Hikvision Buyer Guide (CCTV Cameras & Recorders)

Hikvision is one of the most trusted names in CCTV, offering reliable security cameras and recorders for homes, offices, retail units, warehouses and larger commercial sites. Whether you’re upgrading an existing system or installing a brand new setup, choosing the right Hikvision products comes down to a few key factors: camera type, image quality, night performance, power method, and recording options.

If you’re ready to browse, view the full range here:

Hikvision Collection: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/hikvision

1) Choose the right camera type

Hikvision offers several camera styles depending on where you’re installing them:

Turret cameras

A popular all-round choice for indoor and outdoor use. Turrets are compact, easy to angle during installation, and typically give excellent night-time performance.

Bullet cameras

Ideal for outdoor areas like driveways, yards and car parks. Bullets are more visible as a deterrent and often have longer-range infrared.

Dome cameras

Great for indoor ceilings and commercial spaces. Domes are more tamper-resistant and look tidy, making them popular in shops and offices.

PTZ cameras (Pan, Tilt & Zoom)

Designed for larger areas where you need control and coverage. PTZ models can track movement, zoom in on details, and patrol wide spaces like warehouses and perimeters.

👉 Browse all camera options here:

CCTV Cameras: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/cctv-cameras

2) Pick the best resolution for your needs

Resolution affects how clear faces, vehicle number plates and fine detail appear on playback.

• 
  2MP (1080p): Budget-friendly and still very usable for general coverage
  
• 
  4MP: A strong balance of cost and clarity (popular for homes and small businesses)
  
• 
  8MP (4K): Best for maximum detail and wider viewing areas (excellent for driveways and entrances)
  

If you want maximum detail, start here:

Hikvision 8MP (4K) Cameras: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/hikvision-8mp-4k-cameras

3) Night vision: IR vs ColourVu (full colour at night)

Most CCTV systems need to perform after dark, so it’s important to choose the right night technology:

IR Night Vision (black & white at night)

Infrared is common on many cameras and works well for general monitoring.

Hikvision ColourVu (colour at night)

ColourVu is ideal for areas where colour detail matters (clothing, vehicles, and identifying features). It’s especially useful for:

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  driveways and front doors
  
• 
  shop fronts and entrances
  
• 
  low-light areas with minimal street lighting
  

✅ Shop ColourVu models here:

Hikvision ColourVu Cameras: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/hikvision-colorvu-cameras

4) Smarter detection with AcuSense (reduce false alerts)

If you want fewer unnecessary notifications and more accurate detection, choose Hikvision models with AcuSense technology. These cameras and recorders can help distinguish humans and vehicles, reducing false triggers from:

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  moving trees and bushes
  
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  shadows and headlights
  
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  rain or insects near the lens
  

AcuSense is a great upgrade if you rely on motion alerts and want the system to be genuinely useful.

5) Decide how you want to record footage: NVR, DVR, or a full kit

Hikvision supports multiple recording setups depending on your site and existing equipment.

NVR (Network Video Recorder) – for IP camera systems

Best for newer installs and higher resolutions. IP systems often use PoE (Power over Ethernet) for simpler cabling.

View ready-to-go setups here:

NVR CCTV Kits: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/nvr-cctv-kits

DVR (Digital Video Recorder) – for analogue / coax systems

Common in older installs or budget upgrades where you’re reusing coax cable runs.

Browse recorders here:

CCTV NVR/DVR’s: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/cctv-nvr-dvr-s

Complete CCTV kits (all-in-one)

If you want the easiest way to build a system, a kit is usually best (camera(s), recorder, and core setup options).

Shop kits here:

CCTV Kits: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/cctv-kits

6) Want an easy IP camera bundle? (multi-camera packs)

If you’re covering a full property and want multiple matching cameras, camera packs are a great option for installers and DIY customers.

Browse bundles here:

IP Camera Packs: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/ip-camera-packs

7) Storage sizing: don’t forget your hard drive

Recording time depends on:

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  number of cameras
  
• 
  resolution (2MP / 4MP / 8MP)
  
• 
  frame rate settings
  
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  recording mode (24/7 vs motion-based)
  
• 
  compression (H.265 uses less space)
  

If you want more days of storage, you’ll usually need a larger HDD.

Shop CCTV hard drives here:

Hard Drives: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/hard-drives

8) Useful extras to complete your CCTV setup

Many customers choose to add a screen for a dedicated viewing station (especially in offices, warehouses, and receptions).

Browse display options here:

CCTV Monitors: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/cctv-monitors

Need help choosing the right Hikvision system?

If you’re not sure which Hikvision camera or recorder is best for your setup, we can help you match the right products based on:

• 
  property type (home, retail, office, industrial)
  
• 
  indoor/outdoor coverage
  
• 
  night-time lighting
  
• 
  number of cameras
  
• 
  required storage time
  

Start browsing here:

Hikvision Collection: https://www.bcedirect.co.uk/collections/hikvision