It’s the first question everyone asks us: “How much does it cost to install a security camera system?”
The answer is that there isn’t a single price. The final cost is like that of a custom-made suit: it depends on your specific needs, the size of your property, and the features you choose. To give you a clearer idea, here we break down the main factors that influence the cost of a professional installation.
1. Type and Number of Cameras
This is the most obvious factor. Installing a system with two basic cameras for an entrance and a back door is not the same as a system of ten high-resolution cameras for a warehouse or a large property.
- Quantity: A greater number of cameras not only increases the cost of the equipment but also the cost of labor, wiring, and storage.
- Price per camera: Basic cameras (1080p HD) are more affordable than advanced cameras with features like 4K resolution, color night vision, optical zoom, or PTZ (pan, tilt, and zoom) movement.
2. Type of Wiring: Wireless vs. Wired (PoE)
Aunque las cámaras inalámbricas pueden parecer más sencillas, un sistema profesional con cables (PoE – Power over Ethernet) tiene un costo de instalación que refleja su mayor confiabilidad y seguridad.
- Sistemas inalámbricos: El costo de mano de obra es menor, ya que no se requiere tender cables de red. Sin embargo, se debe asegurar que cada cámara tenga acceso a una toma de corriente cercana.
- Sistemas cableados (PoE): La instalación es más laboriosa, ya que se requiere perforar paredes y pasar cables de red desde cada cámara hasta el grabador. Esto garantiza una conexión más estable y segura, pero aumenta el costo de la mano de obra.
3. Installation Difficulty
Each property is unique, and its design can directly influence the price.
- Heights: Installation on high ceilings or in hard-to-reach places requires specialized equipment and more time, which increases the cost.
- Materials: Drilling through concrete, brick, or harder materials is more expensive than working with drywall.
- Distance: The greater the distance between the cameras and the recorder, the more cable and installation time are needed.
4. Storage Needs
The recorder (NVR or DVR) is the “brain” of your system and where the recordings are stored. The hard drive size is a key factor in the cost.
- Continuous vs. Motion-Based Recording: A system configured to record 24/7 requires a larger-capacity hard drive than one that only records when it detects motion.
- Resolution: 4K cameras generate much larger video files than 1080p cameras, which requires a hard drive with more capacity to store the same number of days.
5. Additional Features
The cost can also vary if you opt for advanced features.
- Two-way audio: Allows you to speak and and listen through the camera.
- Advanced video analytics: Features like facial recognition, people counting, or license plate reading.
- Remote monitoring: A service that allows a professional security center to monitor your cameras.
Why Choose a Professional Installation?
While it may be tempting to try a DIY installation to save money, the security of your property is not a place to cut corners. A professional installation ensures strategic camera placement, secure wiring, and optimal configuration that prevents vulnerabilities.
The Cost of Your Security Is an Investment
The cost of installing a security camera system is an investment in your peace of mind and in protecting what you value most. At CNS Team, we offer transparent quotes with no surprises. We analyze your needs to design a system tailored to your budget.
Contact us today to get a free, no-obligation quote.
