Choosing the right security cameras for your CCTV system is an important decision for businesses of all sizes and industries. With the range of cameras and equipment available, and the varying benefits CCTV cameras can bring to a business, making the right choice is now more important than ever before.
Keep reading as we cover 10 considerations to ask yourself before investing in a new CCTV system for your business.
The strategic deployment of a robust security infrastructure is becoming increasingly critical for UK businesses. According to the latest data, police recorded crime saw a notable rise in several key areas impacting commercial premises, including a 20% increase in shoplifting offences in the year ending March 2024, reaching the highest figure since current police recording practices began in 2003. Furthermore, robbery of business property saw a 50% increase in the same period, underscoring the escalating need for effective surveillance and loss prevention measures.
Investing in a high-quality CCTV system is not merely a cost, but a proactive strategy for protecting assets, staff, and continuity. A well-designed system can offer significant financial advantages, including reduced shrinkage and potentially lower insurance premiums, as highlighted in numerous industry analyses on the return on investment of security measures.
The UK security market is itself seeing considerable growth, forecast to reach $10.62 billion by 2030, driven by the increasing adoption of advanced technologies like AI-powered video analytics. For business owners, this proliferation of technology presents both an opportunity and a challenge: to cut through the noise and select a solution that is truly fit for purpose.
Whether your business is in retail, logistics, or property management, your CCTV system must align with your specific risk profile and operational goals. Understanding the various camera types and their capabilities, from resolution clarity to low-light performance, is paramount to maximising security effectiveness and achieving compliance with evolving UK legislation, such as the relevant sections of the Data Protection Act (DPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Whilst most cameras are suitable for both inside and out, it’s important to consider features such as mounting and housing. If the camera is for use in a cold environment, choosing one which is durable and incorporates an inbuilt heater means it will be operational despite the temperature. Modern cameras designed for harsh exterior conditions often feature an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, with an IP66 rating or higher indicating robust resistance to dust and powerful water jets, making them ideal for areas exposed to the elements.
In the utilities industry, for example, it’s also wise to choose a robust solution. This ensures it can operate reliably in harsh environments and where there may be a high level of vibration.
But it’s not just external cameras that need consideration. In factory or warehouse environments, for example, you may need to protect cameras from dust, extreme heat, or corrosive substances. Selecting cameras built with specific NEMA enclosure ratings can safeguard the equipment and ensure consistent operation in these challenging industrial settings.
The location you’re considering and what you need to monitor with your CCTV will help determine whether you require obvious or discreet cameras. Larger cameras can act as an obvious reminder to people that they’re being monitored, reducing the chance of theft. Smaller, dome cameras are the best choice for discretion. PTZ (pan tilt zoom) cameras are the best choice if you want to cover a large area and follow subjects. Businesses looking to balance overt deterrence with comprehensive coverage should read our guide on the role of CCTV in enhancing business security.
The best type of cameras will depend on the size of the area you want to cover.
As mentioned before, PTZ cameras work best for larger areas. They’re generally more powerful cameras with the ability to view a wide area and zoom in on particular activity. Using PTZ cameras can also reduce the number of cameras needed when covering such areas, keeping costs down whilst retaining high quality images. They are especially effective when paired with advanced video analytics to automatically track movement across a vast space.
On the opposite scale, smaller areas are likely to require static cameras. Understanding the field of view (FoV) and focal length of each camera type is essential to minimise blind spots – a professional security consultant will use tools to calculate the precise pixel density required over a distance to ensure the images are useful for identification or prosecution purposes.
Combining audio into a CCTV system makes it possible for security to hear and speak with possible perpetrators. This two-way audio capability is increasingly used for proactive deterrence in real-time monitoring environments.
It can also be used as an independent detection method triggering recordings and alarms when audio passes a certain threshold, such as a window breaking or a distress call. However, businesses must be extremely cautious when recording audio, as the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) in the UK maintains strict guidance on audio recording, often requiring a higher justification under data protection law than video alone. For more on the legalities, review our detailed guide on is it legal to watch your staff constantly on CCTV?
