7 Mistakes to Avoid When Setting Up Home Security Cameras
Home security cameras are great for catching car accidents, break-ins, or even checking if your packages have arrived.
While it’s easier than ever to set up cameras yourself, not all cameras are the same, and many people make mistakes during installation. Here are seven common errors to watch out for when setting up your home security cameras.
Key Camera Terms to Know
Before we dive in, let’s quickly cover some important camera lingo:
- Detection: Seeing that a person is there
- Observation: Seeing what someone’s wearing and doing
- Recognition: Identifying someone you know
- Identification: Being able to identify anyone clearly
Mistake 1: Wrong Camera Height
Don’t put your cameras too low where someone can easily grab them, or too high where you’ll only see the tops of people’s heads.
A good rule of thumb is to mount them about 10 feet high.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Viewing Angle
Many people fall into the trap of thinking that a wider field of view is always better. Security cameras generally list their field of view in degrees. However, a wider field of view like 124 degrees (using a 2.8mm focal length) versus 87 degrees (using a 4.0mm focal length) results in a smaller identification zone.
Solution: Use a combination of cameras. Use wide-angle cameras to cover detection and observation zones and narrower ones for identification zones.
Mistake 3: Wasting Camera Space
A camera with half of its image showing a wall is not particularly useful and can cause issues with exposure at night. Similarly, putting the horizon in the middle of your image essentially cuts your usable resolution in half.
Solution: Aim your camera only at the areas you’re interested in capturing. Use verifocal cameras with motorized zoom lenses to adjust the field of view precisely.
Mistake 4: Leaving Blind Spots
If an intruder can approach your camera without being recorded, they could potentially disable it without being captured on footage.
Solution: Ensure every entry point and path to your cameras are covered by other cameras.
Mistake 5: Poor Power and Wiring Choices
Choosing the right type of camera system to match your security needs, budget, and installation abilities is crucial. Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems offer many advanced features but require cable runs from a central location. This often means crawling around in attics and drilling holes, a job that may not be for everyone.
Solution: Consider hiring a low-voltage wiring contractor if you aren’t comfortable running cables yourself. Alternatively, if your security needs are lower, battery-powered cameras can be an option, though they come with compromises in security and often require regular maintenance like recharging batteries or installing solar panels.
Mistake 6: Relying Too Much on Color Night Vision
Color night vision cameras capture full-color footage at night, which can be appealing. However, because they rely on the available light, they may not always provide the same level of detail as infrared cameras.
Solution: Use color night vision for general detection zones and rely on infrared for observation and identification zones.
Mistake 7: Not Using Smart Detection
Without AI person and vehicle detection, you’ll likely be inundated with false alerts triggered by moving bushes, shadows, trees, and wildlife.
Solution: Invest in a camera system with AI detection capabilities. This technology uses computer vision to filter out non-relevant motion events, significantly reducing false alarms.
Wrap-Up
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll get the most out of your home security cameras. Remember, the goal is to create a system that keeps your home safe and gives you peace of mind.
Have you run into any other issues when setting up your cameras? Share your experiences in the comments below.
