Outdoor security cameras are an important part of any home or business security system. Proper camera placement is crucial to ensure maximum coverage and effectiveness. This comprehensive guide will provide tips and advice on the optimal positioning of outdoor security cameras.
Introduction
Installing outdoor security cameras on a property provides an extra layer of protection and peace of mind. Strategic camera placement allows you to monitor vulnerable areas, record video evidence, and deter criminal activity. However, poor camera placement can create blind spots, diminish video quality, and render security cameras virtually useless.
When determining where to place outdoor security cameras, there are several factors to consider:
- Camera range and field of view
- Lighting conditions
- Points of entry or vulnerable areas
- Power source proximity
- Shelter from weather elements
- WiFi network connectivity
This guide will examine each of these variables in depth, as proper outdoor security camera placement hinges on addressing all of these considerations. We will also provide actionable recommendations on ideal outdoor camera locations for maximum safety and security around a home or business.
Consider the Camera’s Range and Field of View
The range and field of view are two of the most important capabilities to consider when determining optimal outdoor security camera placement.
What is Camera Range?
The camera range indicates the maximum distance a security camera can effectively monitor. Outdoor wifi cameras generally have a longer range than indoor cameras, given that exterior spaces are larger. Typical outdoor camera ranges are between 30 to 300 feet.
Long range wifi cameras can transmit video footage up to 300 feet away. This extended range enables a single security camera to cover a larger area. For example, a long range outdoor camera mounted on the corner of a house may be able to view the entire front and side yards.
Short range outdoor cameras top out at around 30 feet. While limited in distance, short range cameras provide a more concentrated view. They work well for monitoring smaller, defined hot spots, like walkways, driveways, or entryways.
What is Field of View?
The field of view defines the width of the camera’s coverage area. It determines how much the camera can see from side to side.
Outdoor security cameras have lens angles measuring between 80° to 120°. Lenses with a wider field of view can capture more of the surrounding area in a single frame.
- 80° lens – Narrow field of view, better for monitoring longer distances
- 100° lens – Wider view suitable for driveways, alleyways, etc.
- 120° lens – Extra wide field suitable for larger areas like yards, parks, etc.
Consider both the range and field of view when selecting and placing outdoor security cameras. Long range, wide angle cameras are ideal for spaces like front yards, exterior walls, fences, and perimeter zones. Short range, narrow angle cameras are preferable for smaller hot spots.
Camera Capabilities May Impact Placement
When selecting security cameras, also consider special capabilities that may influence ideal placement. For example:
- Pan/Tilt/Zoom – Allow the camera to move and zoom in on details. Useful if unable to position a camera in an optimal static location.
- Night Vision – Enables the camera to see clearly in low light conditions. Important if the area has minimal lighting at night.
- Weatherproof – Protects the camera from dust, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Required for locations exposed to the elements.
- Vandal Resistant – Reinforced housing protects against tampering. Recommended for easily-accessible public areas.
- Motion Activated – The camera only records when motion is detected, saving storage space. Good for large areas with minimal activity.
- Smart Motion Tracking – Camera automatically follows movement to keep subjects in frame. Helpful for monitoring moving objects like vehicles.
Consider the camera’s capabilities when determining the best positions around your property. For example, place night vision cameras in naturally dark areas without lighting or use motion tracking cameras to monitor busy driveways or parking lots.
Lighting Conditions Impact Video Quality
The amount of light in the camera’s field of view greatly impacts video quality. Use lighting conditions to determine ideal outdoor security camera placement.
Place Cameras in Well-Lit Areas
Camera sensors require adequate lighting to capture clear, high-quality video. Place security cameras in well-lit areas illuminated by:
- Sunlight – Position cameras to leverage natural light during the day. Face east to capture morning sun and west for evening light.
- Exterior lighting – Take advantage of illumination from porch lights, flood lights, street lamps, etc.
- Internal lighting – Windows can provide supplementary lighting at night, especially if indoor lights remain on.
Avoid extremely bright backlighting that silhouettes subjects and diminishes video quality. Use backlight compensation settings if available.
Supplement Lighting with IR Illuminators
Infrared (IR) illuminators are LED lights mounted around the camera lens. They enhance video quality in low light and nighttime conditions.
IR illuminators shine infrared light onto the viewing area. The camera sensor picks up this light, while the scene appears dark to the human eye.
Place cameras equipped with IR illuminators in poorly lit areas to maintain visibility at all hours. Position illuminators to provide wide coverage and uniform lighting.
Place Night Vision Cameras in Dark Spots
For areas with minimal ambient lighting, use night vision cameras able to film in extremely dark conditions. They have extra sensitive image sensors and often IR illumination built-in.
Ideal night vision camera placement includes:
- Shadowy recesses and overhangs
- Alleyways, paths, or driveways with no lighting
- Backyards or gardens away from light sources
- Dark perimeters and corners on large properties
Strategically placed night vision cameras can monitor pitch black areas that would be obscured on standard cameras. Just take care not to position night vision cameras where they will get blinded by bright lights or reflections.
