What this tool does
See the cost of buying and running a camera system over several years. Use it to compare an inexpensive setup with ongoing fees against one that costs more upfront.
How to use it
- Choose one currency and enter camera, recorder, storage, accessories and installation costs.
- Add monthly subscriptions or data plans, plus a yearly maintenance budget.
- Enter the average watts used by the whole system, your electricity price per kWh and the number of years to compare.
Reading your result
Upfront cost is what you pay to install the system. Annual running cost includes electricity, subscriptions and maintenance. The ownership total combines both over your chosen period.
Example: a £10 monthly subscription adds £600 over five years, before electricity or maintenance. The average monthly ownership cost also spreads the initial purchase across those years.
Keep in mind
Include cameras, switches and the recorder in system power. Use average consumption where possible; maximum rated watts may overstate the electricity bill.
Prices stay fixed in this estimate. Include tax and expected replacements in your entries; currency conversion, inflation and financing are not calculated.
Use Download results or Print to keep your inputs and estimate. The tool uses the values you enter; it does not read your equipment’s settings.