How much does a security camera system cost?
How much does a security camera system cost?
A four camera system can run from $,3700 to $5,000 installed using quality equipment.
This question has a wide variety of answers but the general answers is “it depends” just like it would with cars or phones. I will give you some general answers.
If you buy a $500 dollar car, buy two of them so you can get to work when the first one breaks down. If you plan on purchasing a camera system from a big box store buy two systems so you will have replacements for when the cameras and DVR go out. It is best to invest a bit more and not have to worry about replacing equipment very often. The installation will cost the same if you purchase decent equipment or if you buy poor quality or less expensive equipment.
As with anything else camera systems require maintenance and if this is ignored the system will fall into disrepair. Some companies offer repair agreements and for a low cost it is like purchasing an extended warranty to avoid high labor charges.
Be proactive with your camera system. Approach employees and let them know you saw how they handled a specific situation. Example: “John, I saw you on the camera system the other day and how you helped Susan reorganize the pallet that fell over. I appreciate your dedication and helpful attitude. “
Incidents like this will help them feel less nervous about the cameras but also aware of them. Most theft is traced back to inside jobs and employees so having them know that you review and watch the cameras is very important. Word get around when the DVR stops working and word gets around when the camera systems are used effectively.
Camera systems are not considered security systems although they can be integrated into your security. If you use inputs and outputs you can begin recording at a different frame rate when an alarm is tripped or have the camera show a view of the person’s face when someone comes through a specific access door.
The amount of days you can record will depend on how you set up your DVR/NVR. You can have the system recording all the time at a lower frame rate and jump up to a higher frame rate on motion which will allow you to record more of the video that will be needed.
Camera systems help mitigate and reduce situations of theft. After installation of camera systems there is almost always a reduction of theft and shortages. Camera systems can be used for insurance purposes to show accidents and what really happened. Camera systems can provide you with video for court or for identification purposes in police cases. Do some research:
Before you get bids on a camera system do a bit of research just like you would before you make a major car purchase.
What do you need to see and why? Do you need to identify faces and plate numbers? Do you need to connect to your cameras remotely or view them from your phone? Learn the difference between analog camera system options, HD camera options and IP camera system options. Most IP camera and even HD will have 3 to 5 times the resolution. (They also take 3-5 times the storage.) Make sure the correct cable is specified and installed so it will last. If the cable is to be buried or put in conduit underground it will get wet so it has to be special cable or it will only last a short time. If the cable will be out in the sun a special UV cable is needed. Many companies have lower bids but they also take short cuts. Is a lift required, will penetrations in the walls be needed? Do your outside cameras need heater blowers? Do your cameras need to be vandal resistant? Do you need day/night cameras? How is your lighting at your facility? What are the distances to each camera? Do you need any of the cameras in conduit or wiremold? Having plans and specifications will help you obtain the best proposals but keep in mind that low bidders are not always the best option because many times the low bidder has left something out and will need to try to cut corners so they don’t lose on the project. These are a few of the items that will determine which camera system and options will best fit your needs as well as the cost of the system.
Ask your camera installation company what the advantages are for purchasing cameras with verifocal lenses such as 2.8 to 12mm even in IP options.
Know that Utah does not require a security/burglar alarm license to install camera systems or access control systems so those individuals don’t have to go through an FBI background check. Consider hiring a company that requires their installers to have a security burglar alarm agent licenses and one that has a company license since they also have to prove that they are insured and many other requirements.
PRICING EXAMPLES :
Color analog indoor verifocal 2.8 to 12mm lens 600 TVL .5 Lux installed with upto 100 feet of cable. $260 each (does not include penetrations)
Color outdoor analog camera $462 each installed (penetrations not included)
Large outdoor analog camera with enclosure $529 each
4 Channel analog DVR 1TB installed $642.00
8 Channel analog DVR 2TB installed $1,038.00
16 Channel analog DVR 3TB installed $1,222.00
16 Channel analog DVR 3TB unit installed $2,257.00 (higher quality faster processer)
8 Channel power supply installed $250
IP Camera examples:
2.1 MP Ball Camera 3.6mm 60’ IR installed $302
2.1 MP Vandal Dome 2.8 to 12mm lens 65’ IR Micro SD card slot camera -$603
We have hundreds of cameras to choose from depending on brand, features and quality as well as price. A quality AXIS camera will cost more than a no name imported camera from overseas.
4 Channel NVR 2TB with 8 Port POE switch installed $870
8 Channel NVR 4TB with 8 Port POE switch installed $1,712
16 Channel NVR 6TB with 16 Port POE switch installed $2,386
Monitors, network connections such as routers and internet connections will be provided by the owner unless otherwise requested and proposed.
IP and HD cameras have 3 to 5 times the resolution.
There are also HYBRID DVR/NVR options for facilities that currently have analog camera systems and they want to begin to go to an IP solution. I can put together a system where you can put all your existing analog cameras on a DVR and the new cameras will be IP and the license for the IP cameras will already be purchased so you can change out the old analog cameras one at a time and not have to purchase a different head end.
HD solutions will allow you to use your existing Coax instead of running new CAT6 cable and you can still improve your resolution drastically.
HD camera pricing examples:
HD Indoor cameras starting at $322 installed outdoor HD option starts at $482
HD recording unit $2,257 with 3TB/ 16 channel 1920 x 1080)
Include power supplies as needed
4 Camera system examples:
Analog 4 outdoor analog cameras and 8 channel DVR $3,656 installed
HD – 4 outdoor camera system $4,441 (cannot mix analog and HD on this system)
IP – 4 outdoor camera system $4,684
We also can provide you with leasing options when requested.
This includes up to 100 feet of cable on each camera. Each facility will be a bit different on pricing depending exact equipment but this will give you a general idea.
Pan Tilt zoom cameras range from just over $1000 to $65,000 with a very good quality 30X PTZ IP camera that only costs $2,500 installed.
We have special cameras to identify license plates. We can even have the cameras set up to record and enter these plate numbers in a data base.
We also have video analytics that will allow you to set off alarms when a car drives down the street the wrong way or when someone climbs a fence.
Peak Alarm has been in business for over 45 years and has an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. Peak Alarm has 5 offices and over 270 employees. Peak Alarm is licensed, insured and has the experience and capability to handle any size project. I welcome any corrections and comments on this information.
Larry Love has over 18 years of experience in the security industry
Please call Larry at 801 428 1384 for a no cost site visit and evaluation.