Wired CCTV Cameras

Choose a wired camera when you want power and data on one network cable with PoE, and a picture that does not rely on a wireless link. The Hikvision DS-2CD2147G3-LIS2UY and the TP-Link VIGI S445 both run on PoE, where a single network cable supplies power and data. Hikvision models such as the DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY can also take a 12 V DC supply instead.

No, not when they connect to a PoE recorder or switch, because the network cable carries their power as well as their video. Some, such as the Hikvision DS-2CD2146G2-ISU, also accept a 12 VDC supply. Large PTZs such as the DS-2DF5225X-AEL(T5) take 24 VAC or Hi-PoE, so check that the switch or supply can provide it.

For general coverage 4MP is a sound choice, and 8MP (4K) gives more detail to zoom into when you need to identify faces or vehicles at a distance. The range runs from 2MP to 12MP: the HDview HC828FBW is an 8MP bullet, and the Hikvision iDS-2CD7AC5G0-IZHSY is a 12MP DeepinView bullet. Higher resolution uses more NVR storage.

It is low-light colour imaging: a wide-aperture lens and built-in white light keep the picture in colour after dark, where an infrared camera drops to black and white. The Hikvision DS-2CD2347G3-LI2UY pairs an F1.0 lens with a smart hybrid light of white light and IR, giving colour down to 0.0001 lux. The 8MP DS-2CD2T87G3-LIY bullet's Smart Hybrid Light has a supplement range of about 60 m.

Choose a fixed lens, such as 2.8mm, for a wide view close to the camera, and a varifocal lens when you need to set the view on site. Motorised varifocal models such as the DS-2CD2643G2-IZS (2.8-12mm) adjust zoom without opening the housing, and the iDS-2CD7A46G0-IZHSY ANPR bullet has an 8-32mm lens for reading plates further away.

Yes, an ANPR camera can. Hikvision DeepinView ANPR bullets such as the iDS-2CD7A46G0/P-IZHSY and the 2MP IDS-2CD7A26G0P-IZHSY use motorised varifocal lenses, and the iDS-TCM403-BI is a 4MP IR ANPR bullet rated IP67 and IK10. Mount it where vehicles pass at a steady angle and set the zoom so the plate fills enough of the picture.

It is a camera with a very small pinhole lens, built to be hidden for discreet indoor surveillance. The Hikvision DS-2CD6425G1-20 has a 3.7 mm pinhole lens on a sensor module with a 2 m cable to the main body, and the DS-2CD6425G1-L20 has an L-shaped 2.8 mm head on an 8 m lead. Both record 2MP 1080p video and run on PoE.

Yes, a panoramic, fisheye or TandemVu camera covers a wide area from one position. The HiLook IPC-B460HAD-LUF/SL gives a 180° view, the Hikvision DS-2CD2955G0-ISU is a 5MP indoor fisheye with a 1.05mm lens, and TandemVu models such as the DS-2SE3C404MWG-E/14 pair a 4MP panoramic lens with a 4MP PTZ that zooms 4× into detail.

It pairs cameras with a matching recorder and a hard drive, so a small CCTV system is supplied as one kit. The RekorHD RC24KB4G and RC24KB4W kits pair four 2MP PoE bullet cameras with a 4-channel network video recorder and a 1TB drive, and the RC24KTB and RC24KTW use four turrets instead. The RC24KB4G also comes with cable and a system power supply.