How to choose a business security camera system

Start with what you need to see

List the places that matter: entrances, tills, loading docks, stockrooms, parking and yards. Cameras should be planned around those positions, not spread evenly across the building.

Resolution and field of view

Higher resolution lets you identify people and details at a distance, but it needs more storage. A wide-angle lens covers more area but shows less detail far away. Use narrower lenses on doors and tills where identification matters.

Night and low light

Check how each camera performs in the dark and in strong backlight, such as a bright doorway. Outdoor positions need weatherproof cameras and good night vision.

Power and cabling

Most business systems use IP cameras powered over the same Ethernet cable (PoE). That means one cable per camera and a PoE switch. The quality of the network cabling decides how reliable the system is.

Recorder and storage

Storage depends on the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate, compression, recording mode and how many days of footage you need to keep. Size the recorder to your retention period before you buy.

Remote access and security

• Change every default password
• Keep camera and recorder firmware up to date
• Keep cameras on a separate network segment from your office computers
• Do not expose the recorder directly to the internet

Maintenance

Cameras get knocked, dirty and misaligned. Plan periodic checks and know who to call when one fails. See our security camera installation and maintenance services.

Common questions