• Yes, if coax is already in place. This is the main reason to choose it. You save the cost and mess of a rewire.
• Simple, single-site systems: each camera cables straight to the recorder, which is usually simpler to set up than a networked IP system.
• Choose IP instead if you're wiring a new building, want smart detection in the camera, or need more than 8MP. See IP cameras.

What else do I need?

• A matching DVR with enough channels for your cameras.
• RG59 shotgun coax cable, in internal and external-rated versions, from cabling.
• A power supply or distribution box. HD-TVI cameras take power separately from the picture.
• A surveillance hard drive sized to your resolution and how long you keep footage.

How do I match the camera to the recorder?

The recorder decides what resolution actually gets recorded, and the model letters aren't obvious. Our Hikvision DVR buying guide explains HQHI, HUHI and HTHI, and why an 8MP camera on the wrong recorder gets scaled down.

It also covers PoC (power over coax): power and picture down the same coax, with no separate power run. It only works if both camera and recorder support it, so check both before you order.

How do I choose a camera?

Resolution, night vision and body shape (turret, dome or bullet) matter just as they do for IP cameras. See turret vs bullet vs dome, and our ColorVu explained guide for HD-TVI colour night vision.