Why Cameras at Office, Really
Top scenarios (by importance):
Employee vs client dispute — what was said
Property theft — equipment, documents, cash
Schedule compliance — attendance check
After-hours security
Compliance — bank/govt contract requirements
90% of time cameras run "for nothing" — but pay off once during a real incident.
Zones and Priority
| Zone | Priority | Min Resolution |
|---|
|
| Entrance + reception | Critical | 4MP face-recognition |
|---|
| Cashier | Critical | 4MP |
|---|
| Server room / storage | High | 2-4MP |
|---|
| Open space | Medium | 2MP wide-angle |
|---|
| Offices | Low | On demand |
|---|
| Parking | Medium | 4MP with IR |
|---|
Camera Count by Office Size
50-100 m² (10 ppl): 2 cameras
100-200 m² (20-30 ppl): 5 cameras
300+ m² (50+ ppl): 12-14 cameras
Resolution
| Distance | Min Resolution |
|---|
|
| 1-3m | 2 MP |
| 3-7m | 2-4 MP |
| 7-15m | 4 MP |
| 15-30m | 4-8 MP |
4K = often overpay. Archive takes 2-3× more space. 4MP with right angle beats 8MP "wide shot."
UniFi Protect vs Regular IP
| Criterion | UniFi Protect | Generic IP |
|---|
|
| Cost | 1.5-2× more | Cheaper |
|---|
| Install | Easy PoE | Manual IP/NVR |
|---|
| App | Single | Per-vendor |
|---|
| Storage | UNVR/CK+ | Separate NVR |
|---|
| Cloud | Free | Often paid |
|---|
Choose UniFi when: already on UniFi net; 5-15 cameras; simplicity priority.
Choose regular when: 30+ cameras; existing NVR; tight budget.
Archive Storage
Required depth: 7 days minimum, 30 standard, 60-90 banks/govt.
Storage size: 4MP 24/7 30 days ≈ 800 GB. Motion-only 50% ≈ 400 GB. 12 cams motion ≈ 5 TB.
Storage options:
UniFi UNVR — 4 bays, 18 TB max, from 6-7M UZS
Cloud Key Plus — built-in 1 TB
Regular NVR — Hikvision/Dahua
Office Solution (200 m²)
UCG-Ultra
USW-Lite-8-PoE
5× UniFi G4/G5 Bullet 4MP
UNVR + 4 TB
Cat 6 FTP indoor
Budget: 18-25M UZS turnkey.
Ubiquiti catalog
Common Mistakes
Wide-shot instead of targeted
No IR in dark zones
No UPS on recorder
Insufficient PoE
Cloud-only (internet down = no record)
Legal Notes (Uzbekistan)
Display "Video surveillance" signs
No restrooms / changing rooms
Open-space OK, avoid direct desk targeting
Archive is confidential
Bottom Line
Small office: 2-3 UniFi G4/G5. Medium: 5-7 + UNVR. Large: 10-15 with redundancy.
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