Power is the first design decision, not the last
In most parts of the world backup power for a camera system is an optional extra. In Harare it is the foundation of the design, because an installation that only records while ZESA is on has gaps at precisely the least convenient hours.
The recorder, the cameras and the network equipment all need to stay up. Leaving any one of them on mains means the system fails as a whole — cameras with no recorder are just cameras, and a recorder with no network means no remote viewing.
It adds relatively little to the overall cost when planned from the start, and retrofitting it later always costs more than including it. Any quote that does not address it should be questioned.
What a properly designed system includes
- Cameras positioned at gates, doors and access points rather than just corners
- Full backup so recording continues through outages
- Genuine low-light performance for night-time identification
- Remote viewing from your phone wherever you are
- Storage sized so footage is still there a fortnight later
- Motion alerts tuned to avoid constant false triggers
- Protected cabling that cannot be cut easily from outside
Placement decides whether footage is usable
The most common disappointment with camera systems is discovering, after an incident, that the footage shows what happened but not who did it. Wide overview shots feel reassuring on a monitor and are almost useless for identification.
Cameras at the height of a face, positioned where anyone must pass — the gate, the driveway entrance, the door — produce footage that is actually worth having. A smaller number of well-placed cameras consistently outperforms a larger number covering everything at a distance.
We would rather quote fewer cameras positioned properly than more positioned for appearance.
Common questions
How many cameras does my property need?
It depends on the layout rather than the size alone — a compact home with one gate can need fewer cameras than a larger property with multiple access points. As a guide, most homes are well covered with 4-8 cameras at the gate, driveway, doors and any blind corners, while businesses typically need more to cover parking areas, stock rooms and staff entrances. We confirm the exact number during a free site assessment, not before.
Will it keep recording when the power goes out?
Yes — that is the whole point of designing for Zimbabwe rather than importing a standard installation. We fit backup power to the recorder, cameras and network equipment so recording continues through an outage. Exact runtime depends on the battery capacity chosen for your system, which we size to your typical loadshedding schedule during the site assessment.
Can I watch the cameras from outside Zimbabwe?
Yes — remote viewing is included as standard, so you can check in from anywhere with a data connection, whether you're across town or out of the country. All you need at the property is a reasonably stable internet connection; we'll advise on the right option for your area during the assessment.