The biggest mistake homeowners make with security cameras isn't buying the wrong camera — it's placing the right camera in the wrong spot. Strategic placement matters more than resolution.

Front door and entry points

Your front door is the most common entry point for burglars. A camera here should capture face-level detail — meaning it should be mounted at 7–9 feet, angled slightly downward. Doorbell cameras are popular, but they're rarely positioned optimally. A dedicated entry camera at eave height almost always performs better.

Garage

Garages are often overlooked. They're not just a storage risk — they're a pathway into the house itself. An interior garage camera covering both the vehicle bays and the door to the home is essential.

Backyard and side gates

Backyards provide cover. A camera covering the back perimeter and any side access points closes the loop on entries that are invisible from the street.

Interior: main living area

Interior cameras are a personal decision. For families with children, elderly parents, or frequent care providers, a single interior camera in a common area provides valuable visibility and peace of mind.

What to avoid

Avoid pointing cameras directly at bright light sources (the sun, exterior lighting), placing them too high (losing facial detail), and leaving obvious blind spots between cameras where someone could move undetected.