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How Much Does Shop Security Cost? A Realistic Cost Breakdown of CCTV Solutions for Hong Kong SMEs (October 2026 Prices)

Language:Hong Kong · Traditional ChineseSG / UK / AU · English →

DIGIBAL ONLINE Editorial Team|Last updated: 2026-10-26|Prices are read in real time from the SHOPLINE product API

Quick answer:For a Hong Kong ground-floor shop of up to 800 sq ft with 4 to 6 monitoring points, the hardware cost for a wired PoE setup is approximately HK$4,773–9,190(8-channel NVR with 2TB hard drive, 4–8 8MP PoE cameras, and a 120W PoE switch). Our shop sells hardware only and provides configuration advice; installation services are not provided;cabling and installation must be arranged independently with a licensed electrician or installation technician.
  • HK$7,769|Complete 8-channel hardware setup(8 8MP cameras), actual shop price on 2026-10-26
  • HK$4,773|4-channel starter setup(uses the same 8-channel recorder, allowing cameras to be added later without replacing the recorder)
  • 3.9 days|Number of days of footage retained with 2TB, 8 cameras, and a 6 Mbps bitrate
  • HK$3,878|2 4G wire-free cameras with 64GB cards(alternative for rental shops or temporary premises)
  • 1,138 hours|Total recording time for one camera on a 2TB drive at 4 Mbps
Pricing and currency conversion(based on HK$)
All prices in this article are shown in Hong Kong dollars(HK$). The table below shows the reference exchange rates for 1 HK$,making it easier for overseas readers to estimate costs.
1 HK$ =S$ SGDA$ AUD£ GBPUS$ USD
Reference exchange ratesS$0.16332A$0.18128£0.09565US$0.12748
Exchange rate source: European Central Bank(ECB)reference rates, obtained via the Frankfurter API; exchange rate date: 2026-10-27(retrieved on 2026-10-28 Hong Kong time). This is acurrency conversion only,and does not account for market-specific pricing markups, shipping, duties, or payment processing fees; the actual checkout amount is subject to the pricing in the relevant market.

How much does an 8-channel PoE setup cost? Itemised breakdown

The recorder and hard drive account for 28% of the total cost, cameras 65%, and the switch 7%.So, “upgrading to better cameras” is the most effective upgrade; replacing the recorder will not improve image quality.

ItemModelQuantityUnit priceSubtotal
8-channel PoE NVR(with built-in 2TB)Reolink NVS8-NHD 8-Channel1Check stock availabilityHK$1,178
8MP PoE CameraReolink P330 8MP PoE CameraReolink P330 8MP8Check stock availabilityHK$5,992
120W PoE SwitchReolink 120W PoE SwitchReolink POE SWITCH 120W1Check stock availabilityHK$599
Hardware totalHK$7,769
BundleContentsTotal hardware costSuitable for
4-channel starterNVS8-NHD(2TB)+ 4 × P330 + switchHK$4,773≈ S$1,012 ・ A$1,123 (ECB 2026-10-27)300–500 sq ft small shop
8-channel standardNVS8-NHD(2TB)+ 8 × P330 + switchHK$7,769≈ S$1,501 ・ A$1,666 (ECB 2026-10-27)800 sq ft street-level shop
16-channel (12 cameras)Reolink NVS16 16-channel PoE NVRNVS16(4TB)+ 12 × P330 + switchCheck stock availability≈ S$2,154 ・ A$2,390 (ECB 2026-10-27)1,500 sq ft shop with storage
Full-color night vision upgradeUpgrade the 8-channel standard package to Reolink CX810 Full-Color Night Vision PoE CameraCX810 Full-Color Night VisionCheck stock availability≈ S$1,958 ・ A$2,174 (ECB 2026-10-27)Street-facing shop with street lighting

The above prices were retrieved from our product API on 2026-10-26, include only listed products, and exclude shipping, cabling, brackets, and installation labor (we do not provide installation services). Prices are subject to distributor adjustments; please refer to the product page before ordering.

