Should security cameras be above or below lights?
Matthew Barrera
Updated on May 11, 2026
How should lights be positioned in relation to cameras? The rule of thumb for light positioning is to keep the light fixture out of view of the camera. This is best done by installing lights higher than the camera, allowing light to flood the camera's range of view without shining too directly into the camera.
Where do you put security cameras near lights?
Although there aren't places that you can't install security cameras, there are places that give you an optimal view, blend well with the surrounding lighting, and not get disrupted by the light sources at night. These places include the front door, back and side doors, first-floor windows, driveway, and the garage.Where should I place my outdoor security cameras?
- Security cameras should be placed at the most obvious points of entry: ground-floor doors and windows, especially the main entryway and any side or back doors.
- Garages and driveways are considered entryways, so consider installing security cameras that cover those areas.
Where is the best placement for security cameras?
The Best Places for a Security Camera in Your Home
- Front door.
- Doorbell camera.
- Easy access points like a backdoor or first floor windows.
- Garages and driveways.
- Front and backyards.
How high up Should security cameras be?
Install cameras 8-10 feet from the ground. This height is low enough to capture fine details but high enough to be out of easy reach of thieves and vandals. Don't point cameras directly at the sun. Bright light causes glare and high contrast in your footage, which makes it hard to tell what's going on.Security Camera Blinded By A Flood Light
How can I hide my outdoor security cameras?
You can disguise a camera by hiding it behind a birdhouse or bird feeder, plant, fake rock, etc. You can also camouflage it by painting it the same color as your house.
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You can hide your outdoor security cameras by placing them near or disguising them as a:
- Fake rock.
- Plant.
- Lawn decor.
- Birdhouse.
- Bird feeder.
How many cameras do you need for home security?
As a general rule, 3-4 cameras for the following areas are a great start for most homes: A doorbell camera to keep an eye on the front door and packages. 1-2 outdoor cameras for the front and back of the house. An indoor camera inside to watch valuables, kids, or pets.Where should I put my blink camera in my front door?
The Blink Outdoor Camera should be mounted outside of direct sunlight and about 8-10 feet from the ground. It should also be pointed away from the sun and ground, ideally tilted slightly so you can still view your home's surroundings.Can I put cameras in my house without my spouse knowing?
Generally speaking, it's legal in the United States to record surveillance video with a hidden camera in your home without the consent of the person you're recording.Do LED lights block cameras?
A person watching through the camera will be able to tell that you're there, but they won't be able to see what you're doing. You can blind a camera in the dark using a LED, an infrared laser day or night, or how to cover up the lens of the camera.Do security cameras need light at night?
Many security cameras also work in low-light conditions, frequently called day/night cameras. These cameras have image intensifiers that increase the intensity of available light. Unlike infrared cameras, day/night cameras don't have LED lights, so there must be ambient light in the area.Can you put a camera in a light?
Lightbulb cameras are just another variation of a hidden/ camouflaged camera. They are actually a combination of a real lightbulb with a security camera usually hidden in the base, between the power source and the bulb itself. While they aren't always super discrete, they usually blend in pretty well.Can Blink camera be in direct sunlight?
Blink Outdoor sports a weather-friendly design that's rated for rain or shine, hot or cold with a working temperature range of -4 to 113° F. Blink Outdoor can even be placed in direct sunlight, which is something many other manufacturers don't offer with their outdoor cameras.How high should I mount my Blink doorbell?
Drill mounting holes.Tape the template in place approximately 40 - 48 inches (102 -122cm) above the ground. If you want to use the wiring from a doorbell you already have, place the template so that the wires will reach through the central open area of the wedge.