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CCTV Camera Systems
CCTV camera systems are essential to modern businesses as a tool to fight and prevent crime from occurring on your premises. Home security systems, too, are becoming increasingly popular as a method of counteracting or reducing residential crime.
A business without an up-to-date CCTV system is at risk, not only of burglary and vandalism, but also from more business-related crimes like data or personal information theft.
CCTV cameras and intruder alarm systems will deter most potential criminals from attempting any criminal activity in your workplace, but they will also help you to catch the culprits in the unlikely event that they do attempt a break-in.
To find out more about what kind of CCTV system and camera options are available, simply continue reading this page. If you are ready to get quotes from top UK suppliers however, you just need to complete the form at the top of this page.
Our comparison service is 100% free, and will help you save on your business or home security equipment.
CCTV Camera Features
CCTV Camera Features
Most security cameras use Charge Coupled Device (CCD) technology. This converts images that come through the camera lens into electronic impulses. CCDs provide good quality picture at a low cost. CCTV camera formats are measured in inches. Most cameras fall between 1/4” and 1”, with 1/4” or 1/3” cameras being the most common in CCTV sales. It may be beneficial to buy a larger format if the camera is being used in a dimly lit environment, so that it can gather more light.
Most companies choose a colour security camera, rather than black and white. For security and evidence purposes, they provide a more detailed picture. Black and white cameras can operate better in low light environments, but most high quality colour cameras can switch between colour and black and white.
The detail, or resolution, of a picture is shown by the measurement in horizontal TV lines (TVL). 350 to 400 TVL produces a normal picture, with high resolution pictures increasing to 480 or 500. You need to ensure that your whole system (recording system and monitor) can support this resolution though.
Signal to noise ratio (s/n) signifies how much signal or picture the camera transmits as opposed to noise which is shown as static. A s/n ratio of 40db results in an acceptable picture. 30db produces a poor picture and 60db produces an excellent picture with no static.
Lux measures sensitivity to light. As a general rule, 21 lux cameras can see well in the light of a 40W fluorescent bulb, and 0.5 lux cameras can identify images in dim light. The lux you will need will depend on the lighting where the camera is to be positioned.
- Most cameras use CCD technology.
- Most companies select colour cameras for clarity.
- Picture detail or resolution is shown in horizontal TV lines.
- Signal to noise ratio shows much signal or picture the camera transmits compared to noise.
- Lux measure sensitivity to light.
CCTV Camera Options
CCTV cameras can be used for anti-theft, access control and internal staff surveillance. They can range from a basic security camera and monitor to a highly sophisticated digital CCTV system that offers non-stop recording and can be remotely accessed online from anywhere in the world. They can also be accompanied by a burglar alarm. Monitored alarms are usually connected to a motion sensor.
The sensor system is activated using a keypad when the building is vacated, so any unwanted visitors outside business hours trigger the alarm. Employees who know the security code can disarm the system if they need to enter the building.
In the case of a home security system and businesses in populated areas, the alarm can activate a siren to alert neighbours and passers by and send a message directly to the security services. Businesses with more isolated premises may prefer to use a silent alarm so as not to scare off the intruders while the police are alerted.
Obviously the complexity of the CCTV camera system will determine whether you need professional installation. Basic home security systems can be installed relatively easily, but if the CCTV system is for your business it is probably wise to leave it to the experts.
If you want to secure your home or business premises, Approved Index will find a security solution to suit your specific requirements. Just fill in our simple form to receive free, no obligation quotes from up to 4 leading CCTV camera suppliers today.
Types of CCTV Cameras
- Professional grade cameras – these have box type bodies and can be adapted with different types of lense, such as variable focal length lenses, zoom lenses or motorized zoom lenses. Although meant for indoor use, they can be used outdoors when combined with weatherproof housing. They are considered the most flexible and are used for commercial installations.
- Bullet cameras – contained inside bullet shaped housing. This type is weatherproof but sealed without the ability to use different lenses. Some have infrared LED built in (like burglar alarms) which allows them to continue monitoring, even in complete darkness. These small cameras are useful for home security systems and do-it-yourself installations.
- Board cameras - consisting of a fixed lens mounted on a circuit board, board cameras may then be packaged in a small case - Mini Cameras - or dome - Mini Dome. These lenses are either of a normal industry aperture or of a ‘pinhole’ aperture. Pinholes are used for covert surveillance, and can be used as part of a home security system, planted in dummy household objects such as smoke detectors and burglar alarm motion detector cameras
For outdoor CCTV cameras, look for a lens with an automatic iris. Like a human eye, the iris controls the amount of light let in, so this is important for environments where the light level will change. Buying a manual iris will save you money, as long as you know that the scene illumination will not change.
