VS. KMC-I0-FR1677010648.7789.webp.webp)
What type of camera should I choose?
Many people fall in love with the classic dome. They do so both because they are familiar with it, as it was always the type used in the past. But also because some believe it is aesthetically nicer.
However, it has its challenges when it is to be placed outdoors or in challenging environments such as a cooler. Although it is approved for these environments and can easily be placed there, there are other cameras that are much better suited for it.
The lens must be kept completely clean
The lens must be kept completely clean. When a surveillance camera is placed outdoors, it is inevitable that a little dirt, grime and dust will settle on the glass dome. The camera is designed in such a way that the infrared LEDs are located behind the glass.
When it gets too dark for the camera to keep its color image, it switches to black and white and turns on the infrared light. If there is even a little dust on the glass, the infrared light will reflect and create a milky white glow that makes the night image very poor, as demonstrated in the pictures below.
Therefore, the glass must be kept completely clean and replaced occasionally to maintain good night images.
(If you remember to keep the glass dome clean, this is as good a camera as the others)
Here are a few examples of what it can look like
Maintenance
Dome cameras - Must be cleaned regularly to maintain good night images. After a few years, the glass should be replaced.
Turret cameras - Image sensor is separated from the IR light and is therefore largely maintenance-free
All cameras generate heat, and spiders love it, so you can't avoid removing cobwebs on some of the models
We can recommend spraying insect spray around the camera, as this will keep them at bay for some time.
All cameras should have their firmware updated and their code changed once a year.
Vandal-proof
Both cameras are vandal-proof and much harder to destroy than a bullet camera.
However, we have tested both Dome and Turret, and our own experience was that a Turret made of metal can last longer
Aesthetics
Our experience here is that most people find the Dome aesthetically much nicer and therefore choose this model. This has changed in recent years, with more people actually ending up choosing a Turret.
Conclusion
Our own conclusion is that you should not choose the camera with the glass dome for outdoors. Few people remember to clean their cameras, and if the accident happens once, you can't go back and do it again.
Since it is security and not aesthetics that we are selling, this is our recommendation.