Choosing CCTV doesn’t need to be complicated. The “best” system is the one that works reliably and fits your property and risk, whether that’s a family home, office, school, or warehouse.
This guide walks you through a simple decision framework (with practical examples) so you can confidently choose the right CCTV setup and avoid the most common mistakes we see.
Last updated: January 2026 — This guide reflects current UK guidance and best practice for domestic and commercial CCTV.
Quick answer: CCTV checklist
If you want a fast shortlist before we go deeper, use this:
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What are you trying to achieve? (deter, identify faces, monitor staff safety, protect stock, watch vehicles, reduce crime)
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Where are your risks? (front door, driveway, side access, rear garden, gates, loading bay, stock room, entrances/exits)
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How many cameras do you need? (This can be fewer than you think, if placed correctly)
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Budget: include install & maintenance
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Installer quality: survey, design, certification, support
If you’d rather skip the guesswork, you can start with a Free Security Risk Check.
Choosing the right Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) system for your home or business is essential to ensure effective security and protect your property. With a plethora of options available, selecting the best fit can be overwhelming. In this blog post, we'll share 10 essential tips to help you make an informed decision when choosing a CCTV system.
1. Assess Your Security Needs
Before diving into the various CCTV systems available, take time to assess your security needs. Consider factors such as the size of your property, the number of entry points, and the level of security you require. This assessment will help you determine the type and number of cameras you need and where to place them.
Typical home priorities
- Driveway and vehicles
- Front door and parcels
- Side access and rear garden
- Outbuildings/garages
- Peace of mind when you’re away
Typical business priorities
- Entrances/exits and reception
- Cash points and tills
- Stock rooms and high-value areas
- Yard gates, loading bays, vehicle access
- Health & safety visibility (slips, incidents, lone working)
- Operational oversight (delivery timing, access control support)
Key takeaway: The right system is the one that matches your risk and your property layout
2. Choose the Right Camera Type
There are various types of CCTV cameras, including dome cameras, bullet cameras, and PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) cameras. Each camera type has its advantages and is best suited for specific situations. Research the different camera types and choose one that best fits your security needs.
Dome vs bullet
- Dome cameras: neat and discreet; good indoors and outdoors (with the right housing). Harder to tell which direction it’s pointing, which can help deterrence.
- Bullet cameras: more visible; great for deterrence and longer views (driveways, yards, perimeter lines).
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom):
PTZ cameras work best when:
- You have one large area (car park, yard, forecourt)
- Someone actively monitors it (or it integrates with monitoring)
- You need zoom-on-demand for incidents
Specialist options
- ANPR: vehicle plates at entrances (sites, yards, business parks)
- Thermal: detection in low visibility or high-risk areas
- Vandal-resistant housings: exposed sites or public-facing positions
3. Prioritise Video Quality
High-quality video footage is crucial for identifying intruders or reviewing incidents. Opt for a system with HD resolution to ensure clear, detailed images. Additionally, consider a system with infrared night vision to maintain effective surveillance during low-light conditions.
Resolution matters, but only when paired with good placement and lighting.
What determines usable evidence?
- Distance to subject: faces and plates need the right field of view
- Lighting: harsh glare, shadows, and bright backlight can ruin footage
- Low-light performance: You’ll want cameras and settings designed to handle low-light conditions.
- Lens choice: wider isn’t always better if you need identification
4. Consider Camera Placement
Strategically placing your cameras is vital for optimal coverage. Identify potential blind spots, vulnerable entry points, and high-traffic areas to determine the most effective locations for your cameras.
High-impact placement zones (homes)
- front door (capture faces clearly)
- driveway (vehicle + approach path)
- side access (commonly overlooked)
- rear entry points (patio doors, gates)
High-impact placement zones (businesses)
- entrances/exits (people flow)
- tills/cash points (if applicable)
- stock rooms and high-value areas
- yard gates/loading bays (vehicles and deliveries)
- health & safety hotspots
5. Opt for Remote Monitoring
Choose a CCTV system that allows remote monitoring via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This feature enables you to keep an eye on your property even when you're not physically present, providing peace of mind and instant access to live footage.
6. Check for Motion Detection Features
CCTV systems with motion detection capabilities can send alerts when they detect movement, allowing you to respond quickly to potential security threats. This feature can also help conserve storage space by only recording when there is activity in the camera's field of view.
