Choosing the Right Security Camera System for Your Home

Start with coverage, not cameras

The most common mistake homeowners make is buying cameras before mapping coverage. Walk every exterior wall, identify entry points, and draw sightlines. You will almost always need fewer cameras than the sales page suggests — but each one needs to be in the right place.

Resolution: 4K is worth it, barely

For most residential deployments, a mix of 4K cameras at entry points and 2K elsewhere is the sweet spot. 4K on every corner generates storage cost without real benefit.

Storage

Plan for 30 days minimum. Continuous recording at 2K/4K on 8+ cameras will need 6TB+. We typically spec 8TB enterprise-grade surveillance drives.

Night vision

True starlight sensors outperform IR at distance. If you have any landscape lighting, starlight gives you full-color footage at night.

Mobile access

Every system we install includes free mobile apps. Verify before you buy: some cloud systems charge monthly for remote viewing.

Professional install vs DIY

DIY is fine for 2–4 cameras in obvious locations. Once you get beyond that — especially with exterior mounting, PoE cable runs, and NVR setup — professional install pays for itself in coverage quality and system longevity.