When it comes to enhancing security in Malaysian homes, offices, or commercial properties, CCTV systems have become a top choice. But beyond resolution or brand, one key decision often overlooked are the CCTV camera types.
From visible deterrents to discreet indoor surveillance, the shape and design of the camera can significantly impact its effectiveness. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of CCTVs available in Malaysia based on body types, and help you decide which suits your specific needs best.
Why CCTV Body Type Matters?
In Malaysia’s diverse environments—from high-rise condominiums in Kuala Lumpur to factories in Johor or retail outlets in Penang—the body type of a CCTV camera affects:
- Field of view & angle
- Weather resistance (crucial in Malaysia’s climate)
- Visibility/deterrence
- Mounting flexibility
- Resistance to vandalism
Choosing the right body type helps you maximize security coverage, reduce blind spots, and improve reliability in Malaysia’s hot, humid, or rainy conditions.
Main CCTV Body Types in Malaysia:
1. Bullet CCTV Cameras
Design: Long, cylindrical “bullet”-like shape.
Commonly Used In: Outdoor areas like building perimeters, shopfronts, and gated driveways.
Features:
- Weatherproof (ideal for Malaysia’s tropical weather)
- Long-distance viewing
- Visible deterrent
✅ Pros:
- Excellent for fixed viewing zones
- Easy to install and adjust
❌ Cons:
- More noticeable, easier to tamper if placed low
2. Dome CCTV Cameras
Design: Round dome casing, usually mounted on ceilings.
Commonly Used In: Retail shops, homes, elevators, and office interiors.
Features:
- Discreet appearance
- Often vandal-resistant
- Hard to tell viewing direction
✅ Pros:
- 360° angle adjustment
- Ideal for indoor use
❌ Cons:
- Limited long-range focus
3. Turret CCTV Cameras (Eyeball Cameras)
Design: Ball-and-socket style; looks like a small dome with better aiming flexibility.
Commonly Used In: Homes, warehouses, and small businesses.
Features:
- Excellent night vision (no IR reflection)
- Simple to point and focus
✅ Pros:
- Compact yet powerful
- Better infrared clarity than domes
❌ Cons:
- Less vandal-resistant than domes
4. PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) CCTV Cameras
Design: Motorized dome or turret-style body with directional control.
Commonly Used In: Parking lots, stadiums, event halls, or large facilities.
Features:
- Remote pan, tilt, and zoom
- Live tracking (manually or automated)
✅ Pros:
- Monitors large areas with fewer cameras
- Adjustable focus and zoom
❌ Cons:
- More expensive
- Needs active control for full benefit
5. Box CCTV Cameras
Design: Rectangular box shape; often used with an external lens or housing.
Commonly Used In: Banks, toll booths, and traffic monitoring.
Features:
- Interchangeable lenses
- Indoor or outdoor (with housing)
✅ Pros:
- Customizable optics
- High image quality
❌ Cons:
- Bulky and industrial-looking
- Requires enclosure for outdoor use
6. Fisheye CCTV Cameras
Design: Compact and round with a 180° or 360° panoramic lens.
Commonly Used In: Supermarkets, schools, showrooms, and open office floors.
Features:
- Ultra-wide coverage
- Typically ceiling-mounted
✅ Pros:
- Covers an entire room with one camera
- Great for overview monitoring
❌ Cons:
- Distortion without dewarping
- Limited detail at distance
CCTV Body Type Comparison Table
| Type | Best Use | Visibility | Range | Indoor/Outdoor | Weatherproof | Vandal-Resistant |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bullet | Outdoor perimeters | High | Long | Both | Yes | Medium |
| Dome | Indoor spaces | Low | Medium | Both | Varies | High |
| Turret | Small-to-medium areas | Medium | Medium | Both | Yes | Medium |
| PTZ | Large open zones | Medium | Very Long | Both | Yes | High |
| Box | Professional monitoring | Medium | Custom | Mostly indoor | Needs housing | Low |
| Fisheye | Full-room coverage | Low | Wide (short) | Mostly indoor | Varies | Medium |
How to Choose the Right CCTV Body Types?
When selecting the CCTV body types in Malaysia, ask yourself:
✅ Is the camera for indoor or outdoor use?
Weatherproof options like bullet and turret cameras are more suitable for Malaysia’s rain and heat.
✅ Do you need a visible deterrent?
Bullet cameras act as strong warnings to potential intruders.
✅ How large is the area?
For large warehouses or parking lots, go for PTZ or fisheye. For tighter spaces, dome or turret cameras are ideal.
✅ Will it be monitored live or recorded only?
PTZ cameras are ideal for live control; fisheye for post-review with full coverage.
✅ What’s your budget?
Box and PTZ systems offer top-tier features but come with higher costs. Turret cameras are a good value-for-performance choice.
Conclusion
With Malaysia’s unique climate and diverse building types, choosing the right CCTV body types is crucial for building an effective security system. Whether you’re securing a suburban home, a business storefront, or a large warehouse, the right camera shape makes a big difference in performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.
Need expert help choosing the best CCTV for your property?
Contact Us – At HIK Technology Sdn Bhd, we specialize in security and surveillance systems across Malaysia.