Construction Camera vs Security Camera
They look similar and both point at your site, but construction cameras and security cameras serve completely different purposes. Understanding the difference helps you choose the right tool for your needs.
Construction Camera
Purpose: Document progress over time. High-resolution photos, long-term archive, time-lapse creation.
Best for: Progress tracking, stakeholder updates, marketing, claims defense
Security Camera
Purpose: Detect and deter threats. Continuous video, motion alerts, real-time monitoring.
Best for: Theft prevention, incident response, access monitoring
Key Differences
Primary Purpose
Document progress over time. Create a visual record of the entire project.
Detect and deter threats in real-time. Monitor for intruders and incidents.
Capture Mode
High-resolution photos at intervals (every 1-60 minutes). Optimized for photo quality.
Continuous video recording or motion-triggered clips. Optimized for motion detection.
Photo Quality
12-64 megapixel photos. Extremely high detail for zooming and documentation.
1-4 megapixel video frames. Good enough to identify people, but less detail.
Storage Focus
Long-term archive. Keep photos for months/years after project completion.
Short-term retention. Typically overwritten after 7-30 days.
Output
Time-lapse videos, progress reports, before/after comparisons.
Incident footage, motion alerts, live monitoring dashboards.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Construction | Security |
|---|---|---|
| Photo resolution | 12-64 MP | 1-4 MP (video frames) |
| Capture frequency | Every 1-60 minutes | Continuous/motion-triggered |
| Primary output | Photos, time-lapse videos | Video footage, alerts |
| Storage duration | Months to years | Days to weeks |
| Weatherproofing | IP66 outdoor rated | Varies, often indoor |
| Connectivity | 4G/LTE (no site WiFi needed) | Usually wired or WiFi |
| Power | Mains powered, outdoor-rated | PoE, mains, or battery |
| Night vision | Optional, often not needed | Standard (IR illumination) |
| Motion detection | Not primary focus | Core feature |
| Face blurring | Available for GDPR compliance | Rarely available |
When to Use Each Type
Use Construction Camera When:
- You need a complete visual record of the project from start to finish
- You want to create time-lapse videos for marketing or client updates
- Progress documentation for billing, claims, or stakeholder reporting
- You need to share access with clients, lenders, or team members
- GDPR compliance requires face blurring in captured photos
- Long-term archive of project history is important
Use Security Camera When:
- Theft prevention and deterrence is the primary goal
- You need real-time alerts when motion is detected
- 24/7 monitoring with night vision is required
- You need to identify individuals entering the site
- Integration with alarm systems or access control
- Short-term incident documentation (not long-term archive)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a construction camera replace a security camera?
Not entirely. Construction cameras excel at documentation but don't provide the real-time surveillance features security cameras offer. They capture photos at intervals (not continuous video), typically don't have motion alerts, and may not have night vision. For theft prevention and incident response, you likely need security cameras. For progress documentation and stakeholder communication, construction cameras are the right choice. Many sites use both.
Can a security camera create time-lapse videos?
In theory yes, but the results are usually poor. Security cameras capture low-resolution video frames, while construction cameras capture high-resolution photos specifically designed for time-lapse. The difference in photo quality is dramatic. Security camera time-lapses look grainy and lack detail; construction camera time-lapses are crisp and professional.
Do I need both types of cameras?
It depends on your needs. If you want progress documentation, stakeholder updates, and marketing time-lapses, a construction camera is essential. If you also need theft prevention and real-time security, add security cameras. Some sites have one construction camera for the overview shot and multiple security cameras for entry points and equipment storage.
Which is more expensive?
Monthly costs are often similar. Security systems can be cheaper if you buy hardware and self-manage, but construction cameras like Builder.Cam include cloud storage, connectivity, and support in the subscription. Total cost of ownership depends on your specific setup. Construction cameras typically offer better value for documentation use cases.
Can construction cameras work at night?
Standard construction cameras capture whatever light is available. If your site has lighting, night photos will show activity. If it's dark, photos will be dark. This is usually fine because construction work happens during daylight hours. Security cameras have infrared illumination for true night vision—essential for 24/7 surveillance but overkill for progress documentation.
Related Topics
Need Progress Documentation?
Builder.Cam provides construction cameras designed specifically for documentation, time-lapse, and stakeholder communication—not security surveillance.
