Metal vs Plastic CCTV Camera: Will a Metal Camera Rust?
Outdoor cameras live in sun, rain and dust. So the choice of metal vs plastic CCTV camera is not about looks, it is about how long the camera will last. This article answers the question we get most: "If I choose a metal camera, will it rust?"
Will a metal CCTV camera rust?
No. People worry because iron rusts, but the metal body of a good camera is an aluminium body, and aluminium does not rust. That is the body of the Stanklin cameras we install.
What happens to plastic cameras?
You may have seen cameras whose heads droop after some time. These are usually plastic cameras. A plastic body can be fine for a short while, but it does not hold up in the way a metal body does when it is left outdoors for years.
Metal vs plastic CCTV camera: how to decide
- If you want the camera to last for more than ten years, choose a metal camera.
- If you need it only for a short period, such as about a year, a plastic camera may be enough.
Most homes and businesses fit CCTV to stay for years, so metal is usually the better value. A camera that fails after a year costs you the camera, the labour to replace it and, worse, the footage you needed.
Other things to check on an outdoor camera
- Sealed cable joints and good junction boxes, especially near the coast; read our coastal villa guide.
- The image sensor; see how to choose a CCTV camera.
- A good hard disk in the recorder; see our hard disk guide.
- Warranty: Stanklin cameras come with a 2 year replacement warranty.
Key takeaways
- In the metal vs plastic CCTV camera choice, an aluminium body does not rust.
- Choose a metal camera if you want it to last more than ten years.
- A plastic camera is only sensible for a short-term need.
Frequently asked questions
Is the metal in a CCTV camera iron?
No. The body of our cameras is aluminium, which does not rust like iron.
How long does a metal camera last?
You can expect it to last well over ten years when it is installed properly.
When is a plastic camera acceptable?
If you need only a short-term camera, for around a year, it may be enough.
Do metal cameras cost more?
Usually, but over the years they work out cheaper than replacing plastic cameras. Ask for both options in your quotation.
Talk to Black Cats Group
Black Cats Group has its own installation teams across Tamil Nadu and in Bangalore. Call us on 7557 7557 37 or send your requirement through the contact page, and we will arrange a site visit and a written quote. You can browse the cameras on our CCTV products page.
