How Many CCTV Cameras Does Your Home or Shop Need?
Where to put cameras, how many you really need, which quality to choose and how much storage — a practical guide for homes and shops.
The right number of cameras is not about covering every wall — it is about covering every way in and every place that matters. Too few and you miss the important moment; too many and you pay for footage nobody watches.
Start with the points that matter
- Every entrance — main gate, front door, back door, roof access.
- The cash counter in a shop — one camera facing the customer, one on the till.
- The street outside — to see who comes and goes (and vehicle number plates).
- Parking or garage.
- Stock room or valuables.
Typical setups
- Small shop: 4 cameras — entrance, counter, inside aisle, street.
- House: 4–6 cameras — gate, front door, garage, back side, roof or street.
- Office or school: 8–16 cameras — entrances, corridors, reception, parking.
Which quality?
2 MP (1080p) is fine for general views indoors. 4 MP or 5 MP is the sweet spot for entrances and counters — faces are clearer. Choose 8 MP (4K) only for wide outdoor areas where you need to zoom in later. For outdoor cameras, check night vision range and a weatherproof rating.
How much storage?
Storage depends on cameras, quality, recording mode and how many days you keep. Use our free calculator to get the exact hard-disk size:
You need about
—
Recommended hard disk: —
- Per camera per day—
- Watching on your phone—
Estimates use typical recorder settings. Busy scenes and night noise use more space.
Get this CCTV setup quotedWatch your cameras on your phone
Most recorders have a phone app. For smooth viewing from anywhere, you need steady upload speed — fiber is ideal. For direct access without cloud apps, add a static IP to your connection.
Put the recorder and router on a small UPS. Thieves sometimes cut the power first — your cameras should keep recording.
Frequently asked questions
Wired or Wi-Fi cameras?
Wired (PoE or coaxial) cameras are more reliable and do not drop out. Wi-Fi cameras are fine for one or two indoor spots.
How many days of recording should I keep?
Most homes and shops keep 15–30 days. Businesses with insurance requirements may need longer.
Do you install CCTV?
Yes — Jhelum Networks installs CCTV for homes, shops and offices, including phone viewing over your fiber connection.
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