Buying guide · 6 min read
Best Hikvision CCTV
for a UK home.
Not a list of model numbers that will be out of date by spring. A specification by property type, from the people who fit them in Wolverhampton every week.
Terrace or townhouse (2–3 cameras)
One ColorVu AcuSense turret at the front covering the door and pavement approach, angled to keep the neighbour's frontage out. One AcuSense on the rear gate or yard. Optional third on a side alley. 4-channel AcuSense NVR, one drive, 30 days.
Semi-detached (3–4 cameras)
ColorVu AcuSense on the drive at the road end for plate detail; a second at the house covering the door; AcuSense on the side access; AcuSense on the rear. 4- or 8-channel NVR. Add a video doorbell if parcels are a problem.
Detached or gated (5–8 cameras)
8MP ColorVu AcuSense at the gate or drive entrance; ColorVu on the front approach; AcuSense on both sides; two on the rear corners covering the garden and any outbuildings; a gate intercom. 8-channel NVR, two drives. Consider Smart Hybrid Light on cameras facing neighbours.
The choices that matter more than the model
- Height: 2.5–3 m for faces, higher for overview.
- Colour where you identify, IR where you don't.
- Zones drawn to your boundary so you're not told about the street.
- Concealed cabling — a good system looks like it belongs to the house.
Depends on camera count, cable runs and storage. Use the estimate builder for a specification, then a free survey for the fixed price.
Your property decides. Not the logo.
Questions
Good to know.
Do I need 8MP at home?
On the drive, yes if you want plates and faces. Elsewhere 4MP is fine.
Wireless or PoE?
PoE. Wireless is for outbuildings you can't cable.
Can I add an alarm later?
Yes — Hik-Connect handles Hikvision's own alarm range, or we pair CCTV with Ajax or Texecom.