1/3″ SONY CCD 520 TVL 24 LEDs Color Dome Camera LN-808G

This decision depends on two factors:
1. If the locations being viewed are in low lit areas, such as outdoors, dim restaurants, and dimly lit warehouses, we suggest you use B / W. If the viewing areas are well lit, then color would be accceptable. The reason is that B / W cameras can produce good quality image in low light conditions, but color cameras need more light for a good image. B/W cameras can also utilize the addition of "Infrared Illuminators" to augment viewing in low light conditions. Color cameras cannot use infrared illuminators.
2. If you simply need to see that a customer is at a counter, but you're not concerned about the color of his / her outfit, then a B / W system would be adequate. If you're concerned that this same person may need to be identified by the color of his / her outfit or car, then a color system should be used.

Camera formats are measured in inches: most surveillance cameras fall between 1/4" and 1". This refers to the usable image size created inside the camera. For most security systems, a small size is fine - 1/4" or 1/3" surveillance cameras dominate CCTV sales. Larger formats do not necessarily result in better images, but can be advantageous in dimly lit situations since they are able to gather more light.

CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) and CCD (charge coupled device) image sensors are two different technologies for capturing images digitally. Although recent advances in CMOS sensors are closing the gap, CCD sensors currently offer the highest possible image quality.

A CMOS camera has a less-expensive image sensor. The other benefits of CMOS are size, and low-power consumption. Most CMOS cameras can even be operated for several hours on a single 9-volt battery! The low-power consumption comes at a price however. CMOS cameras have a lower resolution and less color quality than the CCD cameras. However, the CCD Cameras are much more sensitive to power fluctuations, due to the fact that the CCD Sensors have 4 integrated processors compared to the one processor found on a CMOS sensor. CCD cameras usually have much better picture quality, resolution and color balance. The drawback of a CCD camera is high-power consumption and sensitivity to minute voltage changes.

Dome cameras are commonly used when there is a need to mount cameras to the ceiling. The benefit of the dome camera is that you can't see where the internal camera is facing and, as such, provides an illusion of increased surveillance. Domes are less obtrusive and generally accepted in any environment. The cables for a dome cameras are generally fed through a small hole in the wall or ceiling, so no wires are visible after installation.

Bullet cameras (commonly call Tube Cameras or Lipstick Cameras) are smaller and less noticeable, visually directional in their viewing and they're weather resistant for outdoor applications.