At a glance: the Zenith Security Co CCTV kit builder is a free online tool for building a complete, compatible CCTV system. Choose Dahua, HiLook by Hikvision, Hikvision or Uniview cameras (IP or HD over coax, up to 64 cameras), and it matches the recorder, hard drive, PoE switches or power supplies, and cables, using live UK prices and stock. Finished kits go straight to the basket, or can be sent to our Wolverhampton team to check.
Watch: build a CCTV kit in 60 seconds
How our CCTV kit builder works
Most CCTV kits are fixed bundles: four of the same camera, one recorder, one drive. Our kit builder lets you build your own CCTV kit instead, with the cameras you actually need, and then matches everything else to them so the system works first time.
- Pick a brand. Dahua, HiLook, Hikvision or Uniview. Each kit stays within one brand so the cameras, app and recorder all talk to each other.
- Choose IP or HD over coax. IP for new installs, HD over coax to reuse existing coax cable.
- Choose your cameras. Mix turrets, bullets and domes, 2MP to 12MP, colour-at-night or infrared. Type in a quantity or use the + buttons.
- We match the recorder. Only recorders with enough channels for all your cameras, and that can record your highest-resolution camera, are offered. Anything that can't handle your mix is hidden.
- Power, storage and cables. We add Ruijie PoE switches if the recorder can't power every IP camera, suggest power supplies for coax cameras, size the hard drive for the days you want to keep, and add 20 m cables.
- Add the whole kit to your basket in one click, or send it to us to check first.
Prices and stock are taken live from our warehouse every time the page loads, so the total you see is the price you pay, and anything out of stock isn't offered.
Which brand should I choose for my CCTV kit?
Dahua
WizSense cameras with AI person and vehicle detection, and full-colour night vision. The widest range in the builder, with NVRs up to 64 channels. See all Dahua CCTV.
HiLook by Hikvision
Hikvision's value range: simple, reliable cameras and recorders that are easy to set up. A good choice for homes and small shops. See HiLook CCTV.
Hikvision
ColorVu colour night vision and AcuSense smart alerts. Zenith Security Co is verified by Hikvision UK as an Authorised Distributor/Wholesaler. Trade prices: open a trade account. See Hikvision CCTV.
Uniview
Strong low-light cameras with smart detection and a wide choice of NVRs and XVRs. Trade-priced, like Hikvision. See Uniview CCTV.
IP or HD over coax?
IP (network) CCTV uses one network cable per camera for both power and video (PoE). It gives the sharpest pictures, the best smart detection and the most room to grow, so it's the right choice for most new installs. Recorders are NVRs; see our network video recorders.
HD over coax (HDCVI, HD-TVI and AHD) runs over RG59 coax. If you're replacing an old analogue system, you can usually keep the existing cable and save a lot of labour. Recorders are DVRs or XVRs; see our digital video recorders.
How many cameras can a CCTV kit have?
The builder goes up to 64 cameras on one recorder. The limit for each brand depends on the largest recorder we have in stock: currently up to 64 channels for Dahua IP, 32 for most HD-over-coax ranges, and 16 for HiLook and Uniview IP. Leave a few spare channels if you might add cameras later.
For IP kits, check the PoE ports. A 4-port PoE NVR powers four cameras; anything beyond that needs a PoE switch. The builder works this out for you and adds the right number of Ruijie Reyee PoE switches (4, 8, 16 or 24 ports), which you can change or remove.
How much hard drive storage do I need?
Storage depends on the number of cameras, their resolution, how many days you keep and whether you record all the time or only on movement. With H.265 compression, these are good starting points for 30 days:
| Cameras | Recording all the time | Recording on movement |
|---|
| 4 × 4MP | about 4 TB | about 2 TB |
| 8 × 4MP or 4 × 8MP (4K) | about 8 TB | about 3 TB |
| 16 × 4MP or 8 × 8MP (4K) | about 16 TB | about 6 TB |
The builder calculates this for your exact cameras and days, recommends a surveillance drive, and adds more than one drive if a single drive isn't enough.
Power for HD-over-coax cameras
HD-over-coax cameras need 12V power. The builder offers a 4-way in-line power supply, one for every four cameras. If your recorder has PoC (power over coax) ports, PoC cameras plugged into them are powered by the recorder instead. See our CCTV power supplies.
Prefer a ready-made CCTV kit?
If you'd rather pick a complete package, browse our CCTV kits: IP CCTV kits, HD analogue kits and Hikvision ColorVu kits, each with matched cameras and recorder.
For installers and trade customers
Installers can use the builder to price a job in minutes, then send the list to us to check or add it straight to the basket. Hikvision and Uniview are trade-priced; register a trade account to see your prices. You can also call us on 01902 902251, email sales@zenithsecurityco.co.uk or visit our Wolverhampton trade counter.
CCTV kit builder questions
What is a CCTV kit builder?
It's a tool that lets you build your own CCTV kit by choosing the cameras you want. It then matches a recorder, storage, power and cables that are compatible with them, instead of you buying a fixed bundle.
Can I mix different cameras in one kit?
Yes. You can mix styles (turret, bullet, dome) and resolutions from 2MP to 12MP in the same kit. The builder only offers recorders that can record your highest-resolution camera and have enough channels for all of them.
How many cameras can I add?
Up to 64 on a single recorder, depending on the brand and system type. The builder shows the channel sizes available for the brand you pick.
Do I need a PoE switch?
Only if your NVR has fewer PoE ports than you have IP cameras. The builder works out the shortfall and adds Ruijie Reyee PoE switches, or you can choose "No switch" if you already have one.
Do HD-over-coax cameras need a power supply?
Yes, unless they are PoC cameras plugged into a PoC recorder. One 4-way 12V power supply powers up to four cameras, and you can add them in the Power step.
How big a hard drive do I need?
For 4 × 4MP cameras recording all the time for 30 days, about 4 TB. Recording only on movement roughly halves that. The builder calculates it for your exact kit.
Why can't I see Hikvision or Uniview prices?
Hikvision and Uniview are sold at trade prices. Register a trade account and, once logged in, you can build those kits and see your prices in the basket.
Are the prices and stock up to date?
Yes. Prices and stock are read live from our website each time the page loads. Out-of-stock items are hidden automatically.
Can you check my kit before I order?
Yes. Use "Ask us to check it" on the last step to email us your kit list, or call 01902 902251.
