Home CCTV Systems in Melbourne: A Buyer's Guide for 2026

Home security cameras have come a long way. Modern CCTV systems offer high-definition footage, night vision, remote viewing on your phone, and motion alerts — all at prices that make professional installation accessible for most homeowners.

As licensed CCTV installers servicing all of Metropolitan Melbourne, here's what we recommend when choosing a system for your home.

Camera Resolution: How Much Do You Need?

For home security, we recommend a minimum of 4MP (megapixel) cameras. This gives you enough detail to identify faces and number plates at a reasonable distance. 8MP (4K) cameras are increasingly affordable and provide excellent detail, but require more storage space. Avoid anything below 2MP — the footage won't be useful if you need to identify someone.

Wired vs Wireless: Which Is Better?

For a permanent home installation, wired cameras are almost always the better choice. They're more reliable (no Wi-Fi dependency), harder to tamper with, and provide consistent footage quality. Wireless cameras are convenient for renters or temporary setups, but they're susceptible to signal interference and battery failure. We install wired systems with cables run neatly through walls and roof spaces.

Night Vision: IR vs Colour Night Vision

Standard infrared (IR) night vision produces black-and-white footage in low light — functional but limited for identifying details like clothing colour. Full-colour night vision cameras use a combination of a wide aperture lens and a built-in white light to produce colour footage in near-darkness. For front doors and driveways, colour night vision is worth the extra investment.

Storage: NVR vs Cloud

Most professional systems use a Network Video Recorder (NVR) to store footage locally on a hard drive. This means no ongoing subscription fees and footage is always available even if your internet goes down. Cloud storage is convenient but involves monthly fees and relies on your internet connection. We typically recommend a local NVR with remote viewing capability via app — the best of both worlds.

How Many Cameras Do You Need?

For a standard Melbourne home, we typically recommend 4–6 cameras covering: front door, back door, driveway/garage, and any side access gates. This provides complete perimeter coverage without unnecessary overlap. We'll do a site assessment and recommend the optimal placement for your property.

Do I Need a Licensed Electrician to Install CCTV?

The cameras themselves don't require a licensed electrician, but running cables through walls and connecting to a dedicated power circuit does. Using a licensed electrician also ensures the cabling is done neatly and safely, with no exposed cables that could be cut or damaged.

Get a Free CCTV Assessment

Hands On Electrical Group supplies and installs CCTV systems across all of Metropolitan Melbourne. We'll assess your property, recommend the right system for your needs and budget, and provide an upfront price. Call 0489 267 520 or book online.