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 Glastonbury for excellent all-round coverage.
Bullet Cameras
Larger and more visible. 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 recommended. 8MP (4K) is now the standard we recommend for new installations. Higher resolution gives more detail when you digitally zoom into footage. Do not settle for 1080p in 2026 -- 4MP and above gives higher-resolution 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. We install Hikvision AcuSense as our default AI smart-detection.
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.
Brand We Install
- Hikvision -- the world's largest CCTV manufacturer. Excellent image quality, AcuSense AI detection, ColorVu colour night vision. We are Hikvision authorised installers and suppliers, our specialism, full domestic and commercial range.
For an honest comparison: Dahua, UniView and Axis are all reputable competitor brands. We don't install them at present, Hikvision is our specialism, so you get certified install + manufacturer support + spares supply through one route.
Installation Process
- Site survey -- we visit your property, walk the perimeter, and plan camera positions. 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.
What Drives the Price of CCTV Installation
| System | Best For |
|---|---|
| 2-camera IP system (4MP) | Small homes, flats |
| 4-camera IP system (8MP) | Average homes, full perimeter |
| 6-8 camera IP system (8MP) | Large homes, businesses |
| 16+ camera commercial system | Retail, offices, warehouses |
| PTZ camera (single, installed) | Large areas, car parks |
No two properties need the same system, so we don't publish a price list. The price depends on the number of cameras, the camera models and resolution, the NVR and storage, and how far each cable run is. After the survey you get a fixed written quote covering 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 authorised installers & suppliers -- manufacturer-certified, full range supply through trade account
- 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, and surrounding areas
Common questions
How much does CCTV installation cost for a domestic property?
The price depends on the number of cameras, the camera models chosen, the storage you need and the length of the cable runs to each camera position. We survey the property first and give you a fixed written quote, which includes PoE cabling to each camera position, NVR setup, remote app access configuration and a 12-month workmanship guarantee.
What CCTV cameras do you install?
We install Hikvision CCTV systems as standard. Hikvision's ColorVu technology provides full-colour night vision without white-light floodlights. We do not install budget brands — we use Hikvision for its image quality.
Can CCTV footage be used as evidence?
It can be, but whether footage is usable as evidence is decided by the police and the courts, not by us. We position and set up the cameras correctly, with the correct date and time and a suitable recording resolution. You must also follow data protection rules. GDPR requires a privacy notice if cameras capture public areas — we advise on compliance during the survey.
Do I need planning permission for outdoor CCTV cameras?
Private domestic CCTV generally does not require planning permission unless on a listed building or in a conservation area where external changes are restricted. Commercial CCTV in public spaces may require local authority licensing. We advise on planning implications during the survey.