To choose a security camera, make seven decisions in this order: where it goes and what it must see, how it gets power, how it connects, what resolution you need for the distance, where the video is stored, whether it needs a subscription, and how weatherproof it must be. Brand comes last. Most bad purchases come from picking a brand and a resolution first, then discovering there is no power at the spot or no signal. Work through the decisions below and the shortlist almost builds itself.
PCBy the Pixl Canada install team. Updated . 8 min read.
- Seven decisions, one table each
- A quick matrix: job to camera type
- Checks for Canadian winters
- No brand bias: we install what you bought
- 1. The job: what must it see, and from where?
- 2. Power: outlet, battery, solar or PoE?
- 3. Connection: WiFi, or a cable to a recorder?
- 4. Resolution: enough for the distance, not more.
- 5. Storage: local recorder, memory card or cloud?
- 6. Subscription: what works without one?
- 7. Weather: the rating for a Canadian winter.
1. What must the camera see, and from where?
Decide the job before the product. A face at the door, a licence plate at a gate and a wide view of a yard need different cameras.
| Job | What it needs |
|---|---|
| See faces at a door | A short distance, face-height mounting, good dynamic range for bright doorways |
| Cover a driveway or yard | A wide view, strong night vision and enough resolution for the distance |
| Read licence plates | A dedicated camera set almost head-on. See licence plate cameras |
| Watch inside a room | A wide indoor camera, with privacy in mind |
Where each one goes is in where to place security cameras, and how many in how many cameras do I need.
2. How will the camera get power?
| Power | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in adapter | Spots near an outlet | A visible cord, and an outdoor outlet |
| Battery | Places with no outlet, renters | Charging, and battery drain in the cold |
| Solar panel | Remote spots with sun | Short winter days |
| PoE (power over Ethernet) | Permanent systems: one cable carries power and video | A cable route to each camera. See PoE camera systems |
3. How will it connect: WiFi or a cable?
WiFi cameras are quick to place but depend on signal strength where the camera sits. A cable to a recorder is steadier and keeps recording if the internet drops. See wired vs WiFi cameras and cameras without internet. Before you buy a WiFi camera, test your signal at the spot.
4. What resolution do you actually need?
Resolution should match the distance. For short views such as a front door, 4 MP is often enough. Long views, gates and yards benefit from 4K. Higher resolution uses more storage, so read the 4K security camera guide.
5. Where will the video be stored?
| Storage | Good for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Local recorder (NVR or DVR) | Wired systems, longer retention, no monthly fee | You must protect the recorder. See NVR vs DVR |
| Memory card in the camera | One or two cameras | Limited capacity, and the card can be stolen with the camera |
| Cloud | Off-site backup and easy sharing | A recurring plan. See cloud vs local NVR |
How many days you keep is covered in how long cameras keep footage.
6. Does it need a subscription?
Many WiFi cameras and doorbells put features like clip history, person detection or longer storage behind a monthly plan. A wired system with a local recorder usually has none. Check what works without a plan before you buy. See doorbell cameras without a subscription.
7. How weatherproof must it be for a Canadian winter?
Outdoor cameras should carry a rating of IP65 or higher. Cold also matters: batteries drain faster and may stop charging below freezing, and WiFi cameras can lose signal. Check the camera’s stated operating temperature range for your region. See PoE vs WiFi cameras for Canadian winters.
Which camera for which job? A quick matrix
| Job | Camera type | Typical power and connection |
|---|---|---|
| Front door | Video doorbell | Battery or existing doorbell wiring, WiFi |
| Back door, side wall | Bullet or turret | PoE cable or plug-in, wired or WiFi |
| Driveway | Bullet, 4 MP or 4K | PoE preferred |
| Indoor room | Dome or small indoor camera | Plug-in, WiFi |
| Large yard or lot | PTZ behind fixed cameras | PoE |
See types of CCTV cameras for the shapes. Once you have chosen, how to install security cameras walks through the install. We install the cameras you bought anywhere. Wired CCTV quotes are free, and you pay after the job.
Choosing a security camera: frequently asked questions
How do I choose a security camera?
Decide where it goes and what it must see, then power, connection, resolution, storage, subscription and weather rating, in that order. Choose the brand last.
Is a wired or WiFi camera better?
Wired PoE is steadier and suits permanent systems. WiFi is quicker and suits renters and small spaces.
What resolution do I need?
4 MP is often enough at short distances. Use 4K for gates, yards and long views.
Do I need a subscription?
Not always. A local recorder avoids monthly fees, while many WiFi cameras put features behind a plan.
What weather rating should an outdoor camera have?
IP65 or higher, and check its operating temperature range for Canadian winters.
Can Pixl install a camera I bought elsewhere?
Yes. Send the model and photos of the spot to (587) 899-7495. Wired CCTV quotes are free.
Not sure what to buy?
Send photos of where the cameras will go. We tell you what fits before you buy. You pay after the job.
Security camera installer
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Home installation cost
How to choose an installer
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Security camera brands compared
How far a camera can see
NVR buying guide
Weather ratings
How high to mount a camera
Mount on brick, stucco or siding
Camera lenses explained
AI person and vehicle detection
Thermal security cameras
Video doorbell or entry camera
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Best home security cameras by home type
Wired PoE or WiFi camera systems compared
Cameras that record without a monthly plan
Sources and method. General guidance from our install team, cross-checked with manufacturer buyer’s guides. No brands are recommended, since the right camera depends on the job. Specs vary by model, so confirm them with the manufacturer.
About Pixl Canada. Pixl Canada is an installation company based in Edmonton, Alberta, serving cities across Canada with TV mounting, security cameras, appliance installation and smart home setup. Call or text (587) 899-7495. Open Monday to Saturday 8am to 8pm and Sunday 9am to 7pm.