CCTV Camera Buying Guide

A CCTV (closed-circuit television) camera is a great tool for security and surveillance, whether you’re monitoring your home or business. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right CCTV camera:

Determine your needs:

First, consider what you want to monitor, how large the area is, and what kind of lighting is available. This will help you determine the type of camera you need, such as a dome camera, bullet camera, or PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera.

Resolution:

The resolution of the camera is important for clarity and detail. Higher resolution cameras will produce better quality images, but they will also be more expensive. 1080p and 4K are common resolutions to choose from.

CCTV camera resolution refers to the number of pixels that the camera can capture in an image. The higher the resolution, the more detailed and clear the image will be. CCTV camera resolution is usually measured in pixels, such as 1080p, 4K, or 8K.

1080p resolution is the standard for most CCTV cameras and can capture images with a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels. This resolution is suitable for most applications and can provide a clear and detailed image.

4K resolution is becoming more popular and provides an even higher level of detail with a resolution of 3840×2160 pixels. This resolution is particularly useful for larger areas or for capturing fine details such as faces or license plates.

8K resolution is the highest resolution available and offers an incredibly detailed image with a resolution of 7680×4320 pixels. However, 8K CCTV cameras are still relatively rare and expensive, and are mostly used in specialized applications.

It’s important to note that higher resolution cameras will also require more storage space to store the footage captured. So when choosing a CCTV camera resolution, consider the level of detail you need, the size of the area you want to monitor, and your storage capacity.

Night vision:

Night vision is an important feature to consider when selecting a CCTV camera, especially if you need to monitor an area during nighttime hours or in low-light conditions. CCTV cameras with night vision use infrared (IR) technology to capture clear images in complete darkness.

The IR technology works by emitting IR light that is not visible to the human eye, but is detected by the camera’s sensor. This allows the camera to capture clear images in low-light conditions without using any visible light sources.

There are different types of night vision technologies used in CCTV cameras, including:

Infrared Cut Filter (ICF): This is a mechanical filter that is used to block IR light during the daytime, and then removed at night to allow IR light to reach the camera sensor.
Infrared Illuminators: These are LED lights that emit IR light to illuminate the area being monitored. The distance and strength of the IR illuminators vary depending on the camera model.
Thermal Imaging: This technology captures images based on heat signatures rather than visible light, making it ideal for monitoring areas with little to no light.

When choosing a CCTV camera with night vision, consider the distance and range of the night vision capabilities. Some cameras may only have a short-range night vision of a few meters, while others may have a longer range of up to 30 meters or more. Additionally, consider the resolution of the night vision footage, as higher resolution cameras will provide clearer and more detailed images.

Field of view:

Field of view (FOV) is an important consideration when selecting a CCTV camera. The FOV refers to the area that the camera can capture, and it’s determined by the lens size and camera placement.

A wider FOV means that the camera can cover a larger area, but the captured image may be less detailed. Conversely, a narrower FOV provides a more detailed image, but may not cover as large an area.

The FOV can be adjusted by changing the lens size or adjusting the camera’s position. There are two main types of lenses used in CCTV cameras:

Fixed lenses: These lenses have a fixed focal length, and the FOV cannot be adjusted. They are typically used in applications where a specific area needs to be monitored.
Varifocal lenses: These lenses have an adjustable focal length, which allows for the FOV to be adjusted. They are useful in applications where the area being monitored may change over time.

When selecting a CCTV camera, consider the size of the area you want to monitor and choose a camera with a suitable FOV. For example, a wide-angle lens may be suitable for monitoring a large parking lot, while a narrower lens may be better for monitoring a specific entryway or door.

It’s also important to consider the camera’s placement and angle to ensure that the entire area is covered. A camera placed too high or too low may not capture the intended area, so ensure that the camera is positioned correctly for the desired FOV.

Connectivity:

CCTV connectivity refers to how the camera is connected to other devices and networks to transmit and store footage. There are different types of connectivity options available, and the one you choose will depend on your specific needs and requirements.

Analog CCTV: Analog cameras use coaxial cables to transmit video footage to a DVR (digital video recorder). This type of connectivity is reliable and suitable for small to medium-sized installations.
IP CCTV: IP cameras use Ethernet cables to transmit video footage over a network. This allows for remote access and management of the cameras, making it suitable for larger installations or for those that require remote access.
Wireless CCTV: Wireless cameras use Wi-Fi or cellular networks to transmit video footage. This type of connectivity is convenient and suitable for installations where it may be difficult to run cables. However, it may not be as reliable as wired connectivity and may be affected by interference.
Hybrid CCTV: Hybrid cameras combine both analog and IP technologies, allowing for a mix of wired and wireless connectivity options.

