It’s Not What You See, It’s How You See It: Understanding the Different Types of Camera Lenses

A camera lens (also known as photographic lens or photographic objective) is an optical lens or assembly of lenses used in conjunction with a camera body and mechanism to make images of objects either on photographic film or on other media capable of storing an image chemically or electronically. Zoom lenses (or varied focal length lenses) are by far the most common type of lenses known to the average consumer. Prosumer camcorders and professional video cameras often come with it right from the box. This is so because with zoom lenses you can go telephoto or wide-angle at the push of a button.

When shopping for a new camera lens, you may find it difficult to choose from the multitude of options available. This article will help you narrow your vision by breaking down several types of camera lenses.

You may want to also check out our tips on how to choose a camera lens, which has a video that explains the types of lenses.

Prime vs. Zoom

The first thing you need to understand is the difference between prime and zoom lenses. Prime lenses are also called “fixed lenses,” because the focal length of a prime lens is fixed--meaning, you cannot zoom in or zoom out. You can only shoot from a single angle of view. If you want to add or remove certain elements from your picture, you will have to literally move yourself closer or farther away from your subject. A zoom lens, on the other hand, refers to any lens that has a variable focal length--meaning you can zoom in and out at will. With a zoom lens, you can remain in the same position but zoom in or out to change the content of your photo. There are pros and cons to both prime and zoom lenses.

Prime Lens

Prime Lenses: Pros

• Prime lenses tend to produce sharper images.
• They tend to perform better in low light conditions.
• They make you take your time when composing your images.
• They are lighter and more compact than zoom lenses.
• They tend to be less expensive than zoom lenses.

Prime Lenses: Cons

• You are not able to zoom in or out.
• You have to physically move in order to change the composition of your photo.
• You may end up carrying more than one lens with you.

Zoom Lens

Zoom Lenses: Pros

• You can zoom in and out as needed.
• They can replace two or more prime lenses.
• You do not need to physically change your position in order to recompose your image.

Zoom Lenses: Cons

• Zoom lenses are bulkier and heavier than prime lenses.
• Images may not be as crisp as with a prime lens.
• They may not perform as well as prime lenses in darker situations.
• They tend to be more expensive.

Now that we’ve clarified the difference between prime and zoom camera lenses, let’s take a look at different types of lenses.

Wide-Angle Camera Lens

“Wide-angle” usually refers to lenses with focal lengths between 17mm and 40mm. Wide-angle lenses provide you with a broad view of the scene before you. This makes them ideal for photographing landscapes, small interior spaces that you want to look larger, events like concerts where you are very close to your subjects, street photography, and environmental portraits--portraits that also include your subject’s surroundings. The biggest downside of wide-angle lenses is that they can create distortion--they tend to stretch things out and make them look larger, especially elements that are close to your lens. This makes them a less than ideal choice for portraiture, since they can be unflattering to your subject (no one wants their nose to look too big!).

Normal or Standard Camera Lens

Lenses with a focal length of about 40mm to 60mm are considered “normal” lenses because they tend to replicate most accurately what the naked human eye sees. They do not have as much distortion as wide-angle lenses, but they are still wide enough to replicate the peripheral vision of the human eye. Because of these qualities, normal lenses are great for photographing portraits, creating precise compositions, street photography, and documentary photography projects. This is a very useful and flexible lens. When asked which single lens they would choose if they could only have one, many professional photographers answer “my normal lens.”

Telephoto Camera Lens

Any lens with a focal length of about 70mm and longer is considered a telephoto lens. These lenses produce the least distortion--making them another excellent choice for flattering portraits. They are also extremely useful in situations where you cannot get too close to your subject--photographing a sports event, or while on safari, for example. The downsides to these lenses is their size and weight--they tend to be quite heavy--and the fact that you cannot photograph subjects that are too close to you.

Specialty Camera Lenses: Macro and Fisheye Lenses

Macro lenses are used to create extreme close-up images, typically of very small objects, such as flowers and insects. A macro lens can produce a life-size or even larger-than-life size scale image of tiny subjects. They also allow you to get much closer to your subject than a typical lens while still retaining sharp focus. If you’re interested in photographing nature, or perhaps cataloguing your coin or stamp collection, a macro lens will prove extremely useful. There are some downsides to macro lenses, however. Because you are so close to your subject, you need to keep your camera extra steady, so you may need to use a tripod. Macro lenses also tend to produce images with a very blurry background, so you must be very careful and precise when you focus the lens.

A fisheye lens is an ultra wide-angle lens--any lens with a focal length less than 15mm. These types of lenses tend to have about a 180-degree field of vision. The effect you achieve with this lens makes it seem like you are seeing the world from inside a fishbowl--hence they name, “fisheye.” Everything along the edges of your photo becomes extremely distorted, and your subject will seem much larger than normal. Some common uses of fisheye lenses are for photographing action sports, landscapes, and to capture unusual perspectives. These lenses are great for getting creative--but be warned, their novelty tends to wear off pretty quickly!

