CCTV Basics: What You Need to Know Before You Buy

If you’re thinking about adding CCTV to your home or business, you probably have a lot of questions. How much will it cost? Do you need a professional to install it? What about night‑vision and privacy rules? This guide answers those questions in plain English so you can make a smart choice without feeling overwhelmed.

How Much Does CCTV Cost?

First up, price. A basic DIY kit with four indoor cameras can run between £150 and £300. That’s all the hardware you need, plus a simple app to view the footage on your phone. If you want a sturdier outdoor system, expect to pay £400‑£800 for weather‑proof cameras, a more powerful recorder and extra cabling.

Professional installation adds another £100‑£300 per camera, depending on how complex the job is. Factors that push the cost up include:

• Running cables through walls or ceilings
• Mounting cameras on high places
• Integrating the system with an existing alarm or smart‑home hub

Don’t forget ongoing costs. Most modern CCTV units store video in the cloud, and a basic subscription is around £5‑£10 a month. If you prefer to keep everything on a local hard drive, the expense drops to a one‑time purchase.

Where to Place Your CCTV Cameras

Location matters more than the price tag. You want clear views of entry points, driveways, backyards and any blind spots that could let an intruder slip by. Here are three quick rules:

1. Height: Mount cameras 8‑10 feet up. That’s high enough to stay out of reach but low enough to capture faces.
2. Angle: Aim them slightly downward. A 30‑degree tilt covers a larger area and reduces glare from the sky.
3. Lighting: Position cameras where they get some ambient light but avoid direct sunlight. Too much sun can wash out the image, and too little can make night‑vision less effective.

If you’re worried about privacy, keep cameras away from neighbours’ windows and public sidewalks. In the UK, you must not record areas where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy, such as bathrooms or private gardens that aren’t visible from your property.

Night‑vision is another must‑have. Infrared LEDs let the camera see in total darkness, but they work best when the camera is close to the area you want to watch – within 10‑15 metres. Some newer models combine infrared with a tiny color sensor, giving you clearer images of people and vehicles at night.

Finally, test everything before you finish. Use the mobile app to walk around the perimeter and check for blind spots, glare or wobble. Adjust the focus and angle until the live feed looks sharp from your phone.

With the right budget, placement and a bit of DIY confidence, you can set up a CCTV system that keeps your property safe without breaking the bank. If you hit a snag, a local installer can help fine‑tune the angles or handle the wiring for you.

Ready to start? Pick a kit that matches your needs, sketch out where each camera will go, and follow the simple steps above. You’ll have peace of mind and a clear view of what’s happening on your property – day or night.