Camera Selection and Installation Basics — What to Know Before You Buy
Not specific models with numbers, but a way of thinking — how to choose the right camera type for each spot, what an IP rating and mounting height actually mean, and how to ask the right questions in-store or to an installer.
How to think about camera choice — 4 steps
Walk the property and mark risk zones
First decide WHY you need cameras — deter, record evidence, watch deliveries, or monitor a perimeter. Then walk the property and mark entrances, gates, driveways, fence lines, and blind spots — noting what each camera actually needs to see.
Pick a camera type for each spot
A bullet (long, directional) camera suits a visible deterrent along a driveway; dome suits discreet indoor or entrance coverage; turret is a common general-purpose outdoor choice; PTZ (motorised pan-tilt-zoom) suits a wide area needing active monitoring. The right pick depends on the actual scene, not a one-size-fits-all rule.
Think about height, angle, and cable route
Mounting height is a tradeoff between a wider overview and a more identifiable close-up. Where the cable will run, how high the camera hangs, and at what angle — plan this now so you're not chasing a finished wall later. Always check the specific camera's datasheet for its real field of view and range.
Decide on recording and hand the plan to an installer
A local NVR stays under your control and keeps recording without internet, while cloud backup adds off-site resilience but costs a subscription and needs upload bandwidth. Many designs mix both. Hand your marked-up plan to a shop or certified installer — they check the PoE budget, cable lengths, and recommend actual models.
What to know before you go shopping
camera types, not model numbers
Bullet, dome, turret, PTZ — four conceptual categories that help you talk to a salesperson or installer, instead of picking at random.
Indoor or outdoor
An outdoor camera needs weather resistance, described by an IP rating (the IPxx format indicates dust and moisture protection). Always check the actual rating on the specific model's datasheet, rather than assuming by analogy.
Fixed camera or PTZ
A fixed camera always sees the same frame — predictable and simpler to plan around. PTZ lets you pan, tilt, and zoom, but needs more attention and budget. Choose based on whether the spot needs constant or active monitoring.
Mounting height and angle
A camera mounted higher sees a wider area but faces and plates become harder to identify; lower does the opposite. This tradeoff should be weighed for each spot individually, not by a universal rule.
Night vision — honestly
Infrared (IR) range and colour-versus-monochrome behaviour at night vary widely between models and sensors. The only reliable source is the specific camera's datasheet and, ideally, a real test in the actual location.
Cable and PoE planning
PoE (Power over Ethernet) lets a single Cat6 cable carry both power and data, but every PoE switch has a power budget that must be calculated against the actual number of cameras — never assumed.
What to bring to the shop or installer
Your plan becomes genuinely useful for the conversation once it includes these pieces.
- {'t': 'A zone list with a goal for each', 'd': 'For every camera, note WHAT it needs to see — an entrance, gate, driveway, or perimeter. Without a clear goal, a camera often ends up pointing at the wrong thing.'}
- {'t': 'A suggested type per spot', 'd': 'Bullet, dome, turret, or PTZ — your initial idea for each zone, which a salesperson or installer can confirm or adjust.'}
- {'t': 'Height and angle notes', 'd': 'Where the camera will hang and what view is expected from that height — the exact field of view always needs confirming against the chosen lens.'}
- {'t': 'Questions about IP rating and night vision', 'd': "A list of what to ask about the specific model — its actual IP class, IR range, and performance in mixed light. Don't invent answers yourself, ask for the datasheet."}
- {'t': 'A decision on recording and network', 'd': 'Local NVR, cloud, or both, plus a rough idea of PoE switch port count — the exact numbers get calculated against the real equipment list.'}
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between bullet, dome, turret, and PTZ cameras?
Bullet is long and clearly visible — good for deterrence along a driveway. Dome is discreet and hard to tell which way it's aimed — good for indoors or entrances. Turret is compact and a common general-purpose outdoor choice. PTZ pans, tilts, and zooms — good for a wide area needing active monitoring. The right pick depends on the location, height, and lighting.
What does an IP rating mean for an outdoor camera?
An IP rating describes resistance to dust and moisture — a concept, not a universal number. Every model has its own class, so always check the manufacturer's datasheet for the specific rating rather than assuming all outdoor cameras are equally protected.
How do I know how far a camera will see at night?
There's no general answer — IR range and colour behaviour in the dark depend on the specific sensor and IR emitter. Trust only that model's datasheet and, if possible, a real test at the intended location.
Will this page help me choose between Hikvision, Dahua, or Safire?
This page covers types and installation basics in general, not brand comparisons. For that, see our pages 'What is Hikvision?', 'Dahua or Hikvision for home?', and 'Safire or Hikvision/Dahua for home?'.
Can I install cameras myself, or do I need an installer?
Basic planning — zones, types, rough height — you can do yourself. Cable runs, PoE switch power calculations, and NVR setup are best left to an installer, especially once the system grows beyond a couple of cameras.
Ready to pick cameras but want a second opinion?
Book a consultation — we'll help you review your zone list and figure out what to clarify before you head to the shop. Honestly, and without any sales pressure.