Camera Installation Guide
Security Camera Placement Guide: 7 Critical Locations for Maximum Coverage
Updated April 2026 | By Berkley Security Inc. | 8 min read
Quick Answer:
Every home needs cameras covering 7 critical locations: front door, back door, driveway, garage, first-floor windows, side entries, and at least one interior common area. Mount cameras at 8-10 feet high, angled slightly downward for clear facial capture. Always visible (deterrence), never pointed into the sun. Start with front door and back door if budget is limited. See our camera systems page.
Camera placement is the single most important factor in whether your video surveillance system actually protects you. A $5,000 camera system with poor placement produces inferior results to a $500 system with expert placement. After 45+ years of installing cameras across Mississippi and Louisiana, here are the locations and techniques that matter most.
The 7 Critical Camera Locations
Front Door
Priority: Essential. 34% of burglars enter through the front door. Position the camera to capture faces at eye level (not looking down at the top of heads). A doorbell camera combined with an overhead wide-angle camera covers this entry best.
Back Door
Priority: Essential. 22% of break-ins use the back door because it is less visible to neighbors. Mount a camera covering the entire back entry area and patio. If your yard is fenced, capture the gate as well.
Driveway
Priority: High. Captures vehicles, license plates, and anyone approaching the property. Position to read license plates at 15-25 feet distance. Use a camera with at least 4MP resolution for plate readability.
Garage
Priority: High. The garage contains vehicles, tools, and often provides direct interior access. Cover the garage door exterior and, if attached, the interior entry door to the house.
First-Floor Windows
Priority: Medium. 23% of burglars enter through first-floor windows. You do not need a camera on every window, but cover windows on sides with less foot traffic and visibility.
Side Entries and Gates
Priority: Medium. Side yards are the most common blind spot. If you have a side gate, side entry, or a gap between houses, cover it. Burglars use these hidden paths to access back entrances undetected.
Interior Common Area
Priority: Recommended. One interior camera covering the main living area or hallway acts as a last line of evidence if exterior cameras are defeated. Also useful for monitoring children, pets, and service workers.
How Many Cameras Do You Need?
| Coverage Level | Cameras | Locations Covered | Investment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 2-3 | Front door, back door, driveway | $400-$800 |
| Standard | 4-6 | All entries + garage + side | $800-$1,500 |
| Comprehensive | 6-8 | All 7 locations + perimeter | $1,500-$3,000 |
| Complete (large property) | 8-16+ | Full perimeter + outbuildings | $3,000-$8,000+ |
Common Placement Mistakes
- Pointing into the sun. Cameras facing east catch morning sun, cameras facing west catch afternoon sun. Both produce washed-out, unusable footage during those hours.
- Mounting too high. Above 12 feet captures the tops of heads, not faces. You need facial identification for police reports and evidence.
- Ignoring side entries. The most exploited blind spot on residential properties.
- No night vision planning. Test camera positions at night. IR reflection off siding, glass, or nearby surfaces causes white-out zones.
- Weak Wi-Fi zones. Outdoor cameras on the far side of the house often lose signal. Test signal strength before mounting.
- Accessible mounting. Cameras under 7 feet can be easily covered, sprayed, or knocked off by a standing person.
Professional Camera Design
Free on-site assessment. We plan camera angles, test night performance, and verify coverage of all critical areas before installation.
Schedule Free AssessmentBest Practices for Every Camera
- Height: 8-10 feet for the ideal balance of reach protection and facial capture
- Angle: 15-30 degrees downward from horizontal
- Visibility: Always visible (deterrence is the primary function)
- Weatherproofing: IP66 or higher rating for outdoor cameras
- Resolution: Minimum 2MP (1080p), 4MP+ recommended for license plate capture
- Storage: Local NVR recording (not cloud-dependent) with 30 days minimum retention
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I place cameras?
Front door, back door, driveway, garage, first-floor windows, side entries, and interior common area. Start with front and back doors.
How high should cameras be?
8-10 feet. Too low (under 7 feet) and they can be tampered with. Too high (over 12 feet) and you only capture the tops of heads.
How many cameras does a home need?
4-8 for most homes. Minimum 3 (front, back, driveway). Comprehensive systems use 6-8 covering all 7 critical locations.
What are common placement mistakes?
Pointing into the sun, mounting too high, ignoring side entries, no night vision testing, weak Wi-Fi zones, and accessible mounting under 7 feet.
Should cameras be visible or hidden?
Visible. Deterrence is the primary function. Visible cameras reduce property crime by 50%+. Hidden cameras only record, they do not prevent.
Do cameras work at night?
Yes, with infrared (IR) night vision. Modern cameras see 100+ feet in total darkness. Supplemental security lighting improves footage quality.
Expert Camera Placement
45+ years of installation experience. Free on-site assessment, angle testing, and night performance verification before any camera is mounted.