Three quotes for the "same" camera system can differ by thousands of dollars, and the lowest number is not always the best deal. One installer may include a recorder with room for 30 days, another may include seven. One may quote name-brand cameras with a two-year labor warranty, another generic cameras with none. One may price the wiring honestly, another may leave it for later. To compare fairly, you need to line up the quotes on the same scope. This guide shows how to build a simple comparison, spot gaps, ask follow-up questions and choose with confidence.
This is general guidance. Always read the contract you sign and verify credentials and insurance independently.
1. The Short Version
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Give every installer the same goals and access. |
| 2 | Ask for itemized quotes with model numbers. |
| 3 | Put the quotes in one table. |
| 4 | Normalize differences in scope. |
| 5 | Compare warranty, support and exclusions. |
| 6 | Verify credentials, insurance and references. |
| 7 | Choose based on total value, not only price. |
2. Start With the Same Brief
If you tell each installer something different, you get quotes that cannot be compared. Write a one-page brief: what you want to protect, the areas that matter most, how many days of footage you want, who needs access, whether you want alerts and your budget range. Give each installer the same brief, the same access to the property and the same questions. See our guide on questions to ask an installer.
3. Ask for Itemized Quotes
A quote that says "camera system, $3,200" tells you nothing. Ask for:
- Number and type of cameras with model numbers and resolution.
- Lens type and field of view.
- Recorder model, number of channels and storage capacity with expected days of footage.
- Network and power equipment, such as PoE switches.
- Cable type, quantity and routing method.
- Mounts, housings and accessories.
- Labor, including setup, configuration and training.
- Permits or approvals, if any.
- Software, apps and subscriptions.
- Warranty on equipment and labor.
- Payment schedule and timeline.
- Exclusions.
If an installer refuses to itemize, that is useful information.
4. Build a Comparison Table
Open a spreadsheet or draw a table. Rows are items; columns are installers. Here is a template:
| Item | Installer A | Installer B | Installer C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total price | |||
| Number of cameras | |||
| Camera models and resolution | |||
| Recorder model and capacity | |||
| Days of footage at stated settings | |||
| Cable type and routing | |||
| Power/PoE equipment | |||
| Monthly fees | |||
| Labor warranty | |||
| Equipment warranty | |||
| Response time | |||
| Exclusions | |||
| Credentials verified | |||
| Insurance certificate received | |||
| References checked | |||
| Payment schedule |
Fill in what you can. Blank cells show where you need more information.
5. Normalize the Scope
Differences in scope make bids look different. Common mismatches:
Camera count. One bid has six cameras and another has four.
Resolution. 2K vs. 4K, or lower.
Lenses. Fixed vs. varifocal.
Storage. Seven days vs. 30 days.
Wiring. Visible vs. concealed, standard vs. conduit.
Cloud features. Included vs. paid monthly.
Training. Included vs. not.
Finishing. Patching holes, painting, cleanup.
Ask the lowest bidder to quote the same scope as the others, or ask the others to quote the leaner version, so you compare apples with apples. A revised quote is a normal request.
6. Watch for Thin and Padded Bids
Thin bids may leave out items needed later: a recorder with too little storage, no surge protection, no training or thin cable that needs replacement. They look cheap until the add-ons arrive.
Padded bids may include premium equipment you do not need, vague "miscellaneous" charges or generous markups. Ask what each line is for.
Mystery bundles that group everything under "installation" make comparison impossible.
If one bid is far below the rest, ask what is missing. If one is far above, ask what you get for the difference. See our cost guides for planning ranges.
7. Compare Equipment Honestly
You do not need to be an engineer. Ask for model numbers and look up the specifications. Compare:
- Resolution and lens.
- Night performance and infrared range.
- Wide dynamic range.
- Weather rating for outdoor cameras.
- Compression type and bitrate.
- Recorder channels and drive bays.
- Support and firmware updates.
Ask each installer why they chose a model. A good answer references your property, not just a brand. See our guides on resolution and PTZ vs. fixed cameras.
8. Compare Service and Warranty
Ask: What happens if a camera fails in month 14? Who do I call? How fast do you come? Are there trip fees? Is there a maintenance plan? See our guide on warranties. Sometimes a slightly more expensive bid is cheaper in total because service is better.
9. Check Credentials, Insurance and References
Ask each installer which license or registration applies and verify it. Request a certificate of insurance. Call references. Look at past work. These steps eliminate many problems. See our guide on licensed installers. Compare how easily each installer provides this information.
10. Evaluate the Human Side
Quotes are documents; installers are people. Notice who:
- Walked the property and listened.
- Answered questions clearly.
- Returned calls and emails promptly.
- Explained tradeoffs without pressure.
- Put things in writing.
- Offered options at different price points.
You will deal with this company after installation. Choose someone you trust.
11. News Context
Quotes matter because the system must work when needed. In September 2026, NYPD sought two suspects in 19 commercial burglaries across 16 Brooklyn neighborhoods, according to News 12. In August 2026, ABC7 New York reported on several Bay Ridge restaurants broken into overnight. Owners in such situations do not need the cheapest system; they need one that records clearly, keeps enough days and is supported.
