CCTV Camera Buying Guide: Key Factors
By DL Computers & Electronics · 01 May 2026
CCTV shopping can feel confusing because of how many specifications get thrown around. Here are the factors that genuinely make a difference in day-to-day use.
Resolution
2MP (Full HD) is a sensible baseline for most homes and shops -- clear enough to identify faces and vehicle number plates at reasonable distances. 4MP or higher is worth considering for larger areas, entrances you want to zoom into later, or business use where footage detail matters more.
Dome vs bullet cameras
Dome cameras are compact, discreet and well suited to indoor areas or covered outdoor spots. Bullet cameras are more visible (which can itself be a deterrent) and are typically better suited to longer-range outdoor coverage. Most installations use a mix of both depending on placement.
Night vision
Check the IR (infrared) range in metres, not just whether "night vision" is listed -- this tells you how far the camera can see clearly in the dark, which matters a lot for gates, compounds and parking areas.
Analog (HD-TVI/HD-CVI) vs IP cameras
Analog HD cameras connect to a DVR over coaxial cable and are usually the more economical option for straightforward installations. IP cameras connect over network cabling (often with Power over Ethernet), generally offer higher resolutions and are easier to scale for larger, more complex sites, but typically cost more per camera and need an NVR rather than a DVR.
Storage and retention
How many days of footage do you want to keep? This determines the hard drive size you'll need. We specifically recommend surveillance-rated drives like WD Purple, built for continuous 24x7 recording, rather than a standard desktop hard drive.
Weatherproofing
For any outdoor camera, check the IP rating (like IP66 or IP67) -- this indicates how well it's sealed against dust and rain.
Not sure how many cameras your property needs? Our CCTV Installation service includes a site visit where we walk through your space and recommend camera count and placement before you commit to anything.
