A bullet camera has a long cylindrical housing with the lens at one end. The shape makes it easy to aim and gives a visible deterrent on a facade, and most models are weather-rated for outdoor use. Its fixed body can be turned or struck more easily than a dome, so mounting height matters.
The bullet is the most recognizable camera shape, and that recognition is part of its function. It is also the shape most exposed to weather and to anyone who wants to disable it.
Where a bullet fits
Long corridors, parking areas, perimeter fences and building exteriors favor a bullet, because the lens can be pointed precisely along the line of interest. A visible camera on a wall also signals that the area is watched, which a discreet dome does not.
Housing and weather ratings
Check the ingress protection rating for dust and water, and the impact rating if the camera is within reach. A sun shield reduces glare and heat, and a heater or blower helps where temperatures swing. Aim the camera away from low sun, or the picture washes out every afternoon.