Choosing the right CCTV security cameras depends on the property you’re protecting. Some camera models simply work better for businesses, retail stores, homes, outdoor areas, and industrial sites. 

Take a closer look at the top CCTV security cameras: the AXIS P3265-LVE for commercial properties, Hikvision DS-2CD2147G2-LSU for retail, and TP-Link Tapo C120 for homes. 

In this article, we’ll cover: 

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Let’s start by looking at some of the best CCTV surveillance cameras.

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The 5 popular CCTV security cameras: at a glance

1. AXIS P3265-LVE Dome Camera – Best for businesses and commercial properties
2. Hikvision DS-2CD2147G2-LSU – Best for retail stores and offices
3. TP-Link Tapo C120 – Best for residential security
4. Reolink Duo 3 PoE – Best for outdoor and perimeter security
5. Bosch MIC IP Starlight 7100i – Best for industrial and high-security areas

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How we chose the top CCTV security cameras

We know picking the right CCTV security cameras isn’t just about fancy features — it’s about reliability, clear video, and making sure they actually do the job. We put in the time, did a lot of research, and got input from security pros to find the best options. Here’s why you can trust our picks:

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Key features we looked for

Not all cameras are the same, but there are some features you want to have in general. These include:

• Clear, high-quality video: A security camera isn’t much use if you can’t see what’s happening. We looked for options with sharp resolution so you can catch every detail.
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• Strong night vision: Security doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. We made sure these cameras can still capture clear footage in low light or complete darkness.
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• Wide dynamic range: It’s super important to be able to see details in light and dark parts of a video simultaneously. We included cameras with wide dynamic range to help you make sure you can get all the details you need without them blowing out from over or under exposure.
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• Smart features and remote access: The best cameras let you check in from anywhere, send alerts when something’s up, and even integrate with smart home or business systems.
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• Built to handle the elements: Outdoor cameras need to stand up to rain, wind, and extreme temperatures without failing when you need them most.

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Other important factors we considered

Of course, there are also other important factors at play. We also considered:

• Wide field of view: A good camera should reduce blind spots, so you don’t need to install more than necessary.
• Easy installation: Complicated installation is a headache. We prioritized cameras that are simple to mount and get running.
• Expandable storage options: Whether you prefer cloud storage or a local hard drive, we picked cameras that give you choices for saving footage.
• Affordable pricing: Security is important, but that doesn’t mean you should overpay. We looked for cameras that offer solid performance at a fair price.

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5 Popular CCTV cameras in 2025

Now that we’ve talked about our selection criteria, it’s time for us to look at our top 5 choices. We made sure to include at least one option for each type of security company so there’s something for you regardless of your niche. Here are the 5 good CCTV security cameras in 2025:

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1. AXIS P3265-LVE Dome Camera – Good for businesses and commercial properties

The AXIS P3265-LVE makes the list because it offers high-quality video, strong durability, and smart security features that your clients need. It’s built for commercial properties that require clear footage, offers advanced analytics, and is a camera that can handle indoor and outdoor conditions.

Features

This AXIS camera model has many helpful security features, such as:

• 1080p HD resolution with Lightfinder 2.0 for better low-light performance, up to 50/60 frames per second
• Forensic WDR (wide dynamic range) for balanced lighting in bright and dark areas
• Built-in analytics for motion detection, people counting, and security alerts
• Vandal-resistant and weatherproof (IP66 and IK10-rated) for outdoor and high-risk areas
• Remote access and integration with Axis Camera Station and third-party security surveillance systems
• Cybersecurity protections like signed firmware and secure boot

Ideal users

The AXIS P3265-LVE is good for businesses that need clear video, smart security analytics, and a durable camera that works indoors and outdoors. However, it’s not the best fit for small businesses or homeowners looking for a simple, budget-friendly option.

Pricing

You can find this camera for around $749 to $1000, depending on the retailer.

Verdict

The AXIS P3265-LVE is a solid choice for businesses, retail stores, and warehouses that need high-quality video, smart security features, and a tough, vandal-resistant design. Its advanced lighting adjustments and built-in analytics make it great for commercial use, but the 1080p resolution may not be enough for those wanting 4K clarity. 

