Choosing CCTV for a home, shop, office or industrial site starts with what you need to see and record. Use this guide to compare camera types, recording options and the full scope of a quotation before buying.
Start With Your Premises and Coverage
- Home: identify entrances and indoor areas you want to check, power points and Wi-Fi coverage.
- Shop or office: list entrances, reception, stock areas and the hours requiring recording.
- Warehouse or factory: consider loading areas, viewing distances, lighting and network routes.
- Outdoor or temporary site: check weather exposure, mounting, power and connectivity before choosing equipment.
Decide whether you need an overview of activity or enough detail to identify a person at a particular point. Ask to see footage from the proposed camera under conditions similar to your site, including at night.
Compare CCTV Camera Types
| Type | When to consider it | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| PoE IP camera | A fixed installation where network cable can be run. | Compatible PoE equipment, cable routes, recorder channels and storage. PoE can carry power and data through one Ethernet cable. |
| Mains-powered Wi-Fi camera | A location with a nearby power point and suitable wireless coverage. | Power supply, supported Wi-Fi band, signal strength at the actual mounting point and recording compatibility. |
| Battery or solar camera | A location where running power is difficult. | Charging needs, sunlight and placement, recording mode and model-specific limitations. Do not assume continuous recording. |
| 4G camera | A location without suitable fixed internet. | Mobile signal, SIM compatibility, data plan costs, power and recording arrangements. |
| Existing coaxial CCTV system | An upgrade where installed cabling may be reused. | Camera and DVR compatibility, cable condition and which functions the proposed recorder supports. |
Check the exact model specifications. “Wireless” may describe the network connection while the camera still needs a power cable.
Features to Check Before Buying
- Resolution and lens: compare the detail at your required viewing distance and the width of the scene. Megapixels alone do not tell you whether a face will be identifiable.
- Night performance: ask whether footage uses infrared or colour illumination and whether extra lighting is needed. Review moving subjects as well as still images.
- Indoor or outdoor use: check the manufacturer’s environmental ratings and mounting requirements for the location.
- Fixed view or pan and tilt: decide whether you need constant coverage of one area or the ability to move the view. A moving camera may be looking away from another area.
- Detection alerts: check which person, vehicle or other alerts the exact model supports, and how they are configured.
- Audio: confirm whether the camera has a microphone, speaker or two-way audio, rather than assuming these are included.
- Phone access: confirm the app, supported devices, user accounts and any subscription required for the functions you want.
Recording and Storage: Ask for an Estimate
Confirm whether recording is continuous, scheduled or triggered by events. Ask where footage is saved: a compatible memory card, DVR/NVR recorder, cloud service or another supported destination.
Storage duration depends on the camera count, bitrate, recording schedule, capacity and configuration. Ask your supplier to calculate retention for the proposed settings; a hard-drive capacity alone does not guarantee a fixed number of days. Hikvision’s storage guidance uses factors including resolution, frame rate, scene complexity and encoding when estimating bitrate.
- How many days of footage do you require?
- What happens when storage is full?
- Can you search, replay and export a sample recording?
- What continues working during an internet outage, and what depends on power?
- Who will manage accounts, passwords, firmware and access permissions?
Compare the Full Quotation
Compare quotations on the same scope. Ask for a written breakdown of:
- Exact camera models, quantities, lenses and mounting accessories.
- Recorder model, available channels and included storage.
- Cabling, network equipment, power supplies and installation work.
- Configuration, phone access, user training and handover.
- Cloud subscriptions, SIM/data plans and other recurring charges, if applicable.
- Warranty duration, who provides support, exclusions and any site attendance or labour charges.
- Whether prices include GST, delivery and other applicable charges.
- Whether the quotation is for supply only, installation, maintenance or monitoring.
Confirm warranty and support terms for the exact product and order. Do not assume every brand, model or sales channel has identical coverage.
CCTV Recording Is Different From Remote Guarding
A camera can record footage or let you view it on your phone without someone actively watching it. If you need a team to review cameras or alerts, ask about a separate remote guarding arrangement.
Agree the monitored areas, viewing schedule, alert review, escalation contacts and reporting. Physical attendance is included only where it is expressly agreed. For a mix of officers and technology, explore hybrid security.
CCTV Buyer FAQs
Is Wi-Fi CCTV completely wire-free?
Not necessarily. Many Wi-Fi cameras still use a mains power adaptor. Battery-powered models have different charging and recording considerations. Check the exact product.
How many cameras do I need?
Start with a site layout and the areas requiring coverage. Entrances, viewing distances, obstructions and blind spots determine the camera positions and quantity.
How long will my recordings be kept?
Ask for an estimate based on your camera count, storage, bitrate and recording schedule. Confirm the settings during handover and check the actual retention after the system is operating.
Can I use cameras with a recorder from another brand?
Compatibility must be checked by model and required function. Ask the supplier to confirm recording, playback, audio and detection features before purchasing.
Does buying a camera include installation or monitoring?
Only if these are specified in your order or quotation. Confirm the equipment, installation, support and monitoring scope separately.
What should I send Deep Security for advice?
Send your premises type, areas to cover, existing equipment, power and internet availability, preferred recording period and whether you need supply, installation advice or monitoring.
Find CCTV Products or Get Help Choosing
Deep Security offers CCTV product options from brands including Hikvision, Dahua and Reolink. Confirm model suitability, availability and the services included before ordering.
Browse Security Products Ask for CCTV Advice
For more information, see our CCTV camera systems and security technology pages.
Manufacturer Reference Material
For further reading: Reolink: camera types and applications and Hikvision: bitrate and storage planning. Features and compatibility vary by model.