Buying security cameras feels simple until you start comparing them. One kit promises 4K, another promises AI detection, a third costs half as much. Work through the questions below first and you’ll end up with footage that actually helps when something goes wrong, rather than a box of features you never use.
1. Map the spots that need covering
Start with a rough sketch of your property, not a product page. Before you compare security cameras Perth suppliers, mark every way in: front door, garage, driveway, side paths and back entrance. Businesses should add the shopfront, stock areas, loading zone and car park.
Then note the blind spots you can’t see from inside, anywhere that goes dark at night, and anything facing a neighbour’s window or the street. Cameras don’t need to be everywhere. They need to be where the footage matters.
2. Pick the right camera for each job
- Turret cameras are the go-to for entrances, driveways and eaves. They’re easy to aim and handle infrared well at night.
- Dome cameras suit shops, offices and covered areas, where a low-profile, tamper-resistant look helps.
- Bullet cameras are bigger and more obvious, which works for warehouse entries, perimeters and parking areas.
- PTZ cameras pan, tilt and zoom across large sites, but need fixed cameras alongside them so key areas are always covered.
3. Look past the megapixel number
4MP, 6MP and 8MP are the common professional options. Extra pixels help only when the lens, lighting and distance are right. An 8MP camera mounted too far from a gate can show less useful detail than a well-placed 6MP one. Decide whether each camera needs an overview of an area or a clear look at faces and number plates, then choose the lens to match.
4. Check how it performs at night
Most cameras look good in daylight; the real test comes after sunset. Infrared models switch to monochrome once it’s dark, while colour night-vision models use sensitive sensors or a small light to keep colour. Ask how each camera copes with headlights, porch lights and deep shadow, and remember that low afternoon sun can cause glare on west-facing walls. Sample footage from a similar property tells you more than an advertised range.
5. Choose wired or wireless
Wired IP cameras connect to a recorder over network cable, and with Power over Ethernet (PoE) one cable handles both power and video. That makes them the dependable choice for permanent, multi-camera setups. Wireless cameras are easier to place where cabling is difficult, but their footage is only as reliable as your Wi-Fi, and most still need mains power.
6. Ask about recording, storage and smart alerts
When comparing CCTV camera systems Perth quotes, look closely at how footage is stored. Most professional systems record to a network video recorder (NVR) with a surveillance hard drive. Ask how many days of footage it will hold, how easily clips can be exported for police or insurance, and whether the app sends person and vehicle alerts instead of pinging you for every swaying branch. Check whether any feature needs an ongoing subscription, too.
7. Price the whole system, not just the cameras
A fair quote lists the cameras, recorder, hard drive, cabling, installation and app setup, and says whether GST is included. Two-storey homes, long cable runs and extra storage all add to the total. It also pays to leave room to grow: a recorder with spare channels lets you add a camera to a new shed or storeroom later without starting again.
8. Get it installed properly
Placement makes or breaks a system. When you’re weighing up CCTV security systems Perth companies, choose one that inspects the site before quoting, talks you through each camera’s field of view and holds a WA security licence, since installing security CCTV is a licensed activity here. A good installer will also angle cameras away from neighbours’ private areas and leave audio recording off unless there’s a clear, lawful reason for it.
Why choose HomeSafe Securities?
- A site visit before any quote, so cameras go where they’re needed rather than where they’re easiest to fit.
- Licensed technicians who handle the installation, setup and testing themselves.
- Published prices, with a fixed quote at your free, no-obligation site check.
- HiLook, EZ-IP, Dahua and Hikvision packages, all with 6MP cameras, to suit different budgets.
- Alarms and intercoms as well, so cameras and intruder detection can be planned as one system.
- Local support after handover, including app help and adding cameras later.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to install security cameras in Perth?
Professionally installed security cameras in Perth typically cost $1,350 to $2,150 plus GST for a four-camera 6MP system, and $1,950 to $3,200 plus GST for six cameras. Those figures come from HomeSafe Securities’ published single-storey packages (October 2026), covering the NVR, storage drive, labour and mobile app configuration. Two-storey homes or extra cabling can increase the cost.
What are the best security cameras in Perth, Australia?
The leading professional brands used by Perth installers include Hikvision and Dahua, along with their value lines, HiLook and EZ-IP. All provide 6MP cameras, night vision, smart detection and app viewing. Rather than choosing on brand alone, compare night performance, lens options and warranty, and use a licensed installer.
What’s the best security camera for the money?
For most homes, a wired 6MP turret camera from a value range such as HiLook or EZ-IP offers the best balance of price and performance. It delivers sharp footage, reliable infrared night vision and person detection without paying for features you won’t use. In Perth, a supplied-and-installed four-camera EZ-IP package starts at $1,350 plus GST.
What security system do burglars hate?
Burglars avoid homes where they’re likely to be seen, heard or slowed down. In a University of North Carolina at Charlotte study of 422 convicted burglars, about 83% said they would check whether a home had an alarm, and 60% said they’d look for another target if it did. Pair an intruder alarm with visible cameras on entry points, sensor lighting and strong locks.
About HomeSafe Securities
Owned and run locally, HomeSafe Securities is a security company based in Perth’s south-east, serving homes and businesses across the metro area. We supply, install and support CCTV, intruder alarms and intercoms, all fitted by licensed technicians. Every quote is itemised and follows a free on-site inspection. To arrange yours, call 0469 880 624.
