Recommendations for Retail store security camera system

[classical_buff]

Have any of you have experience with cctv/security camera for retail store.

Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Fizz]

Cameras and DVRs/NVRs are basically a commodity now. To be clear, I'm an IT guy, not a camera/security guy, but I can steer you generally in the right direction.

That it's a 'retail store' is less important that the qualities of the system.

How many locations do you want to observe?
What viewing angle do you need to observe at each location? (super wide angles show more content, but distorts the quality within what he does observe)
How long in history do you want to be able to 'look back'?
What level of quality do you need? (need to be able to read license plates in pitch black parking lot?)
What's your budget?
Do you need this content redundant with the cloud/internet, in case the DVR/NVR gets stolen or damaged?

Whatever you do, stay away from wireless systems, they're not worth the upfront convenience for the long term headache.

Anyway, companies that install these systems, and will quote/prospect your security needs are ubiquitous. If you don't know how to answer the above, get help from someone who can help you in person.

[classical_buff]

You are right of course.

Just for one location and 1 to 5 days at most.
It's for small retail store that sell a lot of small items (low cost items).

Just a lot of teenagers and young people stealing stuff that they could probably afford to pay for them.

I was leaning toward wired system anyhow. Wireless sounds great and convenient but you can't get something for nothing!

[dC0m]

A big question; what's your budget?

In my previous retail operations, we've installed local CCTV (simple Swann systems with 3 - 4 cameras recording in 4k) which can be had for $400 - $500 on sale. Nowadays, there's crazy fancy systems with 6 - 8 cameras, 4K, wireless cameras, Nightvision, and even Thermal in some setups (don't quote me on this).

After seeing one in action in my previous job, I opted for the same system (a bit fancier) in my own home with 8 cameras. Upgraded the Hard Drive to 3TB (easy job) and they now record the front of my house 24/7. Was closer to $700 all said and done, but that was also a few years back before all of this chip shortage baloney...

[dC0m]

You may want to consider play back ability - most DVRs have software where you can view footage remotely. A lot of the new stuff have cloud integration where it can be backed up to a Dropbox or NFS (so long as the internet is not out) and you can pull up clips any time.

I have a Ring-style doorbell that only records in 12-second bits, but I usually pull up my surveillance through a separate app for clarity when I get alerts on my phone.

[67Cuda]

There's a liquor store in town that has one where the sale is tied in and recorded. Price, total and change. Something to consider.

[the_tunaman]

Swann sucks IMHO - I had one in my last house, and the interface and app are horrible.

My neighbor bought a Lorex system, and it was far better. Great resolution, great night vision, integrated lights, and a much better interface.

I’ll probably be doing one myself next time around.

[Rivers]

I installed a Lorex system that a client had purchased from Costco. The system was 4K and images were very sharp. Sadly, the interface wasn’t very intuitive and the customer service/tech support was painfully slow. To me, not worth the cheap price.

I’m in the process of installing my third system from Security Camera Warehouse. My previous home had 12 cameras, 10 outside and two inside. All 1080P (2015). Now I’ll have 16, all 4K with 10TB drives. If I have a problem, SCW has great support. No, not Costco prices but fair and definitely worth the extra. Definitely get PoE wired. Don’t get anything wireless as a $10 device can jam it. https://www.getscw.com/

[67Roadster]

Check out Ubiquiti

Check out Ubiquiti's Protect system.

No monthly fees like Ring

You can set it on record always or motion detect

https://ui.com/camera-security

[tvl]

We have (30) 8MP/4K POE (power over Ethernet) cameras from these folks. Most of these cameras are outside and have held up well. I can vouch for these.

https://www.ltsecurityinc.com/

[tay]

Also, big vote for Ubiquiti's Protect system
- Very prosumer-based product

Cosumer based: Reolink