CCTV Buying Guide
Not sure which CCTV system to choose? This guide explains the main differences between camera types, resolutions, recorders, night-vision technologies, cabling and storage so you can choose the right system for your property.
1. IP CCTV or HD Analogue?
IP / PoE CCTV
IP cameras connect through a network using Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cable and are normally recorded by an NVR.
- Excellent choice for new installations
- One Ethernet cable can carry power and data using PoE
- Wide range of high-resolution and smart-AI cameras
- Easy to expand when the network is designed correctly
HD Analogue CCTV
HD analogue cameras normally connect to a DVR using coaxial cable and BNC connections.
- Ideal for upgrading many existing coax installations
- Very good image quality at competitive prices
- Available in technologies such as TVI, CVI and AHD
- Often a cost-effective solution for homes and businesses
2. Choose the Right Camera Resolution
4MP
A strong all-round choice for many residential and commercial installations, providing good detail without excessive storage requirements.
5MP / 3K
Provides additional image detail and is popular for customers wanting a step up from standard HD CCTV.
8MP / 4K
Provides high image detail and is useful where digital detail is important. Higher-resolution cameras generally require more recording storage and bandwidth.
Resolution Isn’t Everything
Lens choice, camera position, lighting, viewing distance and image processing can be just as important as the megapixel figure.
3. Choose the Camera Style
Turret Cameras
A very popular general-purpose design. Turret cameras are compact, easy to adjust and suitable for many indoor and outdoor installations.
Dome Cameras
Dome-style cameras provide a discreet appearance and selected models offer increased resistance to tampering or vandalism.
Bullet Cameras
A visible camera design commonly used for driveways, entrances, perimeter monitoring and longer viewing areas.
PTZ Cameras
Motorised cameras capable of pan, tilt and optical zoom. Often used for larger commercial areas, yards and car parks.
4. Choose the Correct Lens
2.8mm Lens
Provides a relatively wide viewing angle and is commonly used for entrances, gardens, rooms and general coverage.
4mm Lens
Provides a narrower view than 2.8mm and makes subjects appear larger at the same distance.
Motorised Varifocal
Allows the viewing angle to be adjusted electronically. Useful for entrances, gates and situations where the exact viewing area needs to be fine-tuned.
Planning Matters
A very wide lens can show a larger area but may provide less useful identification detail for a distant subject.
5. Night Vision & Full-Colour CCTV
Infrared Night Vision
Traditional IR cameras normally produce a black-and-white image when lighting levels become very low.
Colour Night Imaging
Technologies such as Hikvision ColorVu, Dahua Full-Color and Uniview ColorHunter are designed to improve colour imaging in low-light conditions.
Smart Hybrid / Dual Light
Selected cameras combine infrared and visible white light. Depending on the model and settings, white light can be activated when a relevant event is detected.
Consider the Location
If you do not want visible white lighting operating continuously, check the camera’s illumination modes before purchasing.
6. Smart Detection & AI Features
Modern CCTV systems can provide much more than basic motion detection. Depending on the camera and recorder combination, available features may include:
Human & Vehicle Detection
Helps distinguish relevant people and vehicles from background movement and can reduce unwanted alerts.
AcuSense & Similar AI
Selected CCTV systems provide intelligent event filtering, intrusion detection and line-crossing functions.
Two-Way Audio
Cameras with the required microphone, speaker and system support can allow communication through a compatible mobile app.
ANPR
For reliable vehicle number-plate capture, choose a dedicated ANPR/LPR camera rather than assuming any high-resolution CCTV camera will perform the same job.
7. Choose the Recorder Size
Think about both the number of cameras you need now and whether you may add cameras later.
4-Channel Recorder
Suitable for smaller installations requiring up to four compatible camera channels.
8-Channel Recorder
A good choice when additional cameras may be required in future.
16-Channel Recorder
Suitable for larger homes, commercial premises and installations requiring greater expansion capacity.
Check Compatibility
The number of channels is not the only consideration. Check supported resolution, bandwidth, PoE capacity and smart-feature compatibility.
8. How Much Recording Storage Do I Need?
CCTV recording time depends on several factors, including:
- Number of cameras
- Camera resolution
- Frame rate
- Bitrate
- H.264 / H.265 compression settings
- Continuous or event-based recording
- Hard-drive capacity
We recommend using a suitable surveillance-rated hard drive in CCTV recorders.
9. Which CCTV Brand Should I Choose?
Hikvision
A major CCTV manufacturer offering extensive IP, HD-over-coax, ColorVu, AcuSense, ANPR and specialist security products.
HiLook
A cost-effective CCTV range offering IP and HD analogue options for residential and commercial installations.
Dahua
Offers a broad range of IP, HDCVI, Full-Color and intelligent CCTV solutions.
Uniview
Strong range of IP CCTV equipment including NVRs, PoE cameras and smart video technologies.
10. Buy a Complete Kit or Build Your Own System
You can buy a complete CCTV kit or select individual cameras, recorders, hard drives, cabling and accessories.
Before You Order
Need Help Choosing Your CCTV System?
Our team can help with camera selection, recorder compatibility, lenses, storage and system planning before you place your order.
Main: 0161 312 7477 | Alternative: 0161 694 4192
WhatsApp: 07305 398061 / 07870 565644
Email: sales@discountcctvsupplier.co.uk
