How to choose a security camera system for your home or business
How many cameras, how many megapixels, NVR or XVR, how many days of recording? What to know before buying a camera system, in plain language.
The most common mistake when buying cameras is choosing the camera first and the location later. Decide what you need to see first, then choose the camera.
How many cameras?
- Flat: 1–2 cameras for the entrance are usually enough.
- House / villa: typically 4 — front door, back door, garden and driveway.
- Shop: 4 is a good start — till, entrance and aisles.
- Warehouse, workshop, complex: 8 or more depending on size.
A recorder with spare channels (e.g. 8 channels for 4 cameras) makes adding cameras later easy.
Resolution and night vision
2–4 MP is enough for general monitoring; 5–8 MP (4K) helps where faces or plates must be recognised. Full-colour night vision records in colour after dark, which helps identify vehicles and clothing.
NVR or XVR?
For new installations an IP system (NVR) with PoE — one cable for power and video — is recommended. If a building already has coaxial camera cabling, a hybrid XVR upgrades the system without rewiring.
How many days of recording?
Roughly, a 4 MP camera recording continuously with H.265 uses about 0.6–1.3 TB per month. Motion-only recording stretches the same disk much further.
Survey and installation
Akten Elektrik surveys, supplies and installs camera systems in Famagusta and across North Cyprus, including phone app setup. Contact us for a quote.