Choosing a camera usually starts with “how many megapixels”, but the more important questions are: what do you need to see, from what distance, and for how many days do you need to store it. Two cameras of the same resolution can give very different images because of different sensors, lenses and lighting.
Which resolution should you choose?
| Need | Suggested resolution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| General indoor monitoring | 2 MP (1080p) | Enough to recognize people in a room |
| Shops and cashier counters | 4 MP | Clearly shows cash handling and product details |
| Gates, yards and large parking areas | 4-5 MP plus a suitable lens | Reading license plates needs a dedicated camera |
| Watching distant areas | Prioritize a good zoom lens and infrared | More MP does not always mean a clearer picture |
Calculating drive capacity
The capacity you need depends on the number of cameras, resolution, compression standard (H.265 saves more than H.264) and whether you record continuously or on motion. As a rough guide, one 2 MP camera recording continuously in H.265 uses about 15-25 GB per day, and a 4 MP camera about one and a half times that. For example, 4 cameras of 2 MP stored for 30 days need a drive of about 2-3 TB.
IP, analog or Wi-Fi cameras?
- Wired IP cameras (PoE): the most stable, one cable carries both video and power. Suited to shops and offices.
- Analog HD: low price, reuses an older system, but the image is less flexible than IP.
- Wi-Fi cameras: quick to install at home, but depend on the signal and drop connection easily if the network is weak.
Some common mistakes
- Installing a camera facing a strong light source so the image is blown out.
- Leaving the camera password at its default so strangers can view the feed from the internet.
- No periodic checks, so you find out only when you need it that the recorder stopped recording weeks ago.
Is remote viewing safe?
How often should the system be checked?
A technician comes on site, advises on positions and storage, and gives an all-inclusive quote.
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