A good CCTV system is not the one with the most cameras — it is the one that sees what matters, records reliably and lets you check in from your phone. Here is a buyer's guide based on what we install every week.
1. Decide what you need to see
Start with the job: gate and entrance, shop floor, perimeter, cash point, generator area, or general compound coverage. Walk the property and list the must-see points. Two well-placed cameras often beat six badly-placed ones.
2. Wired, wireless or solar?
- Wired cameras are the most stable for permanent installations — video and power over cable, minimal interference. Best for buildings under construction or when you want set-and-forget reliability.
- Wireless cameras install quickly and neatly where cabling is difficult. They still need power, and they depend on a good WiFi signal.
- Solar-powered cameras are ideal for gates, far corners of a compound, farms and sites without mains power. We size the panel and battery so they run through rainy season.
3. Resolution and night vision
For recognising faces and number plates, 2MP (1080p) is the practical minimum; 4MP or 4K gives more detail when you need to zoom into recorded footage. Check the night vision range against the distance you actually need to cover after dark — a camera that is perfect at noon may be useless at 9pm.
4. Storage and recording
Recorders (NVRs/DVRs) store footage on hard drives. How many days of history do you want — 7, 14, 30? That choice drives the hard drive size. We calculate it for you so you are not paying for storage you do not need, or losing recordings you do.
5. Remote viewing on your phone
Almost every modern system supports phone viewing, but setup quality varies. At handover we install the app, connect the system and make sure you can view live video and playback confidently — that is the part most people actually use daily.
6. Plan for maintenance
Cameras outdoors collect dust and spider webs; storage drives have a lifespan. A simple maintenance contract keeps the system recording when it matters most — especially for businesses and estates.
Want a system designed for your property? Chat with us on WhatsApp or explore our security services.