When someone says the word CCTV most of us will probably think of a traditional-looking CCTV camera, high up on the corner of a building connected to the wall with the distinctive shape and style.
One of the most common styles of CCTV cameras is the Bullet Camera and the one most people envision.
In this guide, we will be covering the best bullet security cameras and some background information about these models. Aiming to shed some light on the topic and create an easy one-stop guide for anyone from first-time buyers to industry experts.
Our #1 Pick for Bullet CCTV Camera is Hikvision DS-2CE16C0T-IRF Bullet CCTV Camera – this versatile and reliable CCTV camera has a lot of benefits and does exactly what it says on the tin. The price makes it viable for any size business or private usage.
There is a range of features that this camera comes with, from the ability to give clear night vision surveillance and security with the infrared cut filter to the weatherproofing to the sleek and professional design.
The camera has a wide lens that allows a greater field of view, alongside the long-range CCTV capture area, you will be able to protect your business or home easily with this Security Camera.
So, in this post we’ll cover:
- Best CCTV Bullet Camera
- CCTV Bullet Camera Basics
- How CCTV Bullet Cameras Work
- Finding the Best Bullet Cameras
- Reviews – Best CCTV Bullet Cameras
- Summary – CCTV Bullet Cameras
Our Top Bullet CCTV Cameras
Hikvision DS-2CE16C0T-IRF Bullet CCTV Camera (Our Top Pick)
Dahua Technology IPC-HFW1431S Bullet CCTV Camera
Reolink RLC-510A Bullet CCTV Camera
Amcrest ProHD Bullet CCTV Camera
Swann SWPRO-1080MSB-US Bullet CCTV Camera
What's in this Guide?
What is a CCTV Bullet Camera?
A Bullet Camera is one of the main types of wired CCTV cameras available on the market today. As we have mentioned above, they are probably what comes to mind when someone mentions closed-circuit television or CCTV.
The Bullet Camera is named after its distinctive shape that, unsurprisingly, looks like a bullet casing. It is one of the major types of wired CCTV cameras and alongside Dome Cameras makes up a big portion of the wired CCTV market.
There are a lot of options when it comes to CCTV cameras for business and private use. A Bullet Camera is a viable option for a lot of businesses and individuals, and there are a lot of reasons that they are so common.
From their reliability to their affordable price tag, to their availability in almost any location, it is not hard to see why people choose Bullet Cameras.
Different Types of Bullet CCTV Cameras
Due to the sheer volume of CCTV cameras available on the market, we could break down the camera types into lots of different segments.
But realistically, there are two major types of security CCTV Cameras that you will come across, PoE (Power over Ethernet) and standard Bullet Cameras, let’s look at these two types quickly.
Power over Ethernet Bullet Camera
A PoE or Power over Ethernet is exactly what it sounds like, it is a CCTV camera that only requires one cable (ethernet) to be powered up and transfer the video footage.
This cable will normally be connected to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) which in turn connects to a CCTV monitor and displays the video footage in real-time.
A PoE Bullet Camera is a lot easier to set up than the standard counterpart due to only requiring one cable which makes installation simpler and keeps your desktop looking tidier.
Standard Bullet Camera
As you can probably guess from the above, a traditional Bullet Camera requires two cables, one for the power and the other to transfer video data back to the video recorder.
This is the more common of the two types and has been a popular model of CCTV camera since its mainstream introduction in the 80s, although the cameras have been around since World War 2.
In terms of differences, they are fairly nuanced and there is often not much in it as far as the consumer goes. As both of these types of Bullet Cameras are wired, there is not a huge difference between the two, but a lot of newer models are leaning to the more simple Power over Ethernet setup.
How Does a Bullet CCTV Camera Work?
A Bullet Camera is a form of wired CCTV camera that works via either one or two coaxial cables that connect the device to a DVR or NVR (digital video recorder or network video recorder), although they tend to lean towards a DVR, each model is a little different.
What Do You Look for in the Best Bullet Cameras for CCTV?
Weatherproofing
This should be a priority if you are planning on installing your security camera outside, and in fact, even if you are putting it inside it can be effective. The weatherproofing will also keep dust and debris out of the inner workings of the outdoor bullet camera.
Capture Range
Finding a camera that will be able to effectively capture the whole area you are looking to cover is important, so ensure you have a rough idea of the range you need to cover. If this is going to be an indoor camera or just covering an external door, this is less important.
