The least expensive options are often poor business decisions
Cameras are like cars they come in different brands, different qualities and prices ranges. Price will vary with warranty or lack thereof.
All the following examples may look very similar to the picture but the prices are all different the the functionality will vary greatly. Get help from an expert rather than just buying from a big box store. Would you buy your new I-PHONE from a swap meet for $100 even thought it said new in the box?
1. Analog camera 420 lines resolution 4mm lense (Dome)
2. Analog dome camera 700 TVL lines 2.8-12mm lens
3. Analog dome camera 700 TVL lines 2.8-12mm lens with vandal resistant outdoor housing. (Some come with heater and blower)
4. 2.1 MP IP camera dome (Takes up 3-4 or more storage space on your DVR/NVR)
Camera will look the same but the four options can vary greatly in price although the labor and wire will cost the same so it is best to have a decent camera installed the first time.
Keep in mind that you can even match the above specifications and have a large price difference if you buy from a no name brand compared to a good name brand like Axis or Bosch. Not only is the price different but the quality is different as well.
Don't go with the least expensive purchase and make a poor business decision. Get your options and make a good decision. You may not purchase the most expensive but it is best not to purchase the least expensive option either.
You have heard the saying "You get what you pay for" In Spanish they say "Lo barrato siempre sale caro" Or the least expensive things always cost more in the long run. (Not exactly but similar). Cheap always come out expensive.
Learn about what options are the better choices for your facility. I would suggest a midrange camera not the $4000 dollar Bosch unit but not the $50 dollar camera either. Just holding the $50 dollar camera in your hands and the $350 dollar camera you can feel a difference in weight and in how it is built. Then there is a marked difference in the $600 or $700 dollar camera from how the $350 one feels.
camera cost + cable cost depends on length and cable type (CAT6 verses RG59 with power wire) + labor cost to install camera Add cost of Power Supply or switch/router etc.. Add cost of drilling if we need to mount outside Add cost of wiremold or conduit if needed to hide or protect cable Add cost if you need heater blower in outdoor cameras. (Some come with a heat strip) Add to cost if you need a vandal resistant camera Add to cost if you need day night capability Add to cost if you need other special features Avoid going with just a 4mm camera especially if it is outside. Best to go with a 2.8 to 12 or even a 5mm to 50mm so you can adjust the camera after installation.
If you get PTZ then understand there is a price range from about $1000 to $8000 depending on your needs and brand and features 10 times zoom or 36 times zoom and day night options or tracking options or if you need a camera that can read license plates and enter the plate numbers into a computer program then that will cost more.
Add the cost of a DVR or NVR. Make sure it is expandable if you need to cameras. Make sure you get enough storage to save what you need
Setting the cameras to record on motion will help save some storage capacity as will planning on the camera resolution.
Do you need to see faces and zoom in after the fact? If so then IP Mega Pixel cameras would be best.
What is the distance you are looking at and how far across? I have a special program and a hand calculator to figure out lense sizes and there are even verifocal lenses on IP cameras.
Larry@PeakAlarm.com can help you find a good solution for your home or business. 801 428 1384