Which CCTV Cameras Suit You?
Pick the right camera for your property and budget — and avoid paying extra for features you don’t need.
For rough cost comparisons between system types and add-ons (IP vs analog, talk, lights, brand fit), use the installation pricing guide — then come back here to narrow camera choices.
Open pricing guideStart with the goal
Different goals need different cameras. These are the most common:
- Identify faces at a door/gate (close-up, correct height, good lighting).
- Monitor a driveway or perimeter (wide view, good night performance).
- Business compliance/stock protection (reliable recording, longer retention, clear reports).
IP vs Analog (HD)
IP (PoE) systems
- Best for: reliability, scalability, business sites.
- Pros: one cable per camera (power + data), strong image, easier future upgrades.
- Consider: needs proper network/PoE switching design.
Analog HD systems
- Best for: cost-effective upgrades where cables already exist.
- Pros: good value, often simpler for small homes.
- Consider: cable quality and distance matter more.
Colour night vision vs standard IR
If you need detail like clothing colours or vehicle colour at night, colour night cameras are often worth it. Standard IR (black & white) can still be excellent for detection and general monitoring.
How to save money and get better quality
- Spend on the right locations: a great front-door camera matters more than a “high spec” camera at the back of a garden.
- Choose the right lens/view: too wide can make faces tiny; too narrow can miss the area.
- Don’t ignore lighting: a simple external light can improve footage dramatically.
- Size storage correctly: avoid buying a high-res system that only keeps 3–4 days of recordings.
Use our storage calculator to estimate retention.
Want a recommended system for your home/business?
We’ll ask a few simple questions (camera count, router/recorder location, retention) and get you a quote fast.
Get my installation quotation Checklist: 5 things to know DIY install guide