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2. Hikvision DS-2CD2147G2-LSU – Good for retail and offices

The Hikvision DS-2CD2147G2-LSU is a network camera that delivers sharp, full-color video in a compact, durable design that works well for retail stores and office spaces where clear, round-the-clock video monitoring is needed. It’s also vandal-resistant, making it a durable option in case there’s a risk of tampering.

Features

This Hikvision camera model has many features that make it stand out, including:

• 4MP resolution for sharp video quality
• ColorVu full-color night vision for better low-light footage — in color
• Built-in microphone and speaker for two-way audio communication
• Vandal-resistant dome design (IK10-rated) for protection against tampering
• Weatherproof (IP67 rated) for outdoor areas
• Smart motion detection with human and vehicle recognition
• H.265+ compression for efficient video storage

Ideal users

This camera is a good choice for retail stores, offices, and other indoor commercial spaces that need clear video and audio monitoring. It works well in high-traffic areas like stores, bank lobbies, and corporate offices, where identifying people and capturing conversations can improve security.

Pricing

The Hikvision DS-2CD2147G2-LSU is priced around $150 to $400, depending on the retailer.

Verdict

The Hikvision DS-2CD2147G2-LSU is a solid choice for retail and corporate security needs since it offers full-color video, built-in audio, and smart motion detection. Its ColorVu technology makes sure you have bright color footage even in low light, and the two-way audio adds extra functionality. However, if you need more advanced analytics, you might want to go for the AXIS camera instead.

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3. TP-Link Tapo C120 – Good for residential security

The TP-Link Tapo C120 makes the list because it’s an affordable, reliable standalone camera for your homeowner clients who need easy, 24/7 indoor security. It supports local and cloud recording, so they can keep track of what’s going on at home.

Features

This TP-Link camera has many great features. These include:

• 2K QHD resolution for clear, detailed video
• AI-powered motion detection that recognizes people, pets, and vehicles
• Color night vision for better low-light footage
• Two-way audio for talking through the camera
• Recording options with local storage (up to 512GB microSD) and cloud recording
• Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for smart home integration

Ideal users

This camera is good for homeowners, renters, and families who need a simple, reliable indoor security camera without spending a fortune. It’s a great choice for monitoring pets, kids, or entryways inside the home. 

Pricing

The TP-Link Tapo C120 is available from around $40 to $100, depending on the retailer.

Verdict

The TP-Link Tapo C120 is a budget-friendly, easy-to-use indoor security camera that’s ideal for homeowners and renters who want clear video, smart alerts, and two-way audio without a complicated setup. However, it’s not for outdoor use, and as a standalone camera, it can’t be connected into a CCTV camera system like the other options on this list.

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4. Reolink Duo 3 PoE – Good for outdoor and perimeter security

The Reolink Duo 3 PoE is a dual-lens outdoor security camera that stitches two 8MP lenses together for a seamless, ultra-wide 180° view. It’s built for monitoring large outdoor areas, making it a strong choice for business properties, parking lots, warehouses, and residential perimeters.

Features

This Reolink camera has many features that make it a great choice for outdoor security. These include:

• 16MP resolution (dual 8MP lenses) for ultra-clear video
• 180° panoramic view with no image distortion
• PoE (power-over-ethernet) connection for stable power and data transmission, can be connected to larger camera systems
• Color night vision for better low-light footage
• Smart motion detection that recognizes people and vehicles
• Two-way audio for communication through the camera
• IP67 weatherproof rating for durability in extreme conditions
• Vandalism resistance with IK-10 rating

Ideal users

The Reolink Duo 3 PoE is great for business owners, property managers, and homeowners who need wide-area outdoor surveillance with high-quality video. It’s ideal for large properties, parking lots, and commercial perimeters where a single camera can cover more ground.

Pricing

You can find this camera for around $180 to $250, depending on the retailer.

Verdict

The Reolink Duo 3 PoE is a powerful outdoor security camera with a wide 180° view, 16MP resolution, and a stable PoE connection, making it a great choice for monitoring large areas. Its smart detection features help reduce false alerts, and its weatherproof build makes it reliable in most conditions. However, it’s not meant for indoor use.

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5. Bosch MIC IP Starlight 7100i – Good for industrial and high-security areas

The Bosch MIC IP Starlight 7100i earns its place on this list because of its rugged design, advanced low-light performance, and powerful zoom capabilities. Built for harsh environments, it’s ideal for industrial sites, critical infrastructure, and high-security areas where reliability is a must.

