Security and IP cameras for homes, shops, offices and larger sites, from battery-powered indoor cameras to network cameras for professional installations. The range covers IP network cameras, wireless and battery cameras, analog HDCVI cameras and accessories, with over 1,400 products from Dahua, TP-Link, Axis, Hikvision and Reolink.
How to choose a security or IP camera
Where it will be installed. Outdoor cameras need weatherproof housings, so check the IP protection rating on the product page. Our range includes indoor, outdoor and combined indoor and outdoor models, and the combined ones give you the most flexibility if you may move a camera later.
Resolution. Cameras in our range run from 2 MP to 8 MP, and many sit at 3 to 5 MP. 2 MP is enough to see who is at a door or in a small room. Choose 4 MP or more when you need detail at a distance, such as a driveway or a car park, but remember that higher resolution uses more storage and network bandwidth.
Power and connection. A wired camera with Power over Ethernet (PoE) needs only one network cable for both power and data, and many of our IP cameras support it, some alongside a DC input. Wi-Fi cameras save on data cabling but still need a power supply. Where there is no socket, battery and solar-powered cameras are available.
Camera shape and mounting. Bullet cameras are easy to aim and are clearly visible, which acts as a deterrent. Dome cameras are harder to tamper with and look less conspicuous. Turret cameras are a popular middle option, and they are generally less prone to glare from the infrared lights at night. Mounting options in our range include ceiling, wall, pole and desk.
Recording and compatibility. IP cameras are usually paired with a network video recorder (NVR), and the analog HDCVI cameras with a DVR. Many network cameras support the ONVIF standard, which helps mix brands, but check this before buying cameras from a different maker than your recorder.
Security camera brands we carry
- Dahua: a large Chinese manufacturer that developed the HDCVI standard for sending HD video over coaxial cable, alongside a full IP camera line.
- Axis Communications: the Swedish company that introduced the first network camera in 1996, and a common choice for professional installations.
- Hikvision: one of the world's largest video surveillance manufacturers, with cameras and recorders for small and large systems.
- TP-Link: known for networking equipment, and its camera ranges follow on from that with simple app-based setup for homes and small businesses.
- Reolink: focuses on home and small business cameras, including PoE models and battery or solar-powered cameras.
- Hanwha Vision: the South Korean maker formerly called Hanwha Techwin, known for its Wisenet professional cameras.
- EZVIZ and Imou: consumer-focused brands linked to Hikvision and Dahua respectively, aimed at easy home setup.
Also in our range: Foscam and Uniview.
Besides IP network cameras, you will find wireless and battery cameras, analog HDCVI cameras, video doorbells and intercoms, video recorders (NVR/DVR) and a sizeable selection of mounting and other camera accessories.
Security camera questions and answers
What is the difference between an IP camera and an analog camera?
An IP camera is a digital camera that sends video over a network cable or Wi-Fi, and it is often powered through the same cable with PoE. An analog HDCVI camera sends video over coaxial cable to a DVR. IP cameras are more flexible for new installations, while HDCVI suits sites that already have coaxial cabling.
Should I choose a wired or wireless security camera?
A wired camera is the steadier option, because the connection does not depend on Wi-Fi signal strength and PoE models need only one cable. Wireless cameras are quicker to install, but they still need a power source. Battery or solar models remove that need, though batteries must be recharged or the panel kept in daylight.
How many megapixels do I need for a security camera?
For general monitoring of a room or entrance, 2 to 4 MP is usually enough. Choose 5 MP to 8 MP if you need to pick out faces or details across a wide area or at a distance. Higher resolution also means larger recordings, so allow for more storage.
Do I need a recorder for IP cameras?
Not always, as many IP cameras can record to a microSD card or stream to an app. A recorder (NVR) is still the better choice for several cameras, because it stores footage in one place and keeps recording around the clock. Check that the cameras and recorder are compatible before buying.
