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Hi all! I'm an italian shop-keeper and i would create a video sourveillance system inside my shops.
I'm relatively keen at computer and linux, but i don't know much about hardware...the situation is: the first shop needs 10 cameras, the second 5 and the third 3. What do i need to make this system up and running?
I would some suggestion because if i ask to some company a quote about this i would know if they are trying to joke me...so, please, be as most precise as you can...
Thank you very much!

To take your ten-cam setup. You'd need a relatively fast computer with at least 2GB of ram and 500gb drive. Call that about £500. You'd need ten cameras. I'd use IP cams, if internal then Axis 206's at about £150 each. Some cat5, crimps and a crimping tool and a couple of basic 10/100 hubs (£30). All the software free, of course.

Excluding labour, you're looking at a minimum of £2,080 (2842 euros) in materials if you do it yourself. (Price in Sterling)

A commercial company would probably charge you double that as a base line.

If this is insurance related (ie, you're thinking you may get a discount on your premium) then check with them first to see whether they need the installation certified.

If you go analog cams, you can cut your costs quite a bit. Similar system with an 8 port realtime card, and a 4 port single chip where you only use 2 ports. You are looking at about $700 USD for the system, and $70-90 USD for cams.