What happened?
Dome cameras are among the most widely used surveillance components in public and private spaces – they hang from station ceilings, sit on facades, and secure checkout areas. In a market overview, Protector Magazin has compiled the technical criteria that planners should use as a guide when making their selection. The hemispherical design offers two key advantages: it blends unobtrusively into the architecture, and the tinted dome prevents observed individuals from detecting the exact viewing direction of the lens.
The details
Sensor and lens
The heart of every camera is the image sensor. The range spans from solid to high-end solutions – typically between 2 megapixels (Full HD) and 8 megapixels (4K Ultra HD). What matters is not just the resolution itself, but the frame rate at maximum pixel density: if the system achieves 25 to 30 frames per second, the video runs smoothly even during fast movements. When it comes to optics, there are three variants to distinguish: fixed focal lenses are inexpensive and rigid, suitable for fixed viewing angles; manual varifocal lenses can be adjusted to the desired field of view during installation; and motorized zoom lenses offer the highest level of convenience, since focal length and focus can be conveniently adjusted remotely via software.
Vision at night and in backlight
Since lighting conditions are constantly changing, good cameras must master both darkness and glare. Low-light performance indicates the minimum illumination level (in lux) at which the sensor can still deliver usable color images. If the value falls below this threshold, the device switches to infrared mode and delivers sharp black-and-white images. For extreme brightness differences – caused, for example, by large glass facades or headlights – Wide Dynamic Range (hardware WDR) ensures balanced results by combining differently exposed shots. This is measured in decibels (dB): the higher the value, the better the camera can render bright and dark areas simultaneously. Values of 120 dB and above are considered a reliable standard in practice.
The DORI standard
How far a camera's view actually reaches can be objectively assessed using the international DORI standard. It divides range into four levels: Detect, Observe, Recognize, and Identify. For the admissibility of footage in court, the Identify range in daylight is particularly important – only if enough pixels cover a face or a license plate can a person be identified beyond doubt.
Interfaces, audio, and local storage
A camera rarely operates in isolation. Alarm inputs and outputs (alarm I/O) allow it to control, for example, floodlights or alarm devices. Audio interfaces or built-in microphones enable listening in or directly addressing people on site. If the network fails, an internal microSD card slot secures recordings locally.
Data stream and compatibility
Video data fills up storage space at a rapid pace. Modern codecs such as H.264 and H.265 compress the data, while proprietary smart codecs further reduce the data rate by transmitting only moving image areas in high resolution. It is also relevant how many video streams a camera can send simultaneously at different resolutions. For the device to work smoothly with recorders and video management software from other manufacturers, ONVIF compatibility is crucial. The interface profiles specify concrete functions: Profile S stands for basic streaming, Profile G for storage management, Profile T for extended streaming, and Profile M for AI metadata.
Durability and power supply
Installation should be simple, and the housing should withstand a great deal. Power over Ethernet (PoE) supplies both power and data via a single network cable, saving time and costs. For outdoor use, protection classes determine service life: the weather protection class (e.g., IP66 or IP67) indicates how well the housing is sealed against dust and jet water, while the vandalism protection class (e.g., IK10) indicates how much impact energy the housing can withstand – particularly important for cameras within reach of passersby.
AI object classification
Modern dome cameras no longer just record passively. Integrated AI object classification distinguishes between people, vehicles, and animals, drastically reducing false alarms caused by swaying branches or stray cats.
Context
The market overview shows that dome cameras are no longer simple recording devices, but complex systems with multifaceted technical parameters. For specialist companies and planners, this means that selection should not be based on megapixel count alone. Only the interplay of sensor performance, night vision capability, dynamic range, interfaces, and housing protection determines whether a camera meets the requirements of a specific installation site – whether a train station, a facade, or a checkout area. The DORI standard in particular provides an objective criterion for verifying manufacturers' range claims, which becomes especially relevant when it comes to the admissibility of footage in court.
Practical tips
- Consider the intended use when choosing a lens: fixed focal lenses for fixed viewing angles, varifocal lenses for individual adjustment during installation, motorized zoom for later remote adjustment.
- Look for hardware WDR values of 120 dB or higher if the installation site has strong brightness differences, such as glass facades or headlight glare.
- Check the Identify range according to the DORI standard if footage must later be admissible in court.
- Compare ONVIF profiles before purchasing to ensure compatibility with existing recorders and video management software.
- For outdoor installations near passersby, ensure sufficient vandalism protection class (e.g., IK10) and appropriate weather protection class (IP66/IP67).
- Favor PoE-capable models to reduce installation effort and costs.
Outlook
Technical development in dome cameras is clearly heading toward intelligent image analysis: AI-supported object classification that distinguishes between people, vehicles, and animals is becoming a standard feature and noticeably reduces false alarms. At the same time, the importance of open standards such as ONVIF is likely to continue growing, as operators increasingly combine systems from different manufacturers. For planners and installers, it therefore remains essential to stay continuously informed about current sensor, interface, and AI functions in order to offer customers tailored solutions.
