01/07/2025
Avoid This: Never Place a Camera Facing Direct Sunlight
By Eric Kasungu â Surveillance Systems Expert | CEO, SHEK Technology
One of the most common reasons CCTV footage becomes useless during incidents isnât the fault of the cameraâitâs the fault of poor placement. Iâve visited countless institutions where incidents occurred right in front of cameras, but the footage was either too dark, overexposed, or out of focus. Why? Because someone didn't consider basic surveillance positioning principles.
Letâs break this down.
Big Mistake #1: Facing Cameras Toward the Sun
Placing a camera directly facing sunlight results in washed-out images, heavy glare, and loss of detailâespecially during morning or late afternoon hours when shadows are long. Youâll never capture a clear face, number plate, or motion in such conditions. Always position cameras away from direct light sources and use backlight compensation or WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) cameras in high-glare areas.
Best Practices for Camera Positioning and Height
To get usable, high-quality footage:
⢠Mount cameras between 2.5 to 3 meters high for general viewing.
⢠For facial recognition, position the camera at eye-level angles (1.5 to 1.8 meters) along entrances, exits, or choke points.
⢠Avoid extreme anglesâa camera pointing steeply downward will record heads, not faces.
⢠Ensure cable paths are protected and concealed for tamper-proofing.
The golden rule: Position for purpose.
Camera Type Matters â Not All Cameras Do the Same Job
Hereâs why understanding camera types is critical:
đš Dome Cameras
⢠Best for indoor use and discreet monitoring.
⢠Excellent for retail, offices, and reception areas.
⢠Limited rangeâdonât expect long-distance clarity.
đš Bullet Cameras
⢠Designed for long-range viewing.
⢠Best for outdoor use â parking lots, gates, perimeter fencing.
⢠Weatherproof and highly visible (a deterrent in itself).
đš PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) Cameras
⢠Ideal for large areas requiring flexible coverage.
⢠Useful in public spaces, large compounds, stadiums, and highways.
⢠Needs trained operators to utilize properly or configured with auto-tracking.
If you mix and match these blindly, without strategy, youâre setting yourself up for failure.
Resolution & Specs Are Not Optional â Theyâre Foundational
Donât just install âany camera.â Understand what youâre trying to capture:
⢠For facial recognition, use at least 1080p (2MP) or higher, with good low-light performance.
⢠For license plate capture, use specialized LPR cameras with the right frame rate and shutter speed.
⢠For wide-angle monitoring, opt for wide dynamic range lenses and high-resolution sensors.
Armature technicians often install:
⢠720p cameras meant for indoor use on outdoor perimeters,
⢠Bullet cameras indoors where domes would perform better,
⢠Or even worseâplace a PTZ on a shaky pole where every gust of wind ruins the shot.
The result? Footage thatâs unusable when you need it most.
Final Thoughts: Plan the System. Donât Just Install Equipment.
A CCTV system is a strategic tool, not just a bunch of cameras. Every angle, height, lens type, resolution, and camera feature must serve a specific goalâdeter, detect, identify, or monitor.
If you're not capturing clear footage at key pointsâentrances, exits, cash handling points, parking lotsâyour system is failing.
At SHEK Technology, we follow a design-first approach: We analyze risk, plan camera placement with coverage maps, select proper equipment, and train users on how to monitor effectively.
Donât waste money on a system that wonât deliver when it matters. Plan. Position. Protect.
