Key points
- Retention days and resolution drive storage, which is often a big line
- Cabling and installation vary most between sites, and between quotes
- Cheap quotes often leave out UPS, conduit, switches or configuration
- Always compare itemised BOQs, never just the total
Number and placement of cameras
The count follows from what each camera must show: a face at the door, a plate at the gate, or general activity. A good survey can reduce the count by placing cameras better. A poor one adds cameras to cover blind spots it created.
Camera type and resolution
Indoor domes cost less than outdoor bullets with long-range IR, which cost less than PTZ, ANPR or colour-night cameras. Higher resolution helps only where you need detail; it also increases storage. See our camera buying guide.
Days of footage
Storage grows with cameras, resolution and the days you keep. Thirty days, expected for premises covered by the Karnataka Public Safety Act, needs much more disk than seven. Estimate it with our storage calculator.
Recorder and network
The NVR needs enough channels, with spare capacity for future cameras. IP systems also need PoE switches sized for the cameras’ power draw, and for larger sites a proper rack.
Cabling and conduit
This is where quotes vary most. Concealed cabling in a finished home, long outdoor runs, fibre between buildings and work at height all add labour and material. Ask whether conduit, cable length and termination are included and measured.
Power backup
A UPS for the recorder and switches keeps recording through power cuts. It is often missing from the cheapest quote.
Configuration, app setup and training
Setting recording schedules, motion zones, user logins and phone access takes time and is part of a working system. Check that it is listed.
Warranty and AMC
Warranty covers equipment faults; an AMC covers preventive checks, cleaning, disk health and call-outs. Price them separately so you can decide on each.
Where you can save, safely
- Use lower resolution indoors where detail is not needed
- Record on motion in quiet areas to reduce storage
- Install in phases: gates and perimeter first
- Re-use existing cabling where it tests sound
Where not to save
- Cameras at entrances and gates
- Storage for the retention you actually need
- UPS backup
- Outdoor weatherproofing of cables and joints
Every Prazision Tech quote is an itemised BOQ with brand, model, quantity and rate. Book a free site survey to get one for your site.
