Professional vs DIY CCTV Installation: What You Need to Know
- AR Smart Systems
- 23 hours ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 15 minutes ago
When it comes to protecting your home or business, CCTV is a powerful tool — but not all systems are created equal.
While DIY CCTV kits seem convenient and affordable at first glance, there are important differences between DIY and professional CCTV installations that you should consider.
Here’s what you need to know before making your decision.
1. Equipment Quality
DIY Systems:
Most DIY CCTV kits use basic hardware, offering lower resolution, limited night vision, and fewer recording options. Video quality can degrade over time, and cheaper components are more vulnerable to failure.
Professional Systems:
We specify and install high-performance CCTV equipment designed for reliability, durability, and outstanding video quality. We offer a wide range of cameras with features such as AI motion detection, ultra low-light performance and active deterrent functionality — such as strobe lights and sirens — to actively prevent intruders.
See our video on Active Deterrent cameras here: What is Active Deterrent CCTV?
2. Cabling and Installation
DIY Systems:
Most DIY wired camera kits are supplied with pre-made cables — usually around 10 metres long. This limits the distance between the cameras and the recording device (NVR/DVR). If the distance is too great, you’re stuck. If it’s too short, you’re left with excess cable to coil up and hide.
Pre-made cables also mean larger holes (typically 20mm) must be drilled into walls, soffits, or window frames to pass bulky factory-fitted connectors through.
Additionally, DIY kits often do not include cable intake units or junction boxes to protect and weatherproof external connections, leaving them exposed to the elements and reducing system lifespan.
Wireless DIY cameras might reduce cabling, but they often still require mains power, restricting camera placement to areas near existing power outlets.
Professional Systems:
Professional installations use custom-length cabling. We carefully drill small, discreet holes (typically 6–10mm) and make neat, reliable connections on-site.
We also use cable intake units and weatherproof RJ45 caps to house camera connections, protecting them from moisture and damage and giving a clean, professional finish.
For more information about our CCTV services click here
3. Image Quality and Recording
DIY Systems:
Wireless DIY cameras must heavily compress their video footage to transfer it over Wi-Fi or upload it to the cloud.
This compression often results in lost detail — meaning crucial information could be missing if you ever need the footage.
Professional Systems:
While professional CCTV systems also compress footage for mobile viewing, the central recorder (NVR or DVR) stores full-quality recordings at maximum resolution, ensuring vital detail is preserved for evidence and security purposes.
4. Battery-powered and Solar-powered Options
Many DIY cameras are battery-powered, either with sealed rechargeable batteries or replaceable lithium batteries.
Sealed units must be removed from their mountings for charging, while units like Blink cameras require frequent (and more expensive) lithium battery replacements to achieve reasonable runtimes.
Solar-powered DIY cameras use a solar panel to maintain charge but still rely on Wi-Fi and suffer from the same compression and reliability issues. Although we have to note that some of the latest solar powered DIY units do have an impressive battery life, on paper.
Professional Systems
There are professional solar powered CCTV units, these are designed for remote locations with no power or internet connectivity. Designed to record and monitor at a constantly high level, with built in SD card storage and 4G LTE connectivity. These systems are larger and have a higher price point in comparison to cheaper DIY solutions.
5. Reliability and Connectivity
DIY Systems:
Most DIY wireless cameras rely solely on the 2.4GHz home Wi-Fi network.
If Wi-Fi is unreliable, you risk losing footage without any warning.
Professional Systems:
We design CCTV systems to operate independently of your home’s Wi-Fi network. Cameras are usually hardwired, ensuring constant, secure transmission.
We generally avoid Wi-Fi-only cameras due to the potential for connectivity issues and lower reliability.
Important Note:
The only Wi-Fi device we currently specify is the Ajax Doorbell, which benefits from enhanced backup connections through Jeweller and Wings protocols — offering reliability far beyond standard Wi-Fi-only cameras.
6. Support and Maintenance
DIY Systems:
When buying a DIY system, you’re responsible for setup, troubleshooting, and any ongoing issues. Warranty periods range from 1 - 2 years but these will it cover faults or failures caused by poor installation.
Professional Systems:
Choosing AR Smart Systems means you get full support — from expert system design, installation, and configuration, through to aftercare and technical support whenever you need it. Our product warranty periods range from 2 - 3 years, we also offer advanced replacements and loan equipment where possible.
The Verdict
DIY CCTV systems can seem like an easy and cheap solution — but they often come with hidden compromises in quality, reliability, and security.
A professionally installed CCTV system ensures your property is properly protected with discreet cabling, reliable recording, and professional-grade equipment.
If you’re serious about securing your home or business, it’s worth doing it properly.
Need advice on the best CCTV system for your property?
Contact AR Smart Systems today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
We provide expert CCTV installation services across Suffolk, Essex, and Norfolk.
📞 01728 554994
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