Planning Security Cameras for the Best Viewing Angle

Security cameras are an important security measure for any business. The viewing angle of the security camera can make a huge difference in its effectiveness and security on a property. For instance, security cameras with a wide angle of view are good for monitoring larger spaces and an area with more activity. Security cameras with a narrow viewing angle can also be beneficial in some situations because they provide detail about what happens in front of the camera lens. 

Here we’ll walk you through how to find the best CCTV camera angle of view, as well as what things to take into consideration when choosing a security camera so you can decide which type will best suit your needs.

Determine Your Monitoring Objective

First, determine what you want to monitor and where security cameras will be placed. Are you planning to monitor a large, open space, indoor areas like rooms and offices, or are you looking for security cameras to monitor multiple locations? You also need to ask yourself whether you want to monitor a fixed location, focus on objects that are further away, or want the flexibility of focusing on areas and objects with the pan-tilt-zoom feature. 

This will help you determine the security camera's lens and angle of view. For example, you may want to place security cameras with a clear view of an entrance to see people entering and leaving. In this case, you'll need security cameras with fixed wide-angle lenses that can cover the entire area outside the entry and exit points. Once you have an idea of what you'll be monitoring, you can then start planning the best security camera angle of view.

Common Camera Monitoring Objectives

• Faces of customers as they enter businesses - Cameras should typically be facing the entrance and positioned low enough to get a good view.

• Points of sale - Any time a cash register is open, you’ll want a close and clear camera view of the till unobstructed by where the customer or staff is standing.

• Views of stockrooms & safes - Any place that you keep product or cash should have constant video coverage. It’s most effective to mix hidden or concealed security cameras into your network for these areas, as the subject of your monitoring should include employees.

• License plates - Positioning a camera in your parking lot to capture the license plate numbers of vehicles as they leave can help you further identify perpetrators of crimes.

Determine the Best Viewing Angle

The next step is to determine the security camera's best viewing angle. This is especially important for security cameras that are not in a fixed location or if you need additional flexibility on where to place them after they have been installed. If your security cameras were already set up before determining what angle of view was ideal, it might be necessary to readjust their angles at this time.

Surveillance experts at CCTV Security Pros note that it's always best to place security cameras for buildings at an angle that captures as much of the area as possible. This is especially important if there are blind spots in your security camera's range or areas such as hallways that do not have a lot of security camera coverage. Also, determine the direction your security cameras will be facing in relation to foot traffic or car traffic for the best angle of view. 

For example, if you have security cameras facing an incoming flow of people at a business entrance, then it's best to adjust them so that they capture this area while pointing away from other areas such as back offices. When deciding on the best CCTV camera angle of view, your goal is to ensure you get the best possible vantage point no matter what area needs coverage, especially if there is a chance that something could be happening out of view.

Choose the Right Security Cameras for the Job

Now the most crucial step - choosing the right security cameras with the perfect angle of view for your surveillance needs. The best security cameras should have the right lenses for their specific job. Without them, they can't capture an area as fully as desired and provide property owners with complete coverage of a property or building. With so many security camera types with different angles of view on the market today, it's no surprise that there are dozens of lens angle options available. 

Here are the three most common security cameras by lens angle: 

• Fixed Wide Angle Security Cameras - These security cameras offer wide angles that can capture a large area with just one security camera. They are great for covering entrances, exits, and corridors. The downside of fixed security cameras is they don't zoom in on specific areas.

• Adjustable Angle Security Cameras - These security cameras with an adjustable angle of view offer security camera lens angles that can be adjusted to cover specific areas. They are especially useful when you need more than one security camera to monitor the surveillance area, and they're great for covering multiple entrances, exits, and corridors at once.

• PTZ Controllable Security Cameras - These security cameras offer security camera lens angles that can pan, tilt and zoom in on specific areas. Plus, they allow operators to control where the security camera is pointing at all times with a joystick or trackpad controller. They are excellent for covering large surveillance areas such as warehouses and parking lots because they give property owners more flexibility than fixed-angle or adjustable security cameras.

Install Cameras in the Right Location for the Desired View

Now that you've identified the right security camera with the perfect angle of view for your surveillance needs, you need to make sure you place the cameras in the right location. For example, suppose your security camera lens has a 130° angle of view, and you install security cameras on both sides of an entrance door. In that case, only one side will get complete coverage while the other gets almost no footage at all.

Choose an ideal location for your installation to ensure security cameras get the best view. Sometimes, it may be difficult to determine what would serve as an ideal location without knowing where you need security surveillance. Don't hesitate to consult experts for professional advice on camera placement and other considerations to ensure maximum security coverage.

Test Your Camera System and Make Any Necessary Adjustments

Once you have installed your CCTV cameras with the best angle of view, you may want to run some tests and make any necessary changes. The security cameras you have purchased should meet your needs, but it is always a good idea to test them out first before they are put into use. You'll want to check the performance of the security cameras based on the angle of view, the quality and clarity of images and video, and how well they can capture faces and objects at a distance.

If your security system doesn't perform as it should or if there are any changes that need to be made, like changing camera location or opting for security cameras with a better angle of view, then now is the time to do it.

Shop the Best Video Surveillance Cameras

At CCTV Security Pros, we know security cameras come in all shapes and sizes, but what many people don’t realize is that the lens of a security camera can have an equally significant impact on image quality. With so much to consider when purchasing security cameras – such as angle of view, megapixel ratings, night vision capability, storage capabilities – it can be challenging for prospective buyers to keep up. 

That's why we have knowledgeable professional service representatives available to help you find or customize the best security camera system for your needs. We offer excellent support, free shipping, a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee, a 3-year warranty, and free USA tech support with all security products.