Is a New Building Security System Important?

Courtney Durler ● Jul 2 ● 8 min read

A building security system is essential for several reasons. First, they can act as a deterrent to crime by monitoring potential criminals’ actions. Second, security cameras can provide invaluable evidence in the event of a crime. If a crime occurs, security camera footage can be used to identify and apprehend the perpetrator. Security systems can provide peace of mind to building occupants by helping them feel safer and more secure in their environment.

Security cameras can help to create a sense of safety and peace of mind for occupants of the building. Monitoring their activities can help people feel more secure in their environment.

When evaluating a new building security system, it’s important to understand the differences between types and models and what types of quality footage you will see with each camera.

DOME CAMERAS FOR A BETTER BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEM

There are three influence factors to consider when determining the answer to “How far can dome cameras see?”

• Focal length
• Camera resolution
• Placement

FOCAL LENGTH

The focal length of the security camera is another term for the camera lens size. Of all the influencing factors, it is the number one factor in determining how far a dome camera can see. 

The focal length is measured in mm (millimeters) and can be categorized as “fixed focal length” or “variable focal length.” Fixed focal lenses are commonly used and well-suited for standard security surveillance applications. A varifocal lens can be adjusted to capture a wider area or so that it focuses on a smaller area in more detail. 

A smaller focal length translates to a wider field of view for the camera. Alternately, a bigger focal length means a narrower field of view for the camera. 

Verkada dome cameras come in four different models that vary in distinct ways. Each model has a different lens focal length that meets the needs of different security applications. 

CAMERA RESOLUTION

Another factor that affects how far dome cameras can see is the camera resolution. A high resolution means that the imaging details can be clearer than with a low-resolution camera. 

Additionally, building security systems play a role in how clear images captured by dome cameras are. If there is a lot of activity or movement in an area, it can be difficult for the camera to capture clear images.

Omit, several factors affect how far dome cameras can see. By considering the camera resolution and building security system, you can get a better idea of how clear the images captured by the camera will be.

Nowadays, building security systems are becoming high-tech. 720 pixels used to be the industry standard for cameras, but now the lowest resolution in an IP security camera is generally 1080p. The highest resolution on the market is 4K, which can capture a license plate from more than 100+ feet away. With such clear images, building security has never been better.

Verkada dome cameras resolutions vary from 1080p to 4K, creating a range of products that fit various industries and business needs. 

PLACEMENT

The influencing factor of how far a dome camera can see is its physical placement of the camera in the environment. Even if your dome camera has incredible range and excellent night vision capabilities, that means nothing if an object is standing in the way of its field of view. 

Verkada dome cameras can mount almost anywhere, thanks to the various mounts available.

Although they are usually installed on ceilings for a wide field of view, arm mounts, angle mounts, and bracket mounts can mount on walls, fences, and other stationary objects.

But, it is important to install your dome security camera in a location that is not impeded by trees, open doors, angled walls, and other hindrances. This will allow your security system to function at the most optimal strength. 

Here is a 2 minutes video of what we offer:

Features

The metadata stream provides users with several advantages for a better building security system : 

1. Users can view live footage from any web browser without installing program plug-ins on a desktop, laptop, tablet, or phone.
2. Unlimted Cloud Storage

Now let’s examine the different models of Verkada dome cameras to determine how far each one can see in an average environment. 

DOME CAMERAS FOR A BETTER BUILDING SECURITY SYSTEM

CD31 Indoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Fixed
• Focal length: 2.8mm
• Field of view: 97° Horizontal, 71° Vertical, 128° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 2MP / 1920 x 1080
• Range: 15m (50ft)

CD41 Indoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Fixed
• Focal length: 28mm
• Field of view: 97° Horizontal, 71° Vertical, 128° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 5MP / 2688 x 1944
• Range: 15m (50ft)

At first glance, these two models do not look very different. They have the same range of 15m with an identical focal length of 2.8mm. However, the CD41 has a higher image resolution.

