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Security camera terms explained
Understand PoE, ONVIF, NVR, night vision, lenses and camera-system terminology.
B
battery camera
A battery camera is a security camera powered by an internal or removable battery instead of a continuous wired power connection. Its battery type, charging method, and runtime can vary by product.
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A bullet camera is a security camera with a long, cylindrical housing designed to point in a specific direction. Its shape is a form factor, not a guarantee of image quality or features.
Learn moreC
cloud storage
Cloud storage saves security-camera footage on remote servers so it can be accessed through an internet-connected app or account instead of only from the camera or recorder.
Learn morecolor night vision
Color night vision is a security camera feature that can produce color video in low-light conditions, rather than switching entirely to black-and-white infrared footage.
Learn moreD
F
field of view
Field of view (FOV) is the angle a security camera can see through its lens. A wider angle covers more of a scene, while a narrower angle shows a smaller area.
Learn morefixed lens
A fixed lens has a set focal length that cannot be optically adjusted. It provides a consistent viewing angle rather than allowing optical zoom or varifocal adjustment.
Learn morefocal length
Focal length is the lens measurement, in millimetres, that affects how wide or narrow a security camera’s view appears. Lower values generally show more area; higher values show a narrower view.
Learn moreH
H.264
H.264 is a video compression standard used by security cameras to encode video into a more manageable digital stream for recording or viewing.
Learn moreH.265
H.265, also called HEVC, is a video compression format used by security cameras to encode video more efficiently. Support for it can affect storage, bandwidth, and playback compatibility.
Learn moreI
IK10
IK10 is an IEC 62262 impact-protection rating for equipment enclosures, indicating resistance to an impact energy of 20 joules under the standard’s test conditions.
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IP66 means a camera enclosure is dust-tight and protected against powerful water jets from any direction under specified test conditions.
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IP67 means a product is dust-tight and protected against temporary immersion in water under specified test conditions. It does not indicate image quality, durability, or protection from every water exposure.
Learn moreIR
IR means infrared illumination used by security cameras to capture video in low light or darkness. An IR label indicates a night-vision capability, not a guaranteed image range or quality.
Learn moreM
microSD recording
MicroSD recording means a security camera can save video to a microSD memory card, usually inside the camera, instead of relying only on cloud or recorder storage.
Learn moremotion detection
Motion detection is a camera feature that identifies movement in a video scene and can support an event or alert. A “Yes” label confirms the capability, not its accuracy or detection quality.
Learn moreN
night vision range
Night vision range is the distance at which a security camera can see in low light or darkness, usually with infrared illumination.
Learn moreNVR
NVR stands for Network Video Recorder. It records and manages video from network-connected security cameras, either through dedicated recorder hardware or software.
Learn moreO
P
person detection
Person detection is a security-camera analytics feature that identifies activity as involving a human, rather than treating all movement as the same type of event.
Learn morePIR
PIR means passive infrared. In security cameras, a PIR sensor detects changes in infrared radiation, such as heat patterns from a moving person or animal, to support motion detection.
Learn morePoE
PoE (Power over Ethernet) lets a compatible security camera receive power and network data through one Ethernet cable. It can simplify installation, but compatibility and power requirements still need checking.
Learn morePoE budget
PoE budget is the total power a PoE switch, NVR, or injector can provide to connected devices. It helps show whether the system has enough power for its cameras and accessories.
Learn morePoE switch
A PoE switch sends network data and electrical power through Ethernet cables to compatible security cameras and other devices. It can reduce the need for separate power adapters.
Learn moreprivacy mask
A privacy mask hides a selected part of a security camera’s view, helping obscure areas that should not appear in live or recorded video.
Learn morePTZ
PTZ means pan, tilt, and zoom: camera movement or zoom controlled through the camera system. The label indicates a capability, not the camera’s movement range, speed, or image quality.
Learn moreR
T
turret camera
A turret camera is a security camera with an exposed, adjustable lens assembly in a compact housing. The turret shape describes the camera’s form factor, not its image quality or features.
Learn moretwo-way audio
Two-way audio lets you listen to sound from a security camera and speak through it using a connected app or viewing system. It generally requires both a microphone and a speaker.
Learn moreV
W
WDR
WDR, or Wide Dynamic Range, helps a security camera show detail in both bright and dark parts of the same scene, such as a shaded entrance with strong daylight behind it.
Learn moreWi-Fi camera
A Wi-Fi camera connects to a wireless network to send video and receive control commands. It still needs power, and Wi-Fi connectivity does not by itself describe image quality or reliability.
Learn morewired camera
A wired camera sends video, and sometimes power, through a physical cable rather than relying on Wi-Fi. The label alone does not identify the cable type, recorder, or power standard.
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