Dome Camera Usage Statistics 2014

Dome cameras are popular. But how popular?

IPVM has conducted a global survey of integrators to determine why and what percentage of cameras they deploy.

In this note, we reveal what percentage of dome cameras are deployed, how that varies across integrators and the 5 top drivers for choosing dome cameras.

Domes - 65% Overall

Domes are roughly 2/3rds of all cameras integrators use.

That's compared to all other form factors - boxes, bullets, cubes, etc.

So not only are domes popular, they are the most common form factor in surveillance.

Integrator Breakdown

Quite a number of integrators almost always used dome cameras, with a third of all integrators using domes 80%+, as shown by our breakdown of dome usage across integrators:

Only a few integrators largely stayed away from dome cameras.

Top 5 Reasons Cited For Using Domes

Integrators explained when and why the use domes:

• To conceal the aim of the camera
• To improve the aesthetics / look of the install
• For use indoors
• To minimize tampering
• To ease installation

Conceal Aim

With domes cameras, many integrators emphasized that it is hard to see where the camera is aimed since the bubble / housing obscures the direction the lens is positioned. Comments included:

• "We use domes, as it conceals which direction the camera is pointing."
• "Public can't tell where they are actually pointing or what is being seen"
• "Advantage is person on ground is unable to know where the camera is being directed."
• "its more difficult for a perpetrator to know what direction the dome cameras is looking."

Aesthetics

Improved aesthetics / looks was also a common reason, as dome cameras tend to stick out less than box or bullet cameras. Moreover, minidomes, a category of domes, strengthens this even further (look for our upcoming stats on mini vs full sized domes). Comments included:

• "Customers just love the aesthetics of a dome."
• "We've found most customers prefer the low profile look to them." (referring to minidomes, specifically)
• "It's our preferred form for aesthetics mostly."

Indoors

Quite a few integrators emphasized their use of domes indoors. While many domes are outdoor rated and can be used outdoors, the combination of improved aesthetics and low cost make domes a common choice, especially indoors. Comments included:

• "We like domes (particularly the mini-domes and flush mount ones) for indoors and they blend in more."
• "Domes are used in all indoor environments."
• "We use them mostly when we have dropped ceiling and for indoor use."
• "Nearly all (95%) of our indoor cameras are dome ceiling mounts - easiest install and more pleasant to look at than others."

Minimize Tampering

A number of integrators noted how domes help minimize tampering, since the camera is encased inside its bubble/housing. Comments included:

• "Domes are vandal resistant so use where camera can be easily reached" (Note: not all domes are vandal resistant but many/most are. In contrast, no box camera is unless you add on a housing.)
• "More secure from accidental or malicious tampering"
• "Box cameras can easily be moved to look at another location" (While domes cannot without opening up the dome housing)
• "Offers greater resistance to people hanging objects on the camera to obstruct their field of view."
• "Less adjustments are needed after unlike box/bullet cameras that can be moved more easily."

Ease Installation

Finally, a few mentioned that dome cameras simplified installation, compared to other form factors, given that everything is built in. Comments included:

• "Ease and cost of installation" and another, "easiest install", plus a third, "efficient to install"
• "Easily adaptable for walls, roof overhangs and pendants"

Mini vs Full Size Domes

Our survey also revealed a significant split between mini and full size domes. In an upcoming note, we will release the statistics for that comparison and the reasons why integrators choose one vs the other.