Other specifications you may look for in a camera are pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ). This allows the camera operator to pan (scan left to right), tilt (look up or down), and zoom in or out. PTZ cameras are considerably more expensive than fixed cameras.
CCTV Equipment Prices
CCTV Equipment Prices
The CCTV system you require will depend mostly on what kind of premises you want protected. Providing a definitive price estimate can be difficult, however it is possible to provide information and costs that can help you to understand what price you might be expected to pay.
The prices below include a range of options that may or may not apply to your premises; to establish the best estimate, it is important to consider each factor to ensure that you have included every required features or service in your budget.
CCTV Camera Prices
CCTV cameras can be available for as little as £25 from a number of suppliers, although it is important to consider the quality that this sort of option will offer. A single £25 camera is unlikely to be suitable if you are looking for high-quality business surveillance, for example, but may be enough for a homeowner simply looking to monitor their driveway and deter petty theft.
Generally, for a single suitable camera you should expect to pay somewhere between £50 and £100, although this price can rise if you are looking for the highest possible quality - adding optical zoom options, for example, can increase the price per camera to anywhere between £200 and £400 depending on functionality. It is also worth remembering that you might be expected to pay more for a wireless camera, or for a concealed or 360 degree camera, for example.
For a small business - a single office space - you could perhaps expect to pay between £300 and £500 for suitable camera equipment that covers your whole premises.
For larger businesses, however, you can expect to pay more. For top-quality cameras, you will generally pay extra, and for added features you can also expect higher prices. An outdoor dome camera with optical zoom, for example, could cost between £550 and £650. For many businesses, having the functionality offered by this sort of product can be essential.
Based on the information above, a large business - three floors of office space and parking - could then realistically expect to pay between £1700 and £2300 for their cameras, with outdoor surveillance and all floor space covered.
| Type of Camera | Price | Functionality |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Quality Camera | £25-£50 | Provides basic functionality with lower-quality images. Best used for basic monitoring and as a crime deterrent. |
| Mid-Quality Camera | £50-£150 | Mid-quality CCTV cameras in this price range are more suitable for businesses looking to monitor their premises. |
| High-Quality Camera | £150-£250 | Higher-quality cameras offer more advanced quality and functionality. For businesses that require top-quality security or surveillance, this is the best option. |
| Outdoor Dome Camera with Optical Zoom | £550-£650 | For offices or businesses with outdoor space, this sort of camera offers the best protection. Able to withstand the elements, it includes Optical Zoom functionality that can help when it comes to monitoring specific items or a large area. |
As well as factoring the cost of camera equipment, you should also consider service and installation charges, as well as any potential ongoing costs that your system might incur.
As well as using the estimated costs above, it is also important to compare the prices you might pay for specific CCTV products. The table below includes three trusted models that you may want to integrate into your own CCTV system.
| Product | Image | Features | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hikvision Dome CCTV Camera |  |
| £150-£250 |
| Lorex Day & Night Wireless CCTV Camera |  |
| £80-£100 |
| AXIS P1405-LE CCTV Camera |  |
| £800-£1,000 |
CCTV Monitor Prices
When selecting a monitor, take into account the type of use it will receive. Televisions do not make good monitors as they are not built to be on up to 24 hours a day, which is what some surveillance cameras endure. Computer monitors can make acceptable substitutes. Flat-panel LCD screens make great CCTV monitors for larger systems as they take up less space, have excellent resolution and generate less heat. Make sure you monitor resolution matches your cameras.
The size of the monitor depends on its use too. A 9” monitor may be sufficient if the operator is sitting directly in front of it, but a 15” monitor is the smallest you should use if multiple images will be shown on it.
For the best quality CCTV system, you should also consider how you will monitor your feeds. With some modern systems it is possible to use a range of remote devices, with smartphones and tablets amongst a range of tools that can be used to monitor your property or business.
Depending on the kind of functionality and quality required, businesses can spend anywhere between £50 and £300 for a quality CCTV monitor. It is even possible to spend more than this, although a lot of these options are best suited for industries where large value items are sold or moved. A bank, for example, is likely to require a higher-spec CCTV system than a retailer.
As well as considering the quality of the monitor, it is also worth considering the quantity and applicability. Although a large number CCTV monitors will work with a range of cameras, some will be better suited than others. If, for example, you install and want to use a very high-resolution outdoor CCTV camera, you should consider investing in a monitor capable of performing at the same standard. Having high spec cameras can be undermined when you are unable to see the picture quality as well as you might want.
It is also possible to get a full kit when looking into a CCTV system; with this option, suppliers can offer monitors at the same time as the camera equipment. In this case, your provider will be able to make suggestions as to the most suitable monitor they offer.
