A Comprehensive Guide to Fisheye Security Cameras

Jon Jones ● Dec 17 ● 11 min read

A fisheye security camera is one of the best tools you can use to protect your business. These cameras provide a sweeping view of the area they are monitoring, which allows you to see more detail and identify potential threats more easily. Fisheye security cameras are ideal for a variety of businesses, including retail stores, restaurants, schools, and hospitals. In this article, we will discuss the basic of a fisheye security camera, the benefits of using a fisheye security camera, and we will identify some of the industries that need them most.

An Overview of Fisheye Security Cameras

Fisheye security cameras, which are renowned for their ultra-wide-angle lenses, provide video surveillance with versatile viewing angles such as panoramic 180 degrees and 360 degrees. To provide such panoramic views, wide-angle fisheye security cameras usually warp images, giving them the appearance of being fish-eye. Moreover, fisheye security cameras have the ability to create split views in different directions to increase coverage without the need for additional cameras thereby increasing situational awareness and minimizing blind spots. Overall, the fisheye security camera is the perfect all-purpose camera.

The Benefits of a Fisheye Security Camera

A fisheye security camera offers a wide range of advantages for businesses that need to monitor their premises. Perhaps one of the most beneficial features of fisheye security cameras is their ability to capture a large area in one view. By using fisheye lenses, these cameras can create a panoramic image which covers up to 180 degrees depending on the model of camera chosen. This allows you to monitor far more of your area in one view, making it easier to identify potential threats quickly.

Fisheye security cameras also offer superior clarity and resolution compared to other types of security cameras due to their wider field of view and increased capacity for light capture. The fisheye lens provides an expansive view with greater depth than traditional security cameras and allows details such as facial features and license plate numbers to be captured more easily. With these superior images, fisheye security cameras are able to detect even minor changes in the field below them, allowing you to spot suspicious behavior quickly and take action if necessary.

Another advantage provided by fisheye security cameras is that they require fewer installations than traditional cameras since they cover larger areas. This means that businesses can save money on installation costs and have fewer cables running throughout their property, reducing the risk of damage from tampering or vandalism. Additionally, fisheye security camera systems are often compatible with existing surveillance systems, providing an easy upgrade path for businesses already utilizing surveillance technology.

Finally, fisheye security cameras are highly customizable and offer multiple options for how they can be used in different environments. Whether you need a single camera monitoring an entire room or multiple cameras monitoring different areas simultaneously, fisheye security cameras can be configured accordingly and provide excellent coverage where needed most.

Fisheye Security Camera: A Necessity to Different Industries

There are many different industries that can benefit from fisheye security cameras.

• Schools: Schools are a common target for violence and vandalism, and they need a way to keep students and staff safe. A fisheye camera can help by providing a view of all areas of the school, both indoors and outdoors, so that any incidents can be quickly addressed.
• Airports and Government Buildings: Airports and government buildings require extra security due to the sensitive information they store and/or because of their role in national security. Fisheye cameras can be used to monitor these areas for suspicious activity, allowing authorities to respond quickly if necessary.
• Retail Stores: Retail stores and restaurants are common targets for criminals, and they need all the help they can get to stay safe. A fisheye security camera can help by providing a clear view of the entire store, both inside and out, allowing employees to keep an eye on all areas at all times. This footage can also be used to identify criminals after an incident has occurred.
• Manufacturing Facilities and Warehouses: Manufacturing facilities and warehouses are full of valuable equipment and inventory, making them prime targets for theft. By installing fisheye security cameras, these businesses can keep an eye on their entire facility at once, spotting any potential threats quickly before they become a problem.

What To Look For In A Fisheye Security Camera

There are many different types of fisheye security cameras on the market. To ensure you are purchasing an effective and efficient security camera, check that it has the following essential features: 

Weather-Resistant

Fisheye security cameras are effective outdoor cameras because they can offer wide-viewing angles. Such angles are ideal outside of buildings, in parking lots, or in open spaces like fields. So, if you’re aiming for a waterproof security camera for the outdoors, search for a fisheye camera with a waterproof IP67 or IP66 rating. Many security suppliers also offer outdoor cameras with built-in heaters and temperature gauges so that the cameras can function in very cold or extremely hot environments.

Tamper-Resistant

Fisheye security cameras are a great choice for a tamper-proof security camera because many have a dome-shaped body. To find the most dependable camera with a high resistance to damage, you should prioritize finding one with a vandal-proof rating of IK08 or higher, preferably IK10. Many fisheye cameras that are impervious to tampering will have high IP and IK ratings, which can help them withstand impacts and adverse weather.

Night Vision

For enhanced nighttime security both indoors and outdoors, fisheye cameras should have built-in night vision. These cameras can adapt their recording to account for low-light and nighttime conditions by using an infrared (IR) illuminator to emit infrared light.

High Resolution 

Fisheye security cameras produce ultra-wide, panoramic images, so choosing the right HD camera is crucial to ensuring the quality of your recordings. Look for 5-6MP fisheye cameras when comparing your options because they offer more pixels per image. Additionally, both 4K and 12MP fisheye cameras are excellent choices for creating split views because they provide greater clarity for each view.

Viewing Angle Variability

With their wide field of view, fisheye security cameras are ideal for monitoring expansive areas. Fisheye cameras provide a wide, bird’s-eye view of an area and are typically mounted on a wall or, in some cases, a ceiling to cover a large horizontal area.

