Tips for Proper Placement and Angle of Security Cameras

It's late at night, and you're reviewing the security footage from your home or business. You suddenly realize that a poorly placed camera obscures a critical moment or that the angle is too narrow to capture the entire scene. This oversight can compromise the safety of your property and hinder investigations in case of a security breach. Even the most advanced security cameras can fail to deliver the protection you need without proper placement and angle.

Security cameras are an important tool in the protection of facilities and critical assets. However, the phrase “what you see is what you get” literally applies. Proper set up of security cameras is directly related to the level of effectiveness they will provide. One aspect of setting up a security camera is its field of view (FOV). Webster’s dictionary would tell you that a camera’s field of view is the angle between two rays passing through the perspective center of a camera lens to the two opposite sides of the format. (1) 

This brings us to the heart of the issue: where and how should security cameras be placed to optimize coverage and minimize blind spots? It's not just about slapping a camera on a wall and calling it a day. You need to consider various factors that might affect their performance.

 In this blog post, we'll explore crucial tips for proper placement and angle of security cameras, helping you ensure that security systems Kansas City  are set up for success. 

Height Matters

Security cameras positioned too low are susceptible to tampering and vandalism. If a camera is within easy reach, it's an open invitation for troublemakers to interfere with its operation, obstruct its view, or disable it altogether. Additionally, low-mounted security cameras Kansas City have a restricted field of view, capturing less of the surroundings and potentially missing critical incidents or suspicious activity.

By installing cameras at a height of 8 to 10 feet, you not only deter tampering but also gain a broader field of view. This elevated position allows cameras to cover more ground, capturing wider areas while maintaining a secure distance from potential threats. This height is also optimal for capturing detailed images, as it's high enough to avoid tampering but not so high that it affects image clarity.

Avoid Direct Light

When a security camera Kansas City is aimed directly at bright lights, such as streetlights, car headlights, or the sun, the resulting glare can wash out the footage. This problem is especially acute during nighttime when artificial lights are prevalent, and even the most advanced cameras can struggle to adapt to such harsh lighting conditions. Washed-out images mean that details are lost, and the footage becomes unusable.

To avoid this issue, angle cameras away from direct light sources. When installing, consider the sun's path and nearby light fixtures, ensuring cameras are not facing them directly. If there's no other choice but to have a camera near a bright light, opt for cameras with wide dynamic range technology, which helps balance extreme lighting contrasts and maintain image quality. This technology is designed to retain detail in both bright and dark areas of the scene, providing clearer footage even in challenging conditions.

Consider Camera Overlap

One camera cannot cover everything. If you rely on a single camera to monitor a large area, you inevitably create blind spots where activity can occur without being captured. This can be a huge security risk, as intruders might exploit these gaps to avoid detection. Moreover, if one camera fails or is tampered with, you lose visual coverage of an entire area.

To address this, use multiple cameras with overlapping fields of view. This setup ensures that the blind spots of one camera are covered by another, providing continuous coverage even if one camera fails. The overlapping fields also create redundancy, so if one camera is compromised, another can still capture the event. This strategy enhances security by reducing the risk of undetected activity and improving the overall reliability of your surveillance system.

Select Appropriate Lenses

Choosing the wrong camera lens can lead to a limited field of view or distorted images. Fixed-lens cameras with a single focal length may not offer the flexibility needed to capture the desired area. This can result in narrow or incomplete views, leading to a lack of coverage in critical areas.

To overcome this challenge, use cameras with variable-focus lenses or wide-angle lenses. Variable-focus or varifocal lenses allow you to adjust the focus and zoom to meet your specific surveillance needs. Wide-angle lenses offer a broader perspective, especially useful for monitoring large areas or open spaces. When selecting lenses, consider the purpose of each camera and the area it needs to cover.

Account for Environmental Factors

Kansas City security cameras installed outdoors are exposed to various environmental factors. If not designed for these conditions, cameras can suffer damage or performance issues, leading to gaps in surveillance. Extreme temperatures can cause cameras to malfunction, while moisture and humidity can lead to corrosion or electrical shorts.

To ensure durability and reliability, choose cameras specifically designed for outdoor use. Look for models with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating that indicates their resistance to dust and water. An IP66 or IP67 rating is typically sufficient for most outdoor environments, providing robust protection against rain and dust. Additionally, cameras with built-in heaters or fans should be considered to maintain optimal operating temperatures in extreme weather conditions. Proper weatherproofing ensures that your cameras remain functional throughout the year, regardless of environmental challenges.

Ensure Secure Mounting

Improperly mounted cameras are prone to falling, shifting, or tampering. This can damage the cameras physically, resulting in costly repairs or replacements. Furthermore, a camera that has moved from its intended angle may no longer capture the desired area, leading to gaps in surveillance.

Ensure that cameras are securely mounted using appropriate hardware and brackets. Use sturdy mounting systems that can withstand vibrations and external forces. If cameras are installed outdoors, consider anti-vandalism features such as tamper-resistant screws or reinforced casings to protect against tampering. Additionally, regularly inspect camera mounts to ensure they remain secure and properly aligned.