Plain English guide · CCTV & site security
A camera count and a megapixel figure only tell part of the story. A useful CCTV system captures the right detail, in the right place, when you need it. These are the questions to ask before you buy.
The short answer
Write down what each camera needs to achieve. An overview of a yard, a clear face at an entrance and a readable vehicle registration are different tasks. That brief should shape the lens, position, lighting and recording setup.
A wider view can help you follow activity across a car park or loading area. It may show that someone entered the site without providing enough detail to identify them. Think about blind spots, parked vehicles and seasonal changes.
An entrance camera may need a tighter view to capture useful facial detail. Vehicle registration capture needs particular care with angles, motion and headlights. A higher resolution alone cannot guarantee either result.
What matters in practice
Start with what your business needs, then choose the equipment and settings to support it.
Ask to see recorded footage in daylight and darkness, with people or vehicles moving. Infrared normally produces a black-and-white night image; colour footage needs suitable visible light. Glare, rain, dirty lenses and reflections can reduce usability.
Cameras need reliable power, cabling, network equipment and recording. Agree the recording schedule and capacity, then check how you find and export a clip. A PTZ camera can pan, tilt and zoom, but cannot provide close-up views of every direction at once. Fixed cameras can cover important areas continuously.
Limit viewing and administration to authorised people. Use secure remote access, supported equipment and updates. Set up routine checks for recording faults, incorrect time settings and obscured views. A live picture on your phone does not prove the recorder has saved it.
An everyday example
An overview camera shows a delivery arriving and where the vehicle stops. A separate camera aimed at the entrance provides a closer view of people entering. Trying to make one wide-angle camera do both jobs can leave you with a useful overview but disappointing detail when you review an incident.
Your quick checklist
You do not need all the technical answers yourself. These questions give you a useful starting point for a conversation with your provider.
Further reading: Axis: understanding image quality
Privacy matters too
Document the purpose of the system, aim cameras proportionately and avoid unnecessary coverage of neighbouring property. Use clear signs, restrict access to footage and set a justified retention period based on your needs. There is no universal requirement to keep every business CCTV recording for 30 days.
Consider the people recorded, including staff and visitors, and how you will respond to requests for footage. Audio recording is more intrusive and should not be enabled by default. Check the current ICO guidance on CCTV and video surveillance when planning your arrangements.
A practical next step
Selected Cyber can help review your current setup and shape a practical approach around your premises, priorities and budget.