Modular surveillance system

A modular surveillance camera kit includes a group of camera heads each having a respective set of performance characteristics, a group of system controllers each having a respective set of performance characteristics, and a group of communications modules, each having a respective set of performance characteristics. Each of the communications modules is configured to be coupled to a system interface. A surveillance camera system may be assembled in a selected one of a plurality of possible combinations by selecting one of the group of camera heads, one of the group of system controllers and one of the group of communications modules such that the selected system controller electrically and mechanically interconnects the selected camera head and the selected communications module. Each system controller is configured to ascertain an identification of the selected camera head and/or the selected communications module that is assembled in a same surveillance camera system as the system controller. Each system controller is also configured to operate the surveillance camera system dependent upon the identification. The system is able to automatically detect component compatibility errors and report to a user when a component is in need of replacement.