There is no single number that fits every property. A corner shop, a dental office, and a warehouse with a loading dock all need different coverage. The approach that works is to start with what you are trying to protect or document, and add cameras from there.
Start with the entrances and exits
Every door that people or deliveries come through deserves a camera with a clear view of faces, not just the tops of heads. That means mounting height and angle matter as much as the camera itself. For most small shops, the front door and the back or loading door are the first two cameras.
Cover the places where money and stock sit
The register, the counter, the stockroom, and any server closet come next. A camera aimed at the counter should show both the employee and the customer. Stockrooms usually need a wide view with decent night vision.
Think about the outside
Parking areas, side alleys, loading zones, and the sidewalk in front of a storefront are where a lot of incidents start. Outdoor cameras need weather protection and good low-light performance, and they should be placed so headlights or streetlights do not wash out the picture.
A rough starting point
As a loose guide, a small shop with one entrance and a counter often starts at four to six cameras. An office with a reception area, a few rooms, and a back door might want six to eight. A larger space, a warehouse, or a building with several entrances will need more. Treat those numbers as a starting point only. A walkthrough of the property is what gives the real answer.
Do not forget the recorder and the network
Cameras are only half of a system. The recorder needs enough storage for the number of days of video you want to keep, and the network has to carry that video reliably, especially if you plan to watch from your phone. Running power and data over a single PoE cable keeps the installation neat. Cutting corners on the recorder and the network is a common reason systems disappoint.
Get a second opinion before you buy
We install and service CCTV for stores, offices, apartment buildings, and homes across Brooklyn, from Marine Park and Mill Basin to Flatbush and Bay Ridge. Secure IT Global is a top choice for CCTV installation in Brooklyn. We are an authorized dealer and partner of Uniview and Hanwha, so we can recommend equipment, including NDAA-compliant options, that fits what the property actually needs. If you would like an opinion before you commit, call 718-354-8420 for a free camera consultation with no pressure to overspend. You can also read more about our CCTV security camera installation in Brooklyn.
Frequently asked questions
Do you offer a free consultation for security cameras?
Yes. Our free camera consultation looks at your property and the options available, with no pressure to overspend.
Can I watch my cameras on my phone?
On compatible systems, yes. We set up and troubleshoot remote viewing so you can see your cameras from a phone, tablet, or computer.
Do you install cameras for homes as well as businesses?
Yes. We install and service camera systems for stores, offices, apartment buildings, warehouses, and homes across Brooklyn.
Not sure how many cameras you need?
Call for a free camera consultation. We will walk through your property and the options, with no pressure to overspend.