Some years ago, I found out where to put my security camera the hard way when my laptop was stolen from my friend’s car as we dined at our favorite Japanese restaurant. Burglars smashed a window to get in the car, and while that should have triggered the car’s alarm, this particular car didn’t have one. I never saw the laptop again, despite my efforts to locate it using the Find My iPhone app.

After discovering the damage, my friend and I were relieved to find a security camera pointing in the general direction of the car. However, when the restaurant owner checked the footage, it turned out the car was just outside its field of view. This brings up the number-one rule of security camera placement, as stated by Brinks Home spokesperson Laura Finson: “When assessing the right camera angles and placement, it is crucial to ensure the camera captures the desired field of view without obstructions such as trees.”

This is one of a number of things homeowners (and restaurateurs) should think about when placing security cameras. If you’re considering a new security system and you’re wondering: “Where should I put my security camera?” this post has the expert advice you need.

Factors to Consider When Positioning Security Cameras

Budget concerns may force you to limit the number of cameras you deploy. When considering where to put your security cameras, you should pay attention to the following factors:

Monitor the most important areas

“First, you must make sure your cameras cover key entry points and high-activity areas like doors and windows for the best protection,” says Carolin Pfanne of Canary Home Security. She adds that most break-ins occur through windows or the main door, so you definitely want to cover those, and that you should also have a view of the street or garden outside for added protection. Indoors, Rob Gabriele of SafeHome has this advice: “Top priorities are always entryways. That way, you can see everyone who comes and goes. After that, prioritize the areas of your house where you keep valuables.”

Avoid blind spots

“Poor camera placement can result in blind spots, exposing areas of your home and making it easier for intruders to avoid detection,” says Finson. Make sure no vegetation or furniture blocks the field of view, and avoid aiming the cameras at traffic or any outdoor lights that can cause glare or trigger false alarms.

Set cameras at the right height

Cameras need to be high enough to have a good view of the areas they are monitoring, but not so high as to make recognition difficult. “For height,” says Finson, “we recommend installing cameras between eight and ten feet high for optimal facial recognition.” This is a practical height for servicing cameras with a ladder but still out of the reach of intruders who might try to disable them, which former law enforcement officer Brian Townsend cites as an important consideration.

Consider lighting conditions and Wi-Fi accessibility

“One should consider lighting conditions as well,” says Townsend. “Areas that do not provide enough light will probably need better cameras that can adjust to low-light conditions. Always keep your Wi-Fi signal strength in mind as well. You might need a Wi-Fi extender.” In low-light situations, Finson recommends pairing your camera with a motion-sensor light.

Where Should I Mount My Security Camera?

Every house has a different layout, and there’s no generic formula for camera placement. Gabriele recommends making sure you have coverage of common areas inside, like hallways and main living areas, followed by an outdoor camera overlooking your driveway and garage door. “For indoor protection, place cameras on a side table or shelf a few paces from the door with the camera pointed down at an angle. This gives you the best view of your home and an entrance that is typically used,” says Pfanne.

If you have a pool and kids, Hooman Shahidi of SimpliSafe recommends investing in an outdoor security camera and directing it toward your pool area. “An outdoor camera will alert you to any unexpected activity around the pool, and you can view livestream video directly on your smartphone to check in on your family’s safety.”

How Many Security Cameras Do I Need?

For the average residential home, Gabriele recommends four to six cameras. “That’s enough for one outdoor camera looking over your driveway, an outdoor camera watching the entrance of your house, one camera for your back door, and two indoor cameras.”

Townsend adds: “My minimum recommendation is four cameras; one to cover each side of the home, but I prefer more because I like to specifically cover the front entrance and garage (if applicable).”

Tips for Positioning Security Cameras

“When it comes to outdoor cameras,” says Shahidi, “we recommend mounting an outdoor security camera six feet from the ground and angled 30 degrees down to ensure optimal visibility around the perimeter of your home.” Pfanne adds: “Place a camera in front of a window, at an angle. The majority of break-ins happen via a window or through the front door. This positioning allows you to get a clear vision of your main entry points but also a view of the street or garden outside for added protection.”

Townsend has used camouflage cameras that blend into outdoor landscape features, making them difficult to see but perfect for monitoring vehicles and foot traffic entering and exiting the property. “I also recommend a camera in the garage pointing out. Garages can be easy access points for criminals, and that camera can capture activity in the garage, even in low-light situations.”

FAQ

Do security cameras actually prevent theft?

Yes. According to a 2020 study based on 40 years of data, properties covered by security cameras experience a 13 percent reduction in break-ins and property damage. The study was conducted in several countries, and the strongest deterrent effects were noted in South Korea and the UK.

According to ADT, the reduction in one county in New Jersey was significantly higher — as much as 50 percent — and the company claims that a home with a camera is 300 percent safer than one without.

The fact that cameras indicate the possibility of an alarm system is a further deterrent. Another study published by UNC Charlotte, which interviewed 422 burglars serving time, reported that 83 percent of them would choose another target if they thought an alarm was present.

About the Experts

  • Carolin Pfanne is a security expert at Canary, a company that supplies security cameras and monitoring software.
  • Hooman Shahidi is the Chief Product Officer at SimpliSafe.
  • Rob Gabriele is the in-house home security and safety expert for SafeHome.org.
  • Laura Finson is the Director of Product and Strategy at Brinks Home Security.
  • Brian Townsend is a retired Supervisory Special Agent and former Resident Agent in Charge with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). He is the founder and Executive Director of Only 2mg Inc.

Sources

Author
Chris Deziel
Chris Deziel is a freelance service journalist who worked in landscaping and home improvement for more than thirty years. He has published over 10,000 how-to and expository pieces on home improvement and nature topics since he began writing in 2010. Deziel lives and works in an off-grid home in California where he enjoys recording original music an...
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Chris Deziel