We regularly survey BuyerZone users to ask how their purchases went. We've used their responses to provide a sampling of actual prices paid for video surveillance systems.

• Pricing for 2 - 5 camera systems
• Pricing for 6 - 15 camera systems

All of these systems include digital video recorders (DVRs) to store the security footage. Two important factors to evaluate are how many channels the DVR can record (4, 8, and 16 are common) and how much footage it can store.

One of the biggest differences in the prices show below is installation. While you can get a package of a DVR and several cameras for under $1,000, you'll have to do the installation work yourself. If you have the expertise to do the wiring and setup, you can save quite a bit of money this way. If you don't, or if your setup has 10 or more cameras, it's usually worth paying for a professional installation.

Note that several people report an upfront cost plus an additional monthly fee. Be sure the CCTV vendors you consider disclose all ongoing costs before you make a decision.

Please note that these surveillance system prices are provided only as examples, not guarantees of what our suppliers can offer. Actual prices can vary dramatically based on your particular situation.

Pricing for 2 - 5 camera systems

• "DVR, 160 GB hard drive upgrade, 50' and 100' plug-and-play cable, 4 color bullet cameras, power supply, monitor, $1,573." [no installation]

  -- Tanning salon, Knoxville, Tennessee

• "$2,990. 4 channel digital video recorder/120 frames per second display/recording. 12 GB hard drive. Internet ready w/burner. 4 hi res Sony mini dome cameras. Auto-iris varifocal lenses. All cabling, switches, fittings, installation, training."

  -- Academic research, Stockton, California

• "DVR + CD data backup & remote access, 80 GB hard drive, 2 Vizioncam day/night high res cameras, 2 housings, power supply + 500' cable. $1,474."

  -- Construction firm, Mohegan Lake, New York

• "Paid $740 for a 4-channel DVR, along with power supplies & cables for 1 indoor/outdoor color camera and 1 indoor color camera. DVR came with 80 Gig HD." [no installation]

  -- City government, Nebraska

• "$5,600 installed price. Included 5 cameras, digital recorder, and 2 video monitors."

  -- Manufacturer, Portland, Oregon

• "$2,500 + tax for 4 camera DVD-R."

  -- Entertainment agency, Brooklyn, New York

• "$3,200 included 4 color cameras, computer, monitor, and 16-camera network hub (will add more cameras later.) No labor, no installation."

  -- Manufacturer, Bedford Park, Illinois

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Pricing for 6 - 15 camera systems

• "$4,150. PC-based DVR system, 400 gig hard drive, 8 cameras, 1000 ft cable, connectors, text inserter, software."

  -- Brewpub, Elkhart, Indiana

• "$4,400, 6 cameras, DVR, installation."

  -- Optometrist, Los Gatos, California

• "$1,849 - 8 camera security system with DVR & CD burner." [no installation]

  -- Computer repair/consulting, Kenner, Louisiana

• "Approx $10,000 for 13 cameras (5 of which are their highest quality), 16-station DVR, and installation."

  -- Restaurant, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

• "$7,500. 4 indoor vandal-proof cameras, 4 outdoor cameras, with heated blower boxes, 17" monitor, 160 gig DVR, computer with remote access, installed."

  -- Restaurant, Newport, Michigan

• "2 DVD recorders, 2 15" monitors, 2 indoor cameras, 6 outdoor day/night cameras and installation for $1,838 plus $95 per month for 36 months." [$5,258 total]

  -- Propane dealer, San Antonio, Texas

• "7 security cameras (day and night), 2 DVR recorders (4 channel each), and installation and warranty. $4,300 + $41/month."

  -- Design consultants, Deland, Florida

• "$18,000 - 8 cameras and digital recorder."

  -- Fuel company, Webster, Texas

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Want more information on choosing a surveillance system? Read our CCTV Buyer's Guide.

Information was provided by BuyerZone users. Quotes have been edited for clarity only.