminum housing to withstand the abuse from the corrosive salt water, salt air, and the sun.

A quick note to remember; just because a camera says it is weather proof does not mean it can handle the ocean, always make sure any camera you take to sea is “salt water proof” otherwise you may see your camera go bad in a matter of weeks. Also remember that bullet cameras need a DVR to record and store the video. And when considering a DVR for your boat make sure you plan to keep it inside where it is as safe and dry as all of your other valuable electronics.

So the next time you are going to go deep sea fishing, you might want to request a boat that has an onboard DVR with bullet camera. That way you can make sure that at least you will be going home with video evidence of the “one that got away”.

If you are looking for a Bahamas Fishing Charter we recommend contacting Reel Candy Sports Fishing at 941-928-8888. Please tell Captain Marvin that Camera Security Now says hello.

Wireless Infrared IP Cameras have several advantages over their standard, wired counterparts.  One of the biggest advantages a wireless Camera has is that it communicates wirelessly with any standard 802.11/g wireless device, giving this camera the ability to be placed anywhere without the restrictions of wires to hold it back. The camera also offers a high level of security by encrypting its wireless signal and using password protection systems to protect your camera from intruders.

Being an IP camera means that you can remotely connect to the camera from a PC and view the camera in real-time. The infrared capabilities of this camera also make this camera an excellent choice to provide monitoring 24 hours a day. These security cameras can also come in outdoor versions that can function perfectly in extreme weather and are resistant to water.

A bullet camera is a type of security camera that is generally in the shape of a cylinder. They usually range in size from as large as a pop can to as small as a tube of lipstick. Today bullet cameras are more popular than ever due to the fact that bullet cameras are generally cheaper than other security cameras and also they are very easy to install.

Why are they called bullet cams?

A bullet cam is just the most common nickname for this type of camera. They are also called helmet cameras, micro video cameras, and lipstick cameras. But the name that you see most, and that we prefer, is “Bullet Camera”. It received this nickname due to its strong resemblance to a bullets shell casing.

Bullet Cameras have become a mainstream security camera for a number of reasons. Bullet Cameras are one of the most cost effective solutions for CCTV monitoring. They can show images in both black and white and color. Also Bullet Cams are known to have great image quality, which is essential for any security camera. They are also a very discrete security camera and usually average in size of only 2 to 3 inches long. Bullet Cameras are also able to function in both indoors and outdoors and are able to perform in low light and normal environments.

Bullet Cameras also come in a variety of prices. The cheapest start at just $50, for a very basic black and white low quality camera and the best bullet cams range around the price range of $300, for a high quality full color camera.

When buying a Bullet Camera make sure to keep in mind what manufacturer you are buying from. It is just like buying the name brand computer dell over some off brand no name computer. Some trusted manufacturers include: Cop professional CCTV, Ever Focus and KT&C. 

One of the main selling points for a Bullet Camera is they are just so easy to set-up. Almost all Bullet Cameras come with the camera already pre-assembled with the casing, the camera, the lens and the IR emitters already installed and put together. The only thing that you have to worry about is where you want to mount it.

You guessed it. This blog is dedicated to bullet camera technology and its application in the real world. Our stories will be about products and their use. If you have a unique bullet camera product that you would like to share, or a unique application of bullet cameras, please drop us a line at web@xponex.com. Thanks and enjoy the blog.