Wired home CCTV systems
These are the most common and cheapest type of camera, where a wire connects directly from the camera to the monitor. The trade-off is that it is relatively difficult to install.

Wireless home CCTV systems
With this type of system, cameras transmit images to your computer, tablet or mobile phone, using analogue or digital technology. Many smart security cameras link to an app that you can use to monitor your home while you’re out and about. Digital cameras are generally higher quality, but more expensive. Wireless systems can also suffer from interference from devices such as routers, cordless phones and microwaves, and can be blocked by heavy masonry or metal objects. Your filming may also be interrupted if your internet connection is lost.

IP CCTV system
These are cameras that use your network or internet portal (IP) to send images to your computer’s router, allowing you to access the footage over the internet from remote locations.

Outdoor home CCTV cameras
If you use CCTV cameras outside, make sure they’re weatherproof and have the recommended IP rating of 66. Wireless cameras are available, but you’ll still have to run a cable to a power source. Cameras need to be positioned where they can’t be tampered with, but are accessible for maintenance and cleaning. You can buy vandal-proof cameras, but these usually cost more. Indoor home CCTV cameras Indoor CCTV cameras come in three types: wired, wireless, and powerline networked (these plug into your electrical sockets and transmit images to a storage device). Wireless cameras are not recommended inside the home unless the signal is encrypted, because anyone within range and using a suitable receiver would be able to view the images.