How Many Cameras Do You Really Need?
First thing’s first – you don’t need a wall of lenses to feel safe. The right number of cameras depends on what you want to watch, how big your place is, and where the weak spots are. Below we break it down in plain language so you can add cameras without over‑spending.
Key factors that decide the count
1. Size and layout. A small apartment might be covered with just one indoor camera in the living area and a second at the front door. A two‑storey house usually needs at least four: one for the front door, one for the back, a hallway or stairwell, and a garden or driveway.
2. Entry points. Count every door and accessible window. Each entry point deserves its own eye, especially if it’s hidden from the main view. If you have a sliding door, a garage door, and a side gate, that’s three spots to watch.
3. Outdoor vs indoor. Outdoor cameras need to handle weather and night‑vision. Indoor units are cheaper and can be placed where you need a quick glance – like a kitchen or hallway. Mixing both types keeps costs down while covering the whole property.
4. Blind spots. Walk around your home with a flashlight. Any dark corners you can’t see from the street are blind spots. Adding a camera that faces that area eliminates the gap.
5. Budget and storage. More cameras mean higher subscription or cloud fees. Decide how much you’re willing to pay each month and choose a count that fits.
Quick calculators for common homes
Apartment (1‑bedroom, 600 sq ft). One indoor camera in the main living space + one at the front door = 2 cameras. If the building has a communal hallway, add a third to watch that area.
Townhouse (2‑storey, 1500 sq ft). Front door, back door, garage entry, and a backyard corner = 4 outdoor cameras. Add one indoor camera for the ground‑floor hallway and another for the upstairs landing = 6 total.
Detached house (2500 sq ft, large garden). Count each side of the house: front, back, side, plus garage and driveway = 5 outdoor cameras. Inside, place a camera in the kitchen, one in the main hallway, and one covering the stairs = 3 indoor cameras. Total: 8 cameras.
These examples are just a starting point. If you run a small business from home, add a camera to watch the work area. If you have a pool, a dedicated view helps you spot trouble fast.
Now that you know the basics, measure your property, list the entry points, and match each to a camera. You’ll end up with a clear, affordable system that gives you real peace of mind without a wall of screens.