Hopefully, this article has cleared things up for you and you can now see yourself purchasing the camera lens that’s right for you!

When it comes to securing your business, there are many different types of CCTV to choose from. Surveillance plays a huge part in today’s society, and with cameras all around us, our day-to-day lives are experiencing higher levels of security each day.

What many people don’t know, however, is that there are a variety of different types of CCTV camera which suit different situations or premises, and that selecting the proper camera for the right application really is vital.

CCTV plays a huge part in today’s society, and with cameras all around us, our day-to-day lives are experiencing higher levels of security each day. What many people don’t know, however, is that there are a variety of different types of CCTV camera which suit different situations or premises, and that selecting the proper camera for the right application really is vital. Here, we run through these types of camera and what makes them unique and more suitable for some venues over others.

Different Types of CCTV

Here, we run through these types of camera and what makes them unique and more suitable for some venues over others.

What are the different types of CCTV cameras?

Dark Fighter Technology Cameras

These cameras can pick up coloured images in very low-light conditions. Dark fighter technology can be used in the day and night and offer optimal performance thanks to its wide range of capabilities. They are equipped with ½” CMOS progressive scan sensors which allows the device to pick up high-quality images and doesn’t require an extra light source – which makes the perfect night time security surveillance camera.

Other benefits of dark fighter technology cameras include:

• Smart features: line crossing, audio and face detection
• Can be used for a multitude of purposes
• High definition

ANPR/LPR Cameras

ANPR and LPR cameras are used to read and store data on registration plates. They offer a simple and efficient solution to many organisations including tolling, hotel overstay management and the obvious: car parking. ANRP stands for Automatic Number Plate Recognition (LPR cameras stands for License plate cameras) and these devices help to obtain copious information in a high traffic area to keep any premises secure.

Other benefits of ANPR/LPR cameras include:

• Smart features: information storage
• Can identify cars that have been banned from a premises
• Allows a business to run smoothly

Internal and External Dome Camera

The dome camera is one most commonly used for indoor and outdoor security and surveillance. The shape of the camera makes it difficult for onlookers to tell which way the camera is facing, which is a strong piece of design, deterring criminals by creating an air of uncertainty. Other benefits of this type of camera include:

Other benefits of internal and external dome cameras include:

• Ease of installation
• Vandal-resistant features
• IR night vision

Bullet Camera

Bullet cameras are long and cylindrical in shape and are ideal for outdoor use. Their strengths lie specifically in applications which require long distance viewing. Installed within protective casings, the cameras are shielded against dust, dirt and other natural elements. The cameras can easily be mounted with a mounting bracket, and come fitted with either fixed or varifocal lenses depending on the requirements of its intended application.

Other benefits of bullet cameras include:

• IR night vision
• Compact size aids installation
• High-quality image resolution

C-mount Camera

Coming with detachable lenses, C-mount cameras allow for simple lens changes to fit different applications. C-mount cameras can cover distances beyond 40 ft thanks to the possibility to use special lenses with these cameras, whereas standard CCTV lenses can only cover distances of 35-40 ft.

Other benefits of C-mount cameras include:

• Can support changes in technology
• Effective for indoor use
• Bulky size makes them noticeable (which acts as a deterrent)

Day/Night Camera

Capable of operating in both normal and poorly lit environments, these cameras benefit from not requiring inbuilt infrared illuminators as they can capture clear video images in the dark thanks to their extra sensitive imaging chips. For this reason, these cameras are ideal for outdoor surveillance applications in which IR cameras are unable to function optimally.

Other benefits of day/night cameras include:

• Record in both colour and black & white.
• Wide variety of sizes available
• Infrared capability

PTZ Pan Tilt & Zoom Camera

PTZ – Pan/tilt/zoom – cameras allow the camera to be moved left or right (panning), up and down (tilting) and even allow the lens to be zoomed closer or farther. These cameras are used in situations where a live guard or surveillance specialist is there operating the security systems.

Other benefits of PTZ cameras include:

• 200m IR night vision
• X36 optical zoom
• High-quality image resolution

Discreet CCTV

These types of cameras allow for discreet placement which means you can capture good footage of theft and criminal damage. Discreet CCTV cameras beneficial because criminals will be less likely to spot them and therefore, they are less likely to be damaged in the process.

Other benefits of discreet CCTV cameras include:

• Can be propped up or mounted
• Can be disguised in various objects
• Effective for indoor use

Thermal Image Cameras/Infrared Cameras

One of the best 24 hour surveillance cameras around providing airports, seaports, boards and many other critical infrastructures with quality images, no matter what time of day it is. Infrared cameras have small LEDs surrounding the lens to help pick up moving figures in pitch black. Thermal image cameras can see over long distances, up to 300 metres away!

