Which CCTV camera is best for your project?
If you’re specifying a new security camera system — be it for the public sector, a high-security site like a prison or a university campus — you’ll need to select and detail the right CCTV cameras.
Although both PTZ cameras and static IP cameras can capture high‑quality footage, they serve different operational needs. A PTZ camera excels in active monitoring environments, such as busy town centres or sprawling port terminals. In comparison, a static IP camera is ideal for fixed‑angle surveillance, such as monitoring campus entry points or a commercial building.
Understanding the differences between these two types of cameras will help you tailor your CCTV installation to match the demands of any site. Let’s break down the key benefits, features and applications of each camera type…
PTZ cameras
If you’re setting up a dynamic security camera system, a PTZ camera is ideal. Distinguished by its motorised housing, this type of CCTV camera is capable of three-axis movement and optical zoom, meaning operators can remotely pan, tilt and zoom to focus on areas of interest in real time.
These capabilities turn a single camera into a mobile surveillance unit that rivals the coverage of multiple fixed devices.
What are the key benefits and features of PTZ cameras?
- 360° coverage. A single PTZ unit can cover an entire 360° field of view, reducing the number of cameras needed for large areas.
- Optical zoom. Powerful zoom lenses (up to 37× or more) enable operators to read licence plates, identify individuals and monitor activity with clarity even at great distances.
- Preset tours and tracking. Advanced models, such as our X-Series cameras, support programmable patrol routes and auto-tracking, automatically following moving targets to reduce operator fatigue and ensure no critical area goes unchecked.
- Night vision and WDR. Many of these cameras include infrared (IR) night vision and wide dynamic range (WDR) capabilities for clear footage even in challenging lighting.
- Integration with VMS. These cameras offer seamless integration into video management systems (VMS), where operators can control multiple cameras from a central control room, pull up historical footage and trigger alarms based on analytic thresholds.
What are PTZ cameras used for?
PTZ cameras can be used across a wide range of applications. Within the public sector, these CCTV cameras help secure busy town centres by enabling operators to actively track incidents or suspicious behaviour across large open spaces.
In ports and maritime environments, they allow operators to monitor vessel movements, loading operations and expansive dock areas. The ability to pan, tilt and zoom is essential here to maintain full situational awareness.
These security cameras also help operators in the sports and leisure sector oversee expansive sites with large visitor numbers, such as sports stadiums, arenas and theme parks. The zoom, pan and tilt capabilities allow operators to follow the action wherever it happens — whether it’s a crowd gathering in a concourse or a safety incident in a remote area of a site.
In high-security settings, such as prisons, military bases or critical infrastructure sites, these cameras provide the flexibility and continuous surveillance needed for rapid response, ensuring that operators can quickly assess and respond to any potential threats.
Static IP cameras
Although PTZ cameras offer active monitoring, many CCTV systems rely on static IP cameras, such as our Knight Series cameras, for consistent, always‑on coverage of critical points.
An IP camera is a network‑enabled device that captures digital video and transmits it over a network. Unlike analogue cameras, which require dedicated cabling and digital video recorder (DVR) encoders, these cameras handle video encoding on‑board and connect directly to network video recorders (NVRs) or VMS platforms.
This architecture simplifies CCTV installation, reduces hardware requirements and provides greater scalability: you can add, move or reconfigure the security cameras almost instantly by assigning them an IP address on your network.
What are the key benefits and features of IP cameras?
- High resolution. Available in resolutions from 2 MP to 8 MP, these security cameras capture fine detail for identification purposes.
- Flexible deployment. They can be powered via power over ethernet (PoE) or local power supplies to help simplify your CCTV installation and reduce conduit costs.
- Advanced analytics. Built-in analytics and features such as motion detection, intrusion detection and people counting enhance security to create a smarter CCTV system without requiring additional processing hardware.
- Scalability. You can easily add or move cameras on the network without significant rewiring or new infrastructure.
- Cost-effective. These cameras are a more economical choice for fixed surveillance points due to lower hardware costs and a simpler setup.
What are Static IP cameras used for?
Within this category, there is a range of form factors to address different surveillance needs. If you’re installing a new CCTV camera or recommending a solution as part of a wider security camera system for large commercial properties, campuses with multiple cameras or high-security sites, these cameras are ideal.