When selecting a CCTV camera, consider the connectivity options available and choose one that suits your specific needs. Consider the size of the installation, the distance between cameras and the DVR, and the level of access and control required. Also, ensure that the cameras are compatible with your existing infrastructure and network, and that you have sufficient bandwidth and storage capacity for the footage.

Storage:

Storage is an important consideration when it comes to CCTV systems, as it determines how much footage can be stored and for how long. The amount of storage required will depend on the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate, and retention period.

There are two main types of storage options for CCTV systems:

Local Storage: Local storage involves using a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or NVR (Network Video Recorder) to store footage. These devices can be configured to store footage for a set amount of time, depending on the available storage capacity. Local storage is reliable, and footage can be accessed quickly, but it may not be suitable for large installations or those that require remote access.
Cloud Storage: Cloud storage involves storing footage on remote servers, accessed via the internet. This type of storage offers greater flexibility, scalability, and remote access. However, it may be subject to bandwidth limitations, latency issues, and ongoing subscription costs.

When choosing a storage option, consider the number of cameras, resolution, and frame rate, as this will determine the amount of storage required. Additionally, consider the retention period needed for your specific application, as this will affect the amount of storage required. It’s also important to ensure that your storage solution is secure and can protect your footage from unauthorized access or loss.

Power source:

The power source for a CCTV system is an important consideration, as it will determine the reliability and performance of the system. There are two main power sources for CCTV systems: AC power and DC power.

AC Power: AC power is the standard electrical power supplied by utility companies and is commonly used in homes and businesses. CCTV systems that use AC power require a power adapter that converts the AC power to the DC power required by the cameras. AC-powered cameras are typically less expensive and easier to install, but may be less reliable in areas with fluctuating power or in the event of a power outage.
DC Power: DC power is the type of power required by most CCTV cameras. DC power can be supplied via a power adapter or through a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch. PoE switches supply power and data to the camera over a single Ethernet cable, making installation and maintenance easier. DC-powered cameras are more reliable than AC-powered cameras and are suitable for installations that require 24/7 operation.

When choosing a power source, consider the reliability and availability of power in your area, as well as the specific requirements of your CCTV system. Ensure that your power source can provide the correct voltage and current required by your cameras, and that it is protected by surge protection and other safety features. It’s also important to ensure that your power source is compatible with your cameras and that you have the appropriate cables and connectors for your installation.

Price:

CCTV prices in the UK vary depending on the brand, features, and specifications of the system. Generally, prices can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the complexity of the installation.

Here are some estimated price ranges for different types of CCTV systems in the UK:

Basic Analog CCTV System: £150-£500 This type of system typically includes 1-4 cameras, a DVR, and basic features such as motion detection and remote access.
High-End Analog CCTV System: £500-£1500 This type of system typically includes 4-16 cameras, a high-end DVR, and advanced features such as facial recognition, license plate recognition, and thermal imaging
Basic IP CCTV System: £200-£600 This type of system typically includes 1-4 cameras, an NVR, and basic features such as motion detection and remote access.
High-End IP CCTV System: £1000-£5000 This type of system typically includes 4-16 cameras, a high-end NVR, and advanced features such as 4K resolution, night vision, and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) functionality.

It’s important to note that installation costs are not included in these estimates and can vary depending on the complexity of the installation and the location. Additionally, ongoing costs such as maintenance and monitoring should also be considered when budgeting for a CCTV system.

Brand and reputation:

Look for cameras from reputable brands with good reviews and customer support. A well-known brand will ensure that you get a reliable and high-quality product. There are many CCTV brands available in the UK, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some popular CCTV brands in the UK:

Hikvision: Hikvision is a leading provider of CCTV cameras and systems in the UK. They offer a wide range of products, from basic analog cameras to advanced IP systems with features such as 4K resolution and facial recognition.
Dahua: Dahua is another popular CCTV brand in the UK, known for their high-quality IP cameras and NVRs. Their cameras feature advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and can be integrated with other security systems such as access control.
Axis: Axis is a well-known brand for high-end IP cameras in the UK, known for their high-quality images and advanced features such as PTZ functionality and edge storage.
Bosch: Bosch is a trusted brand in the UK for CCTV systems, offering a range of products from analog cameras to IP systems with advanced features such as video analytics and automatic tracking.
Uniview: Uniview is a relatively new brand in the UK but has quickly gained popularity for their high-quality IP cameras and NVRs. Their products feature advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and offer high-resolution images.

It’s important to do your research and compare different brands and products to find the best fit for your specific needs and budget.

Installation: Finally, consider how easy it is to install the camera. If you’re not comfortable with installing the camera yourself, look for a camera that comes with professional installation services.