Because of its versatility and ability to manually adjust to focus and zoom while still maintaining a relatively low price point, the CCTV Box camera is the preferred style of security camera for most establishments such as banks, drive-thru or drive-up windows, and post offices. These types of cameras are more noticeable indoors, especially if used in conjunction with a varifocal lens. A varifocal lens allows the ability to manually adjust the focus and zoom, while a fixed lens is one that does not zoom, but usually can be focused. Another aspect of a lens is the iris control. A fixed lens typically has a fixed iris, meaning the iris will not adjust according to the amount of light available. On the other hand, an auto-iris lens will adjust to the amount of light. Similar to the human eye, the iris will widen in low-light situations, and it will become very small when there is a lot of light.

Box cameras that are used outdoors need to be shielded from weather effects, so most people typically purchase an Outdoor Housing. Environments with very extreme temperatures require this Outdoor Housing to include a heater and blower. For example, if used in a desert setting, the blower will usually activate when the temperature inside the housing surpasses a certain point. And on the opposite end, if used in a very cold, snowy environment, the housing's heater will activate once the temperature falls below a certain degree. These safeguards prevent the Box camera from overheating or freezing.