Value for Money
This is not to be mistaken with a cheap camera, value is very subjective to the purchaser, it is what you define as a good deal. This means you calculate the value to you outside of the actual price tag. Finding a bullet camera that fits your budget is important.
Night Vision
Having an infrared bullet camera that can be useful around the clock can be a helpful factor in deciding on the right camera for your business. If you are planning on installing it in a well-lit location, or inside, this may not be a top priority, but some form of low-light capture is never a bad thing.
Best Bullet CCTV Camera
In this section, we will be looking at four different bullet cameras easily available to purchase and giving a quick review on each of them, with the hope we can help make your decisions easier.
Hikvision DS-2CE16C0T-IRF Bullet CCTV Camera (Our Top Pick)
The Hikvision DS-2CE16C0T-IRF is a top-rated bullet CCTV camera that offers excellent image quality and reliable performance.
It features a high-resolution lens, infrared night vision capabilities, and a durable weatherproof design, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor surveillance.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + High resolution quality with 720p HD video + Infrared night vision can go up to 20 metres + Weatherproof design suitable for outdoor use + Easy to set up and installation | – Limited zoom capabilities – Requires separate power source – No audio recording feature – May require additional accessories for full functionality |
Dahua Technology IPC-HFW1431S Bullet CCTV Camera
The Dahua Technology IPC-HFW1431S is a highly recommended bullet CCTV camera known for its advanced features and superior video quality.
It boasts a 4-megapixel resolution, built-in IR LEDs for night vision, and smart detection features like motion detection and line crossing detection.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + 1080p HD full high definition quality + Infrared night vision can go up to 30 metres + IP67 weatherproof rating for reliable outdoor use + Power over Coax (PoC) feature eliminates the need for separate power source | – Slightly higher price point compared to other options – Limited support for advanced features like motion detection – Some users may find the setup process complex – Not compatible with all DVR systems |
Reolink RLC-510A Bullet CCTV Camera
The Reolink RLC-510A is a popular bullet CCTV camera that offers great value for money.
It provides high-definition video recording, a wide viewing angle, and motion detection capabilities.
It also supports remote viewing through a smartphone app, allowing you to monitor your property from anywhere.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + High-resolution 1440p Super HD video quality + Wide viewing angle of 80 degrees + Excellent night vision range of up to 30 meters + Weatherproof design for outdoor use | – No audio recording capability – Limited zoom and tilt features – Requires a separate power source – Some users have reported issues with motion detection sensitivity |
Amcrest ProHD Bullet CCTV Camera
The Amcrest ProHD bullet CCTV camera is known for its impressive image quality and durable construction.
It features a 3-megapixel lens, night vision capabilities, and a weatherproof housing.
Additionally, it offers advanced features like remote pan and tilt, two-way audio, and motion detection alerts.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + 1080p high-quality camera + Long-range night vision mode + – IP67 weatherproof rating for outdoor use + Advanced motion detection and alerts | – Requires a separate power source – Limited zoom capabilities – Some users have reported issues with connectivity – Setup process may be more complex compared to other options |
Swann SWPRO-1080MSB-US Bullet CCTV Camera
The Swann SWPRO-1080MSB-US is a reliable mini bullet CCTV camera that provides high-definition video surveillance.
It offers a 1080p resolution, night vision up to 100 feet, and a sturdy metal construction.
It also has a wide viewing angle and can be easily integrated with Swann’s surveillance systems.
| Pros (+) | Cons (-) |
| + Crystal clear 1080p Full HD video resolution + Night vision up to 30 meters with powerful infrared LEDs + Weatherproof construction for outdoor durability + Easy plug-and-play installation | – No audio recording capability – Limited zoom and tilt features – May require additional accessories for full functionality – Some users have reported issues with motion detection sensitivity |
Final Thoughts on Bullet Cameras for CCTV
Every CCTV and security setup is completely unique and comes with its own challenges, benefits and preferences. A bullet security camera is a versatile form of CCTV unit that can be used across a wide variety of industries.
Hopefully, now you have a nice understanding of this camera type and are ready to make your decision for your security needs. Even if you decide a Bullet Camera is not for you, there are a lot of other CCTV options available on the market, so make sure you do your research and find the best solution for you and your business.
Finding a CCTV that works for you, your budget and your security needs is the most important thing when shopping for any form of security system, but you cannot go too far wrong with the tried and true Bullet Cameras.
If you require any additional help or information, feel free to reach out to our security specialists who would be more than happy to help accommodate your needs and give recommendations.
