How to choose a security camera or dash cam
8 Oct 2026
A good camera is the one that records what you need, clearly, when you need it. This guide covers security cameras (home and shop) and dash cams.
Security cameras
1. Resolution
2 megapixels (1080p) is enough for most homes and small shops. 4 or 5 megapixels give clearer faces and number plates from further away, but need more storage.
2. Night vision
Infrared gives a black and white picture in the dark. Some cameras offer colour night vision with a supplementary light, which shows more detail.
3. Indoor or outdoor?
For outdoor installation choose a camera that is waterproof and dustproof, rated IP66 or higher.
4. Wired or Wi-Fi?
- Wired with a recorder (DVR or NVR): more stable and reliable, good for shops and several cameras.
- Wi-Fi: easier to install for one or two cameras, and depends on signal strength.
5. Storage
Recording goes to a memory card, to a hard drive in the recorder, or to the cloud on subscription. The higher the resolution and the more cameras, the fewer days a drive keeps. Use a drive made for surveillance.
6. Useful features
Motion detection with a phone alert, remote viewing in an app, and two-way audio to talk through the camera.
7. Privacy
Point cameras only at your own property and avoid filming places that are private to others.
Dash cams
- Resolution: 1080p minimum, 2K or 4K for clearer detail such as number plates.
- Night performance: choose a good sensor and WDR or HDR.
- Loop recording writes over the oldest clips automatically, and a G-sensor protects the crash clip from being overwritten.
- Front only or front and rear: a rear camera adds coverage.
- Parking mode records while the car is parked and usually needs a permanent power connection.
- Memory card: use a high-endurance card of 64–128GB, and replace it every so often.