Buy directly: three ready-made bundles (prices retrieved in real time)

CCTV Bundle Price Calculator
Select the number of channels to instantly see how many items you need and the total cost. Prices are retrieved in real time from product data.
4-channel small shop (most popular)
Storefront + entrance + cashier + warehouse: four locations. The NVS4 has built-in PoE, so all four network cables can be plugged directly in without buying an additional switch.
ItemQuantityPrice
Reolink NVS4 4-channel PoE NVR (with built-in PoE ports)1HK$830
Reolink P320 5MP PoE camera4HK$569 /unit
Surveillance-grade hard drive 2–4TB1Self-provided
Package totalHK$3,106
All package prices are calculated by adding up the current unit price × quantity, excluding installation, network cables, drilling, and the hard drive. A surveillance-grade hard drive is recommended (do not use a grey-import desktop drive). For more than 12 channels: there is currently no 16-channel NVR in stock. The available options are to use two NVS8 units or switch to a third-party NVR that supports ONVIF.

The above explains “how much it costs”; if you want to place an order directly, the following three setups are our most popular configurations. Package prices are calculated by adding up the current product prices, so you will get the same total if you add them up yourself.

① 4-Channel Small-Shop Setup — HK$3,106 (hard drive not included)
NVS4 4-channel PoE NVR (with built-in PoE ports for directly connecting 4 network cables) + 4 P320 5MP cameras. Suitable for four locations: storefront / entrance / cashier / warehouse.
② 8-Channel 4K Setup — HK$4,174 (hard drive not included)
NVS8 8-channel PoE NVR + 4 P330 4K cameras, with 4 ports remaining for future expansion. 4K is required for reading license plates and identifying people.
③ Lowest Cost for a Single Camera — From HK$429
For monitoring just one location (back alley, parking space, warehouse entrance): one PoE camera + PoE injector + memory card, with no NVR required.

Choose individually: Full range of PoE cameras (live pricing)

NVR/Recording Host

Hard drive not included (2–4TB surveillance-grade recommended). Package price excludes installation, network cables and hard drive. Prices are retrieved in real time by the system; if the price of a model is not displayed, it means that model is no longer available. For a complete PoE wiring setup, please read Complete PoE Wired CCTV Solution。

4-Channel, 8-Channel, 16-Channel: How Many Cameras Are Enough?

Count by “monitoring points”, not by dividing the floor area. For typical Hong Kong street-level shops, 4 to 6 cameras can generally cover 90% of risk points.

Monitoring PointWhy It Needs a Dedicated CameraPriority
Main Entrance/Exit (facing outward)Capture people’s appearance and clothing “before they enter”Essential
Cashier/Counter (angled downward)Must show the banknotes, hands and screen at the same timeEssential
Main Aisle Between ShelvesOne camera every 8–10 metres to avoid shelf obstructionHigh
Back Door/Rear StaircaseStaff access, deliveries and disposal of damaged goodsHigh
Warehouse DoorEntry and exit of high-value goodsMedium
Delivery receiving area / parking spaceDelivery disputes, goods damageMedium

4 cameras for a 300 sq ft small shop; 6 for an 800 sq ft street-level shop; 8–10 for a 1,500 sq ft shop with storage. It is not recommended to buy a 16-channel system from the outset unless you already know you will expand within a year—a main unit with 8 channels plus cameras is much cheaper than replacing the entire system.

PoE cabling, WiFi battery, or 4G: which should you choose for a rented shop?

Renting a shop, do not want to drill into the walls, and have a lease of less than two years → 4G or battery-powered; owner-occupied shop and need uninterrupted 24/7 operation → PoE.

