Why there is no single price
Two quotes for “8 cameras” can be far apart because they describe different systems. Camera quality, how far cables run, how much footage is stored and how hard the site is to work on all change the cost. The useful question is not “what does CCTV cost?” but “what does the system I actually need cost?”.
The main cost factors
- Number of cameras: each camera adds hardware, a cable run, mounting and configuration time.
- Camera type and resolution: basic fixed cameras, higher-resolution IP cameras, low-light models and motorised zoom (varifocal) lenses are priced very differently.
- Cabling: long runs, ceiling or conduit work, outdoor trenching or crossing between buildings take more labour and material.
- Recorder and storage: more cameras, higher resolution and longer retention need a larger recorder and more hard-drive capacity.
- Network equipment: IP systems usually need PoE switches; larger sites may need extra network cabinets.
- Site access: high ceilings, warehouse heights or occupied buildings may need lifts, ladders or out-of-hours work.
- Requirements for your premises: some commercial premises in Dubai must meet SIRA’s technical standards, which set minimum resolution, coverage and recording requirements.
Costs people forget
- Monitors for a reception or security desk.
- A UPS to keep the recorder running during short power cuts.
- Maintenance: cleaning, health checks and hard-drive replacement over the life of the system.
- Expansion: planning spare ports and storage now is cheaper than replacing equipment later.
How to compare quotes
Ask every installer for an itemised quote and compare like for like:
- Camera brand, model and resolution for each position.
- Recorder model, number of channels and storage capacity (and the retention that gives you).
- What cabling is included and how it will be routed.
- Whether testing, phone app setup and handover training are included.
- What happens if something fails after installation.
Getting an accurate quote
The most accurate quotes come after a site survey. If you want a quick initial estimate, share photos of the areas to cover, the approximate number of cameras and how you would like to view the footage.
FAQ
Is a cheaper wireless camera a good alternative?
Consumer Wi-Fi cameras can suit a single small area, but they depend on Wi-Fi signal and often on cloud subscriptions. For multiple cameras and reliable recording, a wired system is usually more dependable.