Old Style CCTV Systems vs Today’s Smart, Affordable Security Cameras

Remember those old chunky CCTV cameras mounted on buildings? They were large, unattractive, and captured low-resolution footage. At best, they confirmed someone had broken in or something had happened—but identifying who was involved was often difficult.

Despite these shortcomings, CCTV systems still offered some deterrence. But most experienced thieves knew how to work around them—unless there was a 24/7 security guard onsite, which made them think twice.

To make matters worse, early CCTV systems were expensive. The cost didn’t always match the benefit—especially if there was no one monitoring the footage in real time. Many property owners spent big on systems that didn’t offer real protection.

The 4 Main Problems with Old CCTV Systems

• Poor image quality and resolution
• Low frame rates
• High installation and equipment costs
• Criminals knew how to bypass them

Some older systems even used black-and-white cameras that flickered on and off. The cabling was often exposed, vulnerable to weather and easy to cut. No wonder some people still picture CCTV as an outdated, unreliable solution.

Modern CCTV Solves All of These Problems—and More

Let’s fast forward to today. CCTV technology has come a long way—and prices have dropped dramatically. If you still picture security cameras as clunky and ineffective, it’s time to rethink.

Fast, Reliable Connectivity

Today’s CCTV systems use secure cabling—usually ethernet or fibre—or even wireless connections. This ensures smooth data flow with no dropouts. Images are clear, frame rates are fast, and the connection is stable, no matter the conditions.

Crystal-Clear Footage in Full Colour

High-definition cameras capture everything in stunning detail. You can zoom in on licence plates, tattoos, or facial features—whether during the day or at night. Watching CCTV footage today is like watching a high-definition movie, but it’s live and on your property.

Mobile Access from Anywhere

You’re no longer limited to watching footage from a monitor in your home or business. Modern systems let you log in remotely via your mobile phone or laptop from anywhere in the world—just connect to the internet and access your cameras.

No More Tapes or Lost Footage

Gone are the days of tapes being stolen or overwritten. Everything is automatically saved to cloud storage. You can access past or live footage from any connected device, anytime you need it.

Is Modern CCTV Expensive?

It depends on what you need. Commercial-grade systems with night vision, external monitoring, and advanced features can cost up to $2,000 or more. But there are also excellent entry-level home systems available from just $70—plus installation. These offer colour recording, cloud storage, and mobile access.

With so many options out there, the best place to start is with expert advice. That’s where we come in.

Get Help Choosing the Right CCTV System

At 2E Electrical, we help homeowners and business owners find the right security setup for their needs and budget. Whether you need a simple home system or a full commercial-grade CCTV package, we’re here to help.

Visit our Security Camera Installation page for more information or to book a consultation.