When budgeting for video surveillance cameras, there are multiple factors to consider that affect cost beyond the camera itself. It’s important to also know the cost of installation, and the cost to service or upgrade a unit in the future. While configuring a small number of cameras will likely have little impact on cost, the labor involved in installing and servicing hundreds of cameras can be significant. A modular approach to camera design is necessary to reduce the installation costs and long-term maintenance of such cameras.