Bullet cameras use a directional housing that can simplify aiming and mounting, and outdoor options in this assortment include IP67 protection. Dome cameras use a rounded, lower-profile housing that can blend into soffits or ceilings, while varifocal versions allow installers to adjust the viewing angle during setup.

Compare outdoor cameras for IP67 ingress protection, which helps guard against dust, debris, and weather exposure, and check whether the design includes a top cover shield for added protection. Also consider the discreet bullet or dome form factor, mounting location, and whether the camera’s lens view can be adjusted to match the coverage area.

Lens type shapes the viewing area: fixed lenses provide a set field of view, while motorized varifocal lenses let installers adjust the view and focus for the scene. Resolution affects the amount of detail captured, while low-light features such as infrared night vision, wide dynamic range, or color-at-night illumination can help maintain useful video in changing or dark outdoor conditions.

Plan for a Power over Ethernet (PoE)-capable Ethernet connection through a compatible switch or NVR, with network capacity sized for the number and resolution of cameras. For recording, cameras may use onboard microSD storage, with some configurations including 32 GB and supporting cards up to 512 GB, or they can send video to a multi-channel NVR for centralized storage.