Other benefits of infrared cameras include:

• Detect intruders up 250-300 metres away
• Good in low-light
• Thermal radiation passes through visual barriers

Varifocal Cameras

With the ability to zoom in and out without forfeiting its focus. Varifocal cameras allow you to adjust the focal length, the angle and increase or decrease the zoom – ideal for obtaining footage in a square room where you would normally experience a ‘dead zone’ with any alternative, fixed lense camera.

Other benefits of varifocal cameras include:

• Can capture those ‘dead zones’ that other cameras can’t
• Offer exceptional focus
• Work well up close and at long distances

Network Cameras

These cameras share the images across the internet, so CCTV footage can be easily accessed. Network cameras are ideal for both domestic and commercial purposes because you can see what’s going on whilst away from the property.

Other benefits of network cameras include:

• Data can be easily accessed
• Ideal for homes and companies
• Less cabling and less maintenance

High Definition Cameras

High definition cameras have such a high resolution that they’re mainly used in high risk establishments such as banks and casinos. This is to capture a good image of anyone who enters and exits to maintain high security and maximum safety. These cameras are great for spotting misconduct and allows the user to zoom in for extra clarity, should the footage need to be used in court.

Other benefits of high definition cameras include:

• Clear, detailed pictures
• Offer maximum safety for high risk establishments
• Can zoom in without losing focus

What Type of CCTV Camera Should I Buy?

It’s extremely important to ensure that you have chosen the right CCTV camera, because depending on where they’re positioned and their primary use, you will need to find one that best accommodates your needs.

Whether you’re looking to install a CCTV camera outside a property to catch criminal activity, or have placed one inside to monitor the home or a company’s goods, there’s something for everyone.

3 factors you need to consider:

If you’ve been asking yourself, ‘what type of cctv camera should I buy?’ then you have come to the right place, because the experts here at Caught on Camera will be covering things to consider and the best types of CCTV cameras for the home. But first, there are 3 factors to consider:

1. The correct lense

This will ensure that you receive a quality image. Choosing the right lens will allow your camera to focus and will bring enough light to the sensor on the camera, helping you to read registration plates and recognise faces etc.

Having more detail will, of course, help in all situations, because it means that you will be able to see exactly what’s happening and get a clear record on film. A zoom lense can provide customers with more information because optical zoom can adjust the light as it reaches the sensor, enabling flexibility and enhanced pictures.

2. The correct sensor

There are two things to take note of when finding the right sensor: the type and size. These are:

• CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)
• CCD (charged coupled device) cameras

CCD are more expensive than CMOS and they produce a clearer image, ideal for identifying faces and registration plates.

3. The correct output resolution

The more pixels, the better the picture. The highest resolution you can get is 700TVL but many mainstream cameras range between 300-550TVL. It’s important to match a resolution that your camera can produce, anything more is completely unnecessary.

What to Look for When Buying a CCTV System:

• Should my CCTV cameras be discreet or a visual deterrent?
• How do I know what to use indoors and outdoors?
• What are the light conditions like?
• Is image clarity important?
• Is audio required?

Should my CCTV cameras be discreet or a visual deterrent?

Box cameras present an obvious sign for anyone who passes by that they are being recorded on CCTV and this can be a great deterrent of theft and crime. Whereas dome cameras are smaller and more discreet. These compact cameras are ideal for monitoring a larger area such as your front or back garden and can follow movement with ease.

How do I know what to use indoors and outdoors?

When thinking where you would like to place your cameras, you might want to think about how they will be mounted and housed, in order to ensure that they’re in the best location and well protected. For example, if your camera is to be placed outside, you will want it to be robust and weather proofed. If it’s to be placed indoors you will want to ensure it will not be affected by grease or steam from a kitchen.

What are the light conditions like?

Test different camera models to see what works best with the lightning in your area, because no matter whether they’re inside or outside, the lighting will differ throughout the day. You will want to check any reflections and backlighting during the day and night.

Is image clarity important?

Depending on how expansive the area is that you want to cover, the resolution of the CCTV camera you choose will need to reflect the landscape in order to provide a clear, useful image. However, if situated in a small room, the camera need not be of a high resolution.

Is audio required?

Audio isn’t required, however, if you do wish to opt for audio there are systems where you can speak to a person who has broken into the property. Audio can be used to deter criminals by automatically playing something when they get a certain point inside, an ideal way to make them think that there are people inside the building.

Here at Caught on Camera, we supply all of these different types of CCTV and more to our customers.

We are the South East’s premier providers of high definition CCTV design, installation and maintenance. Working throughout Essex, London and the South East region including Epping, Barnet, Cambridge and London, we really know our stuff and can recommend, supply and install the best type of CCTV camera for your premises

For more information or to get your camera today, get in touch with our friendly team and we’ll be more than happy to help.