In this article, we take a look at turret and dome CCTV cameras. CCTV surveillance cameras are vital for monitoring activity at commercial premises, deterring crime, and settling internal disputes. Furthermore, where crimes are committed, security cameras serve the purpose of collecting valuable evidence.
Looking to learn more about turret and dome cameras? Read on to learn more about two popular types of surveillance cameras.
Key article takeaways (TL;DR)
• Turret cameras offer better infrared (IR) performance and are easier to clean, making them ideal for outdoor or dusty environments.
• Dome cameras are more discreet and vandal-resistant, often preferred for indoor use.
• Both offer high-quality footage and can include smart features like IR and motion detection.
• The best camera depends on your site layout, lighting, and risk level.
• Choose based on practical security needs, not just aesthetics or price.
Table of contents
Turret Vs Dome Cameras: What are the benefits of dome cameras?
The rounded housing design of dome cameras makes them more aesthetically pleasing while offering the added benefit of a vandal-resistant case. Additionally, dome surveillance cameras provide broad coverage and are suitable for premises like hotels, hospitals, schools and restaurants.
The pros of dome cameras:
There are countless pros and advantages of having dome CCTV cameras installed as part of a commercial CCTV system.
They are:
- Vandals resistant
- Weatherproof
- Compact and sleek
- Easy to install and scale
- Discreet
- In-built IR lighting
Let’s take a look at each:
Vandal-resistant
Dome cameras are not easy to tamper with after installation, since the camera is fully enclosed inside the protective plastic covering.
Weatherproof
Typically, outdoor dome CCTV cameras are water-resistant to ensure continuous monitoring in all weather conditions.
Compact and sleek
Another notable benefit of dome CCTV cameras is that they have a compact and elegant design.
Ease of installation
This makes them perfect for businesses searching for ways to scale their CCTV surveillance systems quickly.
Discreet camera positioning
Due to to the protective dome cover, the angle and direction of the camera lens are hidden, which guarantees better surveillance and means potential intruders can’t track the camera’s movements.
In-built IR lighting
Should an intruder enter a building undetected, IR lighting allows security operatives to identify the intruder and threat easily in no-light conditions.
Related reading
Enjoying this article? Here is a selection of related commercial CCTV articles, from the Safeguard blog:
- The different types of CCTV camera systems for businesses
- What are the benefits of business & commercial CCTV systems?
- Why businesses should avoid cheap CCTV systems
Turret Vs Dome Cameras: What are the advantages of turret cameras?
Turret CCTV cameras are flexible ball-like cameras that pivot in various directions to offer excellent footage. The lack of a plastic dome covering on turret cameras means they can deliver more precise and better-quality video footage of objects near and far away.
The pros of turret cameras
There is a multitude of pros and advantages of having turret surveillance cameras installed as part of a commercial CCTV system.
They are:
- High-quality footage
- Exceptional night vision
- Flexible and versatile
- Perfect for outdoor use
- Monitoring a specific area
Let’s take a look at each:
High-quality video and images.
With less glare and reflection, turret cameras can capture high-resolution photos and CCTV footage
Exceptional night vision
Some turret CCTV cameras offer fantastic night vision features that allow them to record clear videos in extremely low light conditions
Highly flexible and versatile.
Turret cameras can be easily rotated once installed to help readjust surveillance and field of view
Great for outdoors
Less rain collects or sits on the flat surface of turret cameras compared to curved dome cameras
Monitoring a specific area
Turret cameras are ideal if you are looking for surveillance to be focused on a tight, designated area
Dome vs. turret cameras – a quick summary
Both cameras offer impressive surveillance coverage and can help improve your overall security. Dome cameras are perfect for environments like shopping centres, schools and offices, and warehouses.
They are more vandal-proof than turret cameras and can withstand the elements and attempts at physical damage due to their destruction-proof plastic or glass domes.
In contrast, turret CCTV cameras excel in indoor spaces with more adjustable viewing angles and better-quality video and image capturing.
Turret surveillance cameras are also fantastic for external use. This is particularly true where a specific area or section of a site requires surveillance.
Turret CCTV cameras also offer flexibility during installation as they can be mounted on the wall, ceiling, or even a pole.
Frequently asked questions
Turret cameras have a ball-and-socket design for flexible positioning and better night vision. Dome cameras are enclosed in a tinted dome, offering a discreet look and improved vandal resistance, especially in indoor or low-risk areas.
Turret cameras are typically better outdoors due to their exposed lens, which provides clearer infrared imaging and easier maintenance in dusty or wet environments.
Yes, dome cameras are more discreet thanks to their smoked or tinted dome. They’re harder for intruders to identify where the lens is pointing, ideal for reception areas or retail spaces.
Yes, turret cameras often outperform dome models in low-light conditions. Their open lens design reduces IR bounce-back, resulting in clearer nighttime footage and stronger overall night-time performance.
Dome cameras are generally more vandal-resistant. Their enclosed design and tougher casing make them harder to tamper with or damage, particularly in public or high-traffic indoor areas.
Turret cameras are easier to clean and maintain. Their open housing avoids IR reflection issues and allows for simple lens access, unlike domes which can suffer from condensation or internal smearing.
Yes, many businesses combine both types—turrets for outdoor clarity and domes for indoor discretion—creating a tailored, site-specific security system that balances visibility, deterrence, and design.
