Choosing the right CCTV system can feel overwhelming, especially with so many cameras, brands, and features in the market. Understanding how to choose the right CCTV system is important to ensure your home stays protected, your recordings are clear, and your security setup works reliably day and night.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider before purchasing a home CCTV system.
1. Determine Why You Need a CCTV System
Before choosing the right CCTV system, think about your goal:
- Do you want 24/7 surveillance?
- Are you monitoring your gate, front door, or full property?
- Do you need colour night vision or audio?
Identifying your purpose helps you choose the right camera type and features.
Dome Cameras
- Discreet and stylish
- Wide-angle view
- Harder for intruders to tamper
Best for: Living room, hallways, office rooms
PTZ Cameras (Pan–Tilt–Zoom)
- Can rotate 360°
- Great for covering wide areas
- Some models include motion tracking
Best for: Large yards, warehouses, luxury homes
Wi-Fi Cameras
- No DVR needed
- Cloud/mobile app monitoring
- Easy DIY installation
Best for: Small homes, apartments
2. Check the Camera Resolution
Minimum recommended:
2MP (1080p) — clear enough for short distances
4MP / 5MP — sharper details, better identification
8MP (4K) — premium clarity
Tip: For gates and road-facing areas, go for 4MP or 5MP for better facial and license plate clarity.
3. Look for Night Vision Technology
Night vision is critical for home safety.
Types of Night Vision:
- IR (Infrared) — Black & white night vision
- Full Color — Shows real colours at night using warm lights
- Smart Dual Light — Auto shifts between IR and Full Color (best option)
Recommended: Cameras with Smart Dual Light and DWDR/3DNR for clear night images.
4. Decide Between DVR, NVR, or Wi-Fi
DVR (Analog / HDCVI)
- Uses coaxial cable (RG59)
- Affordable
- Works well for 2MP–5MP cameras
NVR (IP System)
- Better quality (4MP–8MP)
- Uses LAN (CAT6) cable
- More advanced features like AI detection
Wi-Fi Cameras
- No cabling required
- Can be installed quickly
- Good for those who want app-only monitoring
5. Choose the Right Storage Method
Hard Drive (DVR/NVR)
- Typical: 1TB / 2TB / 4TB
- Stores 15–45 days depending on number of cameras
MicroSD Card (Wi-Fi Cameras)
- 64GB to 256GB
- Loop recording
Cloud Storage
- Monthly subscription
- Access recordings from anywhere
Tip: For home CCTV systems, a 1TB or 2TB HDD is sufficient.
6. Check Smart Features
Modern CCTV systems offer powerful AI detection features:
Human motion detection
Vehicle detection
Face detection
Intrusion alerts
Mobile app monitoring
Remote playback
Two-way audio (with mic models)
Siren & light alarm (active deterrent cameras)
If your area has frequent theft or suspicious activity, choose cameras with AI Human/Vehicle Detection.
7. Weatherproof & Durability
For outdoor cameras, check the rating:
IP67 — Fully waterproof & dustproof
Wide temperature support (–40°C to +60°C)
Avoid cheap no-brand cameras that fail within months.
8. Reliable Brands to Consider in Sri Lanka
Dahua
Hikvision
IMOU
EZVIZ
TP-Link Tapo
These brands offer high quality, warranty, and easy-to-use mobile apps.
9. Set Your Budget
Here’s a quick idea of typical costs in Sri Lanka:
| System Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 2-Camera DVR System | Rs. 30,000 – 45,000 |
| 4-Camera DVR System | Rs. 55,000 – 90,000 |
| 4-Camera NVR (IP) System | Rs. 120,000 – 180,000 |
| Single Wi-Fi Camera | Rs. 9,000 – 30,000 |
Your price may vary based on resolution, brand, and installation.
10. Installation Requirements
Before buying, consider:
- Do you need cables? (RG59 / CAT6)
- Power supply availability
- Placement height (8–12 ft recommended)
- Whether you want mobile remote access
- If you need professional installation
Conclusion: Which CCTV System Is Right for You?
If you want:
Affordable & reliable – Go for 2MP/5MP Dahua or Hikvision with a DVR
Best quality & features – Go for 4MP–8MP IP cameras with NVR
Simple DIY monitoring – Use Wi-Fi cameras like IMOU / Tapo
A well-chosen CCTV system gives you peace of mind, protects your home, and alerts you instantly when something happens.