Security Cameras (CCTV)
A good camera system is more than "another camera on the wall". It is a management tool: it deters, records, helps investigate incidents and lets managers see what is happening in every branch – from anywhere. About 20 years of experience in CCTV let us design systems that work every day, not just on installation day.
How it works – in short
How a modern CCTV system works
A closed-circuit television (CCTV) system consists of cameras, a recording system, network infrastructure and viewing software. Most business projects today use IP cameras: each camera is a network device that streams high-resolution digital video and usually receives its power over the same network cable (PoE). That removes the need for separate power cabling and makes the system easier to expand later.
Video is stored on a network video recorder (NVR) or a dedicated recording server. Required storage depends on the number of cameras, resolution, frame rate and the number of days footage must be kept – so an important part of the design is balancing image quality against retention time. Efficient compression such as H.265 keeps more days on the same disk.
The software layer is what turns cameras into a working tool: live and recorded viewing from a PC or phone, fast search by time and event, different permissions for branch managers and headquarters, and – in advanced systems – analytics such as line-crossing, loitering detection, people counting or licence-plate recognition. Chains with many branches can manage every site from a single platform.
Camera types and components
Dome cameras
Ideal for ceilings in shops and offices. Discreet, and hard to re-aim deliberately.
IndoorCheckoutsCorridorsBullet cameras
For façades, car parks and open areas. Clearly visible, so they also act as a deterrent.
OutdoorParkingPerimeterPTZ cameras
Remote pan, tilt and zoom – for covering large areas and active monitoring from a control room or office.
CampusesLogisticsPanoramic & fisheye cameras
One camera that covers an entire space, such as a sales floor or warehouse, reducing blind spots.
HallsWarehousesRecorders & servers
An NVR or server sized to the system, with surveillance-grade disks and planned retention.
NVRStorageRemote viewing & management
Mobile app and central management software, role-based permissions and a live overview of every branch.
AppVMSIllustrative photos – Security Cameras (CCTV)
General photos from the field, from freely licensed collections – for illustration only. Coming soon: photos from Zohar Cameras installations.
Credits & licenses
- Photo: MichalPL · CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Sanderflight · CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: sharky1005 · CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: AGGİ Adım Grup · CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Nïall Green · CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: StephaneLL · CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Uses in businesses and chains
Retail chains
Checkouts, entrances, stockrooms and sales floors – with central viewing for HQ and area managers.
Offices & headquarters
Entrances, lobbies, car parks and server rooms, integrated with access control.
Warehouses & logistics
Loading docks, the site perimeter and vehicle traffic, including cameras for outdoor and night conditions.
Industrial sites & campuses
Coverage of large areas, fences and gates, connected to a security monitoring centre.
How a project runs: Security Cameras (CCTV)
From a single site to dozens of branches – the same structured process, from the first survey to ongoing service.
Site survey
We visit the site and map entrances, weak points, existing infrastructure and the customer's operational needs.
Design
Technology selection, device placement, cable routes and a bill of quantities – matched to the site and the budget.
Installation
Orderly work with minimal disruption to operations, with every point labelled and documented.
Integration
Connecting the systems to each other, to the monitoring centre and to remote viewing, plus on-site staff training.
Maintenance & service
Periodic inspections, fault handling and monthly service for chains and organisations.
Requirements and regulation
Many businesses in Israel have CCTV requirements as part of their business licence conditions (for example, camera locations, recording and how long footage must be kept). The exact requirements for each business should be checked against its licence conditions and the approving authorities.
Filming in workplaces and public areas is also subject to privacy protection rules – including proper signage, a defined purpose and secured access to recordings. A good design takes this into account from the start.
This is general information and does not replace the full requirements of the standard, business licence conditions or the instructions of the approving authorities.
Brands we install
Zohar Cameras is an authorized installer of camera manufacturers Dahua, Hikvision and Provision-ISR, and of alarm manufacturers PIMA and RISCO. For access control we work with leading companies in the field.
Cameras · Authorized installer
Cameras · Authorized installer
Cameras · Authorized installerQuestions & answers – Security Cameras (CCTV)
How many days is footage kept?
It depends on storage capacity, the number of cameras, resolution and recording settings. During design we set a retention target and size the storage accordingly, while meeting any business-licence requirements.
Can I view the cameras on my phone?
Yes. Modern IP systems allow live viewing and playback from a mobile app, with different permissions for each user.
Can several branches be connected to one platform?
Yes. Chains typically centralise all branches in one management platform, so HQ and area managers see every site in one place.
What is the difference between analogue and IP cameras?
IP cameras send digital video over the network and support higher resolution, power over the network cable (PoE) and analytics. Analogue / HD-over-coax systems are still relevant when upgrading sites with existing cabling.
Can an existing system be upgraded?
In most cases, yes. The survey checks what can be kept (cabling, recorder, cameras) and what is worth replacing.
What affects the cost of a camera system?
The number and type of cameras, the required level of detail, existing infrastructure (cabling, cabinet, network), mounting height and access, required retention and the scope of service. An accurate quote is given after a site survey.
How long does installation take?
It depends on scope: a small system at one business is usually installed relatively quickly, while a multi-branch project is planned in stages. Schedules are set together after the survey, including work at hours that do not disrupt operations.
How do you protect cameras from cyber attacks?
Do not expose recorders directly to the internet, replace default passwords, update firmware, separate the camera network and use secure remote access, in line with Israel National Cyber Directorate recommendations.
What should I know about privacy and signage?
Cameras should serve a defined purpose, avoid intimate areas, be signposted, employees should be notified, and retention and viewing permissions limited, according to Privacy Protection Authority guidance and Amendment 13. Privacy masking can be configured in cameras.
Is there a warranty on equipment?
Equipment comes with a manufacturer's warranty under the manufacturer's and distributor's terms. The scope of installation and service is defined in the quote and service agreement.
Can smart analytics be added?
Yes. Modern IP cameras support person/vehicle filtering, line crossing, smart search and more. Define the goal first and calibrate the settings on site. See our article on AI analytics.
Want to know what fits your site?
Leave your details or call – we will schedule a survey and prepare a structured proposal.
Get a quote
Tell us about your site or chain – how many branches, which systems you have and what you need – and we will get back to you to schedule a survey. You can also contact us directly: