How to choose your CCTV cameras

Defining your security needs

Before buying, identify critical areas. For a home, the main entrance and the yard come first. For a shop, the till and the entrance are vital. Resolution is the first technical criterion.

• 1080p (Full HD): enough for small indoor spaces.
• 4K (Ultra HD): recommended for large outdoor areas or to read number plates.

Dome or bullet?

The shape of the camera affects how discreet and robust it is.

• Dome cameras: more discreet, hard to tamper with, ideal indoors or in sensitive areas.
• Bullet cameras: more visible and therefore deterrent, often fitted with a rain shield. Perfect for exposed façades.

Night vision and storage

Night is when most break-ins happen. Check the infrared (IR) range: 20 to 30 metres is common, 50 metres is better for large yards.

The recorder (NVR) decides how long footage is kept.

• Retention: aim for at least 30 days for a shop.
• Image quality: higher resolution uses more disk space.

UTES practical tips

• Mount cameras 2.5 to 3 metres high to prevent theft and vandalism.
• Do not film your neighbours' windows: respect their privacy.
• Use shielded cables to avoid interference.

Video surveillance is an investment in peace of mind. Poor placement makes a system useless, just like poor optics.

Contact UTES for a free site survey: we spot the blind spots of your property.