How to Choose a Security Camera for Your Home

The right system depends on your property size, where cameras will go, and the detail you need. For most Australian homes, 4–6 cameras at 6MP or 8MP (4K) give a great balance of coverage and clarity. Choose outdoor-rated (IP66/IP67) cameras for entries and perimeters, add colour night vision for driveways and dark areas, and pick an NVR with enough channels and hard-drive space for 24/7 recording.

Hikvision vs Dahua vs HiLook — Which Brand Is Right for You?

Hikvision and Dahua are the two leading professional brands, with the widest range of AI (AcuSense / WizSense) cameras, ColorVu / Full-Colour night vision and active deterrence. HiLook is Hikvision’s value range — excellent quality at a lower price for straightforward home installs. If you want the most features and future-proofing, choose Hikvision or Dahua; for best value on a simpler setup, HiLook is ideal.

PoE Security Camera Guide

PoE (Power over Ethernet) IP cameras run on a single network cable for both power and data, making installation cleaner and more reliable than analogue. A PoE NVR powers the cameras directly — just run a Cat5e/Cat6 cable from each camera back to the recorder (up to 100 m per run).

How Much Storage Do I Need?

As a rough guide, an 8MP camera recording 24/7 uses about 1–2 TB per month. A 4-camera 4K system typically suits a 3–4 TB surveillance-grade hard drive (e.g. WD Purple) for around 2–4 weeks of continuous footage; double it for longer retention.

Australian Legal Requirements

You can record video on your own property for security, but you must not point cameras to capture a neighbour’s private areas, and audio recording of conversations without consent may breach state surveillance-device laws. Display clear signage where the public is recorded (e.g. shops and businesses).