<p>A good CCTV system is planned, not just bought. Before you pick a camera, spend ten minutes walking around the property and answering four simple questions.</p> <h2>1. What do you need to see?</h2> <p>Entrances, the cash counter, the parking area, the back lane, a warehouse door: list every spot you care about. Each spot becomes one camera position, and the list tells you how many cameras you really need.</p> <h2>2. Indoor or outdoor?</h2> <p>Outdoor cameras need weather protection and, for night coverage, good infrared or colour night vision. Indoor cameras can be smaller and are often wireless.</p> <h2>3. Wired or wireless?</h2> <ul><li><strong>PoE (wired) cameras</strong> get power and video over one network cable. They are the most reliable choice for permanent installations.</li><li><strong>WiFi cameras</strong> are quick to install and good for indoor use, but they still need power and a strong signal.</li><li><strong>Solar and 4G SIM cameras</strong> suit places with no mains power or broadband.</li></ul> <h2>4. Where will the footage be stored?</h2> <p>Choose a recorder (DVR, NVR or XVR) and a surveillance-grade hard disk sized for the number of cameras and the number of days you want to keep. Add a monitor if you want live viewing on site, and set up the mobile app for remote viewing.</p> <h2>Get the details right</h2> <p>Good cabling, clean power supplies and correct camera angles matter as much as the camera model. If you are unsure, ask for a site visit and a written plan before you buy.</p>