CCTV Recording Devices
CCTV cameras are used to both monitor events in real-time, and also to review what has already happened. To do this, businesses or homes will need to use recording devices. Traditional CCTV systems made use of VCR recording, which is still an option, but other forms of recording have also become available as technology has evolved.
VCR’s have rapidly been taken over by digital video recorders (DVR) which record straight onto hard drive instead of tapes. This is probably due to the ongoing costs of VCR’s (buying, rotating, replacing VCR tapes), and although VCRs offer a time elapse that lets them record for long periods of time, the images are not very precise. They record only one snapshot every eight seconds.
Businesses and homeowners looking to invest in new CCTV systems will most typically choose to opt for digital recording options. Indeed, most suppliers would suggest using these options as they provide a great deal more flexibility, and can also be far superior to video or DVD in regards to recording quality. As an added bonus of this form of storage, both businesses and homeowners will be able to store a great deal of footage without having to worry about taking up physical space.
As with the monitors above, choosing a good quality recording device is essential. Depending on the overall quality of your camera systems, you will want to ensure that you have enough space as well as the capability to view your recordings in as much detail as possible, whilst also ensuring that there is enough storage.
For a quality DVR player, you could expect to pay £100 as a minimum; if you require a more sophisticated system, then that price can increase. For a sophisticated CCTV system with multiple cameras of high quality, a business or homeowner could expect to pay as much as £1000. This higher end option is less likely to be needed in a home environment, and more likely to apply to a larger business.
It is also important to bear in mind the cost of accessories and additional equipment. A suitable remote, for example, can cost between £100 and £350 extra if you want one that is fully capable of managing and working with your CCTV system.
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CCTV System Prices
CCTV System Prices
The information above should provide you some estimates as to the total price you might expect to pay for your system. However, we have also provided cost estimates below that can be applied to specific size businesses or homes.
It is important to remember that, when using the data below, the prices are not absolute. The best way to receive a full, accurate price is to speak to a supplier today.
Home CCTV System Cost
The information below should provide a rough estimate as to the price requirements for a homeowner looking to install a CCTV system. The costs, as mentioned, are not definitive, however it can provide a good guide as to what will need to be included.
The options included in the table can also be upscaled or multiplied using the prices provided if more equipment is likely to be required.
| Equipment | Cost per Unit | Quantity | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCTV Camera | £100 | 1 | £100 | |
| CCTV Monitor | £100 | 1 | £100 | Total Equipment Cost |
| CCTV DVR | £100 | 1 | £100 | £300 |
The example above includes basic equipment that should be enough to provide extra security for a small homeowner. For a larger home, or complex of homes, you can either expand the information above or else speak to a supplier for a clearer estimate.
Small Business CCTV System Cost
The information below is designed and collated to reflect the requirements of a small business. As above, the information provided is not definitive, but it can provide a good example of what cost you might expect to encounter.
The quality of the equipment provided has been estimated, but it is possible to increase or decrease the price to better reflect your requirements. If you know you need high-quality cameras with zoom and high-resolution imagery, for example, then you may want to improve the suggested camera cost to reflect this need.
| Equipment | Cost per Unit | Quantity | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCTV Camera | £150 | 3 | £450 | |
| CCTV Monitor | £100 | 1 | £100 | |
| CCTV DVR | £150 | 1 | £150 | Total Equipment Cost |
| CCTV Accessories | £150 | 1 | £150 | £850 |
In the example above, CCTV accessories include remotes, specialised keyboards and other items. However, these may not always be required, or the price suggestion here may not be suitable. To understand your own needs, speak to a supplier today.
Large Business CCTV System Cost
The information below is designed to reflect the needs of a large company that requires high-spec and high-quality equipment. As with the other tables, the data can be altered slightly to better reflect your business’s requirements.
For the best idea of cost, simply complete the form at the top of this page and speak to a supplier today.
| Equipment | Cost per Unit | Quantity | Total Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCTV Camera | £250 | 8 | £2000 | |
| CCTV Monitor | £300 | 2 | £600 | |
| CCTV DVR | £1000 | 1 | £1000 | Total Equipment Cost |
| CCTV Accessories | £500 | 1 | £500 | £4100 |
The data above is based on higher-spec equipment than is included in the tables above - it is possible to increase or decrease specific values. To get the clearest estimate, you should speak to a supplier today.
By using Approved Index’s quote-comparison service you will be able to contact up to 4 UK providers and you can save on your purchase.
CCTV System Installation
Although it has not been mentioned in the tables above, considering the cost of installation is vital. Often it is possible to get a system without paying for this service, however CCTV suppliers are experts in their field, and they will be able to offer your business insight and help which can prove to be invaluable.
