CCTV Camera Placement Tips For The Best Field Of View

Purchasing your CCTV cameras is merely the first step in safeguarding your property. You also need to know the ideal positions to install your surveillance devices to obtain the best field of view since they serve as your eyes and ears in monitoring your surroundings.

However, this is easier said than done since it is impossible to predict when and where a criminal may intrude on your property. With that said, knowing the right spots to place your device and learning how to use your camera’s field of view to your advantage can help you maximise your security coverage. Let us share a guide to help you figure everything out!

What is field of view and how does it work?

Field of view is essentially the term we use to describe what our CCTV cameras can see. Everything your surveillance device can capture within its sight is part of its field of view. But understanding its meaning is just the first step; you also need to know how it works. 

Think of your camera’s field of view as a cone of vision – the area and angle of sight. To achieve a wider field of view, you will require a larger vision cone. And in the world of security cameras, this comes with a host of advantages and disadvantages. 

CCTV cameras often utilise lenses that balance focal length – the distance your camera can see – and field of view. If your device has a larger field of view, you may not be able to see objects that are further away. And the inverse holds true, the shorter the field of view, the greater the distance your camera can cover. 

Which CCTV camera is most suitable?

Now that you have a better understanding of what field of view is and how it works, you can determine the ideal security camera with the perfect viewing angle for your security needs. Naturally, you would want to select a device that features the right camera lens, providing you with the perfect balance between focal length and field of view. 

However, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous options available on the market. Thankfully, the most common security cameras generally feature lens angles that accommodate your CCTV surveillance needs. Let us break down what these surveillance devices provide so that you can make an informed decision. 

Fixed wide-angle security cameras

As their name implies, these cameras offer wide angles that allow you to survey a large area with one device. Generally, these cameras have a field of view between 60 to 110 degrees, though some modern devices do provide greater coverage. 

They are excellent for covering the entrances, corridors, and exits of a building. However, the drawback of a fixed CCTV camera is its inability to zoom in on specific areas, so it might be more challenging to pinpoint a specific threat that may crop up on the camera. 

Adjustable angle security cameras

Adjustable cameras are particularly useful in situations where you require more than one surveillance device to monitor your property. The adjustable angle of view provided by these CCTV cameras allows you to cover multiple entrances, corridors, and exits simultaneously. 

PTZ security cameras

Pan-tilt-zoom cameras are generally more expensive due to the extensive features they offer. A critical benefit of these CCTV cameras is the camera lenses they utilised, which can be adjusted by the user to cover or zoom in on a specific area. Additionally, users can operate these devices remotely via a joystick or their electronic devices. 

Due to the versatile nature of these cameras, they are perfect for covering large commercial properties, such as car parks and warehouses, since they offer greater flexibility compared to the former two options.

How to position your camera for the best angle?

There is a reason why most security cameras feature a wide-angle camera lens. The field of view offered by this lens allows you to monitor a larger area of land while ensuring you get sufficient detail to identify any suspicious individuals loitering around your property. 

However, to ensure you get the best possible angle, you need to understand how to position your CCTV cameras. And there are two factors that you should consider – the camera height and room positioning. 

Factor #1: Camera height

Most security cameras are installed up high and pointed slightly downward to provide maximum coverage for a specific area. This angle is ideal for both indoor and outdoor environments, as it allows you to monitor everything while ensuring your surveillance device remains relatively inconspicuous. 

However, there is another camera height you can consider, which is just above the hip level. This angle is perfect for those looking to install their CCTV cameras on a table or at the entrance of their property to serve as a virtual peephole. 

While this position does offer a comprehensive field of view, it is vital to note that you may notice weird distortions in your images if the room is too compact. As such, you should only consider implementing this in a wide, enclosed space, like an open office or a living room.

Factor #2: Room positioning

Installing your security camera in the right place is arguably more crucial than determining the ideal height for your surveillance device. For example, if you place your CCTV camera in the middle of the room rather than a corner, you might find the footage captured is distorted on the sides.

This is why security experts often recommend installing a camera in a corner, whether it is in an indoor or outdoor environment, to ensure the broadest possible coverage. Doing so helps to minimise the risk of dead spots and allows you to take advantage of the wide-angle lens commonly found in most CCTV cameras.

Every residential and commercial property is different, which can make finding the ideal angle for your security cameras a challenge. As such, you may want to consider tapping on the expertise of a CCTV surveillance company in Singapore to advise you on the best course of action. At One Stop Office Solution, our team possesses years of experience in the industry. If you are unsure which of our security cameras matches your needs and where you should install them, do not hesitate to contact our friendly staff, who will gladly assist to address all your queries.