What Is the Best Placement for Security Cameras?

A security camera is only as effective as its positioning. Many homeowners invest in high-quality equipment but fail to maximize its potential due to poor placement choices. You could have the most advanced camera on the market, but if it’s pointing at the wrong angle or blocked by obstacles, it won’t capture crucial details when you need them most. Proper placement ensures full coverage, minimizes blind spots, and improves footage clarity—whether it’s identifying a delivery person or deterring a potential intruder. In this article, we’ll guide you through the optimal positions for security cameras to protect every critical area of your home.

Front Door Protection  

Ideal Height and Angle for Facial Recognition  

The front door is the most common entry point for visitors—and unfortunately, intruders. To ensure your camera captures clear facial images, mount it at about 7 to 9 feet high, angled slightly downward. This height prevents tampering while still providing a full view of anyone approaching. Avoid placing it too high, as it may only capture the top of a person’s head, making identification difficult. A camera like eufy’s, with a wide field of view, can cover both the doorstep and the pathway leading to it. If your door has a porch roof, position the camera just beneath it to protect it from the weather while maintaining an unobstructed view.  

Avoiding Backlight Issues from Sun/Streetlights  

Backlighting from the sun or streetlights can ruin your footage, turning people into silhouettes. To prevent this, avoid pointing the camera directly at bright light sources. Instead, position it so that light comes from behind the camera or to the side. If your front door faces east or west, the sunrise and sunset may cause glare—consider a camera with HDR (High Dynamic Range) to balance exposure. Additionally, test different angles at various times of day to ensure consistent image quality. A well-placed camera should provide clear footage regardless of lighting conditions.  

Backyard & Perimeter Surveillance  

Your backyard is often a vulnerable spot, especially if it’s shielded from street view. Install cameras at the corner points of your property to cover the widest possible area. If you have a fence, mount the camera high enough to see over it but low enough to detect anyone attempting to climb. Motion-activated cameras work particularly well here, as they can alert you to movement without recording hours of irrelevant footage. For larger yards, consider multiple cameras or a model with pan-and-tilt functionality to eliminate blind spots.  

Garage and Driveway Monitoring  

Garages and driveways are prime targets for theft, especially if you store vehicles or tools inside. Place a camera above the garage door to monitor anyone approaching, and consider a second one covering the driveway entrance. If your driveway is long, ensure the camera has sufficient night vision range to capture details even at a distance. For garages with side doors, a camera should cover both the main door and any secondary access points. Wireless cameras can be a great option here, as they’re easier to install without extensive wiring.  

Indoor Camera Positioning  

Indoor cameras should focus on high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and staircases. Avoid pointing them directly at private spaces like bedrooms or bathrooms to respect household privacy. A good rule is to place them in corners where they can cover multiple entry points. If you have pets, position the camera high enough to avoid constant motion alerts from their movements. For nurseries or elderly care, a camera with two-way audio can be useful for checking in without physically entering the room.  

Special Considerations  

Avoiding Privacy Violations (Neighbor’s Property)  

While securing your home is important, be mindful of where your cameras point. Avoid angling them toward a neighbor’s windows or yard, as this could lead to legal issues or disputes. If your property is close to others, use privacy masking features (available in some cameras like eufy’s) to block out areas you don’t want to record. Transparency is key—letting neighbors know about your security setup can prevent misunderstandings.  

Weatherproofing Outdoor Cameras  

Outdoor cameras must withstand rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. Look for an IP65 or higher weather resistance rating to ensure durability. If mounting under eaves, make sure they’re still angled properly to avoid rain or snow blocking the lens. In very cold climates, cameras with built-in heaters prevent ice buildup. Regular maintenance, like wiping the lens clean of dust and spider webs, also helps maintain clear footage.  

Common Placement Mistakes to Avoid  

Too High/Low Mounting Positions  

Mounting a camera too high (like on a second-story roof) may give a broad view but lose detail on faces or license plates. Too low (below 6 feet) makes it easy for intruders to tamper with or disable it. The sweet spot is between 7-9 feet for optimal coverage and security.  

Ignoring Seasonal Changes (Trees/Shadows)  

A camera positioned perfectly in summer might be obstructed by overgrown branches or winter shadows. Trim foliage regularly and check sightlines seasonally. Adjustable mounts can help you tweak angles as needed without reinstalling the entire camera.  

Smart Camera Placement Tech Tips  

Modern security cameras come with AI features like person detection and activity zones. Use these to focus on critical areas (like doors) while ignoring less important movements (like tree branches). Solar-powered options eliminate wiring hassles for remote spots. If using wireless cameras, ensure they’re within Wi-Fi range for reliable connectivity.  

Conclusion

Proper security camera placement transforms a basic setup into a powerful defense system. By strategically positioning cameras at entry points, driveways, and indoor high-traffic zones, you eliminate blind spots and maximize protection. A well-placed security camera, like those from eufy, not only delivers high-quality footage but also enhances night vision for round-the-clock safety. Whether you’re securing a suburban home or an apartment, these placement strategies ensure you never miss a critical moment. Invest time in planning your camera positions—it’s the simplest way to make your security system work smarter, not harder.