A CCTV system can deter opportunistic crime and provide useful evidence, but only when the camera, lens, storage and installation suit the location. This Bangladesh-focused guide explains what to check before paying an installer or buying a package online—without assuming that the highest megapixel number is automatically best.
Quick recommendation
For most homes and small shops, start with a 4 MP IP or HD analog camera from a reputable brand, infrared night vision, weather protection for outdoor units, a recorder sized for at least 7–14 days of footage, and a small UPS. Ask for a written list of model numbers, storage capacity, warranty and installation materials.
IP camera or analog CCTV?
| Option | Best for | Main trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| IP/PoE | New installations, remote management, easier expansion | Higher device and network cost |
| HD analog | Budget upgrades using existing coaxial cable | Less flexible networking and cabling |
| Wi-Fi camera | One or two indoor points | Depends on wireless coverage and usually needs local power |
PoE sends power and data through one Ethernet cable, which simplifies installation. Wi-Fi does not mean wire-free: most cameras still need a power adapter.
Choose resolution for the job
Resolution matters only if the lens and placement capture enough detail. A 2 MP camera may be adequate for general room awareness; 4 MP offers a useful balance for many entrances and counters; higher resolutions need more bandwidth and storage. Ask the installer to demonstrate a face or number plate at the actual distance, during both day and night.
Lens and viewing angle
A wide lens covers more area but makes distant faces smaller. A narrower or varifocal lens is usually better for a gate, cash counter or corridor. Do not expect one ultra-wide camera to identify people everywhere in a large space.
Night vision and outdoor durability
- Check the usable infrared distance, not only the marketing maximum.
- Avoid pointing infrared cameras through glass; reflections can wash out the image.
- Use strong weather protection and sealed junction boxes outdoors.
- Test scenes with bright headlights or backlighting; WDR can preserve detail.
Calculate storage before buying
Retention depends on camera count, resolution, frame rate, codec, motion, bitrate and recording schedule. Continuous recording uses more space than motion-based recording. Ask for the recorder’s estimated retention under the exact configuration and keep a margin for busy scenes.
Use a surveillance-rated hard drive in DVRs and NVRs. Export important clips immediately; normal recording will eventually overwrite old footage. For broader resilience, follow a 3-2-1 backup strategy for business-critical files, while treating CCTV retention as a separate operational plan.
Power and internet planning in Bangladesh
Cameras and recorders stop during load-shedding unless protected. Size a UPS for the recorder, PoE switch/router and cameras, then test actual runtime. Remote viewing also depends on upload bandwidth and router stability. The recording system should continue locally when the internet fails.
Security and privacy checklist
- Change every default password and enable two-factor authentication where available.
- Keep recorder and camera firmware updated.
- Do not expose recorder ports directly to the internet unless professionally secured.
- Give staff only the access they need and remove old accounts.
- Avoid cameras in private areas and inform people where appropriate.
- Place the recorder in a locked, ventilated location.
If the network is shared with business devices, segment cameras where possible. Site owners should also secure their public systems with the principles in our DDoS protection guide.
Questions to ask an installer
- What are the exact camera, recorder and hard-drive model numbers?
- How many days of footage will this configuration retain?
- Are cable, connectors, conduit, power supplies and labor included?
- Who controls the administrator password and remote-viewing account?
- What does the warranty cover, and is onsite support included?
- Will I receive a daytime and nighttime handover test?
FAQ
How many cameras does a small shop need?
Count objectives, not rooms: entrance identification, cash counter, sales floor and exterior approach may each need a separate view.
Is 4K always better?
No. Storage, low-light performance, lens choice and placement can matter more than headline resolution.
Can CCTV work without internet?
Yes. A local DVR/NVR can record without internet, although remote viewing and cloud alerts may not work.
How long should footage be kept?
There is no universal number. Choose retention based on when incidents are normally discovered, operational needs, privacy obligations and available storage.
Final buying checklist
Get two itemized quotes, verify model specifications on the manufacturer’s site, insist on secure account handover, and test the view you actually need. A modest, correctly designed system is more valuable than an expensive bundle with blind spots.