Perfect Outdoor Camera Placement for Security
Outdoor cameras help keep homes safe, but where is the best place to put them? Believe it or not, over 34% of burglars come right through the front door! [1] Having a camera there allows people to see who is coming and going.
This article shares tips on getting the most out of outdoor cameras. There are important things to think about when installing them. Keep reading to find out the best spots to place outdoor cameras. Proper placement means better security. Discover how to protect your property in the sections below.
Key Takeaway
- Cameras should be placed at heights of 8 to 10 feet for best visibility.
- Cover all entry points like the front door, back door, and side doors.
- Use wide-angle lenses to minimize blind spots and maximize coverage.
Outdoor Camera Placement: Key Areas
Here are some tips for placing outdoor cameras to help keep your home safe and sound.
1. Around the Outside of Your Property
Putting cameras along the fences and gates is super smart! This way, you can see if any sneaky intruders are trying to get onto your property before they cause trouble. The cameras will catch them red-handed if they are up to no good along the perimeter.
Having a wide view is important too so the cameras can see as much of the outside area as possible.
2. At the Doors People Use to Get In and Out
The front door is a top spot for a camera. You’ll be able to see who is coming and going from the main entrance. This helps keep an eye on deliveries and guests. If something bad happens, the camera there will have the evidence.
Don’t forget the back and side doors! Burglars often try to slip in these ways because people don’t put cameras there. Having cameras at all the doors adds extra security. That way you can catch a robber before they get inside your house.
The goal is having cameras in the right spots outside to keep your property safe and give you peace of mind. Just remember to check on them once in a while to make sure they are working properly!
3. Driveways and Parking Areas
Setting up cameras to watch driveways and parking lots can be super helpful. It lets people keep an eye out for any weird stuff going on around their cars. These areas are mega important to watch since cars can totally get broken into or stolen!
A good camera can even record the type and color of a car if it’s used for something bad. It’s also great for seeing who comes over to the house. This rocks if someone parks in a way that blocks the driveway or causes issues.
4. Windows
It’s smart to point cameras at windows on the first floor, especially ones that aren’t easy to see from the street. Cameras above these windows can catch robbers breaking in. Lots of thieves look for windows that are hidden away as an easy way to get into a house.
Having cameras on these windows means owners can watch out for anything strange happening. It also makes a home less interesting to bad guys when they see a camera looking right at them.
5. Common Areas
For places with lots of units like apartments, cameras should keep an eye on hallways and lobbies. This prevents random people from just walking in whenever they want. Covering these shared spots means residents can make sure no one comes in unless allowed.
This is super important in areas where lots of people live together and safety matters. Cameras can also record anything that happens in these spots, which is great info to have if needed.
Optimal Positioning of Cameras
When it comes to placing security cameras, there are some handy tips to keep in mind. Mounting them high up, around 8 to 10 feet off the ground, gives the cameras a bird’s eye view. This makes it tougher for sneaky intruders to mess with them too. [2]
Angling the cameras just right is also key – aim them at the important spots and try to avoid facing them right into the sun’s glare.
Wide-angled lenses are super helpful for capturing more space in the frame. This way the cameras can see everything going on without missing a beat.
Positioning cameras in corners is smart too. That way they can keep watch over two walls at the same time. Corners tend to provide excellent views of multiple entry points.
At Shielded Residence, we provide expert guidance on the best ways to position your outdoor cameras to ensure maximum coverage and safety.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes when figuring out where to put security cameras. Trying to make one camera cover too large an area rarely works out well. It’s better to focus on the key areas like doorways or high-risk spots. Having too much ground to cover can make a camera miss important details.
Obstructed views are another issue to watch out for. Trees, buildings or other objects can block the camera’s line of sight. Doing regular checks that the views stay clear is smart. Keeping these tips in mind can help avoid common camera placement mistakes.
Not sure how to cover all key areas without missing important details? Shielded Residence can guide you through the process with ease.
Technical Considerations for Outdoor Cameras
Choosing the right camera for home security can seem tricky. But no worries! Here are some tips to make the decision easier:
Camera Types
- Fixed lens cameras are good for keeping an eye on specific spots, like the front door or backyard. They have a set viewing angle that doesn’t move.
- PTZ cameras can pan, tilt and zoom to see a larger area. These are flexible for seeing multiple spots. A PTZ camera can scan a whole room!
Wiring Access
- Think about how to run the wires before choosing locations. Areas with attics or basements make installing wires much easier.
- Proper planning for the wiring beforehand helps avoid any problems after installation. Knowing the route the wires will take is important.
The goal is monitoring key areas at home. Fixed cameras watch specific spots. PTZ cameras cover more ground. And mapping out the wiring makes setup smooth sailing. With the right prep, installing security cameras can be a breeze!
FAQ
Where are the best locations for placing cameras around my house?
Start with points of entry like doors and street windows. Place security cameras at vantage points that offer clear field of view of access points. Consider placing cameras high on the second floor to maximize camera coverage while staying out of reach. For best coverage, don’t forget areas near floor windows and common areas where people typically enter your property.
How can I ensure good video quality when positioning my security cameras?
Pay attention to dynamic range and low light performance when setting up cameras. A wide angle lens helps capture more area, but make sure the video quality remains clear enough to identify important details like license plates. Position cameras to avoid direct sunlight which can impact image clarity.
What are the golden rules for camera system installation?
When planning your security system design, balance visible cameras (for deterrence) with concealed ones. Ensure your cameras can detect motion reliably. Consider both battery powered and PoE units based on your needs. Make sure you have adequate video storage through a hard drive system that matches your coverage requirements.
How do I set up interior cameras to complement my outdoor security?
While outdoor security is crucial, indoor security cameras in living room and other common areas add another layer of protection. Doorbell cameras at entry points alert you to visitors. Indoor cameras should be positioned discreetly while maintaining clear sight lines to monitor indoor activity.
What should I know before getting started today with camera installation?
Whether choosing DIY installation or professional help, understand basic industry terms and best practices first. Consider how you’ll access the system – most camera systems now include mobile app control. Ensure strong Wi-Fi signal reaches all camera locations. Think about how family members will interact with the security system daily.
The Bottom Line
Outdoor security cameras guard homes. Put cameras watching doors, driveways, windows. No blind spots! Position high on walls aiming down. Place out of reach. Avoid pointing at sun. Check night vision range. Pick wide-angle view if possible. Test camera views on phone. Move cameras to eliminate blind zones.
Proper placement gives full home protection. Cameras watch everything coming and going. No intruders get missed. Homeowners gain peace of mind knowing outdoor cameras keep watch.
At Shielded Residence, we’re dedicated to helping homeowners like you set up outdoor cameras that leave no blind spots, ensuring total peace of mind.
References
- https://www.cnet.com/home/security/best-places-to-install-security-cams-for-homeowners/
- https://sirixmonitoring.com/blog/security-camera-placement-guidelines/