Comparison itemPoE wiredWiFi battery-powered4G mobile network
Hardware cost for 8 camerasHK$7,769≈ S$1,501 ・ A$1,666(ECB 2026-10-27)Approximately HK$7,800–11,000≈ S$1,470 ・ A$1,632(ECB 2026-10-27)Approximately HK$13,000–18,000≈ S$2,123 ・ A$2,357(ECB 2026-10-27)
Cabling requiredRequired (ceiling / walls)Not requiredNot required
24/7 continuous recordingYesGenerally for event recording onlySubject to data limits
Power outageCan continue with a UPSCan continue on battery powerCan continue as long as the base station has power
Monthly feeHK$0≈ S$0 ・ A$0(ECB 2026-10-27)HK$0≈ S$0 ・ A$0(ECB 2026-10-27)SIM data charges billed separately
Suitable forOwner-occupied shops, offices, warehousesRented shops, tutorial centers, residencesTemporary shops, construction sites, village houses, market stalls

The most common mistake when renting a shop: buying a PoE kit only to discover when the installer arrives that the landlord does not allow drilling into concrete walls, or that the management office requires cables to be routed through existing conduits. The result is having to switch to 4G at the last minute—which means you bought the wrong kit.

To first understand the differences between models that do not require cabling, seeReolink battery and 4G camera lineup comparison; for the selection logic behind different EZVIZ models, seeEZVIZ Security Camera Buying Guide for Hong Kong 2026.

How many days can 2TB record? Calculating the retention period

With 2TB, 8 8MP cameras, H.265, and 6 Mbps, approximately 3.9 days can be recorded; keeping 30 days of footage requires at least 8TB or a lower bitrate.

Formula:可錄日數 = 硬碟 GB × 8,000 ÷ (bitrate Mbps × 3,600 × 24) ÷ 鏡頭數

Bitrate2TB Total Hours8 Cameras4 Cameras
4 Mbps1,138 Hours5.9 Days11.9 Days
6 Mbps759 Hours3.9 Days7.9 Days
8 Mbps569 Hours3.0 Days5.9 Days

Hong Kong shops generally need to retain footage for 14–30 days (missing cash, employee disputes, and insurance claims may only arise two or three weeks later). For 30 days of retention, use a system with 8TB or more, or reduce non-critical cameras to 4 Mbps while keeping a higher bitrate for critical areas.

How can I get clear images at night and at backlit checkout counters?

Night-time image quality depends on the image sensor and supplemental lighting, not the megapixel count.An 8MP camera can perform worse than a 4MP camera at a backlit checkout counter because each pixel is smaller and there is more noise.

Do not point the checkout camera directly toward the glass entrance—the backlight will make faces appear completely black. Instead, position it at a 45-degree angle, shooting downward from the ceiling. Full-color night-vision models are only effective in areas with streetlights or corridor lighting; a completely dark back alley still requires IR, and the image will appear in black and white. Adding a HK$200–400 supplemental light will generally improve night-time identification more than upgrading from 8MP to 12MP.

Hong Kong compliance: What should the notice say? Can employees be monitored?

A shop is a “data user”: it must have a lawful purpose, provide notification, and ensure that the scope is proportionate; the notice must state the monitoring purpose, the identity of the data user, and contact details.

Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal DataGuidance on CCTV SurveillanceThe guidance on organizations’ use of CCTV focuses on three key points: there must be a genuine need, monitoring must be conducted openly, and the scope of collection must be proportionate to the purpose. In practice, three measures should be implemented:

  1. Post a notice at the entrance: “This shop operates CCTV for security and loss-prevention purposes” + company name + contact details.
  2. Cameras should not be installed in employee rest rooms or changing areas. If employees need to be monitored in work areas, the purpose and handling procedures must be explained in the employee policy.
  3. State the retention period: “Recorded footage will be automatically overwritten after 30 days,” and include this in the privacy policy.

The above is a summary of general practices and does not constitute legal advice. For actual arrangements, please refer tothe full guidance from the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Dataor consult a lawyer.

4G Plan Monthly Fees and Data Usage: Actual Costs for Temporary Shops

4G camera hardware is priced similarly to PoE equipment, but monthly data charges are a variable cost; 24/7 cloud recording can quickly exceed your data allowance.

Two Reolink Go PT Ultra 4G cameras at HK$1,699 × 2 = HK$3,398, plus two 64GB cards at HK$480, for a total of HK$3,878. Set them to “record only when a person is detected + save to the card,” and monthly mobile data usage can be kept to a few GB; switching to 24/7 cloud recording will increase usage tenfold. SIM monthly fees vary considerably by telecommunications provider, so confirm with your provider.

