IP vs Analogue: Which System?
This is the first decision you need to make, and it affects everything else -- image quality, cable type, recording capacity, and cost.
Analogue (HD-TVI / HD-CVI)
- Up to 8MP resolution
- Coaxial cable (BNC)
- Lower cost per camera
- Simpler setup
- Limited smart features
- Max cable run ~300m
IP (Network Cameras)
- Up to 32MP resolution
- Cat6 Ethernet cable (PoE)
- Higher cost per camera
- AI analytics (person/vehicle detection)
- Two-way audio built in
- Max cable run 100m (extendable)
For most residential installations in 2026, we recommend IP cameras with PoE (Power over Ethernet). A single Cat6 cable carries both power and data to each camera, simplifying installation and providing far superior image quality and smart detection features compared to analogue. The price gap has narrowed considerably, and the performance difference is significant.
Camera Types Explained
Turret Cameras
The most popular choice for homes. Compact, discreet, and available in a wide range of resolutions. The open-face design reduces IR bounce (glare from nearby surfaces at night), making them ideal for mounting under soffits and eaves. We install these across properties in Wells, Bath, and Cheddar for excellent all-round coverage.
Bullet Cameras
Larger and more visible -- which can be a positive deterrent. Better suited to longer-range viewing, such as driveways, car parks, and perimeter fences. The extended housing accommodates larger lenses for greater zoom capability. Common on commercial properties in Shepton Mallet and Frome.
Dome Cameras
Vandal-resistant with an IK10-rated housing. The dome cover makes it harder for anyone to see which direction the camera is pointing. Ideal for retail environments, pubs, restaurants, and anywhere cameras might be tampered with.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras
Motorised cameras that can be remotely controlled to pan, tilt, and zoom. Cover large areas from a single mounting point. Higher cost, but one PTZ camera can replace several fixed cameras in the right location. Often used on large commercial sites and farms.
What to Look for in a CCTV System
Resolution
Minimum 4MP for useful identification footage. 8MP (4K) is now the standard we recommend for new installations. Higher resolution means you can digitally zoom into footage and still identify faces, number plates, and details. Do not settle for 1080p in 2026 -- it is outdated for evidence-quality footage.
Night Vision
Look for cameras with ColorVu or equivalent technology that provides full-colour night vision using a large sensor and supplemental warm LED lighting. Traditional IR (infrared) cameras produce black-and-white footage at night, which makes it much harder to identify clothing colours, vehicle colours, and other details. ColorVu cameras from Hikvision deliver remarkably clear colour footage even in near-total darkness.
Smart Detection (AI)
Modern IP cameras can distinguish between people, vehicles, and animals using on-board AI processing. This dramatically reduces false alerts from cats, foxes, trees, and rain. You only get notified when something genuinely matters. Hikvision AcuSense and Dahua SMD are the leading implementations we install.
Storage and Recording
A Network Video Recorder (NVR) stores your footage locally on hard drives. We recommend a minimum of 30 days recording at full resolution. For a 4-camera 8MP system recording 24/7, a 4TB hard drive provides approximately 30 days of footage. For 8+ cameras or longer retention periods, we specify 8TB or larger drives. Cloud storage is available as a backup but should not replace local recording.
Brands We Install
- Hikvision -- the world's largest CCTV manufacturer. Excellent image quality, AcuSense AI detection, ColorVu night vision. Our most installed brand for both domestic and commercial systems.
- Dahua -- strong competitor to Hikvision with similar features. SMD smart detection, full-colour night vision, competitive pricing.
- UniView -- rapidly growing brand with excellent value. LightHunter technology for superior low-light performance.
- Axis -- premium Swedish brand favoured for high-end commercial and critical infrastructure. Superior analytics and integration.
We supply and install all major brands. We are not locked into any single manufacturer, so we recommend the best system for your specific requirements and budget.
Installation Process
- Site survey -- we visit your property, walk the perimeter, identify vulnerable points, and plan camera positions for optimal coverage. We will show you example angles and coverage areas. This is free and usually takes 30 minutes.
- System design -- based on the survey, we specify camera models, lens sizes, NVR capacity, and cable routes. You receive a detailed quote with no hidden costs.
- Installation -- cables are run neatly through loft spaces, wall cavities, and external trunking where necessary. Cameras are securely mounted and weatherproofed. The NVR is installed in a secure location. Typical installation takes 1 day for a 4-camera system.
- Configuration -- cameras are focused and adjusted, recording schedules set up, smart detection zones configured, and remote viewing app installed on your phone.
- Handover -- we walk you through the system, show you how to access footage, configure alerts, and use the mobile app. You receive a full system documentation pack.
CCTV Installation Costs
| System | Typical Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2-camera IP system (4MP) | From £600 | Small homes, flats |
| 4-camera IP system (8MP) | From £1,100 | Average homes, full perimeter |
| 6-8 camera IP system (8MP) | From £1,800 | Large homes, businesses |
| 16+ camera commercial system | From £3,500 | Retail, offices, warehouses |
| PTZ camera (single, installed) | From £800 | Large areas, car parks |
All prices include cameras, NVR, hard drive, all cabling, installation, configuration, and mobile app setup. We use Cat6 cable throughout and weatherproof junction boxes on every external camera.
Legal Considerations
If your CCTV cameras capture footage beyond your property boundary -- including public footpaths, roads, or neighbours' properties -- you must comply with data protection laws. Key requirements include:
- Display clear signage stating CCTV is in operation
- Have a legitimate reason for recording (security of your property)
- Respond to Subject Access Requests (SARs) within one month
- Do not record audio without clear justification and signage
- Avoid pointing cameras directly at neighbouring windows or gardens
We configure privacy masking on cameras to blank out areas that should not be recorded, such as neighbouring properties. We also supply appropriate signage with every installation.
Why Choose DS Electrical?
- NAPIT Approved -- all electrical work certified and registered
- Hikvision & Dahua trained -- manufacturer-certified installers
- Full system design -- not just cameras bolted to a wall
- Cat6 infrastructure -- future-proof cabling on every install
- Remote support -- we can access your NVR remotely to assist with settings
- Covering Somerset -- Wells, Shepton Mallet, Bath, Frome, Midsomer Norton, Street, Cheddar