Before you buy CCTV cameras for your home, what you should know before buying CCTV system is that you need to make some findings that will set you up for the best product. That’s because the CCTV market has become so broad with varieties of CCTV systems and prices dangling within a large range. Many types come with a lot of differences in features, which makes it even more difficult to make a choice.
That’s why we put our technical teams together to help you with what you should know before buying a CCTV system for your home.
In this article, we will share with you what you should know before buying a CCTV system and the essential things you should consider to make the most reasonable choice that best fits your budget and your home.
Let’s get started!
8 Things to Consider Before Buying CCTV System for Your Home
1. Consider your budget
What you should know before buying CCTV system starts with understanding your budget. The type of CCTV system you can afford will largely depend on how much you’re willing to spend. Prioritizing other factors before evaluating your budget could result in choosing a system that exceeds your financial capacity, forcing you to rethink your entire plan. Always align your preferences with your budget to streamline the decision-making process.
We also advise, don’t go for inferior products or old technology because of the price. You might end up revisiting the market soon if you do. They are high-definition cameras at reasonable prices. So don’t let your “low budget” be exploited by marketers.
2. Know what you want to cover
What you should know before buying CCTV system is the question of what exactly you need to cover with the system. This is one of the basic questions to ask before clicking on the purchase button. Do you need it for motion detection, auto-tracking, or as a deterrent? Knowing what you want to cover gives you an insight into the quality of the system you should look out for.
3. Quality and output resolution
Now that you have your budget and know what you want to cover, the next thing you need to consider is the quality you are opting for. If you get it wrong here, you’ve got the entire purpose wrong.
For good quality, you should be eyeing cameras with a video quality of 720p (1MP) and 1080p resolution. Know that higher resolutions mean better quality. What you should know before buying CCTV system is that if you’re purchasing a camera to deter criminals, you may not need the highest quality. However, if you require it to provide clear evidence when needed, it’s best to go for a higher-quality system.
4. Storage
When considering a CCTV system for your home, what you should know before buying a CCTV system is often overlooked by many. This is a factor that a lot of people neglect when planning to buy a CCTV system for their homes, only realizing their mistake when they can’t find the old footage they truly need.
If you are keen on getting a quality CCTV camera, you should pay extra attention to this. Better video quality naturally takes up more storage, and it fills up in no time. For instance, a 1MP camera can take up to 38 GB of data space daily.
Some cameras are designed with an overwrite feature that automatically deletes old footage to make room for new footage once the built-in storage is full.
Our advice is that if you opt for a high-quality camera, make sure you provision for large storage to ensure you don’t lose your valuable footage.
5. Is it waterproof?
Do you plan on installing your CCTV system outside your house or shop? What you should know before buying CCTV system is that not all CCTV cameras are waterproof. So, when buying a camera that will be installed outside of your house, specifically ask for a waterproof camera. This can allow you to freely expose your camera, even in the rain.
6. Maximum range of camera
When buying a CCTV system, what you should know before buying CCTV system includes considering the farthest distance the camera can capture. For indoor CCTV systems, you might not have to worry much about this. However, if you are installing an outdoor system, you’ll need a camera with a high range to cover events meters away from it.
7. Night vision
When considering what you should know before buying a CCTV system, it’s essential to remember that purchasing a CCTV camera is akin to choosing a vigilant watchdog. Just as you want your watchdog to be alert both during the day and night, your CCTV camera should be capable of capturing clear, coherent footage 24/7.
If you’re not simply looking for a CCTV to act as a deterrent, but as a reliable security tool, ensuring that the system has night vision capability should be a top priority. A simple way to confirm if your camera has this feature is to look for small bulbs, known as LEDs, located on the side of the lens. The more LEDs present, the better the video quality will be during nighttime, ensuring that your outdoor CCTV system is always on guard, no matter the time of day.
8. Further features
Many CCTV cameras offer a wide range of features, such as automatic number plate recognition, motion detection, line crossing detection, and remote viewing; it’s an endless list of features. What you should know before buying a CCTV system is the specific features you need. Make sure you know those features you are looking out for and ask the seller if the camera has your list of features. You don’t want to buy a camera only to discover that it can’t do what you expected.
At Alcatraz Locksmith, our staff are willing to hear you out, communicate with you, and make sure you get the best camera that fits your budget. What you should know before buying a CCTV system is that the right choice depends on your specific needs, whether for residential or commercial use. Reach out to us today.
We’ll be happy to assist you in finding the ideal CCTV system that works for your needs. You’ll speak to friendly and helpful locksmith technicians who are experienced with installing and maintaining CCTV surveillance systems in homes and businesses. Let’s help you find the right cameras with zero hassle. Contact us now!
Frequently Asked Questions
What you should know before buying CCTV system?
Before purchasing a CCTV system, you should consider factors such as your budget, the area you need to monitor, the quality of the cameras, storage options, and additional features like night vision or waterproofing. These factors will help you choose the best CCTV system for your needs.
Why is understanding “What you should know before buying CCTV system” important?
Understanding “What you should know before buying CCTV system” is essential because it helps you make an informed decision. The CCTV market is vast, with various features, prices, and systems available. Knowing your requirements ensures you select the right system for your home or business security.
How can I determine “What you should know before buying CCTV system”?
To determine “What you should know before buying CCTV system,” assess your security needs first. Ask yourself about the areas to cover, desired resolution, storage requirements, and special features like motion detection or night vision. This will guide you in making the best purchase decision.
What are some common mistakes people make when deciding “What you should know before buying CCTV system”?
A common mistake people make when considering “What you should know before buying CCTV system” is not aligning the system with their actual needs. Choosing an overly expensive system with unnecessary features or opting for lower quality due to budget constraints can lead to dissatisfaction.
How do I choose the right CCTV system based on “What you should know before buying CCTV system”?
To choose the right CCTV system, consider factors like resolution (720p or 1080p), whether it’s waterproof for outdoor use, storage capacity, and any additional features like remote viewing or motion detection. Understanding “What you should know before buying CCTV system” ensures you meet your specific needs and budget.
6. What you should know before buying CCTV system for outdoor use?
When buying a CCTV system for outdoor use, you need to make sure the cameras are waterproof, have a wide coverage range, and come with night vision. Understanding “What you should know before buying CCTV system” helps ensure your cameras function properly in varying weather conditions.