Which camera surveillance should you buy in 2025?
, by Armia Ghali, 11 min reading time
"How much does a camera surveillance system cost?" It's one of the first and most important questions we get. However, the answer isn't as simple as a single number. Camera surveillance prices can range from less than a hundred euros for a single Wi-Fi camera to tens of thousands of euros for an integrated system for a large commercial building. This enormous bandwidth makes it difficult for consumers and business owners to determine a realistic budget.
Costs aren't determined solely by the number of cameras, but by a complex interplay of technology, installation, storage, and intelligence. In this ultimate 2025 pricing guide, we break down the cost of camera surveillance down to the individual components. We divide the market into clear segments, from a basic DIY kit to a professionally installed AI system, so you know exactly what you're getting for your money and which investment best suits your security needs.
More Than Just the Camera: The 5 Big Cost Factors
Before we dive into the pricing tables, it's essential to understand where the costs come from. The price of a camera system is determined by five main elements:
- Camera Type and Number: A basic 2MP Wi-Fi camera costs less than an 8K PTZ camera with 45x zoom. The number of cameras is a direct multiplier.
- Resolution and Sensor: Higher resolutions (4MP, 5MP, 8MP/4K) cost more. Specialized sensors like Starlight for color night vision or full-color further increase the price.
- Storage method: A separate SD card is inexpensive. A Network Video Recorder (NVR) with several terabytes of storage requires a larger initial investment, but offers greater capacity and functionality. Cloud storage has a monthly fee.
- Intelligence (AI): Basic motion detection is free. Advanced AI such as WizSense (vehicle and person recognition) or WizMind (facial recognition, "people counting") represents a higher technological value and therefore a higher price.
- Installation: DIY installation saves money on labor, but professional installation guarantees proper operation, optimal placement and reliability.
Segment 1: The Do-it-Yourself Starter (Budget: €100 - €400)
This segment is perfect for those looking for an easy way to get started with camera security. Think of monitoring an apartment's front door, a backyard shed, or an interior space. The focus is on convenience and low initial costs.
Features:
- 1 to 2 cameras
- Mostly WiFi cameras for ease of installation
- Resolution from 2MP (Full HD) to 4MP
- Storage primarily on an SD card in the camera
- Installation is completely Do-It-Yourself (DIY)
Dahua IPC-HFW1430DT-STW 4MP WiFi Camera
Entry-level model with 4MP resolution and a built-in microphone. H.265+ compression, easily installed via the app.
| Element | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| 1-2 WiFi Cameras (4MP) | €100 - €250 |
| 2x MicroSD Card (128GB) | €40 - €60 |
| Installation costs | €0 (DIY) |
| Total Initial Cost | €140 - €310 |
Segment 2: The Solid Family Home (Budget: €800 - €2,000)
This is the most popular segment for owners of terraced houses and semi-detached houses. The focus is on a reliable, complete system that covers all vulnerable points (front and back, driveway). Stability is more important here than ease of installation, so PoE (Power over Ethernet) is the standard.
Features:
- 3 to 4 cameras
- PoE connection for maximum reliability
- Resolution from 4MP to 5MP
- Central storage on a 4- or 8-channel Network Video Recorder (NVR) with 1TB-2TB storage
- Installation can be DIY for the handy user, but professional installation is recommended.
A Complete 4-Camera PoE Set
For example, two Dahua 4MP Turrets for the front and rear, supplemented with dome/bullet models.
| Element | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| 4-channel PoE NVR with 2TB HDD | €300 - €500 |
| 4x 4/5MP PoE Cameras | €400 - €800 |
| Cabling (UTP) and mounting material | €50 - €100 |
| Installation costs (optional) | €400 - €700 |
| Total Initial Cost | €750 - €2,100 |
Segment 3: The SME & The Demanding Homeowner (Budget: €2,000 - €5,000)
This segment focuses on small businesses (shops, offices) or owners of detached houses with large plots. Higher demands are placed on image quality (4K), night vision, and intelligence (AI). The goal is not just recording, but also proactive detection and analysis.
