Video surveillance cameras in our range include IP network cameras, wireless and battery cameras, analogue HDCVI cameras, video recorders, video doorbells and camera accessories. They suit homes, shops, offices and larger sites. Our range has over 2,000 products, including cameras from Hikvision, Axis, Dahua and Reolink.
How to choose a surveillance camera
Wired or wireless. Wired IP cameras are often powered over the network cable (PoE), so video and power travel on one cable and the connection does not depend on Wi-Fi signal. Wireless and battery cameras are easier to install where running a cable is difficult, but the batteries need recharging from time to time.
Resolution and field of view. Higher resolution makes it easier to recognise faces and number plates, but recordings take up more storage. A wide-angle lens covers a larger area, while a narrower one shows more detail on a distant subject.
Indoor or outdoor use. A camera used outside needs protection against dust and water, shown by an IP rating such as IP66 or IP67. Night vision matters too: infrared lighting gives a black-and-white image in the dark, and some models add a light for colour footage.
Recording and storage. Footage can be saved to a memory card in the camera, to a network video recorder (NVR) or to the cloud. A recorder is more convenient for a system with several cameras, while a single camera often manages with a microSD card. Cloud services are sometimes charged separately, so check this before buying.
Mounting position. Our range includes cameras designed for ceiling, wall or pole mounting, as well as models that stand on a desk. Dome cameras are usually fixed under a ceiling, while bullet cameras are mounted on a wall.
Brands in our range
- Hikvision and Dahua: two of the largest video surveillance manufacturers in the world, offering IP cameras, recorders and accessories within one system.
- Axis: a Swedish company credited with creating the first network camera, focused on professional systems.
- Verkada: cameras are managed through a cloud platform, which is why they are mostly chosen by businesses and multi-site organisations.
- Ubiquiti: cameras work with UniFi Protect software and suit anyone who already uses UniFi network equipment.
- Reolink and TP-Link: cameras for homes and small businesses, including PoE and wireless models, with TP-Link offering its Tapo and VIGI series.
- Imou and EZVIZ: consumer brands linked to Dahua and Hikvision respectively, mainly offering Wi-Fi cameras for the home.
Also in our range: Foscam, Anker and Bosch. The subcategories cover IP network cameras, wireless and battery cameras, recorders, analogue HDCVI cameras, video doorbells and mounting and other accessories.
Frequently asked questions
Do IP cameras need a video recorder?
Not always. A single IP camera can record to a memory card or to the cloud. A recorder is needed when there are several cameras and you want all recordings stored in one place, separate from the cameras themselves.
What is a PoE camera?
A PoE camera is powered through the same network cable that carries its video. It needs no separate power lead, but it does need a PoE switch, a recorder with PoE ports or a PoE injector. This is handy for outdoor cameras where there is no socket nearby.
Does a battery camera need Wi-Fi?
Most battery cameras send video to your phone over Wi-Fi or through a separate base station. Some can still record to a memory card without a connection, but remote viewing will not work. Check how a specific model stores its footage before buying.
What resolution is enough for a home camera?
For most homes, 2 MP (Full HD) is enough if the camera watches a small area such as an entrance or a room. For a larger yard or a parking area, 4 MP or more is a better choice, because details stay clearer when you zoom in on the footage.