An Introduction to Verkada: The Fisheye Security Camera

Here at Monarch, we will work with you to design security solutions with fisheye security cameras. Together, we will design, implement, and oversee a security infrastructure for both safety and convenience.

Verkada offers a wide range of security products, including facial recognition cameras, access control, intrusion sensors and professional monitoring. All Verkada devices integrate with each other and are managed from a single cloud dashboard. Consider the following features of all Verkada devices:

Simple to Use

• Solid-state Storage (SSD): No NVR, DVR, or server is required. This means you pay for what you use – and that’s all. This reduces any extra overhead operations and the associated expenses,
• Regular, Automatic Software Updates: No need to worry about if your devices are working properly or are up-to-date with our Verkada devices.
• Simple Plug-and-Play Install: Just a standard Ethernet cable is required for the cameras to be brought online and fully operational within minutes.
• Accessible Anywhere, Anytime: Access archived or live feed videos on any device or browser
• Time lapse: Watch a day of footage in under 30 seconds with timelapses.

Scalable

• Unlimited Storage on Camera and Cloud: Reduce your organizations’ liability risk with unlimited cloud archiving offered by Verkada cameras.
• Unlimited Users Allowed: You can easily authorize admins access to an unlimited number of users.
• Infinitely Scalable: No matter how large the facility is, we can help you keep everyone on the same page. 

Limitlessly Smart

• AI-Based Video Analytics: Face detection, person of interest detection, and license plate detection are all available.
• Smart Filters: Search for specific people, vehicles, and objects without having to spend too much time scrubbing through footage.
• Live Alerts: Receive instant alerts in any meaningful event
• Shareable Live Feeds: Share your live feed via SMS. This is useful as you can send it to first responders in case of an emergency for dramatically reduced response time.
• 10-Year Warranty: Rest assured that your money is well protected
• Floor Plan: Quickly respond to incidents with real-time motion plotting. 

The Verkada CF81-E Fisheye Security Camera

Verkada’s Fisheye Security Camera uses a wide-angle 12MP image sensor and cutting-edge onboard processing to deliver dynamic viewing experiences. Three different viewing options are available to users: panoramic, four-way split, and pan-tilt-zoom.

The CF81-E Fisheye Camera has a vandal-proof design, an easy installation process, and an Ambarella chipset for advanced insights into people and vehicles. With the help of these insights, users can quickly filter people who have been detected based on a range of features, such as clothing color, gender appearance, facial matches, and the type and color of vehicles. Since all of the footage is processed directly on the camera, the results are almost always available.

All Verkada cameras come equipped with standard features like end-to-end encryption, onboard storage, and sophisticated motion-based insights, enabling businesses to expand their coverage and heighten situational awareness across a variety of locations with ease.

The Verkada Fisheye Security Camera: Features Summarized

The CF81-E Fisheye Security Camera is ideal for all security needs and is rated for both indoor and outdoor use. Consider the following features that make the CF81-E one of the leading cameras on the market. 

The Verkada Fisheye Camera: Adaptive Viewing Modes

With the option to switch between circle, ePTZ, 2-view, 3-view, or 4-view modes on the CF81-E, you can do away with the need for multiple camera installations. You can also take advantage of features like digital pan-tilt-zoom to increase coverage and lessen blind spots.

Three new different view modes are supported by the CF81-E 360° camera. You can customize the view mode to meet the requirements of the install location.

• 180° Panoramic: A wide-angle view that is ideal for an open area or a corridor.
• Four-way split: Use a single camera to watch four distinct fields of view.
• Pan-tilt-zoom (ePTZ): Provides a panoramic, all-encompassing view of your environment.

Panoramic

Panoramic is the first view mode. The camera will have a 180° horizontal field of view in this mode. The camera can be tilted to adjust the fields of view to your preferences.

Four-Way Split

Four-Way Split is the second mode. You can monitor four distinct areas all at the same time using the Four-Way Split mode. It’s especially useful for monitoring an outdoor corner, a hallway intersection, or when replacing multiple cameras with one. Site administrators can adjust the Four-Way Split’s angles to better suit their needs and maximize the fields of view.

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) (PTZ)

Pan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) is the third mode, and it is adaptable. You can choose to display the video feed in Pan-Tilt-Zoom as a 360° view, a tiles view with various angles, or by using your digital PTZ functionality to pan, tilt, and zoom around the image.

Monarch: Your Trusted Security Vendor of Fisheye Security Cameras

All in all, fisheye security camera systems are an ideal choice for any business looking for a comprehensive surveillance solution that is both reliable and cost-effective. Offering superior resolution and clarity plus flexible customization options, fisheye security camera systems provide enhanced protection at an affordable price point without requiring extensive installation or maintenance costs. This makes fisheye security camera systems a popular choices for many industries including retail stores, restaurants, hospitals, schools and more.

At Monarch, we understand the importance of reliable surveillance and have a team of experts ready to help you select the fisheye security camera system that is right for your business. Our range of fisheye cameras provide superior quality images with wide-angle lenses that cover up to 180 degrees, giving you complete control over monitoring activities on your premises. Contact us today to learn more about Verkada fisheye security camera solutions and how they can benefit your business.