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Two quotes for “4 cameras” can be for very different systems. Here’s what to check, line by line. It takes ten minutes and you don’t need to know anything about CCTV.
1. Does every camera and the recorder have a brand and a range?
A good quote says something like “Hikvision 4MP ColorVu turret camera with AI person and vehicle detection” or “Dahua 6MP Entry series turret camera”, not just “4MP camera” or “HD camera”. The brand and range tell you the quality tier, and the features tell you what the camera will actually do. If a quote only says “HD camera”, ask which brand and range it is before you decide.
2. Which range is it?
Big CCTV makers sell more than one range, and some sell a budget brand under a different name.
| What the quote says | What it is | UK warranty |
|---|---|---|
| Hikvision | Hikvision’s own branded range | Hikvision says 3 years on most products, when bought through its UK authorised partners |
| HiLook, or “Hikvision HiLook” | Hikvision’s entry level brand (“offshoot brand”, in Hikvision’s words), with its own app | Often 2 years (a UK wholesaler’s figure) |
| Dahua | Dahua’s professional range. The Entry series is its budget end | Ask the installer |
| Imou | Dahua’s consumer brand, mostly WiFi cameras | Ask the seller |
| Unbranded or own label | Sold without a maker’s brand | The seller’s or installer’s guarantee |
None of these is a bad choice in itself. HiLook and Dahua’s Entry series can suit a tight budget. What matters is that you know which one you’re getting. If a quote says “Hikvision HiLook”, it’s HiLook, not Hikvision’s own range.
3. What do the specs mean?
- Resolution: 4MP is plenty for most homes. 8MP (also called 4K) gives more detail at a distance.
- Sensor size: bigger is better in low light. A 1/1.8 inch sensor gathers more light than a 1/2.7 inch one.
- Low light rating: shown in lux. Lower is better, and check the F number next to it (F1.0 lets in more light than F1.6).
- Night vision: infrared gives black and white pictures. White light, or “hybrid” or “dual” light, gives colour pictures at night, usually when something moves. Hikvision calls its colour at night range ColorVu.
- Smart detection: cameras that tell people and vehicles from moving trees send far fewer false alerts. Hikvision calls this AcuSense.
- Extras: a microphone, two way audio, a strobe light and siren, and weatherproofing (IP67 for outdoor cameras).
4. The recorder and the hard drive
- Channels: a 4 channel recorder takes 4 cameras. If you might add more later, a bigger recorder now is cheaper than swapping it.
- Brand match: smart features work best when the cameras and the recorder are the same brand.
- Storage: the quote should say how big the hard drive is, and ideally how many days of recording that gives at the agreed settings.
- Drive size: the quote should give the hard drive size, which decides how many days of recording you keep. If it doesn’t say, ask.
5. What’s included in the installation?
Look for: survey and design, the cabling, mounting bases or junction boxes, fixing and testing, setting the recorder up, the app on your phones, and a walk through before the installer leaves. Check what isn’t included too, such as builder’s work, decorating, a new socket or access equipment.
6. Who gives the warranty, and for how long?
There are two kinds. The installer’s guarantee covers the kit and their workmanship, including coming back to fix it. A manufacturer’s warranty covers the part itself. Hikvision says it can only give its warranty on products bought from its authorised partners, and only in the country they were sold for, so it’s fair to ask an installer where they buy. Ask how long each one lasts and whether labour is included.
7. Aftercare
Ask what a call out costs, whether there’s a maintenance plan and what a service visit includes. A system nobody checks for two years can be recording nothing without you knowing.
8. Standards and the law
- CCTV design: BS EN 62676-4 covers how a system should be designed for what you need to see. To identify a face at the door you need far more detail than to see that someone is in the garden, so a good installer asks what each camera is for.
- Home CCTV and privacy: the ICO says filming beyond your boundary brings data protection rules into play, so aim cameras away from neighbours where you can. Businesses using CCTV usually need to pay the ICO’s data protection fee.
- Alarms: look for the EN 50131 grade (Grade 2 suits most homes). Police response needs an installer certificated by NSI or SSAIB. If an installer says they’re certificated, you can check on the NSI or SSAIB website.
9. Price and payment
- Compare like for like: the same number of cameras, the same range, the same storage and the same aftercare.
- Check whether VAT is included or added on top.
- Check the deposit, when the balance is due, and how long the quote is valid.
- If you agree a quote at home, online or by email, you normally have 14 days to cancel. When the job includes equipment, that usually runs from the day it’s fitted. If you want the work to start inside the cancellation period, you’ll be asked to confirm that in writing.
10. Quick checklist
- Brand and range for every camera and the recorder.
- Which range (for example Hikvision or HiLook).
- Resolution, night vision type and smart detection.
- Recorder channels and hard drive size.
- What the installation includes, and what it doesn’t.
- Who gives the warranty and for how long.
- Aftercare costs.
- Deposit, payment terms and your cancellation rights.
What a ZNSS quote shows
Every ZNSS quote names the brand, range and key features of each camera, recorder and alarm part, lists what’s included and what isn’t, and gives our 12 month guarantee on equipment and workmanship, hard drives included. Our standard CCTV systems come with a new surveillance hard drive. If you’d like us to look over a quote you’ve had, ring 0161 490 9090 or email enquiries@znss.co.uk.