After I had a scary moment when a guy with an axe tried to steal my dog, I set up 360-degree cameras around my house. Does it look too much? Not really, you only see one or two cameras from each side. They’re all solar-powered, but since I live up north, I sometimes take them down to recharge.
@Jess
Can you share which cameras you’re using?
Parker said:
@Jess
Can you share which cameras you’re using?
Just some $50 ones from Amazon. They’re different brands but all use the same app.
Make sure you have good camera coverage wherever people could access, like the front yard. If one side of your house is blocked by thick bushes or thorns, I’d skip it for now and cover it when you have more funds.
You need more cameras. You’ve got blind spots on the left and right.
Full coverage is best, but if that’s not doable, make sure the main entry points are covered. Watching the yard is less critical than covering windows hidden by trees or buildings.
Justice said:
Full coverage is best, but if that’s not doable, make sure the main entry points are covered. Watching the yard is less critical than covering windows hidden by trees or buildings.
I’m thinking about adding another one above the back door. The backyard is tricky because bushes cover a lot of it, and while it doesn’t seem like a real risk, someone could hide there. I tried trimming them, but it didn’t help much, and I don’t want to cut them down completely.
I have cameras covering every angle with some overlap to make sure nothing gets missed. I even have cameras inside covering entry points. Some might call it overkill, but since I’m away for days at a time, I prefer seeing everything. More coverage is better, but it depends on your budget.
You’ve got the main entries covered, which is good. If you want some inspiration, my camera setup is shared here.
Consider covering your neighbor’s yard too. It’s usually legal as long as you’re not pointing the camera into their home (in some places, even that’s allowed).
Add solar motion lights near your shed and around the corners of the house.
Thayer said:
Add solar motion lights near your shed and around the corners of the house.
I already have them on the left side and the back.
The goal is clear footage to identify any intruders. Your static pictures look decent, but try testing the cameras with motion detection. Walk around during the day and at night, then review the recordings to make sure they capture everything clearly.
Here’s a video comparing different cameras for day and night shots that might help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3G_2zVu3cU.
Let’s say the photo points north at the top and south at the bottom. I’d suggest adding a camera at the southwest corner by your garage. One should cover the side up to the garage door, and another should point southwest to cover where the closest car is parked. This way, you’ll get 180° of the parking area, which is important.
Another camera inside the garage is helpful, too, so you can have evidence if someone sneaks in and steals something. Lastly, put one more camera at the southeast corner facing northeast to cover that side better. This way, nobody can approach and tamper with the cameras easily.
What you have is pretty solid. Instead of asking, ‘Do I have enough cameras?’ try asking, ‘What do I need to monitor and why?’ That’ll help you decide if you need more or if you’re already covered. If your goal is to catch porch pirates, you might be good as is.
Appreciate it!
The most unlikely approach would be straight from the street. You really need to cover the approaches from your neighbors’ side.
I keep an eye on the driveway, main entrances, and where the utilities are.