Camera System Cost Calculator

Example Data

Use the calculator to generate totals, then export for approvals.

Formula Used

The calculator totals equipment, cabling, and labor, then applies contingency, tax, and discount. Annual maintenance is shown separately for budgeting.

• Installed cameras: totalCams = cameraQty + ceil(cameraQty x spares%)
• Cabling: cableM = totalCams x avgCableM, then cablingCost = cableM x cableCostPerM
• Storage estimate: Mbps = totalCams x bitratePerCam x activityFactor
• Storage size: GB/day ~ Mbps x 10.8, TB = (GB/day x days / 1000) x (1 + overhead%)
• Labor: laborHours = totalCams x installHrs + config + testing + PM, then laborCost = laborHours x rate
• Total: subtotal = materials + labor
• Contingency: preTax = subtotal x (1 + contingency%)
• Tax: gross = preTax x (1 + tax%)
• Discount: grandTotal = gross x (1 - discount%)

Storage math is simplified for planning; validate with encoder settings.

How to Use This Calculator

1. Enter camera quantity and choose the camera type.
2. Select resolution and recording mode to estimate storage.
3. Set retention days and storage overhead to match policies.
4. Adjust cable length and unit rates using measured site runs.
5. Update labor rate and hours to reflect crew productivity.
6. Apply contingency, tax, and discount for your approval workflow.
7. Press Calculate Cost to show the result above.
8. Use Download CSV or Download PDF to share.

Project Cost Drivers

Construction camera budgets typically split across equipment, cabling, and labor. For temporary sites, camera hardware can be 35–55% of the total when using fixed outdoor units. For higher-risk zones, PTZ or thermal cameras may shift hardware above 65%. This calculator lets you override unit pricing to match supplier quotes and procurement agreements. Include signage, mounting plates, and weatherproof junction boxes, often adding 8–15% to camera line items on exposed structures outside areas.

Storage and Retention Planning

Retention rules often come from incident review needs, insurance, or client requirements. The estimator converts total stream bitrate into daily volume using 10.8 GB per Mbps per day, then multiplies by retention days and storage overhead. Overhead accounts for RAID parity, spare capacity, and growth, commonly 15–30% for small recorders. If you record continuously, consider lowering resolution or frame rate to keep storage stable overall.

Labor and Access Assumptions

Installation hours vary by mounting height, lift access, conduit routing, and termination quality. A baseline of 1.0–2.0 hours per camera is common for straightforward placements, while elevated or restricted work can exceed 3.0 hours. Add configuration, testing, and management hours to reflect commissioning, password policy setup, and handover documentation. Benchmark crews by measuring first‑fix and second‑fix time separately per floor zone.

Network and Power Allowances

PoE switching is sized by installed camera count using 8, 16, 24, and 48‑port blocks for planning. Monitor, UPS, and rack costs are optional but recommended for stability during generator changeovers and brownouts. Cable cost per meter should include labeling, connectors, and minor consumables, not just bulk reel pricing. Budget for protectors and grounding where lightning exposure is high.

Risk, Contingency, and Lifecycle

Contingency helps cover unknowns such as revised camera locations, extra penetrations, or rework after trades complete. Many contractors carry 5–12% contingency for low-complexity deployments and 12–20% where access and scope are uncertain. The calculator also shows an annual maintenance allowance for cleaning, firmware updates, and device replacements. Document settings to reduce future troubleshooting visits.

FAQs

1) Does the calculator include internet service or SIM costs?

No. It focuses on on-site equipment, cabling, labor, and storage. Add separate allowances for broadband, SIM data plans, firewall licensing, or managed monitoring contracts.

2) What should I enter for install hours per camera?

Start with 1.5 hours for standard mounting and termination. Use 2.5–3.5 hours when lifts, long conduit runs, coring, or restricted access are expected.

3) How is storage estimated?

Total bitrate is calculated from cameras, resolution bitrate, and recording activity. Daily volume uses 10.8 GB per Mbps per day, then retention days and an overhead percentage are applied.

4) Why add spares?

Spares reduce downtime from damage, theft, or early failures and support quick scope changes. A 3–8% spare allowance is common on active construction projects.

5) Can I use vendor pricing for switches and recorders?

Yes. Adjust cable, labor, and optional device costs, and override the camera unit price. For the most accurate estimate, replace all defaults with your quoted rates.

6) Is the discount applied before or after tax?

In this calculator, discount is applied after tax for a conservative approval figure. If your workflow discounts pre-tax, reduce the tax rate to zero and calculate tax separately.