Prosumer CCTV vs DIY CCTV Systems

Nowadays, CCTVs are a necessity for every home and office. Are you planning to get a CCTV installed at your property? Like most buyers, you too may feel overwhelmed with the hundreds of results that CCTV purchases throw up in a search engine. You may also end up more confused if you talk to any friend or relative about CCTV installation. With numerous low-cost DIY CCTV camera systems available, you will be tempted to buy and install them yourself. But are they a cost-effective solution for you?

Both DIY CCTV systems and prosumer CCTVs have their pros and cons. DIY CCTV systems are for regular consumers with limited surveillance and security requirements. Meanwhile, the prosumer CCTVs are meant for Professional Consumers (Pro + consumer) and can be used in both homes and small businesses. They are far superior and reliable than DIY systems.

As a buyer, you have to decide between the cost of the system, its value, and your requirements. A DIY can be installed by anyone who has basic knowledge and skills in setting up gadgets. There are tons of videos that can help you learn how to set up a DIY System. As many DIY CCTV system advertisements illustrate, the system is virtually “plug and play” and is a breeze to install. However, Prosumer grade CCTVs require professional installation with hardwired fitting. This may be slightly costly and time-consuming but the results are definitely worth it.

Here are a few of the factors to consider before deciding on a prosumer CCTV or a DIY CCTV:

• Build quality: While we have nothing against DIY CCTVs or their quality, they cannot be compared to a high-tech prosumer CCTV that experts recommend for new properties and small commercial enterprises. DIY CCTVs sold in the market are usually above average but are not high-quality products. They are mass-produced to cater to a price-sensitive market and offer a cheap alternative that is easy to use.
• Picture quality: The picture quality of a high-tech prosumer CCTV is far superior than a low-cost CCTV. No matter how good a DIY kit is or how easily you can install it, you will find that its picture quality is lower than that of a prosumer CCTV camera. This is because a prosumer CCTV camera has much more advanced settings to adjust the picture quality.
• Network security: You cannot expect strong network security with a low-priced DIY CCTV kit. This makes it vulnerable to hacking. It also exposes you to data interference, data leaks or shutdown and failure of the unit when you need it most. A prosumer CCTV comes with better network security and cannot be easily hacked or tampered with. This ensures that your sensitive recordings are not leaked, erased or interfered with.
• Ease of configuration: Let’s admit it; we all are not tech-savvy, barring a few people. The advantage of the DIY CCTV system is that even if you are not a skilled techie and have no prior installation experience in CCTV, you can follow the instructions and install a DIY CCTV kit at your home or office. This is unlike Prosumer CCTVs which can be handled and properly installed only by experts or experienced users.
• Ease of use: DIY CCTV systems are easy to use upon installation. Most of the DIY kits are “plug and play”, which means that you can use them easily. The disadvantage is that the quality of cameras and lack of proper installation may not give you the foolproof security that you want. The prosumer CCTV, on the other hand, can take some time to get used to. However, it offers greater options to view and record footage with more storage space.
• Ongoing required maintenance: When you install a DIY CCTV system, you do not get after-sales support. CCTVs require regular maintenance that is seldom provided with a DIY CCTV kit. However, most prosumer CCTV come with maintenance and support kits for their upkeep.
• Audio barred: DIY CCTV system records audio footage which can be an invasion of others privacy of others and it often not feasible to turn off the audio. Prosumer CCTV kits come with a “no audio” option, and you can get the audio included only with special permission for the same.

Some of the top brands in DIY CCTVs are Arlo, Eufy, HiLook, Imou, Nest and Ring. The top brands of the prosumer CCTV category are Dahua, Hanwha, Hikvision, Tiandy, Uniview, Wisenet, Dorani, Ubiquiti and VIP Vision.

Be it a DIY CCTV system or a professionally installed ProsumerCCTV, both have their advantages and disadvantages. It all comes down to personal preference, budget and requirements.

When to Choose DIY CCTV Camera Systems?

A DIY CCTV is a good option if you need:

• A cheaper device
• A simple security system
• Have basic experience to install your CCTV
• Medium or low-quality footage is acceptable

When to Choose Prosumer CCTVs?

A prosumer CCTV system is a great choice if you are looking for:

• A high-quality device
• Want excellent footage
• A better security system
• Require customisable CCTVs

Alkatech 24/7 is among the most trusted suppliers and installers of high-quality CCTVs in Frankston and South Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne. You can call us on  03 9775 6745/0444 591 527 or send us an email at info@alkatech247.com.au for a face-to-face meeting with our team. They can visit your home or office and suggest the best CCTV options for you.