The field of view of a dome camera varies greatly depending on several factors, but a key determinant is its focal length and whether it has pan, tilt, and zoom (PTZ) capabilities. Some dome cameras with IR can see up to 30 meters or more at night.
Here's a breakdown:
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Fixed Lens Dome Cameras: These cameras have a fixed field of view, similar to a standard security camera. The range they can "see" depends on the lens size:
- Wider Angle Lenses (e.g., 2.8mm): Offer a wider field of view (potentially over 90 degrees), capturing more of the surrounding area but with less detail at a distance. They are ideal for covering large areas like hallways or parking lots. The effective range for identifying details may be limited to a shorter distance, perhaps 10-15 meters, depending on lighting conditions.
- Narrower Angle Lenses (e.g., 6mm, 12mm): Provide a narrower field of view but allow you to see further with greater detail. They are better suited for focusing on specific areas like entrances or cash registers. Identification range can extend much further than wider angle lenses.
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PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Dome Cameras: These cameras have the capability to move horizontally (pan), vertically (tilt), and zoom in/out. This significantly expands their "seeing" range.
- Optical Zoom: Allows the camera to zoom in on distant objects without losing image quality. High-quality PTZ cameras with powerful optical zoom can identify objects hundreds of meters away in good lighting conditions.
- Digital Zoom: Uses digital processing to enlarge the image, but this can result in a loss of image quality (pixelation) as you zoom in. It's less effective for long-range viewing compared to optical zoom.
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Night Vision (IR Capabilities): Many dome cameras have built-in infrared (IR) LEDs that allow them to see in complete darkness.
- IR Range: The effective range of the IR illumination varies depending on the camera model. Some dome cameras have an IR range of 30 meters or more, while others have a shorter range.
- IR Intensity: The intensity of the IR illumination can also affect the visible range. Higher intensity IR illumination will generally provide a greater viewing distance.
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Other Factors Affecting Viewing Range:
- Resolution: Higher resolution cameras (e.g., 4K) provide more detail and can "see" further than lower resolution cameras.
- Lighting Conditions: Good lighting conditions are essential for clear visibility. In low-light conditions, the camera's night vision capabilities will be more important.
- Lens Quality: High-quality lenses provide sharper images and better clarity, improving visibility at a distance.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, and snow can significantly reduce visibility.
In conclusion, the amount a dome camera can "see" is highly variable, ranging from a close-up, wide-angle view of a small area to long-distance surveillance with PTZ and powerful zoom capabilities. Considerations must be given to lens size, zoom functionality, IR range, lighting conditions, and overall camera quality.