The area you want to cover determines the resolution you need. For example, if you want to monitor potential shoplifting, having a high-quality image for identification purposes in the event of prosecution is vital. Modern high-definition (HD) cameras, particularly 4K (8MP) and even 12MP models, provide the clarity necessary to capture fine details like facial features or vehicle registration plates at a distance.
Alternatively, lower resolution cameras could be relevant for smaller areas such as offices. Whilst it’s often thought that high resolution cameras are best, they’re not always the top choice for every space. It’s more cost effective to assess each area you want to cover by what exactly you’re wanting to monitor.
It’s important to place cameras effectively according to lighting conditions, especially with external cameras. Varying amounts of sunlight and sufficient daylight during the darker months can all affect effective placement of the cameras.
Other factors to consider is background glare from security lighting, sun or light reflection from windows facing the site. Also, any specialist lighting such as strobe lighting in nightclub environments.
Many cameras now use IR (Infrared) filters and artificial illuminators to ensure clarity of images day or night. Advanced features like Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) are crucial as they allow a camera to capture clear images in scenes with extreme lighting contrasts, such as monitoring a brightly lit entrance hall from a dark lobby, or dealing with bright sun glare. For businesses operating after dark or in low-light industrial environments, selecting the right camera from the different types of CCTV Cameras is key to reliable surveillance.
Having a flexible and scalable surveillance system should be a consideration. Traditional CCTV systems are closed circuit meaning that everything is hard-wired and difficult to scale.
Therefore it’s wise to choose IP cameras which connect over a wireless network, allowing you to easily scale any system as you need. Adding IP cameras to a network is simple and quick, and there’s no wiring to change or update. This future-proofing is vital, as business needs evolve; a scalable system allows you to easily incorporate new technology, such as biometric access control systems or advanced thermal imaging cameras, without overhauling your entire infrastructure. When expanding your system, ensure all new components integrate seamlessly with your existing smart security platform.
CCTV systems benefit businesses by not only monitoring theft, but increasing staff safety and confirming incidents. Employees can feel safer knowing they’re being protected.
Video footage is also valuable for confirming incidents such as theft, work place violence, property damage and vandalism. This information is essential when suing for damages or reporting to law enforcement. In fact, robust physical security systems, when coupled with certifications, are what insurers look for to minimise risk.
But a good camera system can bring other benefits in terms of wider business operations and analytics.
For example, in the retail industry, CCTV systems can provide data and customer insights, helping to improve the customer experience and business profitability. Understanding a customer journey throughout a store, which promotions they take notice of and using facial recognition to determine the age and gender of customers can all provide significant benefits to a business. This goes beyond security, contributing to operational efficiency and business intelligence.
If you plan to constantly monitor video footage, an effective VMS system is vital given that the average amount of time someone can focus on video footage is only 20 minutes. VMS or in-built analytics alerts you to suspicious activity and apply analytics, helping to improve how you run your business.
Built-in motion detection and intelligent algorithms provide useful, actionable information, such as the total number of people entering a shop. Compared against sales, retailers can assess conversion rates and the best times of day for promotions. Modern Artificial Intelligence (AI) analytics can now perform highly complex tasks, such as licence plate recognition, object left behind detection, and detailed demographic analysis, turning surveillance footage from passive evidence into an active business management tool. For a deeper dive into the technologies available, explore how smart technology is shaping the future of commercial security.
Before designing a CCTV system, you need to detail the requirements of a video management system, including how you plan to use it. The key issues you have that has driven your purchase of a CCTV camera system will outline the aspects of the VMS solution you need.
For example, management of multi-sites or the requirement to travel may require personnel to have the ability to access their CCTV system from any location. Therefore, it’s vital to tailor each VMS solution to you and your business. The choice of VMS should also align with the security industry standards, such as those governed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) security requirements, to ensure that any captured video evidence is admissible in court. This commitment to quality and standardisation is why many businesses choose to invest in connected managed services for comprehensive support and compliance.
If you’re considering installing a new CCTV system that conforms to the latest GDPR and CCTV regulations, looking to upgrade your current CCTV system or need a maintenance schedule for your existing camera system then call our industry experts on 0330 094 7404 to discuss your requirements in more detail.
Alternatively, why not book one of our Security Consultants to visit your business, conduct a free site survey and provide a no hassle quotation?
