Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Choosing CCTV (And How to Avoid Them)
Installing CCTV is one of the smartest ways to protect your home. Yet, many homeowners in Sydney make mistakes that reduce the effectiveness of their system, waste money, or create unnecessary stress.
This guide highlights the most common errors and how to avoid them, so you can invest wisely and have a CCTV system that truly keeps your property secure.
Mistake 1: Choosing Cameras Without Considering Purpose
Many people buy cameras because they look “high-tech” without thinking about what they actually need. Ask yourself:
Do I need indoor cameras, outdoor cameras, or both?
What areas of my property need coverage?
Do I want night vision or motion detection alerts?
Choosing the wrong camera type can leave blind spots or poor-quality footage.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Image Quality
Resolution matters.
2MP cameras are cheap but may produce blurry footage.
4–8MP cameras offer sharper images that allow you to identify faces or license plates.
Many Sydney homeowners regret buying low-resolution cameras that don’t capture usable evidence.
Mistake 3: Forgetting About Storage and Recording
Some people don’t think about how long footage will be kept. Key considerations:
Local storage via NVR/DVR
Cloud storage (may require subscription)
Desired retention period (7, 14, or 30 days)
Without proper storage, you may lose critical footage when you need it most.
Mistake 4: Poor Placement of Cameras
Even the best cameras fail if placed incorrectly. Common placement errors include:
Facing bright sunlight (causes glare)
Too high or too low for effective identification
Focusing on walls instead of entry points
Professional installers can help optimise camera placement for maximum coverage.
Mistake 5: Overlooking Network & Remote Access Setup
Many homeowners forget about:
Reliable internet for remote access
Proper Wi-Fi coverage or wired connections
Strong passwords and network security
If remote access isn’t set up correctly, you can’t monitor your property while away — defeating one of the system’s main benefits.
Mistake 6: Focusing Only on Price
While it’s tempting to pick the cheapest option, low-cost systems often have hidden drawbacks:
Limited warranty
Poor image quality
Short cable runs
Lack of after-sales support
Investing a little more upfront in a reputable brand and professional installation pays off in reliability and peace of mind.
Mistake 7: Not Considering Expansion
A small 2-camera system may be enough now, but if you plan to expand:
Ensure your NVR/DVR supports additional cameras
Plan cable paths ahead
Verify that your internet can handle extra cameras if using cloud or remote access
Planning for growth avoids costly rework later.
Tips to Avoid These Mistakes
List your coverage needs before shopping.
Always buy from trusted brands (Hikvision, Dahua).
Ask installers for sample footage or a demonstration.
Check if the installer provides after-sales support and warranty.
Confirm remote access setup is included in the price.
Conclusion
Choosing CCTV isn’t just about buying cameras; it’s about planning for coverage, image quality, storage, security, and future expansion. Avoiding these common mistakes ensures that Sydney homeowners get a system that actually works — giving real protection and peace of mind.