We can easily say that when it comes to security in extreme conditions, this Bosch camera is a beast. However, it’s a good idea to prepare for sticker shock — it’s certainly not an affordable unit. Setting up a camera system using this system will cost your client somewhere in the tens of thousands, but in terms of security, they’ll get what they pay for.

Features

• Starlight imaging technology for excellent color low-light visibility and dynamic range to see details in bright and dark areas simultaneously
• 30x optical zoom for long-range surveillance without losing any details to digital zoom blurring and graininess
• Rugged, weatherproof housing (IP68 and IK10-rated) for extreme conditions; also comes with defog functionality
• AI-powered analytics for intelligent motion and object detection
• Resistant to corrosion, dust, and impact for industrial use
• Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) functionality for flexible monitoring
• Storage options with a built-in SD card slot up to 2TB in capacity

Ideal users

This camera is a top choice for industrial facilities, critical infrastructure, and high-security locations that need durable, high-performance surveillance in challenging environments. It’s ideal for ports, power plants, and transportation hubs where long-range zoom and clear night vision are crucial.

Pricing

The Bosch MIC IP Starlight 7100i is a high-end security camera. The price for a single camera hovers around $8,000. In many places, you’ll need to special order the camera since it’s not kept in stock by retailers as often.

Verdict

The Bosch MIC IP Starlight 7100i is a top-tier choice for industrial and high-security environments, offering exceptional durability, low-light performance, and powerful zoom capabilities. 

Its weatherproof, impact-resistant design makes it ideal for critical infrastructure and extreme conditions, but its high price and advanced features make it unnecessary for everyday business or home security. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can consider the Axis P3265-LVE instead.

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Checklist: choosing the right CCTV security camera for your clients’ needs

Selecting the right CCTV security camera isn’t just about picking the most popular (or the cheapest) option. It’s about finding the one that fits your specific needs. Here are a few things to consider:

• Purpose: What are you protecting? A home, office, warehouse, or outdoor space will all have different camera needs. For example, if you need nighttime coverage, it’s wise to find a camera with good night vision.
  
  
• Installation type: Do you need a wired or wireless setup? Wired cameras offer stable connections but require more setup, while wireless options are easier to install but depend on Wi-Fi, which may sometimes be unreliable.
  
  
• Budget: How much are you willing to spend? High-end models offer 4K video, AI detection, and smart features, while budget-friendly options cover the basics without extra costs. Find a balance that offers you the best possible value.
  
  
• Scalability: Are you starting with one camera or setting up a full system? Some cameras work alone, while others integrate into larger security setups that can grow as your needs change.

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CCTV security cameras are only half the battle – Belfry can help

Choosing the right CCTV security cameras is an important step, but managing your security operations effectively is what truly keeps your clients’ properties safe. That’s where Belfry comes in.

Belfry is an all-in-one security guard software designed to simplify and enhance your operations. Whether you’re managing a single location or multiple properties, Belfry gives you the tools to reduce your admin workload and manage your security staff as optimally as possible.

Here’s how:

• Reduce downtime: Belfry’s automated scheduling features make it easier to fill every shift and avoid over or understaffing. It assigns shifts based on site requirements, officer certifications, and training, so you can make sure the right guards are at the right places.
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• Officer accountability: If you want some help making sure your guards are adhering to post orders, Belfry’s GPS tracking features help you keep an eye on your officers. Geofencing alerts let you know if they leave their designated areas early.
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• Streamlined incident reporting: Belfry has a mobile app that allows your officers on the ground to submit detailed reports with evidence attachments right from their phones. Your guards won’t have to fuss with pen and paper anymore when they’re reporting what they’ve seen from the CCTV surveillance systems.
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• Simpler communication: With the same mobile app, Belfry allows you to communicate with your guards and dispatchers. Communicate instantly and clearly about next steps so you can mount a quick response to CCTV alerts and observations.
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• Licensing compliance: When you’re running a security company, it’s vital to make sure that your officers are licensed — and that their licenses are always up-to-date. Belfry helps you prevent compliance lapses by allowing you to input and track your officers’ licenses and certifications, sending you alerts when they are up for renewal.

Want to see how Belfry can help you manage everything behind the scenes? Schedule a free Belfry demo and take control of your security operations today.