Introduction – Why Specs Don’t Tell the Full Story
CCTV cameras have become an essential layer of safety for homes, shops, offices, and industries. From preventing theft to monitoring daily operations, the demand has skyrocketed in Namakkal and across Tamil Nadu.
But here’s the problem: most CCTV buyers don’t get what they are promised. A dealer may say you’re getting a 5MP DVR with color night vision cameras and 250m PoE, but in practice, the clarity, storage, and durability fall short.
At Malar Sysint Group, Namakkal, we’ve seen this repeatedly. Customers spend thousands, only to realize their system can’t even record smooth footage at night or loses clarity after 20 meters. That’s why we’ve prepared this comprehensive 2500+ word guide—to expose the myths, explain the technology, and help you buy the right CCTV system.
1. The 5MP DVR Myth – Why Not All Channels Record at 5MP
Marketing Claim:
“All 8/16 channels record at 5MP.”
Reality:
- Many DVRs support only some channels at full 5MP.
- Others downgrade to 1080p or “5MP Lite” (usually 12fps, not 25/30fps).
- The datasheet highlights the maximum spec but hides these limits in fine print.
Why It Matters:
Imagine you install 8 cameras, thinking all record at full 5MP clarity. Later, you check recordings and find 4 cameras are sharp, while the others look like old HD footage. That’s a waste of investment.
👉 Truth: Always ask your dealer for per-channel resolution and frame rate before buying.
2. Black & White vs Color Night Vision – Which One Works Better?
Black & White (IR) Cameras
- Perform even in total darkness.
- Deliver longer usable distance (sharper beyond 20m).
- Consume less power and work well with basic adapters.
Color Night Vision Cameras
- Require ambient lighting (streetlight or floodlight).
- Without light, clarity fades quickly.
- Consume more power and need boosted adapters.
Example:
- A farm owner in Namakkal installed 4 color cameras. At night, the far corners were dark because no lights were present. After replacing with B/W IR cameras, the full area was covered clearly.
👉 Truth: For dark areas, B/W is always better. Use color only if consistent lighting is available.
3. The IR Range Illusion – 30m vs 18m in Real Life
Most datasheets advertise: “30m IR Range”.
But here’s the truth:
- Usable clarity is 60–70% of advertised distance.
- In dusty, foggy, or rainy conditions, distance reduces further.
- If a camera claims 30m IR, expect 18–20m real usable range.
👉 Truth: Always plan camera placement based on practical IR distance, not datasheet promises.
4. Power Consumption & Hidden Costs You Don’t Expect
Power supply is one of the most overlooked aspects of CCTV.
- Color cameras with audio/AI features → need 2A or higher adapters.
- Using 1A adapters causes blurry night vision or flickering.
- Overloaded adapters burn out faster → hidden recurring cost.
Example:
A textile shop in Namakkal installed 10 color cameras with 1A adapters. Within 3 months, 6 adapters burned out. After switching to high-current adapters, the issue disappeared.
👉 Truth: Always calculate power needs correctly to avoid hidden expenses.
5. Cable Selection – The Backbone of Your CCTV System
Analog / HD Cameras
- Best option: RG6 pure copper coaxial.
- Problem: Many use 3+1 cables for long distances, leading to interference.
- Limit: 12V DC stable only up to 40m. Beyond that, picture quality drops.
IP Cameras
- Best option: CAT6 pure copper for PoE.
- Limit: Standard PoE supports 100m max.
- Claims of “250m PoE” use cheap extenders that reduce system life.
👉 Truth: A CCTV system is only as good as its cabling. Always invest in copper, not CCA (copper-clad aluminum).
6. Resolution vs Frame Rate – Why 4MP Isn’t Always Better
Many customers assume higher megapixels = better clarity. That’s only half true.
- 4MP @ 20fps = higher resolution, but moving objects look blurred.
- 2MP @ 25/30fps = smoother video, better for faces, vehicle plates.
👉 Truth: Balance both resolution & fps. For movement-heavy areas (entrances, traffic), fps matters more.
7. NVR Bandwidth – The Silent Limitation
NVRs are often marketed by channel count, but the real bottleneck is bandwidth.
Example:
A 16-channel NVR with 80Mbps bandwidth cannot handle 16 × 6MP cameras at 30fps. That requires at least 160Mbps.
Result? Dropped frames, incomplete recording, jerky video.
👉 Truth: Always size NVRs based on total bandwidth required, not just channel count.
8. Hard Disk Storage – Why You Don’t Get 30 Days Recording
Datasheets promise 30 days of storage, but in reality:
- Color video consumes more space than B/W.
- Audio + AI features increase bitrate further.
- Higher resolution & fps reduce storage days.
👉 Truth: Always calculate HDD capacity with actual camera settings. A 4TB HDD may give 25 days at 2MP, but only 10–12 days at 4MP with audio.
9. The Plastic Body Camera Trap
Cheap CCTV often means:
- Plastic-bodied cameras.
- Limited fps (20fps max).
- Lower heat resistance → reduced life outdoors.
👉 Truth: Always choose metal-body cameras for durability, especially outdoors.
10. PoE Distance & Device Life
- Standard PoE: 100m safe.
- Claims of 200–250m are possible with extenders, but stress PoE injectors/switches.
- Long-term result: burnt PoE devices.
👉 Truth: Stick to recommended distances. Saving ₹500 on cables may cost ₹5000 later.
11. Case Studies
Showroom (Namakkal)
- Bought “5MP DVR + 4MP color cameras.”
- Issues: blurry night vision, adapters burned, storage lasted 10 days.
- Solution: RG6 cabling + high-power adapters + recalculated NVR bandwidth.
- Result: Smooth 25fps clarity, 30+ days storage, zero adapter failures.
Residence (Namakkal outskirts)
- Installed color cameras in an unlit farm area.
- Night vision = black screen beyond 15m.
- After replacing with B/W IR cameras, entire farm visible at night.
12. CCTV Buyer’s Technical Checklist
- Check DVR/NVR bandwidth, not just channels.
- Verify per-channel resolution & fps.
- Match camera type to lighting conditions.
- Use copper RG6/CAT6 cables only.
- Calculate power needs correctly.
- Balance megapixels vs fps.
- Calculate HDD size with actual settings.
- Avoid plastic-body cameras outdoors.
- Plan IR range based on usable distance.
- Work with a trusted installer, not just any dealer.
13. FAQs
Q1: Which is better, DVR or NVR?
NVR is better for IP systems with higher flexibility. DVR works fine for analog/HD but is less future-proof.
Q2: How long can CCTV record?
Depends on HDD size, resolution, fps, and features. A 4TB HDD may last 25–30 days at 2MP but only 10–12 days at 4MP with audio.
Q3: Can PoE really work for 250m?
Not reliably. Standard PoE is 100m. Beyond that, injectors burn out faster.
Q4: Are color cameras always better?
No. In total darkness, B/W IR cameras outperform color.
Q5: Why do my CCTV images look blurry at night?
Likely due to underpowered adapters, wrong camera choice, or weak IR.
Conclusion – Buy CCTV That Works, Not Just Shines on Paper
Buying CCTV is not about megapixels—it’s about design, power, cabling, and planning.
At Malar Sysint Group, Namakkal, we ensure every system is built for clarity, reliability, and long life. We don’t just sell; we consult, design, and install for real performance.
📍 Address: #80, Ground Floor, State Bank Colony, Ramesh Theatre, Trichy Road, Namakkal – 637 001, Tamilnadu, India
📧 info@sysint.in | 🌐 www.sysint.in | 📞 +91 97 508 20000