Most Break-Ins Are Opportunistic. A Visible Camera Ends It There.
Opportunistic thieves look for easy targets. A camera on the driveway, front entry, or side gate is often enough to make them move on to the next property.
That’s the first job of any CCTV system — and it happens before anything is ever recorded.
Beyond deterrence, a good CCTV system sends motion alerts to your phone, lets you pull up a live feed from anywhere, and stores footage locally so you have recorded evidence if something does happen. Insurance claims, police reports, and neighbour disputes all go better with footage than without it.
The system only delivers all of that if the cameras are in the right positions, the cabling is done properly, and the NVR is configured to record what it should. That’s what we do.
What to Know Before You Choose a CCTV Camera
Most people come to us having already Googled a few options and ended up more confused than when they started. Here’s a simple breakdown of the decisions that matter.
IP Cameras vs Traditional CCTV: What’s the Difference?
“CCTV” is the term most people use, but it technically refers to older analogue camera systems that record to a DVR. What most installers fit today are IP cameras, which are digital cameras that transmit footage over ethernet cable to a Network Video Recorder (NVR).
IP cameras deliver significantly better image quality, support higher resolutions (4MP, 8MP, 4K), integrate with smartphone apps, and are far easier to expand later. Analogue DVR systems are largely being phased out. If someone is quoting you a DVR system in 2025, ask why.
Wired or Wireless CCTV?
Wired (NVR-based) systems run ethernet cable from each camera back to a central recorder. They don’t rely on Wi-Fi, don’t drop out, and deliver consistent image quality. For most homes and all commercial properties, a wired system is the right call.
Wireless (Wi-Fi cameras) – brands like Eufy, Reolink, and TP-Link Tapo – are faster to install and work well for renters, smaller properties, or locations where running cable isn’t practical. The trade-off is dependence on your Wi-Fi signal and, with some brands, ongoing cloud storage fees.
What Resolution Do You Need for CCTV?
- 2MP (1080p) – Adequate for general monitoring but you’ll struggle to identify faces or read number plates at distance.
- 4MP – A noticeable step up. Fine for most residential applications.
- 8MP (4K) – The current standard for a quality install. Enough detail to zoom into recorded footage and still identify a face or plate. This is what we recommend and what our Dahua kits run.
But a higher resolution means larger file sizes, so storage capacity is an important consideration too.
How Much Storage Do You Need for CCTV Footage?
Storage is determined by the number of cameras, resolution, and whether you’re recording continuously or on motion trigger only.
A 4-camera 8MP system on a 3TB hard drive with motion-triggered recording typically retains 30+ days of footage using H.265 compression. Continuous recording on the same setup will give you roughly 7–10 days before it loops.
We size the hard drive to match your setup during the quote process.
Hikvision vs Dahua – Which is Best?
Both are the dominant professional CCTV brands globally, and both are significantly better than consumer-grade options.
Dahua is our most recommended system for residential installs. Strong image quality, reliable hardware, and excellent value across 4–8 camera home setups.
Hikvision is the world’s largest CCTV manufacturer. Preferred for commercial installs where image analytics, access control integration, or larger channel counts are required. It comes in at a marginally higher price point than Dahua.
For a standard home install, either brand will serve you well for 10+ years.
How Much Does CCTV Installation Cost?
Pricing depends on the number of cameras, the system, and the complexity of the cable runs. As a guide:
- Dahua 4-camera 8MP kit with 3TB NVR — approximately $1,200 for hardware and $800 for installation on a single-storey home, totalling approximately $2,000+. This covers all cabling, NVR and hard drive setup, power connections, and mobile app configuration.
- Additional cameras, multi-storey access, or longer cable runs will affect the final price.
- We provide a clear, itemised quote before any work starts.
CCTV Camera Brands We Can Supply & Install
- Hikvision – World’s largest CCTV manufacturer. Preferred for commercial installs where analytics and scalability matter.
- Dahua – Our most popular residential system. Reliable hardware, strong image quality, excellent value.
- Ubiquiti (UniFi Protect) – Premium choice for properties already running a Ubiquiti network. No cloud fees, tight integration.
- Eufy – Good wireless option for rentals or properties where running cable isn’t practical.
- Reolink – Wired and wireless systems with straightforward app support.
- TP-Link Tapo – Entry-level Wi-Fi cameras that cover the basics without overcomplicating the setup.