You know that sinking feeling when you arrive to find a smashed window, only to discover your camera footage is blurry, poorly angled, or wasn't even recording properly?
It happens way more than you think.
We believe in being completely honest up front. After specifying and installing thousands of CCTV security systems, we know what is essential, and why things go wrong. We want to help you make an informed decision rather than an expensive mistake
What nobody tells you
Online or in any hardware store you'll find dozens of CCTV systems. They look similar, but prices can vary wildly. Here's what the product packaging won't tell you.
- Most security systems are not configured properly. We’ve seen hundreds of home and business systems installed with the factory default password still intact (yes, really). Many have not been set to the right date and time and are often triggered by a fluttering leaf. These things matter when you’re searching for incident footage for the police.
- The most expensive mistake business owners make. Spending good money on cameras without connecting them to a monitoring service/monitored alarm. You may have perfect footage of the break-in... but you won't discover it until morning.
Business security and safety
CCTV isn't all just about catching thieves. It can also help with:
- Real-Time prevention (not just recording)
Modern AI CCTV systems distinguish between tree branches and people, and send alerts. When integrated with alarm monitoring and our advanced theft prevention Fog Security system it triggers multiple immediate responses to deter and prevent theft. - Worksafe compliance & staff protection
When there's an incident, CCTV provides clear evidence for everyone. Your staff have proof if injured, you have proof of what occurred. - Footage you can quickly retrieve
Obtaining footage of incidents for insurance claims and police reports is a whole lot easier. AI lets you search "show me every person who entered between 6pm-8am." You view ten minutes of footage instead of ten hours.
Homeowners' peace of mind
You don't need to be a security expert. You just want your family safe and your property secured.
Clear video. High-quality visuals make all the difference when it comes to identifying faces and registration plates. Clear audio can also help with voice or vehicle identification.
Reliable alerts. Check activity on your phone while at work. When your system is properly configured, the AI knows the difference between people and the neighbour's cat, only alerting you for actual threats.
Multiple uses beyond security. You can check on kids in the backyard. Monitor elderly parents and receive fall alerts. See when packages were delivered, or who the porch thieves are. See what time your teenagers really got home.
Why different brands matter (the honest comparison)
There are many products available which is why we work with several brands, because there's no "best" for everyone. Each brand has a range of products with unique features. We conduct extensive tests and assess the pros and cons before we decide to use them to support our clients. We only recommend a CCTV solution tailored to your personal situation and budget. Here are summaries of four of the range of products we represent. We are happy to provide you with a comparative summary on all of them upon request.
Hikvision
AI Innovation Leader
Best for: Businesses and residential
Key strength: AcuSense technology - 95%+ accuracy distinguishing humans from motion
Noteworthy: "Search by text" instead of scrolling footage
Reality: Can cost more than others, but AI saves hours of footage review
Axis Communications
Premium Security Standard
Best for: High-security, critical infrastructure
Key strength: Industry-leading cybersecurity built-in
Noteworthy: Bispectral PTZ combining thermal and visual
Reality: Most expensive, but unmatched when data security is non-negotiable
Dahua
Innovation at Mid-Tier Pricing
Best for: Retail, warehouses, residential, night vision needs
Key strength: Night Color 2.0—full-colour 4K in near-darkness
Noteworthy: 70% faster footage retrieval, active deterrence lights/sirens
Reality: Premium features at mid-tier prices
Uniview
Smart Value Choice
Best for: Small-medium businesses, residential
Key strength: ColorHunter- affordable full-colour night vision
Reality: Best performance-to-price ratio for most scenarios
Why correct installation matters
Wired vs. wireless: the truth
Wireless cameras work for temporary monitoring or 1-3 camera home setups. But:
- WiFi down - cameras stop
- Batteries can die at the worst time
- Less reliable footage
For business or serious security, hardwired wins
- Keeps recording if internet drops
- UPS backup during power outages
- Better quality and features
- No batteries to replace
Common installation issues
What we do instead
How we work with you
1
Conversation
We listen to understand your needs and then review property layout, current equipment, previous security issues, current concerns, monitoring requirements and budget before making a recommendation
2
Site assessment
If possible we will visit your site, check actual positions, blind spots, cable routes, internet etc. If this isn’t possible, we’ll arrange a video walk around with you.
3
Custom quote with options
- "Minimum solution " (practical)
- "Optional extras " (enhanced)
- "Everything you need " (top of the range)
You choose what makes sense.
4
Installation and support
We install, configure everything correctly properly, train you so you know what to do, and provide ongoing customer support.
The bottom line . . .
CCTV isn't about buying cameras. It's about having reliable footage when something happens, preventing problems before they escalate, and giving you peace of mind. Whether you run a café, a warehouse, or want to know your kids got home safely - the right system makes all the difference.
We ensure we only recommend the right system for your needs.
Common questions
"Do cameras work in total darkness?"
Standard Infrared: Yes, but footage is black and white.
Modern ColorVu/Night Colour cameras: Deliver full colour. But even the best cameras need some light—thermal cameras are the only true zero-light option.
"What about spider webs?"
Webs are a real issue. They won't show during the day, but they reflect infrared at night, whiting out the image. A quick bug spray around (not on) the camera solves this.
"Need professional monitoring?"
Homes: optional but advised if you want more security than just incident footage.
Businesses: Highly recommended. When alarms trigger at 2am and monitoring sees an actual break-in on camera, a security patrol is despatched immediately. Without monitoring, you just have footage.