CHEAP SECURITY CAMERAS

The phrase "cheap security cameras" gives me the shivers these days.

To be brutally honest with you, that's how we got started in the CCTV game.  For the first months of our business we installed the generic Chinese gear.  We even imported it directly ourselves for a while just to prove we were masochistic!

Result?  Nightmares!  Not so much for our early clients because we were so desperate to make sure their systems worked.  The nightmares were for us because the stuff was often just rubbish - poorly made, prone to failures and very complicated and fiddly to install.

Ask any installer of that stuff what a "Jesus box" is.   It's a cabinet where everything you touch causes something else in it to stop working!

To cap it all off the support we got from our suppliers was awful.  You can't make a purse out of a sow's ear, and you can't polish a t..d , well you know what I mean.

Investing in security cameras might seem boring, but it's like joining the ranks of superheroes protecting what they care about. You don't need to break the bank and buy a 'Batmobile' all at once, but like Batman, smart choices and a dash of preparation can go a long way. This is where we intervene to prevent a potential mistake.

Remember, cheap security cameras might sound like a wise choice when funds are tight, but let's dig deeper.

ARE CHEAP SECURITY CAMERAS EVEN A GOOD IDEA?

Cheap security cameras may seem like a dream come true for a frugal homeowner. However, the romance quickly fades when the hidden costs and challenges become apparent. They often lack durability, need frequent replacements, and have low-quality visuals. So, you might spend less today, but end up spending a lot more tomorrow. So think again, is saving a few dollars today worth it?

Surveillance is not about cameras alone. It’s about the peace of mind, the assurance that your home or business isn’t an easy target. Now imagine a scenario where your cheap security camera fails just at the crucial moment when an intruder sneaks in. The sense of frustration and regret would be enormous, with the initial savings from the cheap camera offering little consolation.

WITH CCTV YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR

Even when functioning properly, cheaper security cameras often deliver grainy and pixelated images, making it next to impossible to clearly identify faces or number plates. In a real-world scenario, this could directly hamper the police's efforts to nab the culprits, potentially leading to a loss far greater than what you saved on your purchase.

Furthermore, low-cost security systems are generally easier to tamper with or disable due to inferior design and materials. Our safety is priceless and relying on discounted, low-quality tools to protect it is quite a gamble. And it’s a gamble that more often than not, doesn’t pay off.

IT'S WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE INSTALL THAT MATTERS!

Another headache is the after-sales support, or the lack thereof. Cheaper security equipment options often come with limited or no customer service. In times of a crisis or technical fault, you are left stranded with a dysfunctional camera, with no one to guide you on how to rectify the situation. Again, not much of a bargain, right?

OK, BUT THE BUDGET "IS WHAT IT IS" - SO WHAT CAN I DO?

If the funds are really tight here's what I'd suggest you do:

Have a really good think about why you're bothering with security cameras at all.  That might seem like an unusual thing for me to say, but let's get real.

If you think your assets and your people are worth protecting with an electronic security system then cameras are probably the one thing that does make sense because they simply give you the best bang for your buck.  Vision is our number one sense for a reason!

Ok so you need cameras ... now imagine you have your CCTV system & you whip out your phone to check it - What Exactly Do You Need To See?

Only you can answer that question.  If dollars are scarce, stick to what you absolutely must have on that screen.

Maybe it's a good idea for you to have fewer cameras?  For now anyway.  That way you can still avoid the cheap security cameras being sold by some people, & concentrate on higher quality cameras in excellent high value positions.

Your system will likely still have the ability to be expanded later when finances allow - add more cameras then, add some more hard drive space etc

YOU CAN'T HAVE ALL 3 - CHEAP, BEST GEAR, BEST SERVICE

Pick two of them.

Best Service means our MAINTAIN system, hands down.  We developed it over 13 years, by taking the hard knocks, to make sure your CCTV system is there when you need it.

Best Gear doesn't necessarily mean a German MOBOTIX camera system, which is about the highest quality equipment around.  "Best" gear to me is the best fit for the situation, and for people on a budget that's often something like DAHUA - fantastic cameras really in terns of what they can do, but not with the high end price tag.

Anyway, get in touch and we can help you decide.