Inside or outside?
Many cameras work for both indoor and outdoor use, but the housing and mounting can be different. Indoor mounting is usually a ladder and the right bracket. Outdoor often means weather-rated housing, working-at-height considerations, and proper cable runs. Check the camera spec supports outdoor use before you commit — and check the planned mounting locations are practical.
What environment?
If cameras are going outside, how will they cope with temperature extremes? Some models include built-in heaters for cold environments. Indoor environments are usually more regulated for temperature — but what about dust from a factory, or vibrations from machinery? Lighting can also matter — a spotlight that blinds the camera will need a different position. Get the environment right and the camera lasts; get it wrong and you're replacing kit within a year.
Hidden or visible?
This depends on your primary objective. If CCTV is mainly to deter opportunist crime, then it should certainly be visible — the deterrent effect only works if would-be intruders can see the cameras. If you're trying to catch someone in the act (an internal-theft concern, for example), then discretion matters — and physical size becomes a factor, as the larger the camera, the harder it is to hide effectively.
What area do you need to monitor?
A large area might need a more powerful camera, or a wider-angle lens, or pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) capability so you can move the camera remotely. A smaller area can be covered by a less powerful fixed camera. Worth asking: do you want to be able to track movement across the area, or just confirm presence at the entry point?
Do you need audio integration?
Audio integration means you (or a monitoring station) can speak to anyone caught on camera — warning them to leave, asking them questions, telling them you're watching. If cameras are being actively monitored, audio is valuable. If footage is recorded but not actively watched, audio integration adds cost without much practical benefit.
Will you need more cameras later?
Starting with a single camera is fine — but worth thinking ahead. Traditional CCTV systems can be inflexible to expand. A more flexible system from the start (IP-based, with capacity to add cameras without replacing the recorder) is often the better long-term choice if your business is growing or moving premises is on the cards.
What we install for businesses
At Innov8, we install Hikvision and Ajax commercial CCTV systems for offices, units, warehouses and retail premises across Hertfordshire and Essex. Multi-camera setups, retention configured to your insurance and GDPR obligations, remote viewing across multiple sites. Every install is NSI Silver approved. See our CCTV installation page for the full picture — or talk to us about a free survey.