How to Install Security Cameras Outdoor

Installing security cameras outdoors provides an extra layer of protection and surveillance for your home or business. With the right placement and features, outdoor security cameras can deter crime and help identify suspects if an incident does occur. Installing your outdoor cameras properly ensures you get the most out of your system.

Choose the Right Camera Locations

Choosing the optimal outdoor camera locations is crucial for security and video quality. Here are some tips on where to install security cameras outdoors:

• Entryways – Place cameras covering driveways, sidewalks, porches, and doors to see who is coming and going. Position them high to avoid obstructions.
• Perimeter – Install cameras around the perimeter of your property overlooking fences and yard entrances to catch trespassers.
• Vulnerable areas – Target secluded pathways, dark corners, ground floor windows, and spaces out of sight to capture criminal activity.
• High-value assets – Monitor expensive equipment, vehicles, outbuildings, and other high-risk assets with security cameras.
• Comprehensive view – Overlap camera views to eliminate blindspots and achieve full property surveillance. Coordinate angles carefully.

Consider camera range, field of view, and lighting conditions when picking spots. Prioritize the most vulnerable areas first when adding cameras.

Select a Camera Type

Various outdoor security camera types exist. The right choice depends on your specific needs and environment.

Bullet Cameras

Bullet cameras have a long cylindrical shape for distance viewing. Models with varifocal lenses offer flexible zoom options. The compact design provides discreet security.

Pros

• Long range
• Easy to mount unobtrusively
• Weatherproof casing

Cons

• Narrower field of view
• No pan/tilt function

Dome Cameras

Dome cameras offer 360-degree video coverage in a compact hemispherical dome casing. Vandal-proof designs are available to protect the lens.

Pros

• Wide viewing angle
• More subtle appearance
• Can add smoked dome

Cons

• Difficult to clean dome
• Limited zoom capability

PTZ Cameras

Pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras move via remote control to scan areas and zoom in on details. Advanced models feature autofocus and autopan.

Pros

• Expansive coverage
• Excellent zoom capabilities
• Programmable scanning

Cons

• Require more maintenance
• Higher cost
• Moving parts can fail

Compare styles to find the right fit. Mix camera types to achieve full visibility.

Choose Video Resolution

Higher resolution delivers sharper, more detailed footage. For identifying faces and license plates, opt for 1080p HD or 4K cameras. Consider your budget, recording needs, and Internet capabilities when deciding on resolution.

• 1080p HD offers a good balance of affordability and image quality.
• 4K Ultra HD provides extra clarity but files take up significant storage space.
• Lower resolution like 720p works for general monitoring where fine details are less critical.

Match higher resolution cameras to your most critical outdoor spots. Use lower resolution for supplementary areas.

Ensure Adequate Lighting

Security cameras need adequate lighting to capture quality video, especially at night. Add lighting directed at key areas to supplement existing light sources:

• Flood lights – Mount bright floodlights on buildings or poles to brightly illuminate large areas.
• Spotlights – Focus spotlights on specific camera views to highlight important zones.
• Motion lights – Motion-activated lights conveniently light up movement in front of cameras.
• IR illuminators – Infrared lights placed near cameras create IR brightness for low light scenes.
• Smart bulbs – Programmable LED smart bulbs allow customizable lighting schedules and settings.

Consult local regulations regarding outdoor lighting. Avoid overly bright lights that create glare in cameras.

Pick Sturdy Mounts

Mounting is vital for optimal outdoor security camera positioning and stability. Common mounting options include:

• Wall mounts – Simple brackets that attach cameras directly to walls. Easy installation but limited flexibility.
• Ceiling mounts – Ideal for mounting dome cameras overhead with a wide vantage point.
• Eave mounts – Hang cameras from roof eaves to monitor entryways or property perimeters from above.
• Pole mounts – Secure cameras atop tall poles or lampposts for an elevated viewpoint.
• Corner mounts – Position cameras at corner joints for wide diagonal coverage.

Use weatherproof exterior-grade mounting hardware. For best stability, attach mounts directly to structural framing or concrete.

Verify Waterproofing

Outdoor security cameras must withstand the elements. Check the camera’s ingress protection (IP) rating:

• IP65, IP66, or IP67 rated models are completely protected against dust and can handle being sprayed by water. Look for these ratings.
• IP55 and IP54 indicate some dust and water resistance but aren’t fully waterproof. Avoid these for outdoor use.
• Any IP rating lower than IP54 offers no weatherproofing. Don’t install those models outside.

Ensure all cables and connections are also weatherproofed. Add silicone sealant around mounts and ports as an extra barrier.

Connect Power Supply

Outdoor cameras require a nearby power source. Electrical outlets aren’t always conveniently located outside, so other options include:

• PoE switch – Use PoE (Power over Ethernet) to transmit data and power through a single Ethernet cable up to 328 feet.
• Solar power – Solar panels paired with batteries offer renewable energy for camera operation.
• Outlet adapter – Run an outdoor-rated extension cable from an indoor outlet to feed cameras. Hide cables for a cleaner look.
• Battery-powered – Battery-operated cameras are completely wireless but require frequent battery changes.

For highest reliability, use PoE or direct AC power connections over battery power. Install surge protectors to prevent electrical damage.

Consider Wired vs. Wireless

You can connect outdoor cameras to your recording system either via:

• Wired – Fiber optic or copper Ethernet cabling provide the fastest speeds and greatest bandwidth, but require running cables.
• Wireless – WiFi systems involve no cables but have slower speeds, higher latency, and range limitations. Cellular options are wireless too.

Wired networks deliver better performance for streaming high resolution video from multiple cameras. But wireless options allow flexible, cable-free installation.