Features:
- 4 to 8 cameras
- PoE only
- 8MP (4K) resolution is the standard
- Cameras with advanced features: TiOC (active deterrent) , Full-color/Starlight night vision
- 8-channel NVR with 4TB+ storage
- Professional installation is the standard
Dahua IPC-HFW3849T1-AS-PV-PRO 8MP TiOC
4K TiOC with WizSense AI and active deterrence (siren + strobe). Proactive detection instead of just recording.
| Element | Estimated Costs |
|---|---|
| 8-channel PoE NVR with 4TB HDD | €500 - €900 |
| 6x 8MP (4K) AI Cameras | €1,200 - €2,400 |
| Professional Installation & Configuration | €800 - €1,400 |
| Total Initial Cost | €2,500 - €4,700 |
Segment 4: Professional & Business (Budget: €5,000+)
This is the domain of larger commercial buildings, parking lots, homeowners' associations, and critical infrastructure. Costs here are determined by the need for specialized cameras, advanced video analytics, and integration with other systems.
Features:
- 8 to 32+ cameras
- Mix of specialized cameras: PTZ cameras , panoramic cameras , thermal cameras
- High-end AI: WizMind with features such as AcuPick, ANPR and 'people counting'
- Powerful 16/32-channel NVRs with redundant storage (RAID)
- Integration with alarm systems and access control
The Cost of Installation: DIY vs. Professional Installer
💡 Pro Tip: Don't underestimate the installation
The most common mistake is investing in expensive cameras and skimping on installation. A poorly placed 4K camera with backlighting will produce worse images than a well-placed 4MP camera. Professional installation is an investment in the effectiveness of your system.
Do-It-Yourself (DIY):
- Cost: €50 - €150 for tools, cables and mounting materials.
- Advantages: Savings on labor costs.
- Disadvantages: Risk of incorrect placement (backlight, wrong angle), incorrect configuration, no warranty, time-consuming.
Professional Installer:
- Cost: Average €150 - €250 per camera , including cabling, mounting and basic configuration.
- Benefits: Optimal camera placement, neat cabling, correct NVR/app configuration, warranty and advice.
- Disadvantages: Higher initial cost.
Hidden & Recurring Charges: What to Watch Out For
Beware of the 'Subscription Trap'
Many consumer brands lure customers with cheap hardware, but then require an expensive monthly cloud subscription to use essential features. An NVR system has no mandatory monthly fees.
- Cloud Storage: €3–€10 per camera per month.
- Power consumption: 4-camera PoE system ~ €50–€100 per year.
- Maintenance: Optional, annual check-up €100–€200.
Return on Investment (ROI)
CCTV isn't an expense, but an investment in safety and peace of mind. This investment can pay for itself in several ways.
💰 Insurance Discounts & Damage Prevention
- 5–15% discount on your home contents/building insurance with professionally installed systems.
- Average financial damage from a home burglary in the Netherlands ≈ €2,300 .
- Preventing one burglary can immediately pay for a mid-range system.
For businesses, preventing one theft can yield an ROI of hundreds of percent.
Conclusion: What is a Realistic Budget for You?
- Basic security (1–2 points): €150–€400 (DIY WiFi kit).
- Complete, reliable home security: €1,200–€2,000 (PoE, often incl. installation).
- Business/large home with advanced needs: from €2,500 , depending on complexity and specialized cameras.
Would you like an exact price for your situation?
Our experts are happy to prepare a no-obligation, customized quote based on your specific wishes, property, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a basic DIY camera surveillance system cost?
Typically between €150 and €400 for 1–2 WiFi cameras with SD card, depending on resolution and storage.
How much does a professionally installed system cost for a home?
A PoE set with 3–4 cameras typically costs €1,200–€2,000 including installation.
Are there any recurring costs?
Optional: cloud storage €3–€10 p/m per camera , power consumption €50–€100 p/y , maintenance if necessary.
DIY or professional installation?
DIY saves money, but professional installation often results in better placement, neat wiring and correct configuration.
What is a realistic budget for a business or large home?
Expect to pay €2,500+ , depending on the number of cameras, AI features, and integrations.
