Height and angle
Mount cameras high enough to be out of easy reach but not so high that faces become small and hard to identify — around 2.5 to 3 metres is a common sweet spot for entry cameras. Angle down enough to capture faces and activity, not just the tops of heads.
For identification at a doorway, a camera positioned to catch a straight-on view of approaching faces is far more useful than one looking down from directly overhead.
Cover approaches, not just points
Point cameras along the path someone would take to reach a door or window, so you capture the approach — not just the moment they arrive. This gives you more warning and more footage to work with.
Overlapping fields of view at key areas mean a person is always in frame of at least one camera as they move.
Avoid common mistakes
Backlighting: pointing a camera straight at a bright window or the sky can silhouette everything in front of it. Position to avoid strong backlight, or use cameras with strong dynamic range.
Obstructions: watch for branches, signage and seasonal growth that can block a view over time.
Reachability: keep cameras and cabling out of easy reach to prevent tampering.
Privacy: aim cameras at your own property and shared approaches, and be mindful of neighbours’ private spaces.
Indoors and lighting
Indoors, cover main entry routes and central areas rather than every room. For any area that gets dark, choose cameras with good low-light or infrared performance, and consider how existing lighting helps or hinders the image.
Get placement right the first time
Professional installation means placement is planned around your specific property and tested for real-world coverage. If you’d like your cameras positioned for genuinely useful footage, request a free consultation.