When buying CCTV cameras, consider their purpose first. What do you intend to use them for? Where do you intend to install them (indoor/outdoor)? Indoor cameras have poor weather rating (water/dust/heat resistance) and are strictly intended for indoor use. Outdoor cameras, on the other hand, are built to withstand extreme weather conditions. Some outdoor cameras are even bullet and vandal proof. Outdoor cameras can also be used indoors (not vice versa).

The second factor to consider is budget. There are so many good CCTV cameras out there. With the emergence of AI, more and more manufacturers are now making SMART CCTV cameras targeting the Home Automation industry. These new smart cameras offer smooth integration in various smart home ecosystems (Apple Home, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung Smart Things, Home Assistant, etc.). However, most of these new smart cameras are not cheap. Look for alternatives before committing your money.

The third factor is type of cameras. Do you want Analog or Digital? Analog is cheaper and less complex to install but has poor image resolution. Furthermore, analog cameras offer little or no scalability. Digital cameras (Network/IP) are complex to install but offer better flexbility and produce high resolution images. If you intend to use CCTV footage as evidence of crime in future (God forbid!), then go for digital cameras. However, a digital CCTV camera system is not cheap.

Lastly, brand loyalty/reputation can also be a factor. I always tell my friends "before you buy any electronic gadget, check for online customer reviews first. Don't buy anything that doesn't have a recognizable name. Use name and model number to check on google." Similarly, don't buy a CCTV camera unless you check online. Most impontantly, don't fall for these cheap unnamed WiFi CCTV cameras. Most of them claim to be 4K or even 8K when, in fact, they're less than 720p! In Malawi, reputable brands which are also readily available are Dahua and Hikvision. There are other reputable brands like Axis, Unifi, Cisco etc but they're more expensive and not readily available in Malawi.

These are just some of the factors but there are many. Other factors may include Hidden/Spy/Discrete, Night Vision (Infrared or Colour Night Vision), Artificial Intelligence, Wired or Wireless, PoE or separate power cord, Built-in flash lights, SD Card slot for local storage, Built-in siren, 2-Way audio capabilities, and Solar/Battery-powered or not.