A camera you never think about — until the day you need the footage. That's the goal of a good CCTV setup. Here's how to plan one that works.
Start with coverage, not cameras
The most common mistake is buying cameras first and planning later. Instead, walk your space and mark:
- Entry and exit points — doors, gates, shutters
- Valuables — tills, stockrooms, parking
- Blind spots — corners a single camera can't see
Most missed footage comes from placement, not camera quality. A quick site survey usually reveals you need fewer, better-positioned cameras than you'd think.
How many megapixels do you actually need?
Higher resolution means you can zoom in on detail — a face, a number plate — but it also uses more storage. A practical rule:
- 2MP (1080p): fine for general coverage of small areas
- 4MP: a good balance for shops and homes
- 4K: best where you need to read detail at distance
Don't forget storage
Resolution and camera count both decide how many days of footage you can keep. Decide upfront how far back you want to be able to look — a week, a month — and size the recorder's storage to match.
Remote viewing is the part you'll use most
The feature people value most is watching live and recorded footage from their phone. Set this up properly and securely from day one, so you can check in whether you're in the next room or another city.
Indoor vs outdoor
Outdoor cameras need weatherproof housings and good night vision. Indoor cameras can be smaller and more discreet. Match the camera to where it lives.
The bottom line
Good CCTV is about the plan as much as the hardware. Coverage, storage and remote access — get those right and the cameras quietly do their job.
Want a free coverage plan? Tell SK Solutions about your home or shop and we'll recommend a setup with no blind spots — and no overselling.
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