Identify Key Points of Entry and Vulnerable Areas
Analyze your property layout to identify points of entry, hidden approaches, and other vulnerable areas. Outdoor security camera placement should focus on providing coverage of these security hot spots.
Driveways, Pathways, and Entryways
Position cameras to view any routes leading onto the property. Aim for wide coverage of the entire area if possible. Driveways and walkways are prime locations for video doorbell cameras to screen visitors. Place additional cameras to monitor:
- Side gates, back gates, garage doors, and other secondary entrances
- Dark corners where intruders could hide near entrances
- Approaches from multiple angles to capture subjects’ faces
Recording activity at all entry and exit points will deter trespassers while providing video evidence if needed.
Yards, Perimeters, and Fences
Yards, property perimeters, and fenced areas also warrant surveillance. Look for the best vantage points to view the entire zone, like the corners of buildings. Other tips for maximizing coverage include:
- Stagger cameras for overlapping views that reduce blind spots
- Angle cameras diagonally across yards for wide coverage
- Monitor perimeter fence lines to detect breaches
- Position cameras at different heights to avoid obstructions
- Use wide angle lenses for expanded viewing parameters
Rear and Side Facades
The rear and sides of buildings often get less natural surveillance than main entrances. These vulnerable areas provide concealed access for burglars.
Position cameras to monitor:
- Back doors, patio doors, and first floor windows
- Secondary entrances like side doors leading to carports, etc.
- Potential climbing points like balconies, trellises, downspouts, etc.
- Hidden recesses along exterior walls where suspects could evade view
The goal is to eliminate blind spots around the building exterior where criminals could operate undetected.
Isolated, Obscured, and Dark Areas
Carefully analyze your property layout to identify any isolated areas obscured from general view. These hidden spots allow trespassers and vandals to loiter unseen.
Some examples include:
- Street frontage blocked by high fences or dense landscaping
- Shaded alcoves and overhangs near buildings
- Behind detached sheds, garages, dumpsters, etc.
- Along the property’s rear or side perimeter behind landmarks
- Around the exterior of outbuildings and pool houses
- Near construction zones or unfinished structures
- Below decks, balconies, or elevated porches
Use security cameras equipped with adequate lighting features to monitor these vulnerable blind spots.
Choose Locations Close to a Power Source
While many outdoor security cameras are wireless, they still require power. Mounting a camera close to an electrical outlet simplifies installation and avoids the need for wireless extenders or supplementary power sources.
Electrical Outlets
Look for outdoor electrical outlets around porches, patios, soffits, garage exteriors, etc. Consider outlets mounted to exterior walls, on freestanding poles, or along the roofline when determining placement.
For cameras mounted under the eaves, position them close to outlets for porch ceiling fans. Just take care that the fan’s motion doesn’t interfere with the camera’s view.
Junction Boxes
Electrical junction boxes distribute power throughout a property. They provide a simple hardwired power source for security cameras.
Junction boxes are often located discreetly under the eaves or soffits. Look for them when mounting cameras beneath roof overhangs and avoiding freestanding extension cords.
Low Voltage Transformers
A low voltage transformer steps down standard electrical current to safer 24VAC power. This makes them suitable for outdoor landscape lighting fixtures.
Security cameras can also use the low voltage outputs on landscape lighting transformers. Place cameras near these existing exterior power sources.
Solar Panels
Using solar panels to power security cameras avoids the need to connect to electrical outlets. This provides flexibility for remote camera placement.
Solar panels can charge onboard batteries that store power reserves to operate cameras overnight. Just ensure panels receive unobstructed sunlight during the day.
Pick Protected Locations Sheltered from Weather
While weatherproof security cameras are designed to withstand outdoor exposure, excessive rain, wind, dust and temperature extremes will degrade video and damage equipment over time.
Minimize weathering by situating cameras in protected spots:
Under Eaves and Overhangs
Positioning cameras directly under eaves and overhangs provides shelter from the elements while blending cameras into the architecture for discreet security.
Recessed Areas
Mount cameras in recessed nooks like alcoves, entryways, and covered walkways. Recessing cameras hides them from view while shielding them from direct weather exposure.
Under Structures
The space under porches, balconies, staircases, and deck overhangs often provides cover from sun, rain, and snow. Use this sheltered zone to monitor the shaded areas beneath.
Inside Optional Housings
Extra camera housings add a secondary layer of protection from moisture, dust, and temperature extremes. They include pendant mounts, corner mounts, and vandal domes.
Avoid Direct Sun and Rain Exposure
Point cameras so the lens avoids staring directly into sunlight, which creates backlighting and lens flare. Prevent rain from pooling and dripping onto the lens. Overhangs help divert water runoff.
Ensure the Camera Has Good WiFi Connectivity
While some hardwired outdoor security cameras transmit data via cables, many models connect wirelessly to WiFi networks. Cameras must maintain a reliable WiFi signal to stream and record video.
