CCTV questions, answered

Most homes start with three to five cameras covering the front door, driveway or garage, side access and the back yard. Small businesses often add a counter view and a rear door. Start from the entry points and what you most want to see, then add coverage. See how many security cameras do I need.

Higher resolution gives more detail when you zoom in, but it also uses more storage and bandwidth. The lens and where you place the camera matter as much as the pixel count. Choose resolution for the job each camera has, such as recognising a face at a door versus watching a wide yard. See camera resolution and lens choice.

It depends on how quickly you would notice a problem and any obligations you have. Many homes keep a few weeks, and some businesses keep longer. Storage is sized around the number of cameras, recording quality and the days you want to retain. See how much storage does CCTV need.

No. A recorder records to its own hard drive without internet. You need a connection only for remote viewing and phone notifications. If the connection is slow, live viewing may be limited, but recording continues. See viewing cameras remotely safely.

On compatible systems, human detection is designed to identify people rather than simply detecting movement, which can reduce alerts from animals, trees and rain. It is not perfect, and results depend on the selected camera, the recorder and the lighting. AI features vary between models. See Dahua AI detection features explained.

Surveillance law differs by state and territory. In general, audio is treated more strictly than video, signage and notifying staff matter, and cameras should not look into toilets, change rooms or a neighbour's private areas. This is general information, not legal advice, so check your own state's rules. See signage, privacy and neighbours.

Sometimes. Existing cameras may work with a new recorder if they are compatible, for example through a common standard such as ONVIF, but older analogue cameras and mixed brands can limit features. AI detection generally depends on compatible cameras and recorders. An installer can check what you have before you decide. See NVR vs DVR.

Wired PoE cameras are generally more dependable because one cable carries power and data, and they do not rely on wifi signal. Wireless suits places where cabling is impractical, but signal quality and power still need planning. See wired PoE vs wifi cameras.

It should list the cameras and recorder by model, the storage size, cabling and installation, network and remote access setup, user training and what support follows. It should also say which AI features the selected equipment offers. Vague quotes make comparisons difficult. See what a CCTV quote should include.

Usually the system owner holds the recordings on their own recorder, and they are responsible for how it is stored, shared and used. Privacy and surveillance rules can apply to how footage is handled. This is general information, not legal advice. Ask your installer how access and sharing are set up. See CCTV laws in Australia.

AI detects, flags and helps locate events. It does not guarantee anything, prevent crime or replace a person watching. Poor light, bad angles, distance and weather can all reduce accuracy, and features vary by camera and recorder. People still decide what to do with an alert. See Dahua AI detection features explained.

Often, yes, with the right planning. Remote sites usually need a mobile data link, a way to power the equipment reliably and a system that records locally. Video quality and alert speed depend on signal strength and power supply. Ask for a site assessment first. See wired PoE vs wifi cameras.

Outdoor cameras are built for weather, but salt air, humidity, heat, dust and storms still wear on equipment. Sealed cable entries, sheltered mounting, sensible ratings and surge protection help. Conditions differ a lot by region. See Locations for local notes.

It should be. A good installer checks every camera view, night image, recording, playback, remote access and phone alerts before handover. Ask what testing is included, and ask to see an alert arrive on your phone. See what a CCTV quote should include.

DMSS is Dahua's mobile app for connecting a smartphone or tablet to a Dahua system. It supports live viewing, playback, event notifications and device sharing, and on compatible systems more features such as alarm control and video intercom. See what is DMSS.

Most professional systems use one. The NVR records the cameras, stores footage on surveillance hard drives, manages playback and connects the system to DMSS for remote viewing. Some AI analytics run on the recorder, depending on the equipment. See Dahua NVR explained.

Yes, on compatible systems DMSS supports sharing device access with other people. You can decide who needs live view, playback or alerts. Review who has access from time to time, especially when staff change. See what is DMSS.

The recorder keeps recording to its local hard drive. You lose remote viewing and phone alerts until the connection returns, and you can review the footage afterwards. A backup mobile connection can help for important sites. See viewing cameras remotely safely.