We install hundreds of CCTV systems every year. Here's our straight answer on which cameras are worth the money — and which to avoid.
No obligation. UK support. Same-day response.
Get Prices → 📞 0121 268 0121The camera is where every security decision starts. Resolution, night vision, weatherproofing, AI analytics and storage compatibility all depend on which system you choose. A poor camera specified correctly still delivers poor footage.
Dahua is the number two manufacturer globally and a legitimate alternative to Hikvision. Their WizSense range matches Hikvision's AI features at competitive prices. Firmware updates are reliable. The main difference is ecosystem depth — Hikvision has more integration options and a larger UK installer base, meaning easier support. For budget-conscious deployments, Dahua is a solid choice.
Axis cameras are Swiss-engineered and specified for high-security environments: banks, government buildings, data centres. Image quality is exceptional. The price reflects this — typically 3–5× Hikvision equivalent models. For most SMEs, Axis is over-specified. For mission-critical installations, it's worth the premium.
The camera is where every security decision starts. Resolution, night vision, weatherproofing, AI analytics and storage compatibility all depend on which system you choose. A poor camera specified correctly still delivers poor footage.
Hikvision is the world's largest CCTV manufacturer and the brand most trusted by UK professional installers. Their ColorVu range delivers full-colour footage in near-total darkness without infrared wash-out. AcuSense uses on-board AI to distinguish people from animals, eliminating false alerts. DeepinMind NVRs handle facial recognition and licence plate reading natively. We specify Hikvision on all commercial installations — not because it's the cheapest, but because it delivers the best outcome per pound spent.
Dahua is the number two manufacturer globally and a legitimate alternative to Hikvision. Their WizSense range matches Hikvision's AI features at competitive prices. Firmware updates are reliable. The main difference is ecosystem depth — Hikvision has more integration options and a larger UK installer base, meaning easier support. For budget-conscious deployments, Dahua is a solid choice.
Axis cameras are Swiss-engineered and specified for high-security environments: banks, government buildings, data centres. Image quality is exceptional. The price reflects this — typically 3–5× Hikvision equivalent models. For most SMEs, Axis is over-specified. For mission-critical installations, it's worth the premium.
Unbranded cameras from Amazon and eBay typically lack UK-specific firmware, have no GDPR-compliant data handling, receive no security patches after 12 months, and often use shared cloud servers with unknown data jurisdiction. The saving of £50 per camera is not worth the compliance and security risks. We see these fail regularly in the first year of use.
2MP (1080p) is the minimum for meaningful identification. 4MP is the current sweet spot for most applications — sharp enough to identify faces at 5 metres and number plates at 10 metres, without excessive storage demands. 8MP (4K) is worthwhile for large open spaces, car parks, or entrances where long-range detail matters.
Any business operating CCTV must: display visible signage, have a documented lawful basis for recording, limit retention (typically 30 days), restrict access and keep a data processing record. We provide full GDPR compliance documentation with every Telexico installation.
For most UK businesses: Hikvision 4MP ColorVu cameras with an NVR system. Add Hikvision's free SADP software for remote viewing and Telexico's maintenance contract for ongoing support. If budget is tight, Dahua WizSense is a respectable alternative. Never use unbranded hardware.
Click your area for local pricing and case studies.
"Switched our entire office phone system and broadband. The team handled everything, zero downtime. Saving over £200 a month compared to our old BT contract."
"Had failover installed after losing internet for a whole day. Assure X kicks in within seconds. Our team didn't even notice when the main line dropped last week."
"Our dental practice needed reliable phones and fast broadband. Telexico sorted everything in one visit. The AI receptionist handles after-hours calls brilliantly."
Free, no-obligation quote. UK-based support. Same-day response.