Hire or buy a site security camera?
What a solar site camera really costs over 3, 6 and 12 months, and when owning one beats hiring. Written for Melbourne builders.
The short answer
For one build lasting 3 to 12 months, hire. A Site Vision Cam costs $869 including GST for 3 months or $1,639 including GST for 6 months ($790 or $1,490 + GST), plus a one-off $275 including GST ($250 + GST) installation and removal fee, and that covers the camera, solar power, 4G data, siren, installation, moves and collection. Buying means paying the full hardware price up front, then covering data, installation, moves, removal, repairs and the risk of theft. Buying only wins if you will reuse the same cameras across many sites over several years and have the staff to install and service them. Site Vision Security, based in Hallam, hires solar site cameras across Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula from $869 for 3 months including GST.
What hiring a Site Vision Cam costs
Published prices for one camera, including GST (ex GST in brackets). Minimum hire is 3 months. The setup fee covers installation and removal.
| Hire period | Hire price | Setup, install and removal | Total | Average per week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 months (13 weeks) | $869 ($790) | $275 ($250) | $1,144 | about $88 |
| 6 months (26 weeks) | $1,639 ($1,490) | $275 ($250) | $1,914 | about $74 |
| 12 months | Custom rate | $275 ($250) | Call for a quote | Lower than the 6 month average |
Extra days are $11 a day. A second dual dome camera on the same pole adds $22 a week. Average per week includes the setup fee. All prices include GST. Call 1300 108 555 for 12 month and multi-site rates.
Hire vs buy, line by line
What you take on with each option.
| What matters | Hire a Site Vision Cam | Buy your own |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Setup fee plus the hire price. No hardware purchase. | Full price of the camera, pole, solar panel, battery and controller. |
| 4G data | Included. | Your own SIM plan, every month, including months it is idle. |
| Installation | Our licensed team installs it. | You install it, or pay someone to. |
| Moving between stages | We relocate the pole as the build changes. | You move and re-aim it, or pay for a visit. |
| Removal and storage | We collect it. Nothing to store. | You remove it and store it between jobs. |
| Theft or damage | Our equipment, our risk. | Your loss if it is stolen or damaged. |
| Faults and updates | We fix or swap the unit. | Warranty claims and firmware are your job. |
| Ending the job early | Stop hiring when the build finishes. | You own a camera you may not need. |
| Best for | One build, or a few builds a year, of 3 to 12 months. | Many sites back to back for years, with staff to run the units. |
Three questions that settle it
How many months is the job?
Under 12 months on a single site, hire is almost always cheaper once install, data, moves and removal are counted. Use the table above to price your own build.
3 months: $869 inc GSTHow many sites a year?
If you run several sites at once, owning can work, but only if each camera is reused many times. Ask for a multi-site rate before you buy.
Multi-site rates on requestWho will look after it?
Owned cameras need someone to install, move, fix and re-aim them. Hired cameras come with that done for you.
Installed, moved and collected by usGet a price for your build
Tell us the suburb, build type and how many months, and we will quote your exact hire cost.
Weighing solar against wired cameras as well? Read solar vs wired CCTV for building sites.
- Installed on day one: no mains power or Wi-Fi needed.
- Live view and alerts: on your phone and your supervisor's.
- Licensed installer: installer licence (individual) 911-822-22S.
Site camera hire, priced per camera
Two simple hire options. Pick the one that fits your build.
Minimum 3-month hire applies to all camera systems. Installation and removal charges apply separately.
- Site Vision Cam on a steel pole
- 4G data and phone app
- Siren, warning light and signs
- Remote support from our team
- Site Vision Cam on a steel pole
- 4G data and phone app
- Siren, warning light and signs
- Remote support from our team
Separate one-off charges
Options (inc GST)
- Dual dome camera upgrade+ $22 a week
- Extra days after your hire ends$11 a day
- Two or more camerasBundle price
- Longer than 6 monthsProject rate
All prices are per camera and include GST, with ex GST prices shown for business customers. No lock-in after your hire period ends. Looking for trailer pricing? See the Trailer Cam.
Is it cheaper to hire or buy a site security camera?
For a typical 3 to 12 month build, hiring is usually cheaper once you count everything. A Site Vision Cam costs $869 including GST for 3 months or $1,639 including GST for 6 months ($790 or $1,490 + GST), plus a one-off $275 including GST ($250 + GST) installation and removal fee. Buying means paying the full hardware price up front, then paying for a 4G data plan, installation, moves between build stages, removal, and any repairs or theft of the unit. Buying only starts to win when you will use the same camera on many sites over several years.
How much does it cost to hire a solar site camera in Melbourne?
Minimum hire is 3 months. Site Vision Cam hire is $869 including GST for 3 months or $1,639 including GST for 6 months ($790 or $1,490 + GST). There is a one-off $275 including GST ($250 + GST) installation and removal fee, extra days are $11 a day including GST, and a second dual dome camera on the same pole adds $22 a week including GST. Longer projects get a custom rate. Call 1300 108 555.
What is included in the hire price?
Everything on the pole: the 4K PTZ camera, solar panel and battery, 4G controller and data, siren and warning light, and live view and alerts on your phone. Our team installs it, moves it as your site changes, and collects it when you finish. You do not buy, maintain or store any equipment.
What if my build runs longer than planned?
Keep the camera and pay $11 a day including GST past your hire period, or move to a longer rate. There is no lock-in, and you can end the hire when the job finishes.
When does buying a site camera make sense?
Buying makes sense if you run many sites back to back for years, have staff to install, move and service the units, and can absorb the risk of theft or damage to owned equipment. For a single build, or a few builds a year, hire removes that work and cost.
Can I switch from hire to a permanent system at handover?
Yes. Many builders hire a Site Vision Cam during construction, then we install permanent wired CCTV, alarms and monitoring for the owner at handover. Site Vision Security is a licensed installer based in Hallam, VIC. Call 1300 108 555 for a quote.
More from Site Vision
See the full Site Vision Cam specifications, real installs around Melbourne, site camera hire on the Mornington Peninsula, or Site Vision Pro for larger commercial sites.
Secure your site this week
Site Vision Cams installed Melbourne-wide.