CCTV Installation Cost: Is It Expensive to Install Security Cameras?

People usually imagine security cameras must cost a fortune, but the truth is, it depends on what you need. In Adelaide, prices range a lot—a basic two-camera system with professional installation can start at $600, while a full-blown eight-camera DVR setup for a bigger house can easily go above $2,500. Shops and small offices? You're looking at numbers in the same ballpark, depending on coverage and tech.

Labour makes up a big chunk of the price. Expect to pay more if you want cables hidden in walls or tricky places covered. Even so, a solid installer will make sure your gear is set up right, all your corners are covered, and you're not guessing how to watch footage on your phone. Don't be fooled by budget DIY kits; they can look cheap, but they usually don't include proper wiring, setup, or support.

Some folks try to save money by cutting cameras or going for the lowest-priced brands, but that usually ends up costing more when things fail or the footage sucks. Focus on the right number of cameras and where you actually need them—like entry doors, driveways, or side lanes around the house. It's better to have four good cameras than eight cheap ones that miss all the action.

• What Does It Really Cost to Install CCTV?
• Factors That Change the Price
• Ways to Save on Security Camera Installation
• Is Professional Installation Worth It?

What Does It Really Cost to Install CCTV?

Talking about actual CCTV installation cost—in Adelaide, home installs usually start around $600 for a basic two-camera system, done by a pro. That covers decent brands, clear 1080p footage day or night, smartphone viewing, and a basic digital video recorder (DVR) or network video recorder (NVR). If you want more cameras or need to cover a bigger house, the price goes up. A six-camera, mid-range setup? That’ll land somewhere between $1300–$1800. Want the works, like eight cameras spread around, high-res, audio recording, and long warranty? Budget closer to $2500 or more.

For businesses and small offices, the numbers look similar. A small shop can get away with four high-quality cameras and monitoring gear for $1200–$1700, fully installed. If you’ve got a warehouse or need 24-hour remote access, hardware costs go up and you’ll probably want to bump the budget.

Here’s a rough local breakdown so you can see what you’re getting into:

If someone’s quoting heaps less than these prices, check what’s actually included (cheap cameras, dodgy or rushed installs usually end up causing trouble). And don’t forget, proper installers should offer a warranty on both gear and their labour—that alone can save headaches down the road.

Deciding between wired and wireless also matters. Wired sets usually cost a bit more for labour, but they rarely drop out or need charging. Wireless systems sometimes look cheaper, but batteries, Wi-Fi issues, and basic equipment can mean extra costs later. Figure out what fits your home and budget, and don’t just pick the cheapest because it grabs your eye.

Factors That Change the Price

There isn't one fixed number for CCTV installation cost in Adelaide, because a bunch of things mess with the price tag. Think of it like building a custom burger—what you add or leave out changes what you pay. Here’s what actually makes a difference:

• Number of Cameras: More cameras? That’s more cash. Installing two cameras for a small unit is way cheaper than outfitting a huge property with eight cameras and extra gear. Most homes do fine with 2–4 cameras, but bigger spots chew through your budget fast.
• Type of Cameras: Basic analog cameras are cheaper, but you get clearer footage and smarter features from HD or IP cameras. Don’t chase savings at the cost of dodgy footage—clear video can make or break things if you ever need evidence.
• Wired vs. Wireless: Wired systems take more time and skill to set up, which means more labour costs. Wireless cameras are faster to pop in but might cost more upfront, especially if you want really reliable gear.
• Quality of Equipment: Budget brands might save you now, but they’re often fuzzy at night and might not last. Mid-range brands like Swann, Hikvision, and Dahua stick around longer and give solid features for the money.
• Property Layout: If you’ve got double-storey houses, lots of brick, or hard-to-reach soffits, get ready to pay extra for the installer’s time. Running cables through walls isn’t the same in every place.
• Extra Features: Custom alerts, cloud access, big hard drives, or integrating your security cameras with smart home gadgets might sound cool, but they bump up the price fast.
• Installer Reputation: Expect to pay a bit more for someone local and experienced (with legit licences) than a random cut-rate installer. Good work means less chance of hassle down the track.

Here’s a quick look at what you might pay for different setups in Adelaide right now:

If you’re hearing a quote that sounds way cheaper than this, check what’s included—sometimes wiring, setup, or even GST gets left out. Double-check every line so you’re not hit with surprises after the work’s done.

Ways to Save on Security Camera Installation

Let’s be honest, no one wants to blow their entire savings on CCTV installation cost. Here are some simple ways to keep your bill lower without getting dodgy results.

• Bundle Your Cameras: A lot of installers in Adelaide offer discounts if you buy a set with more than two cameras, rather than piecing it together one by one. This can knock a few hundred bucks off the total.
• Keep It Simple: You don’t always need every bell and whistle. Night vision and remote view are now standard, so skip extras like motorised zoom unless you really need them.
• Use Existing Wiring: Got an old alarm system? Ask if some of that wiring can be reused. It can cut down hours of labour and lower the security cameras setup cost.
• Shop Around for Installers: Get at least three quotes, and make sure they include every detail. Some companies sneak in call-out fees or charge more just because they can. Comparing makes a difference, especially here in Adelaide where prices swing wildly.
• Off-Peak Installations: If you’re flexible, book your job mid-week or during the installer’s quiet months (winter is usually less hectic). Some pros will give you a better price just to fill their schedule.

Here’s a quick look at typical savings when you follow just a few of these steps:

DIY can be tempting, but weigh up your skills and insurance risks. Messing it up means paying for a second fix—so sometimes the lowest price isn’t the best deal. Focus on quality and clear quotes, and your home security system will serve you better for years to come.

Is Professional Installation Worth It?

A lot of people wonder if they should pay extra for someone to install their security cameras or just grab a toolkit and have a go themselves. Here’s the real deal: professional installation isn’t just about drilling holes and running cables—pros know how to avoid the common mess-ups that leave you with useless angles or dodgy footage.

The most common headache with DIY setups? Blind spots. A pro will actually walk around your home, figure out where bad guys are likely to slip past, and angle the cameras so nothing’s missed. There’s a knack to wiring, too. If a camera isn’t wired right, you could lose power or connection just when you need it most. Plus, in places like Adelaide with older homes, running cables isn’t always straightforward. Crawling under the house isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time.

Professionals usually back up their installs with a warranty. If anything busts or doesn’t work right, you’ve got actual support. A local installer I spoke to last month said:

“We see a lot of DIY jobs where people buy cameras online, stick ‘em up, and then call us a year later because nothing recorded. Quality installation saves headaches you don’t even know about.”

If you get a pro, expect them to set up remote viewing on your phone, tweak all the motion settings, and even help you understand local laws about camera placement. Nobody wants to get fined for pointing a camera straight at a neighbour’s backyard.

Of course, it comes down to budget, but here are some clear upsides to hiring a pro for your CCTV installation cost:

• No wasted gear or buying the wrong type of camera
• Cables hidden and gear set up neatly
• Proper coverage for every vulnerable spot
• Simple guides on how to use the system
• Support if something breaks or you forget your passwords

For context, check out this quick comparison based on what folks typically pay here in Adelaide:

So, if peace of mind, time, and long-term value matter to you, hiring a pro is usually worth the money. DIY is only cheaper if you really know what you’re doing—and most of us don’t.