Bullet cameras, with their prominent, weatherproof housings, act as a strong visual deterrent that’s suitable for perimeter security at industrial sites, transport hubs and heritage properties. Dome cameras offer a discreet, vandal-resistant option, perfect for protecting inventory at retail sites and monitoring educational facilities. Turret cameras combine a ball-and-socket design with minimal housing for flexible aiming and easy maintenance.
For more specialised requirements, box cameras like our Knight View 50™ or rugged VEGA™ 2065 feature a modular build with interchangeable lenses, making them popular at high-security sites where long-range or wide-angle coverage is needed. If your project requires ultra-wide panoramic views — up to 360° — panoramic cameras offer the best coverage from one camera.
Choose the right CCTV camera for your application
Deciding which security camera is best ultimately comes down to your surveillance objectives.
Use a PTZ camera when:
- You need broad, active coverage of large areas.
- You require remote zooming and real-time tracking.
- You want to reduce the overall number of devices by using programmable patrols.
Use a static IP camera when:
- You need continuous, fixed-angle coverage of critical points.
- High-resolution detail is essential at a specific location.
- You want to simplify CCTV installation and minimise long-term costs.
In practice, most CCTV systems use a mix of cameras to meet the coverage, resolution and environmental requirements of the site.
The Redvision CCTV Hub™ is a rugged, re-deployable camera station that allows a mixture of up to four PTZ and fixed cameras to be used, all powered and managed from the same unit. The Hub™ supports a vast range of cameras and manufacturers, as well as the full Redvision camera range, thanks to an extensive ONVIF interface.
Over 350 of these CCTV Hubs and our NVRs were recently deployed across 17 Sussex councils to transform a once-disparate surveillance network into a streamlined, cyber-resilient system. As a result, Sussex councils now benefit from a consistent, HD-quality surveillance network with vastly reduced infrastructure costs.
Redvision has a CCTV camera for every requirement. Contact us directly today to book a demo or set up your trade account to access the best prices, lead times and dedicated technical support.
Your CCTV camera FAQs answered…
How do PTZ cameras work?
These cameras house motors that allow you to remotely pan, tilt and zoom via controls in your video management system (VMS) or joystick controller.
How to install a PTZ camera?
Mount the camera on a stable bracket, run power over ethernet (PoE) or standard power and network cables, then configure movement presets via the web interface.
How to set up a PTZ camera?
Assign an IP address, configure the network settings, define your patrol tours and presets, then integrate with your network video recorder (NVR) or video management system (VMS). Always ensure ONVIF compatibility to enable smooth integration across different platforms and devices.
How to configure a PTZ camera?
Use the web graphical user interface (GUI) to set pan/tilt limits, zoom levels, preset positions and auto‑tracking parameters.
How to connect a PTZ camera to a DVR?
Most of these cameras connect to network video recorders (NVRs) using IP; hybrid digital video recorders (DVRs) may accept network streams — always ensure compatibility with ONVIF or real-time streaming protocols (RTSP).
Our X-Series hybrid IP & analogue PTZ cameras are ONVIF compliant and use CVBS/RS485 (analogue) connections.
How do IP cameras work?
These cameras encode video into digital packets and transmit them over your ethernet or wireless network directly to storage and management platforms.
How to find the IP address of my camera?
Use your Redvision Find-It! Search and Utility Tool or network scanning software to locate devices on your local area network (LAN).
Are IP cameras better than analogue?
Generally, yes — they offer higher resolution, digital transmission and on‑board analytics without extra encoder hardware.
Are IP cameras secure?
With proper network segmentation, strong passwords and regular firmware updates, these cameras can be highly secure.
Can any IP camera work with any NVR?
Only if both adhere to common standards like ONVIF. Always verify protocol support to ensure seamless integration.
Can I connect an IP camera to a DVR?
Traditional digital video recorders (DVRs) accept analogue signals. To connect these cameras, you can use a hybrid DVR or network video recorder (NVR) that supports network streams. Or better yet, use one of our X-Series hybrid IP & analogue PTZ cameras!
Can IP cameras work without internet?
Yes — local recording and monitoring function on your local area network (LAN). Internet access is only required for remote viewing or cloud storage.
Do I need a static IP address for security cameras?
A static IP simplifies remote access setup. Alternatively, dynamic domain name system (DNS) services can map a changing IP to a consistent hostname.
Do IP cameras need power?
Yes — either via power over ethernet (PoE) or with a dedicated power adapter. These cameras don’t receive power wirelessly.