CCTV Cameras & Recorders

Types

• Dome camera — discreet and vandal-resistant, for indoor corridors, offices and shops.
• Bullet camera — long body, weatherproof, for outdoor gates, boundaries and parking.
• PTZ camera — pans, tilts and zooms by remote control, for large open areas.
• IP camera with NVR — digital network cameras recorded to a network video recorder, with higher resolution and flexible cabling.
• Analogue HD camera with DVR — coaxial cable systems. Easier to retrofit over existing cabling.
• Wireless and 4G cameras — for sites where running cable is hard.

What to check before buying

• Resolution (2 MP or 4 MP is common), lens angle, and night vision range.
• Weatherproof rating such as IP66 for outdoor units.
• Recorder channels and storage: hard disk size determines how many days of footage are kept.
• Cabling, PoE switches, power supplies and mounting, which are part of the installation cost.
• Mobile app viewing, remote access and security of default passwords.
• Installation, warranty, AMC and GST invoice. Ask whether the supplier does the installation.

Common brands include Hikvision, Dahua, CP Plus, Axis and Bosch.

Who buys them

Offices, shops, schools, hospitals, housing societies, factories, warehouses, petrol pumps, contractors and government buildings.

Frequently asked questions

How many cameras does a 2,000 sq ft office need?

Typically six to ten: entrance, reception, corridors, work areas and exits. A walk-through of the floor plan gives a more accurate count.

How many days of recording do I get?

It depends on camera count, resolution, compression and hard disk size. Tell the supplier your required retention, such as 30 days, so they can size the storage.

IP or analogue system?

IP gives better image quality and easier expansion. Analogue HD is practical when old coaxial cabling can be reused.