Where’s the best spot to place home security cameras?

Looking for some advice on setting up cameras around my home. I haven’t bought any yet, so open to ideas on where they’d be most effective.

For my setup, here’s what works:

  1. Overlapping fields of view so no blind spots.
  2. Each camera covers at least one other camera, as a backup against tampering.
  3. I have extra cameras in the driveway since we park two cars close together, and this way I can see between them.
  4. Cameras are mounted at head height for the best facial shots.

@Zya
This is super helpful, thank you!

Noor said:
@Zya
This is super helpful, thank you!

Happy to help! One more tip: I use battery-powered WiFi cameras around the perimeter to catch license plates. Cameras from the house aren’t usually close enough to get plate details, so I hide smaller cameras in trees and bushes to get a better angle. Front and back are key because headlights can wash out the image if they’re on.

How many cameras are you planning to set up?

Jaden said:
How many cameras are you planning to set up?

Haven’t bought any yet, still figuring it out.

Noor said:

Jaden said:
How many cameras are you planning to set up?

Haven’t bought any yet, still figuring it out.

I set up enough to fully cover the front and back yards, plus close-ups on the doors and windows. Definitely worth it for extra peace of mind.

Jo said:
Make sure to cover windows and any other entry points. Also, once you pick a camera system, check the field of view so you can set them up with proper overlap and avoid any blind spots.

Good idea! I have some key entry points in mind that need coverage.

Just added a picture of my home layout. We’re planning to include a doorbell camera too.

Here’s a straightforward setup:

Cover the approaches to the backyard and front door, plus the driveway if you park cars there.

If you’re adding a doorbell cam, that should cover the front door itself. I’d also suggest putting one on the lower right corner of the garage, aimed back toward the driveway and walkway.

You could get by with three cameras—one on each side, one on the garage (plus the doorbell cam).

The back door is a good extra to consider.

Finally, what’s your main goal? To see and respond to someone approaching before they enter, or just to capture evidence if something happens?

For my setup, I go for a bit of both. The cameras are obvious, and at night they light up when they detect someone. It’s a mix of deterrence and recording just in case.