Start with entry points
Most break-ins happen through doors. Put cameras on the front door, back door and any garage entry first.
Cover approaches
Driveways and walkways show who is coming before they arrive. A wide-angle camera can cover a lot of ground.
Height and angle
Mount cameras high enough to be out of easy reach, usually 8 to 10 feet, and angled to see faces.
Avoid common mistakes
Do not aim into bright lights, at neighbors' windows or into direct sun.
- Point cameras away from glare
- Keep views clear of branches
- Respect privacy
- Use motion zones to reduce alerts
Use the camera planner
Try the interactive camera placement planner on our security cameras page to see coverage on a sample property.
A placement plan for a typical house
- Front door: a video doorbell at face height plus a camera covering the porch and walk
- Driveway: a wide camera covering cars and the approach
- Back door and patio: a camera covering the door and yard
- Garage side door and gates: often overlooked entry points
- Inside (optional): main hallway or entry, pointed away from private rooms
Lighting at night
Cameras see best with some light. Motion-activated lights near entries improve night video and deter visitors. Avoid pointing cameras directly at bright lights, which washes out the picture.
Privacy and neighbors
Aim cameras at your own property, use privacy masks to block neighbors' windows, and avoid recording into private spaces. It's respectful and avoids problems.
Wired vs wireless
Wired PoE cameras don't need batteries and record reliably to a local recorder. Battery cameras are easier to place but need charging and depend on Wi-Fi. See what is PoE.
Common questions
How high should cameras be?
Usually 8 to 10 feet: out of easy reach but low enough to see faces.
How many cameras do I need?
Most homes start with 4 to 6 to cover entries and approaches.
Do you install cameras?
Yes. See security cameras and Luma.