Whether for indoor or outdoor use, network cameras can be broken into smaller groups. They are categorized as fixed, fixed dome, PTZ, and PTZ dome.Fixed network security cameras have a fixed field of view that is a result of its mounting position. Most models are designed to allow the lens to be changed as needed.

Fixed dome cameras are similar to fixed cameras except that it comes pre-installed in small dome housings. Its housing offers a more discreet option than the fixed camera. The limitation of a fixed dome camera is realized once the owner wants to change the lens. The PTZ camera or PTZ dome cameras are the cool ones in movies that can pan, tilt, and zoom in and out. No additional wiring needed, unlike analog security cameras.

PTZ dome network cameras are cool in that they can cover a very wide area with all the flexibility in pan, tilt, zoom and flipping motions. The mechanical PTZ cameras physically move while non-mechanical uses a wide-angle lens to capture a freakishly wide field of vision at a very high resolution.