IP Camera

An IP camera (Internet Protocol camera) is a digital video camera that transmits footage over an ethernet or Wi-Fi network rather than through a traditional analogue coaxial cable. Unlike CCTV cameras that require a dedicated DVR and analogue wiring, an IP camera encodes video on-device and streams it as data packets across your local network or the internet.

IP cameras are the standard input for all AI-based video analytics systems, including every Pixuate product. They come in several form factors and lens types — choosing the right combination for a location directly affects analytics accuracy.

The lens determines how much of the scene is visible and how much detail is captured at a given distance. IP cameras come with two lens types:

Fixed Focal Lens

A fixed focal length lens has a set angle of view that cannot be changed after installation. Common focal lengths:

• 2.8 mm — very wide angle (~100°–110° horizontal). Covers large areas at close range. Used for room-wide coverage, entrance halls, retail aisles.
• 4 mm — moderate wide angle (~80°–90°). The most common general-purpose focal length for indoor and outdoor surveillance.
• 6 mm — medium narrow (~50°–60°). Good for corridor monitoring and medium-distance outdoor coverage.
• 8 mm / 12 mm — narrow angle (~30°–40°). Used for long-distance outdoor monitoring, perimeter coverage, and vehicle detection at distance.

Fixed focal cameras are lower cost, more reliable (no moving parts in the lens), and sufficient for most installations where the mounting position and coverage zone are fixed during design.

Varifocal Lens

A varifocal lens has an adjustable focal length, allowing the installer to set the field of view after mounting. Motorised varifocal lenses can be adjusted remotely via the camera's web interface without physically accessing the camera — useful for hard-to-reach mounting positions.

• Typical varifocal range: 2.7–13.5 mm or 4–16 mm — covering wide to narrow in a single camera.
• Allows fine-tuning on-site to match the exact coverage zone needed.
• Preferred where coverage requirements may change, or where precise framing of a lane, gate, or zone is needed.

Bullet cameras have a cylindrical or rectangular housing designed for wall or pole mounting. The housing is elongated to accommodate a longer lens and built-in IR illuminators, making bullet cameras the standard choice for outdoor, long-range, and exposed environments.

Fixed Focal Bullet

A fixed lens in a bullet housing. Straightforward, low-cost, and reliable. The most common choice for outdoor perimeter monitoring where the mounting point and coverage zone are well-defined during design. Typical lens: 4 mm, 6 mm, or 8 mm depending on distance.

Varifocal Bullet

Motorised varifocal lens in a bullet housing. Preferred for outdoor deployments where precise framing of a gate, road segment, or perimeter line must be adjusted on-site. Varifocal bullets are common in traffic monitoring, ANPR lane setups, and large outdoor perimeter systems.

Characteristics of bullet cameras

• Longer IR range: The elongated housing fits larger IR LED arrays — IR ranges of 50 m to 100 m+ are common, versus 20–40 m for compact dome cameras.
• Visible deterrent: The camera form is clearly identifiable, which has a deterrence effect.
• Directional: Housing is aimed at the coverage zone and locked. Not suitable for wide-area flexible coverage (use PTZ for that).
• Weather protection: Built-in sun visor (hood) on most bullet cameras reduces glare and rain interference with the lens.

When to use bullet cameras with Pixuate

• ANPR and vehicle detection lanes — varifocal bullet with global shutter
• Outdoor perimeter monitoring — fixed or varifocal bullet with long-range IR
• Highway and road traffic monitoring
• Remote asset and construction site monitoring

• Resolution: 2 MP (1080p), 4 MP, 5 MP, 8 MP (4K). Higher resolution = more detail and better analytics accuracy at distance.
• Frame rate: Typically 15–30 fps. For ANPR and fast vehicles, 25 fps or higher.
• Shutter type: Rolling shutter (standard) or global shutter (required for fast-moving vehicles — see the Global Shutter guide).
• IR night vision: Built-in IR LEDs for low-light. Range varies from 20 m (compact dome) to 100 m+ (long-range bullet).
• IP rating: IP66 or IP67 for outdoor installations.
• IK rating: IK10 for vandal-resistant dome housings.
• Compression: H.265 halves bandwidth vs H.264 — preferred for multi-camera deployments.
• ONVIF compliance: Required for all Pixuate integrations. See the ONVIF guide.