What Is a Security Camera? Types and Selection Criteria
A security camera monitors an area continuously or on motion and sends the picture to a phone or recorder over a wired or wireless connection.
A security camera is a monitoring device that records an area continuously or on motion and sends the picture to a phone or recorder over a wired or wireless connection. It is used in homes, apartment entrances, gardens, shops, warehouses and car parks for remote live viewing and for reviewing events later.
Types of security cameras
| Type | Connection and power | When to choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi smart camera | Wireless network; adapter from a socket | Indoor and outdoor areas with Wi-Fi and a socket |
| Dome camera | Dome housing; mounted on a ceiling or wall | Discreet monitoring of a wide indoor area |
| Solar Wi-Fi camera | Solar-charged battery; picture over Wi-Fi | Gardens, roofs and entrances with Wi-Fi but no socket |
| Solar SIM card camera | Solar panel and battery; picture over a mobile line (4G) | Sites, vineyards, depots and fields with no power or internet |
| Analog (CCTV) camera | Coaxial cable to a DVR recorder | Wired multi-camera systems with central recording |
Selection criteria
- Mounting location and IP rating: The first digit of the IP code shows dust protection, the second water protection. An IP20 camera has no water protection and is for indoor use only. Outdoors, look for IP64 (splashing water from all directions) or IP65 (water jets); in both, the first digit 6 means dust-tight.
- Connection: A Wi-Fi camera needs a strong signal at the mounting point. Many smart cameras work only on 2.4 GHz; check that your router broadcasts it. A SIM card camera needs mobile coverage and a data plan; continuous live viewing uses up data quickly.
- Power: An adapter camera needs a socket at the mounting point. A solar camera needs none, but the panel must get sun all day.
- Resolution: 2 MP is 1920 × 1080 pixels (1080p, Full HD) and 4 MP is 2560 × 1440 pixels (1440p). Higher resolution shows a distant face or number plate more clearly but uses more bandwidth and storage.
- Night vision, motion detection and recording: Night vision range, motion alerts and whether recordings go to a memory card or the cloud vary by model; check the product page.
Common mistakes
- Fitting an indoor camera outside: An IP20 camera fails in rain and condensation.
- Mounting without checking the signal: Check the Wi-Fi or mobile signal at that point with a phone first.
- Placing the solar panel in shade: The panel should face the sunniest direction, south in Türkiye; in shade the battery does not charge.
- Monitoring other people's areas: Recordings are personal data. At workplaces and apartment entrances, Türkiye's Personal Data Protection Law No. 6698 (KVKK) may require obligations such as a sign stating that recording takes place.
Related standard
- IEC 60529: Defines the degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP code); the IP20, IP64 and IP65 values on camera labels follow this standard.
Security cameras in the catalogue
The Security Cameras category has 7 active products:
| Brand | Model | Type (from the product name) |
|---|---|---|
| Cata | CT-4050, CT-4051 | Smart camera |
| Cata | CT-4052 | Solar Wi-Fi camera |
| Cata | CT-4053 | Solar SIM card camera |
| Cata | CT-4054 | Smart dome camera |
| ACK | AK01-00101, AK01-00201 | Smart IP camera |
The category covers 2 MP (1080p) and 4 MP (1440p) and IP20 to IP65; see each model's values on its product page. Cata cameras are ordered directly; ACK cameras are priced on quotation. Cables for analog systems are in CCTV Camera Cables.
Frequently asked questions
Should I choose a Wi-Fi camera or a SIM card camera?
If there is Wi-Fi at the mounting point, a Wi-Fi camera is enough and needs no line fee. Without internet, a SIM card camera sends the picture over a mobile line; the location needs mobile coverage and a data plan.
Does a solar security camera work in winter?
The battery charges from the panel by day. On short, cloudy days charging drops; keep the panel unshaded and facing south, and use motion-triggered instead of continuous recording.
What is the difference between a smart IP camera and an analog camera?
An IP camera sends the picture digitally over a network (Wi-Fi, Ethernet or mobile) and is viewed directly on a phone. An analog camera connects to a DVR with coaxial cable; recording and remote access go through the DVR. The two systems' cabling and recorders are not interchangeable.