Installation Pitfalls: Rented Shops, Older Buildings, and Typhoon Season

The five most common issues encountered on-site in Hong Kong that are rarely mentioned in quotations:

  1. Obtain approval from the landlord/management office before purchasing equipment.Written consent is required for drilling into concrete walls, routing cables along exterior walls, and using communal antenna conduits; residential-style shopping malls usually require the use of designated contractors.
  2. Without a suspended ceiling, surface-mounted wiring is required.Surface-mounted wiring requires cable trunking, which affects the shop’s appearance. It is best to complete it all at once before renovation.
  3. A power outlet is not the same as a PoE port.The switch should be placed in a well-ventilated location with a power supply; do not cram it under the checkout counter.
  4. Typhoon Season: Use stainless-steel outdoor brackets with waterproof sealant; do not use plastic cable ties. Check whether the angle has shifted after a typhoon.
  5. A power outage means recording stops immediately.For continuous recording, add a UPS for both the recorder and the switch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can shop CCTV record audio?
It can, but secret recordings are regulated in Hong Kong, and even overt audio recording involves personal data considerations. In practice, it is recommended to turn off audio and record video only; if audio is genuinely necessary, state this clearly in the notice and consult a lawyer.
Is 8MP necessarily better than 4MP?
For daytime detail, 8MP is clearly superior; at night, if the image sensor is small, 4MP may actually produce less noise. When budget is limited, upgrade the night-time sensor and supplemental lighting first.
Will recording stop during a power outage?
Yes, unless you add a UPS. For a PoE setup, you can add a small UPS to both the recorder and the switch, which will generally last 30–60 minutes; battery-powered cameras are not affected by power outages.
How many days can an 8-camera setup record to a 2TB hard drive?
At 6 Mbps, approximately 3.9 days; at 4 Mbps, approximately 5.9 days; at 8 Mbps, approximately 3.0 days. To retain 30 days of footage, you need 8TB or more, or you need to lower the bitrate.
Can CCTV be installed in a rented shop?
Yes, but drilling walls, routing cables along exterior walls, and using shared cable conduits require prior written consent from the landlord and management office. If you prefer not to drill, you can switch to a 4G or battery-powered solution.

Further Reading

Sources and Methodology

  • Prices: This store’s SHOPLINE product API, retrieved on 2026-10-26; only counts active products, with discontinued models excluded.
  • Capacity calculation: 1 GB = 8,000 Mbit, with an H.265-compressed bitrate of 4–8 Mbps; actual results may vary by ±30% depending on motion, frame rate, and smart encoding.
  • Compliance: [Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data "Guidance on Use of CCTV Surveillance"](https://www.pcpd.org.hk/tc_chi/resources_centre/publications/files/guidance_cctv_surveillance.pdf)、["Guidance on CCTV Surveillance Measures"](https://www.pcpd.org.hk/chinese/publications/files/CCTVpractices_c.pdf)、[Office website](https://www.pcpd.org.hk)。
  • Installation labor, cabling, brackets, and UPS costs are not included in any prices in this article. This store does not undertake installation work. The installation advice in this article is for planning reference only; actual installation should be assessed by a licensed electrician or qualified technician.
About the Author:DIGIBAL ONLINE Editorial Team, a Hong Kong online store and distributor of brands including REOLINK、EZVIZ、SwitchBot, with every unit tested before shipment. Prices in this article are automatically verified through the product API and are not manually changed. For commercial configuration enquiries:cs@digibalonline.com(Equipment sales and configuration advice only; installation is not provided。)
Price update (2026-10-28):The NVS8-NHD recorder itself is HK$1,178 (excluding hard drive); for a 2TB hard drive, select the NVS8-5MD4/8MD4 2TB KIT (HK$4,499/HK$4,999, including 4 cameras). The total package prices in this article have been recalculated based on the recorder-only price; if you want to include a hard drive, add the hard drive cost separately to the total.

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