Do-it-yourself monitoring installation: How to install the cameras?

Camera installation – How to mount cameras?

Self-installation of monitoring in an apartment or single-family home is a popular way to secure the property. Here is a list of strategically important areas that should be under constant observation.

• Entrance to the house or apartment – it is worth placing a camera at eye level, for example, on the door frame.

• Garden or plot – it is worth installing a bullet camera on an exterior wall or a mast.

• Parking – one of the most popular places for car break-ins, it is worth installing several cameras covering the entire area.

 

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How to mount a camera?

When mounting a camera, it is important to ensure that no objects obstruct its view. The ideal solution is to mount the camera on an external wall of the building. If that is not possible, you can mount the camera on a tripod or shelf. The key is to have a clear view of the monitored area.

When installing the camera, pay attention to its field of view. The wider the field of view, the larger area the camera can monitor. However, it’s important to note that a wide field of view also has its drawbacks. Specifically, the wider the field of view, the lower the image resolution and range.

It is also worth installing a suitable application from the Google Play Store or App Store to have real-time access to the self-installed monitoring. Recording the footage on a virtual cloud disk is also a secure solution in case the recording device itself is stolen.

As you can see, there are many important factors to consider when installing monitoring. Especially in the case of outdoor monitoring, by following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that the camera is installed correctly and safely. Installing monitoring is an important step in protecting property and ensuring safety, which can also serve as solid evidence in troublesome and dangerous situations. Properly chosen and affordable monitoring in our homes provides peace of mind and a sense of security. We hope the above information helps you choose the right monitoring system for your home.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact us! Our team is always ready to help!

How to mount IP cameras? Check out our article

What to pay attention to when installing monitoring?

Lighting

If you decide to install the monitoring system yourself, pay special attention to the choice of camera locations. The device should not be installed in a place where there is too much light (e.g., near a window) or too little light. This is particularly important for outdoor monitoring. The image recorded by the camera should be clear, with well-distinguishable details. To achieve this, it is worth choosing the right location and avoiding direct sunlight.

Unfavorable lighting conditions are responsible for noise and interference, which can make the image unclear.

EXAMPLE: Excessive contrast in the scene can make people in the recording invisible. As a result, their identification will be difficult or even impossible. In such cases, it is better to rely on IP cameras for the e

Stable camera mounting

The quality of the recorded image also depends on the installation method of the cameras. Vibrations caused by improper mounting of the cameras and changing weather conditions (e.g., wind) can result in image distortions. Installation errors can also lead to serious cable damage. Therefore, all cables coming out of the cameras should be carefully secured.

Camera field of view

One of the basic principles of installing surveillance cameras is to capture as much area as possible. Therefore, in every case, the lens installed in the camera should be adjusted to the observed area. This allows for maximizing the full potential of the camera’s field of view and gaining access to a wide perspective.

Camera mounting height vs. face and license plate recognition system

The effectiveness of video surveillance is also influenced by the angle and height at which the device is installed. Installing the camera at too high of a position makes it difficult to recognize people’s faces, while placing it too low limits the field of view. The optimal height for facial detection systems is usually around two meters from the ground. However, this principle may not apply to monitoring parking entrances. It is advisable to install cameras lower, around one meter from the ground, to better capture license plates.

The purpose of a camera with facial recognition function is to enhance the security of a facility or specific area by granting access based on registered images. This feature can be used, for example, as an additional authentication method for entry into server rooms, offices, laboratories, vaults, etc.

Cameras equipped with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) or License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems can also be useful in home monitoring. They allow for real-time automatic opening of, for example, the driveway gate.

Camera installation 180

This type of cameras is responsible for monitoring a larger area. 180-degree cameras are most commonly installed in public institutions, government facilities, train stations, stadiums, airports, parking lots, and more. The main advantage of these cameras is that they cover a larger area with their field of view. Due to their wider viewing angle, they are usually mounted in the middle of a long external or internal wall, which allows them to replace two standard cameras.

Installation of 360 cameras

360-degree cameras are devices that capture images around their own axis. They can be equipped with one or more lenses, each facing a different direction. They are suitable for monitoring wide areas, both indoors and outdoors. These cameras are commonly mounted on the ceiling inside large rooms. Such a camera provides a view of the entire space located beneath and around it. It is capable of replacing four standard cameras. They are typically high-resolution IP cameras.

Shadow boundaries

The cameras available on the market vary in terms of their light sensitivity. Therefore, when installing them, it is necessary to consider the changing lighting conditions in the monitored area. Factors such as the visibility differences between shaded and sunlit areas should be taken into account. In this case, an important parameter to consider is a wide dynamic range (WDR) of at least 120db, which allows for better image quality and visibility in scenes with high contrast lighting.

Visibility

Surveillance systems should prioritize discretion. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid mounting cameras in front of windows and store windows to prevent them from being noticed. Additionally, the field of view should not be obstructed by any elements. For example, a camera mounted too high may unnecessarily capture a portion of a wall or door frame.

REMEMBER: The wider the camera’s field of view, the fewer details can be recognized.

Threats arising from vandalism.

The installation of cameras from the very beginning should take into account the risk of interference by third parties. Therefore, when choosing the equipment, it is very important to consider:

• The quality of materials used in production
• Resistance to mechanical damage
• Construction and neutral design of the housing
• Waterproofing (sealing)

Due to their design, bullet cameras are more susceptible to damage than dome cameras.

Overheating of cameras and recorders.

During operation, surveillance systems often include DVR recorders with fans, which can overheat and experience malfunctions. To reduce the likelihood of unexpected camera shutdowns during operation and data loss, consider the following:

Do not use cabinets that are too small for the equipment.

Use ventilation grilles in the enclosure doors.

Do not obstruct the airflow around the DVR recorder with other devices.

Use only fans specifically designed for use with DVR recorders.

When installing a surveillance system, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid issues and ensure proper equipment functioning.