By: Arthur Cooper
Submitted: 2011-05-05 11:00:55 | Word Count: 664
There are very few bullet cameras these days that can’t be called weatherproof bullet security cameras. In fact, all of the bullet cameras that we offer for sale at Security Camera King are weatherproof. That is one of the benefits of owning a bullet security camera.
A weatherproof bullet security camera bridges the gap between the typical box camera and the conventional dome camera. Box cameras are great cameras and have been around for a long time. However, to maintain the box camera’s versatility it doesn’t come with all the necessary parts.
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That is, for example, a box camera is usually sold as the body of the camera with the lens sold separately. This is done to increase versatility, as you can always change lenses if you change the location or want a different field of view for the weatherproof bullet security camera. However, this added versatility doesn’t come without added cost.
In addition, most box cameras were designed to be used indoors, under protective cover from the weather and the elements. If you want to use a box camera outdoors, you will need to purchase an additional accessory, an outdoor camera housing. While neither the lens nor the housing are terribly expensive, they are nonetheless, an expense that you need to consider when comparing cameras.
The dome camera is also an excellent camera. Originally designed primarily for indoor use, the dome camera has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, technologically speaking. Like the other models, dome cameras have their own advantages and disadvantages as well. One such disadvantage is that due to their small size, dome cameras cannot support as many InfraRed Light Emitting Diodes (IR LEDs). This ultimately means their range in conditions with little or no light will not be very long.
The weatherproof bullet security camera bridges the gap between the box and dome cameras because it features some of the items that are considered the very disadvantage of the other types of cameras. For example, most bullet cameras come with a factory inserted lens. Usually these are of the fixed type but there are many weatherproof bullet security cameras that come with varifocal lenses and motorized irises as well (See Security Camera King’s Product# OB-LX550IR150L922).
When shopping for a weatherproof bullet security camera, you probably will at some point, begin comparing each camera’s specification sheet. One term that we would like to clarify is the IP code or IP rating. You’ll see this rating in the specifications as something like “IP65.”
IP stands for ingress protection and is a standard written and maintained by the International Electrotechnical Commission or IEC. Its purpose is to provide specific descriptions of a camera enclosure’s ability to protect the camera inside. An Ingress Protection rating has two digits (like the example in the previous paragraph). The first digit represents the degree of protection from solids while the second digit indicates the degree of protection from liquids.
The first digit of the IP rating can range from 0 to 6. A rating of 0 means there is absolutely no protection against contact and ingress or objects. As this digit increases in value up to 6, each rating indicates protection from progressively smaller objects. A rating of 6 for the first digit means there is absolutely no ingress of dust and there is complete protection against contact.
The second digit of the IP rating can range from 0 to 8. Again, a rating of 0 means there is absolutely no protection against liquids. As this digit increases in value up to 8, each rating indicates protection from progressively more intense contact with water. A rating of 8 for the second digit means the camera is protected from continuous immersion in water deeper than 1 meter. There for a reasonably good IP rating for a security camera would be IP55 or IP65.
Last but not least is the IR range. Not all, but a good majority of the weatherproof bullet security cameras are also capable of IR video imagery. This is accomplished by using IR LEDs to “light up” the field of vision. This IR “light” is invisible to the human eye.
Generally, the more LED’s the greater the range and area of coverage under IR conditions. Weatherproof bullet security cameras have lots of room for IR LEDs and can obtain fairly long ranges. Before you buy the camera, make sure you check the range you will require so as to by the appropriate camera.