Most surveillance cameras are connected to the rest of your CCTV system by coaxial cable, the same cable used to connect your video equipment at home. Some installers use unshielded twisted (UTP) cables, as they reduce interference caused by electrical currents and they are also cheaper than the coaxial cable. A switching device called a balun can connect coaxial to UTP cables, combining both in a single system.
Companies with complex systems of CCTV surveillance, such as banks, may want to upgrade their fibre optics to increase bandwidth, allowing more signal to be carried in one wire. Additionally, security is improved because tapping a fibre optic line is difficult to do without disrupting the signal.
As mentioned, it is possible to implement your CCTV system without help from a supplier, but you could be missing out on a huge amount of assistance. Similarly, working with a supplier is the best way to ensure that your system works as well as possible, whether you only need CCTV, or whether you need CCTV that is also connected to an alarm system
What is CCTV?
What is CCTV?
CCTV - or closed-circuit television - is a non-public TV system that allows businesses and homeowners to monitor their premises; in most cases, CCTV is required for either surveillance or security.
An effective CCTV system will rely on the strategic use of a camera or cameras, as well as observation of the feeds or recordings via a monitor. In the past, the cameras would feed to a video or DVD recorder which could then be used to playback whatever has been captured; however, advances in video and security technology has allowed for greater flexibility, with digital transmission and even remote access allowing homeowners and businesses even greater command of their security equipment.
As mentioned, CCTV is most often used for surveillance or security purposes, but it can also offer benefits in a number of other areas and industries:
- CCTV is often used for traffic monitoring, particular in cities and on busy roads or intersections.
- Monitoring areas that may prove to be hazardous, for example at construction sites where people might cause themselves harm.
- CCTV is more and more frequently used in schools, to ensure the safety of both students and staff members.
Depending on your requirements, you can implement CCTV technology in a number of ways to benefit and protect your business or home.
CCTV and alarm systems are becoming increasingly popular not only in the UK, but around the world; the benefits offered to both businesses and homeowners are varied, and in the event of a crime, they can be provide a huge amount of protection and cover.
Why do I need a CCTV System?
For a business, a CCTV camera system is vitally important, whatever industry you work in. As mentioned, the main reason for having it is to provide both safety and security on your premises; most people think of theft prevention or crime reduction when they think of CCTV cameras, but the uses are actually much more varied than this.
First though, it is important for business owners to consider the potential cost of crime on their business. As just one example, the British Retail Consortium estimated that crime costs retail stores as much as £616 million a year. For any business, and perhaps in particular for those selling or dealing with high-value items, this kind of statistic highlights the very real need for a top-quality security system.
As an employer or business owner, you hold responsibility to provide the proper safety standards for those people visiting or working on your premises. Maintaining those safety standards does not only include ensuring that health & safety code is met, it can also mean providing information that can be referred to in the event that something occurs at work.
For a retail store manager, for example, a CCTV system acts both as a deterrent for theft, but also as protection for you and your staff. For example, if a spill occurs in-store, you would expect a staff member to put up a sign and clean up the mess as quickly as possible.
If a customer slips and accuses either your business or staff member of failing to respond appropriately to a spill or mess, then a CCTV system is exactly the kind of thing you need to protect both your interests, and those of the accused staff member. Equally, though, as a retail store manager, having the ability to monitor staff can have huge benefits both in terms of security and productivity.
In other industries and sectors, a CCTV system is equally important. The majority of modern offices permanently house expensive equipment - from computers and laptops to photocopiers and printers, protecting your business’s assets is important.
Likewise, in the service industry, you may require cameras and monitoring equipment to protect your customer's assets. A mechanic, for example, will need security equipment to ensure the safety of any of the client’s vehicles that they may be storing on their premises.
Home Security Systems
Homes are also increasingly installing CCTV systems to improve safety and security. As above, these systems are most often required to prevent or minimise the risk of theft or crime, but they are also often purchase by parents that want to be able to monitor their children and keep them safe.
The best way to discover your home or business security options is by speaking to suppliers. To find a suitable provider today, simply click the button below and complete the form.
Compare CCTV System Suppliers in the UK
The information on this page has been designed to provide business and homeowners with as much information as possible about what they can expect, and what they should look out for with a CCTV system.
As mentioned, the information on this page is not definitive, and prices can vary depending on a number of factors. To find the most accurate information, you should complete the form at the top of this page.
Approved Index can help you to compare quotes quickly - we do not charge for this service and it could save you money on your purchase and installation. There is no obligation for you to accept any of the quotes you are offered, but this is certainly the best way to compare offers from the UK’s best CCTV System providers.
Further Reading
Essential CCTV Cameras Articles
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