Turret Security Cameras, Turret Style Dome Cameras
Turret security cameras are named for their turret style 3-axis construction that allows installers to point the lens in any direction. Turret dome cameras are commonly used in video surveillance systems for homes, businesses, and government installations. This page contains analog CCTV turret cameras (CVBS) as well as the latest HD over coax models.
Most of our turret cameras have built-in IR night vision, which allows the camera to capture video in complete darkness. Some models have a fixed lens and others have an adjustable / vari-focal lens. We even have a 180 degree model. Check each cameras specification to see if it is indoor only or weatherproof rated for outdoor installation as well. You can refer to our
turret camera FAQ and installation guide to learn more. If you need help deciding which is camera is best for you, please call us or email us for assistance.
What is a turret security camera?
A turret camera is sometimes referred to as a mini-dome or flat-faced dome camera. This camera has a ball-and-socket joint type design. The camera itself resembles a sliced sphere which can very easily be swiveled around in it's "socket" once the base of the camera has been mounted to a wall or ceiling.
What is the different between a turret and dome camera?
A turret camera has a flat faced lens cover, whereas a dome shaped camera has a circular or half moon lens cover. Turret cameras are not influenced by the glare effects that dome shaped cameras can be susceptible too. This is due to the flat faced surface covering the lens and the infrared LEDs (IR LEDS).
Both security camera styles have either a glass housing or plastic housing covering the lens and IR LEDs. This makes their design a safe option if mounting the cameras in easier to reach places. You can see a read more details about
dome vs turret style cameras here.
What type of cables are used to connect Turret cameras?
Turret style security cameras are available in all of the major surveillance video formats. The following type of cameras use coax cable with BNC connectors. Siamese type coax cable that runs both video and power is the most typical type of cable used by professional and DIY installers. Installers can either use pre-made BNC camera cable or custom cut a length from a spool of RG59 Siamese cable.
What video format is supported?
Turret cameras are available in all of the major video surveillance formats including analog CVBS, AHD, HD-TVI, HD-SDI, and HD-CVI. You can learn more about these different video format here.
Are turret cameras vandal proof? Turret cameras that are made with metal housings are generally considered vandal resistant. These anti-vandal dome cameras are generally more vandal-proof than most turret cameras.
What angle of view is provided by turret cameras? Turret cameras come with a variety of vari-focal (adjustable) and fixed lens options which provide different viewing angles.
The DPRO-EC550VF2 IR turret dome CCTV camera has an adjustable 2.8-12mm lens that lets the installer select a field of view between 22 and 109 degrees.
How are they installed? Turret cameras can be ceiling or wall mounted. Because of the tri-axis turret design, the lens of these style cameras can be rotated in any direction from a ceiling or wall installation. Please see the below ceiling tile installation for details.
The above image shows a side-by-side turret vs dome image. Here is a summary of the similarities and differences (pros and cons) in these two styles of security cameras.
The cameras pictured above (from left to right) are the HD-Q3 turret security camera and the AHD-D32W AHD IR Dome Camera. The most visible difference between these 2 cameras is the flat face design covering the lens on the turret cameras versus the round dome shaped lens cover on the dome camera.
The turret camera also has smaller IR LEDs surrounding the camera lens. This does not mean that the night vision capability is any less powerful than the larger dome shaped IR LED cameras. As you can see in the above image there are more LEDs surrounding the lens on the turret camera to make up the difference in size and strength.
Both cameras have IR LEDs making them useful in both day and night. The IR Turret camera as well as the dome shaped camera can be wall or ceiling mounted.
Both cameras offer a cable through mount design that offers further protection from vandalism as the cable harness attached to these cameras is completely hidden from site.
This is how you can install a turret security camera to a ceiling tile.
For this installation, we are using the
DPRO-B24DHR model turret dome. This camera has a small joystick attached to its video cable that is used to control the configuration menu and also lets users select which video mode they want the camera to run in (analog CCTV, AHD, HD-TVI, HD-CVI). The joystick is the widest diameter of the cable. It measures about 3/4 inch.
We use a 3/4 inch drill bit to drill a hole in the ceiling tile at the center point of where we will mount the camera.
Next, remove the base of the turret camera by turning it counter-clockwise.
With the camera's base removed, the mounting screw holes will be revealed. Place the base on the ceiling tile where you want it installed. Because this camera is very light, you can use standard drywall screws to attach the base to the ceiling tile. Be sure not to over-tighten. An even better way is to use bolts and nuts.
After the base in attached, feed the camera cable through the hole and place the main part of the camera (looks like a ball) on the base.
Next, place the turret ring over the camera and onto the base.
Last, screw the tightening ring onto the base. Please note that the tightening right locks in the placement of the camera and the angle of the lens.
After you place the ceiling tile back into the ceiling, you will most likely need to slightly loosen the camera's tightening ring so that you can adjust the angle of the lens to the exact view that you want. When you are done hand tighten the ring. Do not over tighten.
Below is a playlist of videos recorded using the turret style dome security cameras that appear above. You can select which video that you want to play by clicking on the
PLAYLIST icon in the upper left-hand corner of the video player.
Help / Consultation
Need advice deciding which
Turret Security Camera is just right for your needs? Please email our sales team at info@cctvcamerapros.net or call us at 1-888-849-2288 and one of our CCTV Camera Specialists will be glad to assist you.
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