The CD41 has a 4K sensor and can pan, tilt, and zoom to give you a clear view of your building’s perimeter.

Let’s keep going. 

CD51 Indoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Varifocal (3x Optical Zoom)
• Focal length: 2.8-8mm
• Field of view: 38° to 105° Horizontal, 29° to 77° Vertical, 48° to 126° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 5MP / 2688 x 1944
• Range: 30m / 98ft

CD61 Indoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Varifocal (3x Optical Zoom)
• Focal length: 2.8-8mm
• Field of view: 41° to 116° Horizontal, 23° to 62° Vertical, 47° to 136° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 4K / 3840 x 2160
• Range: 30m / 98ft

Like the CD31 and CD41, the CD51 and CD61 are very similar in their form factors when looking for a building security system. Although the CD61 has a higher image resolution and slightly larger field of view range, this model is better suited for a massive warehouse environment requiring very detailed surveilling. 

The Verkada dome series does not stop there. Indeed, if we are genuinely trying to find a building security system, we might need to also look at the outdoor models and the very popular Fisheye camera.

CD31-E Outdoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Fixed
• Focal length: 2.8mm
• Field of view: 97° Horizontal, 71° Vertical, 128° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 2MP / 1920 x 1080
• Range: 15m (50ft)

CD41-E Outdoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Fixed
• Focal length: 28mm
• Field of view: 97° Horizontal, 71° Vertical, 128° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 5MP / 2688 x 1944
• Range: 15m (50ft)

CD51-E Outdoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Varifocal (3x Optical Zoom)
• Focal length: 2.8-8mm
• Field of view: 38° to 105° Horizontal, 29° to 77° Vertical, 48° to 126° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 5MP / 2688 x 1944
• Range: 30m / 98ft

CD61-E Outdoor Dome Camera

• Lens type: Varifocal (3x Optical Zoom)
• Focal length: 2.8-8mm
• Field of view: 41° to 116° Horizontal, 23° to 62° Vertical, 47° to 136° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.8″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 4K / 3840 x 2160
• Range: 30m / 98ft

Furthermore, the outdoor dome series looks identical to its indoor counterparts when looking for a building security system. All Verkada dome cameras are durable, versatile, and built to withstand high-traffic areas. 

The last Verkada dome camera I will examine is one of the most popular models on the market when looking at a new building security system, the Fisheye camera. Its capabilities include panoramic views for seamless 360° coverage in any environment. 

CF81-E Fisheye for a better building security system

• Lens type: Fixed
• Focal length: 1.18mm
• Field of view: 180° Horizontal, 180° Vertical, 180° Diagonal
• Image sensor: 1/2.3″ Progressive CMOS
• Resolution: 12 MP (4056×3040)
• Range: 20m / 65ft

The CF81-E Fisheye operates in three different viewing modes:

• 180° Panoramic: A wide-angle view best for an open area or a corridor.
• Four-way split: Monitor four different fields of view with a single camera.
• Pan-Tilt-Zoom (ePTZ): An immersive 360º view that captures everything happening within your physical surroundings.

With the pan tilt zoom function, users can quickly toggle between a 360º fisheye view and a PTZ view, where they can use their cursor to move the frame vertically and horizontally freely.

The applications for the CF81-E Fisheye are limitless. For a new building security system, these cameras can be put in any location for better 360º coverage or places like stairwells requiring a split in the field of view. 

Verkada Dome Cameras

Verkada dome cameras can see in a range of 50-98 feet, presuming that their field of view is not physically impeded by anything. 

Remember that this examination of camera range is only the tip of the iceberg regarding Verkada camera capabilities. Verkada security cameras are hybrid cloud-based systems that don’t require a DVR, NVR, or server.

Each camera includes unlimited storage on the camera and in the cloud and requires a simple plug-and-play installation.

Verkada cameras are built to scale and include regular automatic software updates. This allows for a better building security system in which customers can trust and feel confident.

For a free trial, please click here.

Updated: Oct 10