Follow Best Wiring Practices

When installing wired cameras outdoors, follow these cabling best practices:

• Use solid copper or aluminum shielded cables for maximum protection – stranded copper cores can break down over time outside.
• Keep cables off the ground to avoid lawn mower or animal damage. Run them through exterior-rated conduits.
• Avoid dangling cables – use cable trays along eaves or walls for the cleanest installation.
• Use weatherproof exterior-grade connectors. Wrap connections in self-fusing silicone tape.
• Seal any holes where you drill into the house exterior to prevent moisture intrusion.
• Install drip loops where cables enter cameras to prevent water from running down into connections.

Properly routed cables will withstand years outdoors. Consult an electrician if needed.

Set the Right Camera Angle

Optimizing the viewing angle is imperative for security cameras. Here are some tips:

• Angle cameras to capture subjects head-on rather than from behind or the side for easier identification.
• Tilt cameras down at about 30 degrees to keep horizons and the ground in view.
• Adjust angles to avoid capturing unnecessary sky which can appear blown-out.
• Position cameras high looking down to minimize obstructions – mounted at 10-15 ft is ideal.
• Use corner or ceiling mounts to point cameras downward over areas.

Take time to tweak angles during installation – small adjustments make a big difference.

Configure Settings

Configure your camera’s settings properly for best performance:

• Set the highest possible video resolution and frame rate (fps) – 30 fps is ideal.
• Use automatic IR or low light settings to enable night vision when it gets dark.
• Enable motion detection alerts to send notifications only when movement occurs.
• Set a recording schedule to reduce footage and bandwidth when security isn’t needed, like overnight.
• Create privacy zones to block off areas like neighbors’ yards or windows not under surveillance.
• Adjust settings remotely over time to improve video and remove unneeded motion alerts.

Fine-tuning settings takes some trial and error. Review footage to see what tweaks are needed.

Perform Regular Maintenance

Expect to perform routine maintenance on outdoor cameras to keep them in good shape:

• Clean camera lenses using microfiber cloths and cleaning solution to remove dirt and grime buildup.
• Clear away any obstructing leaves, plants, dirt, or spiderwebs around the camera.
• Check that mounting hardware remains tight and adjust as needed. Tighten loosened screws or anchors.
• Verify caulking and seals around the camera remain watertight. Reapply more sealant if cracked or peeling.
• Inspect cables for damage or wear and replace any deteriorating connections.

Make outdoor camera maintenance part of your regular property upkeep for best performance.

Troubleshoot Issues

If your outdoor cameras develop problems, try these troubleshooting tips:

No signal:

• Check that cables are properly connected and not damaged.
• Verify cameras are receiving adequate power.
• Try switching out faulty cables first before replacing a camera.

Poor video quality:

• Clean debris or dirt off camera lenses.
• Adjust settings like brightness or contrast.
• Upgrade to higher resolution if blurry footage.

False motion alerts:

• Adjust motion sensitivity area and threshold settings.
• Add motion zones to ignore non-critical areas.
• Ensure cameras aren’t pointed at reflective surfaces or vegetation that sways.

Night vision problems:

• Replace old IR illuminators or adjust their angles.
• Verify IR mode engages properly in low light.
• Add more local lighting aimed at camera views.

Carefully installed and maintained outdoor security cameras will provide vital surveillance protection for years to come. What questions do you have about installing your outdoor cameras? Let me know in the comments!

Frequently Asked Questions About Installing Security Cameras Outdoors

How high should I mount outdoor security cameras?

The optimal mounting height for outdoor security cameras is 10-15 ft off the ground. This high vantage point minimizes obstructions and lets cameras capture subjects’ faces clearly when looking downward.

How do I make my cameras weatherproof?

Use security cameras with IP66 or IP67 weatherproof ratings. Seal all ports and connections with silicone caulk. Install drip loops on cables. Place cameras under eaves for added rain protection. Check condition of seals regularly.

What kind of cable should I use for outdoor cameras?

Outdoor-rated shielded Ethernet cable works best. Solid copper or aluminum cable will withstand the elements better than stranded copper cable. Run cables through exterior conduit for extra protection.

How can I hide wiring for outdoor cameras?

Conceal cords by running them through walls, eaves, or conduit camouflaged to match exteriors. Paint cords same color as walls. Bury underground in conduit. Wireless cameras avoid visible wires entirely.

Should I get separate PoE switches for outdoor cameras?

Yes, use PoE switches rated for outdoor use within the camera’s voltage drop limit when powering multiple cameras. Placing switches in weatherproof enclosures is recommended. Run cameras over shorter distances back to the switch.

Can outdoor cameras work through glass?

Outdoor cameras typically cannot see through reflective glass at night due to IR light bounce. Use an external IR illuminator placed right against glass to transmit IR past it. Or choose bullet-style cameras with wide IR angles.

How often should I check my outdoor cameras?

Inspect outdoor cameras at least once a month. Check for any damage, loose connections, broken seals, buildup on lenses, and other maintenance needs that could affect video quality and reliability.

Do outdoor cameras need their own WiFi?

Yes, for optimal bandwidth and range it helps to put outdoor cameras on their own outdoor-rated WiFi access point instead of your primary indoor WiFi. Keep the outdoor SSID hidden for security.

How long do batteries last in wireless outdoor cameras?

Battery life varies on settings but typically only lasts 1-6 months before needing replacement. Solar recharging can prolong battery life. Wired power is most reliable for permanent installation.

Conclusion

Installing security cameras outdoors comes with unique considerations compared to indoor models. By picking strategic locations, rugged products designed for the elements, and proper installation techniques, your outdoor cameras will stand up to the test of time. Positioning your cameras thoughtfully to eliminate blindspots gives you total perimeter protection. What outdoor camera project will you tackle next? Let me know in the comments!