NorthTech Security & Technology Experts

CCTV cameras

How we choose the CCTV we install.

Not every camera suits every property. We recommend three systems, in a set order, and each one is there for a clear reason — how it’s built, how long it’s covered, and how well it works with the rest of your smart home.

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Our three CCTV choices

Luma first, then Hikvision, then Dahua.

Tell us what matters most and we’ll show you where we’d start.

What matters most to you?

Luma X20 turret security camera in white, with active deterrence lights

1. Our first choice

Luma

Best for: Homes with Control4, or planning for it

Luma is our first choice because it is built to a very high standard, carries a warranty of up to five years and connects fully with Control4, the smart home platform we install and support.

  • Cameras that make your home respondWhen a Luma camera sees someone, Control4 can play a warning through your home’s speakers, turn the TVs on to show the cameras and switch on lights throughout the home — all at once.
  • Watch on your Control4 touchscreensLive view and playback run natively on the Control4 touchscreens throughout your home. No separate app, no switching screens.
  • 3-year warranty, extended to 5Luma cameras carry a 3-year warranty, extended to 5 years while your NorthTech Care Service Agreement is in place.About the Service Agreement
  • Meets the supply-chain rules of the US National Defense Authorization Act.
Hikvision ColorVu turret security camera in white, with red and blue deterrence lights

2. Our second choice

Hikvision

Best for: Standalone systems that need an intercom

When a property doesn’t need Control4 but does need an intercom and excellent video, we recommend Hikvision.

  • Active deterrenceBuilt-in red and blue flashing lights warn someone off before they reach the house.
  • 10-inch indoor touchscreenAn Android touchscreen inside your home answers the door and plays back recorded footage directly.
  • Door station with keypadThe intercom door station has a keypad built in, alongside its camera.
  • Recorded with your camerasThe door station is recorded on the same Hikvision recorder as the rest of your cameras.
  • 3-year warrantyHikvision carries a 3-year warranty when NorthTech installs it, including an extra year.
Dahua TiOC turret security camera in white, with red and blue deterrence lights

3. Our most cost-effective choice

Dahua

Best for: Reliable coverage on a tighter budget

Dahua is the most cost-effective of our three, without giving up the features that matter day to day.

  • Active deterrenceBuilt-in red and blue flashing lights warn intruders off before anything happens.
  • An app that gets it rightThe Dahua app is excellent for notifications, playback and live view, wherever you are.
  • 3-year warrantyDahua carries a 3-year warranty when NorthTech installs it, including an extra year.

Luma carries NDAA compliance

What NDAA compliance means.

The NDAA is the United States National Defense Authorization Act. Section 889 of the 2019 Act bans US government agencies from buying video surveillance equipment made by certain manufacturers — or containing their chips and parts — because of concerns about who could reach the equipment and the footage it records.

For a camera to be NDAA compliant, neither the camera nor the components inside it can come from those restricted manufacturers. It’s one of the strictest independent checks there is on where security equipment comes from. Of the three systems we recommend, only Luma carries it.

Why it matters to you. For a business with government contracts, strict IT policies or an insurer that asks about the supply chain, NDAA compliance can be a requirement. For a home, it’s added assurance about the equipment watching over your family.

Secure, whichever system you choose.

All three systems use strong security for signing in to their apps, so only the people you choose can see your cameras. Whichever suits your property, you can feel secure in your solution.

Common CCTV questions

Which CCTV system is best for a Control4 home?
Luma. It connects fully with Control4, so when a camera sees someone your home can play a warning through the speakers, turn the TVs on to show the cameras and switch on lights throughout the home. You can also watch live and recorded footage on your Control4 touchscreens.
How much does CCTV installation cost?
Our current CCTV starting packages have planning estimates on the Security packages page. The final price depends on the cameras and recorder, coverage, cabling and installation work at your property. NorthTech confirms the Quote after reviewing the design and property.
Is it legal to point a security camera at my neighbour’s property in Victoria?
Not at their private spaces. Victoria’s Surveillance Devices Act makes it an offence to record someone’s private activities without their consent, so cameras should cover your own driveway, doors and yard — not a neighbour’s backyard or windows. We position every camera with this in mind.Source: Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic)(opens in a new tab)
Can my security cameras record sound?
Many can, but take care. Under Victoria’s Surveillance Devices Act, recording a private conversation you’re not part of, without consent, is an offence. Talk to us before switching audio on.Source: Surveillance Devices Act 1999 (Vic)(opens in a new tab)
Do I need a licensed installer for CCTV?
Yes. In Victoria, anyone paid to install, repair or service security equipment must hold a private security licence issued by Victoria Police. NorthTech is licensed.Source: Victoria Police — private security licensing(opens in a new tab)
Are wired or wireless security cameras better?
For a permanent home or business, wired. We install cameras that take power and data through a single network cable, so they record reliably without relying on Wi-Fi or batteries that need charging.
What does NDAA compliant mean for a security camera?
It means the camera, and the chips and parts inside it, do not come from any manufacturer restricted under Section 889 of the United States National Defense Authorization Act. It is an independent check on where your equipment comes from. Of the three systems we recommend, only Luma carries NDAA compliance.
How long is the warranty on your CCTV systems?
Every system we recommend carries a 3-year warranty when NorthTech installs it. Hikvision and Dahua include an extra year when installed by us. Luma is extended to five years for as long as your NorthTech Care Service Agreement is accepted and continued.
What is active deterrence?
Cameras that do more than record. When they detect a person they react straight away — our Hikvision and Dahua cameras flash red and blue lights — to warn someone off before they reach the house.
Can I watch my cameras on my phone?
Yes. Every system we install has an app for live view, playback and notifications, and each one uses secure sign-in so only the people you choose can see your cameras.
Do you install CCTV across Melbourne’s north?
Yes. NorthTech is based in Thomastown and designs, installs and supports CCTV for homes and businesses across Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Not sure which suits your property?

Tell us about your property and we’ll recommend the right system — and explain why.

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