Position Cameras Within WiFi Range
After selecting optimal viewing positions, verify the WiFi network extends to those locations. Standard routers provide adequate coverage up to 200 feet outdoors. Boost range with mesh WiFi systems or wireless extenders.
Reduce Interference
Avoid mounting cameras near potential sources of wireless interference like appliances, electronics, and metal infrastructure. This helps maintain a strong, consistent WiFi signal.
Consider a Direct Line of Sight
Cameras positioned with a direct line of sight to the WiFi router or wireless extender will achieve optimal connectivity. Obstructions like walls and landscaping degrade wireless signals.
Use Wireless Repeaters if Needed
For remote camera positions beyond the WiFi network range, add wireless repeaters or WiFi boosters. They pick up the signal from your network and rebroadcast it, extending coverage.
Install External Antennas if Necessary
If camera positions still have borderline WiFi signals, install directional external WiFi antennas. Point these signal boosting antennas toward your wireless router for enhanced reception.
Ideal Outdoor Security Camera Locations
Taking all these factors into account, some of the prime locations for outdoor home security cameras include:
Corner Eave Cameras
The exterior corners where walls and eaves meet provide excellent views of two adjacent sides of the house while keeping cameras sheltered and wired for power.
Porch Ceiling Cameras
Mounting security cameras on porch ceilings gives unobstructed views while utilizing porch lights for illumination.
Garage Door Cameras
Recording garage door activity helps secure side entries and deters garage break-ins. Position cameras high on walls aiming down for optimal perspective.
Entryway Cameras
Video doorbell cameras monitor front entries. Add supplemental side-mounted cameras for expanded coverage and alternate viewing angles.
Perimeter Fence Cameras
Mounting cameras atop fence posts provides an elevated vantage point for monitoring boundary lines and yard perimeters.
Backyard Cameras
Aim cameras diagonally across rear yards to avoid blind spots behind structures. Place additional cameras on rear home corners.
Floodlight Cameras
Floodlight cameras mount directly under eaves while illuminating dark areas. Just avoid backlighting subjects.
Pedestal Pole Cameras
Freestanding pedestal poles position cameras in visible spots that maximize visibility while keeping them out of reach.
FAQs on Outdoor Security Camera Placement
Here are some frequently asked questions on optimal outdoor security camera positioning:
How high should outdoor security cameras be mounted?
Ideally mount cameras 8 to 15 feet off the ground to make them visible yet out of easy reach. The precise mounting height depends on the location. For example, install ordinary cameras 10 feet up while positioning large dome cameras 15 feet high on buildings.
Where should I place outdoor security cameras on a house?
Key outdoor camera locations around a typical home include above the front door, watching the driveway, covering backyards, monitoring side gates, and surveying all four corners of the house.
How do I angle security cameras outside?
Angle cameras to maximize visibility and eliminate blind spots. Pointing them diagonally across areas provides wider coverage. Angle cameras down slightly for the best perspective. Avoid pointing indoor cameras through windows to prevent glare.
Can outdoor security cameras be exposed to rain and snow?
Outdoor security cameras are weatherproofed but excessive exposure to rain or snow can impact video quality and damage equipment over time. Install cameras under overhangs when possible or use extra housings.
How can I run power to outdoor security cameras?
Use nearby outdoor electrical outlets if available. Alternatively tap into landscaping junction boxes or route wiring through soffits into the attic. Consider solar power for remote locations. Use wireless extenders to boost WiFi range to cameras.
Should security cameras point straight down or angled?
Cameras angled down 10-15 degrees provide optimal perspective for faces and activity below without aiming straight down. Avoid pointing cameras above the horizontal, as it dims footage and reduces resolution of critical lower areas.
Can outdoor security cameras record audio?
Many jurisdictions prohibit recording audio without consent due to privacy laws. However, outdoor cameras may use microphones for motion detection and sirens. Confirm your state’s regulations before enabling audio features.
Conclusion
The strategic placement of outdoor security cameras around a property helps monitor activity, deter crime, and document events if needed. Follow these tips when determining optimal camera locations:
- Consider the camera’s wireless range and field of view when positioning units
- Ensure adequate lighting, or use night vision and IR illumination in dark areas
- Identify key points of entry and hidden vulnerable zones for priority coverage
- Select practical camera positions near outdoor power sources
- Mount cameras in sheltered spots protected from excessive weather
- Verify outdoor WiFi signal coverage extends to proposed camera locations
- Angle cameras diagonally across areas and down 10-15 degrees for optimal perspective
Taking the time to find the very best camera positions will maximize your new security system’s effectiveness. Strategically placed cameras provide comprehensive monitoring of your home’s exterior, vehicles, outbuildings, gates, yards, and vulnerable approaches. This deters trespassers and illegal activity while providing vital video documentation if needed. Properly securing your property’s exterior and grounds with well-positioned security cameras will give you peace of mind knowing your home is vigilantly guarded around the clock.