The useful answer is rarely “buy the biggest number.” This guide turns the specification sheet into an installation decision you can defend after dark, after handover and when footage is actually needed.
Frame only the necessary area
Good placement is selective. Aim the camera at the approach, threshold or asset you need to protect, and exclude neighbouring windows, gardens and public areas wherever possible. Privacy masking can help, but physical framing is easier to understand and less likely to be lost after a reset.
Balance face angle and tamper resistance
Mounting height is a compromise: high cameras resist tampering and see over obstacles, while lower cameras capture faces at a useful angle. Doorways often benefit from a dedicated identification view plus a separate overview camera rather than asking one wide lens to do both jobs.
Document purpose, notice and access
Tell people where recording occurs, restrict access to footage and review the purpose of every view. Local laws differ, especially for audio, workplaces and public space. Treat this guide as design practice and confirm the rules that apply in your location.
Commission the system against a written evidence goal. Save reference images and settings so future maintenance can spot gradual changes.
Can another person prove the system still works?
Record the final view, night image, bitrate, alerts, firmware and access method. A system is not finished until the owner can verify recording and export without the installer standing beside it.
Every site is different. Confirm manufacturer instructions, electrical requirements, privacy obligations and local regulations before installation.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a CCTV camera be mounted?
There is no universal height. Mount high enough to resist casual tampering but low enough to retain a useful facial angle in the target zone.
Can CCTV point at a neighbour's property?
Rules vary, but good practice is to exclude private neighbouring areas physically and use privacy masks where unavoidable.