7. Evaluate Storage Options
Depending on the system you choose, you may have various storage options, including local storage (e.g., hard drives) or cloud storage. Consider factors such as storage capacity, accessibility, and data security when making your decision.
Your CCTV is only as good as your ability to retrieve footage when you need it.
NVR vs DVR
- NVR (Network Video Recorder): used with IP cameras (common in modern systems)
- DVR (Digital Video Recorder): used with analogue/HD-TVI style cameras (often older systems)
Many upgrades involve moving from analogue to IP/NVR for better image quality and smarter features.
Local storage vs cloud recording
- Local (NVR/DVR): predictable, often cost-effective long-term, less dependent on internet.
- Cloud: convenient access, but ongoing costs; upload bandwidth may limit quality; still needs good security practices.
How long should you keep footage?
Retention depends on your needs:
- Homes often prefer 7–30 days
- Businesses may need 14–90+ days depending on risk, incident timelines, and policy
A good installer will design storage based on:
- number of cameras
- resolution and frame rate
- compression settings
- desired days of retention
8. Ensure Scalability
Choose a CCTV system that can easily scale to accommodate future growth. As your security needs change, you'll want a system that can adapt by adding new cameras, upgrading features, or integrating with other security solutions.
9. Verify Compatibility with Other Security Systems
If you have existing security systems in place or plan to add more in the future, ensure your chosen CCTV system is compatible. Integrating your CCTV with alarm systems, access control, and automatic gates can create a comprehensive security solution.
A CCTV system becomes more valuable when it integrates with broader security:
10. Work with a Reputable Provider
Finally, choose a reputable and experienced provider like MES Systems, who can guide you through the process of selecting, installing, and maintaining your CCTV system. A trustworthy provider will offer ongoing support and ensure your system remains effective and up-to-date.
How to choose a reputable CCTV installer (what to ask)
Even good hardware can perform badly with poor design and install. Here’s what to ask:
A good installer should provide:
- a site survey (not just a quote from a phone call)
- a clear plan: camera locations, field of view, coverage and blind spots
- recording/retention design based on your needs
- privacy considerations and responsible setup
- handover/training so you can actually use the system
- maintenance options and support
Questions to ask before you commit
- Are your employees security screened & DBS checked so I know who I am letting into my home or business premises?
- Are your staff trained, experienced and qualified?
- Are you certified to carry out installations by a Fire & Security inspectorate, such as the SSAIB, as this is often a stipulation of most insurance policies?
- Are you accredited by a third party, such as CHAS, to work safely?
- Are you registered with my local police authority to allow you to apply for a police response on my system?
- Do you have suitable insurance cover?
- Have you got extensive experience in this line of business, and have you got testimonials or references from similar customers?
- Are you well-reviewed for your previous work by your existing customers?
- Is the company well-established and financially secure?
- For new installation work, will I receive a detailed and transparent quotation, presented in an easy-to-understand format with a fixed price?
- Can you demonstrate the equipment before we place an order with you?
- Where multiple trades are required for a project, can you oversee them for me to eliminate my stress?
- Do you offer long warranties?
- Do you offer maintenance agreements that would give me access to your ‘in-house’ dedicated technical support line and remote support services?
- Have you got a team who is responsible for after-sales support with engineers on call 24/7/365 to give me prompt after-sales care?
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CCTV legal for homeowners in the UK?
In most cases, yes, especially when it’s used to protect your property. The key is using it responsibly and paying attention if your cameras capture beyond your boundary.
Can my neighbour complain about my CCTV?
They can raise concerns if they believe it’s intruding on their privacy. Good positioning and privacy masking usually prevents issues.
How many cameras do I need?
Most homes are well covered with 2–6 cameras, depending on access points. Businesses vary widely based on size, entrances, and risk zones.
Selecting the right CCTV system is crucial for ensuring the security of your home or business. By following these 10 essential tips, you'll be well on your way to choosing a system that provides optimal protection and peace of mind.
CCTV installation in the Midlands: next steps
If you want a CCTV system that’s designed properly, we can help. Contact MES Systems today to discuss your CCTV needs and discover how our expert team can help you secure your property.
- Commercial CCTV (VSS) - design, install and support for businesses
- Home CCTV: Protect your family and property with professional installation
- Remote monitoring options: 24/7 solutions for added peace of mind
- Free Security Risk Check: A fast starting point to understand your risk profile
- Get a quote: tell us what you need and we’ll recommend the right system
