One of the most important things to consider when installing a surveillance system is the required number of cameras. If you have few cameras, they may leave blind spots for intruders to exploit. Conversely, if you install too many cameras, you may end up wasting money on the security system. How do you determine the right number of cameras for your home? Below are three factors to inform your decision.
Surveillance needs
You should define your surveillance needs before investing in a security system. What do you want to achieve with the cameras? Some common reasons homeowners install surveillance systems are to:
Your surveillance needs will determine the best number of cameras for your home. For example, if the purpose of the system is to keep an eye on the kids or pets, you can install indoor cameras in the areas they frequent. Conversely, if you want to deter burglars, you need multiple outdoor cameras around your property.
Areas of coverage
Once you have established your surveillance needs, you should determine the areas where you will install the cameras. Ideally, the fewer the areas that require surveillance, the fewer the cameras you need. For outdoor surveillance, you may require CCTV cameras in the following locations:
For indoor surveillance, you may only need cameras in your child's room, living room and the rooms with valuables. Therefore, to determine the appropriate number of cameras, check the potential entry points for intruders. For indoor surveillance, cover the areas that you want to monitor.
CCTV camera capabilities
Different surveillance cameras come with varying capabilities that can determine their coverage. For example, standard cameras cover a short distance. They only focus on a fixed location; thus, intruders can easily bypass them. If you invest in standard cameras, you require multiple cameras to maximise the field of view and eliminate blind spots on the property.
Some modern CCTV cameras cover distances greater than standard cameras without lowering the image quality. For example, 4K surveillance cameras provide wider coverage and high-quality images. Dome cameras also have a wider field of view than standard cameras. With these options, you require fewer cameras to surveil your property.
CCTV cameras are only effective if they can adequately cover all the potential intrusion points. Therefore, investing in the right number of cameras is crucial in boosting surveillance. If you need help choosing cameras in your home, consult a professional contractor who provides CCTV installation services.