NYPD reported burglary down 19.5% and retail theft down 15% citywide in May 2026 compared with May 2025 (NYPD).
12. Costs: What Is Reasonable?
Planning ranges for professionally installed systems in 2026:
| System | Typical installed range |
|---|---|
| Video doorbell | $150 to $550 |
| 4 cameras, home | $1,600 to $3,600 |
| 8 cameras, home or small business | $3,000 to $6,800 |
| 16 cameras, commercial | $6,500 to $13,000 |
Bids outside these ranges deserve a question. Old buildings, long runs, specialty cameras and large storage can push costs higher. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
13. Questions to Ask Each Installer After Receiving the Quote
- Can you itemize with model numbers?
- How many days of footage will I have at these settings?
- What is not included?
- What is your labor warranty and response time?
- Are there any recurring fees?
- Can you match the scope of the other quotes so I can compare?
See our local pages for security camera installation in Brooklyn, commercial installation in Queens, home camera installation in Staten Island and our services page.
Holding other quotes? Revolvis will walk the property with you and mark the spots.
14. A Worked Example
A Queens shop owner receives three quotes for what he calls "six cameras." Installer A quotes $3,100: six 2K cameras, a 4 TB recorder, 12 days of footage, 90-day labor warranty. Installer B quotes $4,300: six 4K cameras, an 8 TB recorder, 30 days, two-year labor warranty, a training session and a yearly checkup. Installer C quotes $2,400: six unnamed cameras, no storage details and no warranty. After normalizing scope, he asks A to quote 30 days of storage and a longer warranty, and asks C to itemize. A's revised quote becomes $3,600 with 8 TB and a one-year warranty. C declines to itemize. He chooses between A and B, and decides B is worth the extra for the longer warranty and checkup. The cheapest bid never made the cut because it could not be compared.
15. Decision Time
Total the cost, then adjust for what is missing. Score each installer on equipment, storage, warranty, service, credentials, references and communication. Pick the highest overall value. Ask the winner to update the quote with any changes and sign only the final version. Keep copies of everything. Tell the other installers thank you and that you chose another company; it is courteous and may help if you need them in the future.
More From Revolvis
Cameras are one layer of a secure property. The same in-house crew also handles the rest:
- Keyless entry installation and smart lock installation
- Access control systems and commercial access control
- Video doorbells and intercoms
- Alarm system installation
- Complete unified security
Learn more about Revolvis, meet the team, see all services, browse the blog or contact us.
Areas We Serve
Revolvis installs residential and commercial camera systems across the New York metro area. Every borough and county has its own building stock, rules and wiring challenges, so the plan for a Queens two-family is not the plan for a Manhattan co-op.
- Staten Island: houses, detached garages and shop fronts. See security camera installation in Staten Island.
- Brooklyn: brownstones, row houses and storefronts. See security camera installation in Brooklyn.
- Queens: attached brick homes, two-families and busy commercial strips. See security camera installation in Queens.
- The Bronx: pre-war buildings, bodegas and warehouses. See security camera installation in the Bronx.
- Manhattan: co-ops, condos, offices and retail. See security camera installation in Manhattan.
- Long Island: Nassau County and Suffolk County.
- New Jersey: Jersey City, Newark, Hoboken and nearby towns.
The full list is on the service areas page.
Get a Custom Quote After a Site Visit
Revolvis prices every job after a site visit, because the building sets the cost as much as the equipment does. A few things make the estimate faster and more accurate:
- The address and property type: house, apartment, co-op, condo, storefront or warehouse.
- Which doors, sides and areas you want covered, and what worries you most.
- Photos of those spots and any spots where you already have cabling or power.
- How many days of footage you want to keep and whether you want to watch on your phone.
- Any landlord, board, lender or insurer requirement.
Call 347-258-9165 or use the contact page to book a site visit. The quote you receive is written and itemized, so you can compare it line by line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare security camera quotes? Get itemized quotes with model numbers, normalize scope, build a table and compare warranty, service and credentials.
Should I always choose the cheapest quote? No. Check what is missing and what support is included.
How many quotes should I get? Three is a good number after site visits.
What if one quote is much lower? Ask what is left out. It may omit storage, wiring or warranty.
Can I ask installers to revise quotes? Yes. It is normal to ask for matching scope.
What documents should I keep? The final quote, contract, model numbers, warranty and receipts.
Ready for a custom quote? Call Revolvis at 347-258-9165 for a site visit and a written, itemized estimate.
Safety note: A camera system supports, but does not replace, good locks, lighting, alarms and everyday habits. If you are in danger or witnessing a crime, call 911. Prices and legal summaries in this guide are general information for the New York metro area, not an offer or legal advice. A written quote after a site visit governs your actual price, and for legal questions you should confirm with the agencies linked in the article or a licensed attorney.