How Far Can Home Security Cameras See? [Nailed it Or Survive]

A security camera is a ubiquitous device for training or when anyone has deep concerns about safety. Purchasing such a device is necessary to manage and ensure artificial security at home. Perhaps you must know how far home security cameras can see before buying any of them.

Generally, home security cameras have a range of viewing at 10-70 feet or 3-23 meters. It often depends on the lens size, resolution, as well as types of the camera sensor. But other cameras can see distances more, such as PTZ. It can catch the image around 1000 feet or more.

However, security cameras’ focus distance and density vary on technology and functions. Thankfully, I had detailed all sorts of affairs here with clear meaning. 

Involving Factors Of How Far Home Security Cameras See

Many factors influence the sight of security cameras. Below, I only discuss some major affairs necessary to know. Those factors will help you to understand the term why it often varies to visualize the sights of the camera. 

• Field Of View Points Of The Camera

This term usually describes which parts of the camera you can see. The field of viewpoints also plays a significant role in defining the types and other adjustments. Remember that the wider the field of view, the more one can observe the sights fruitfully. Again, if the viewpoints are very small, making the objects more minor will often be helpful. 

• The Focal Length

The camera’s focal length is another crucial factor in tracing the distance between the lens and the focus. This is the most vital fact to consider for its supreme characteristics. One of them is the easy-to-understand capability to capture the view. Besides this, it also controls the camera’s viewpoints.

• Fix & Variable Focal Length 

Some security cameras have different and fixed focal lengths. The camera’s limited size will always be available at a fixed distance. Since the sensor and the angle of view often remain the same here, a user don’t have an option of changing. It comes around 2.8 mm-6 mm in length. 

These cameras typically have screws for remotely adjusting their focus narrowness. And this number usually comes around 5-40 mm or more. 

• Camera Resolution 

Another factor to consider is the camera’s resolution. Without this, recognizing the image quality of the camera might be difficult. To avoid any further inconvenience, take an idea from the below’s standard resolutions for home security cameras in the market. Take an overview in short. 

Image Size	Resolution	Footage Quality	Bandwidth & Storage
1920×1080	1080p	Medium	H.264 video standard
2560×1440	4MP (1440p)	Super image quality	H.264 video standard
2560×1920	5MP(1920p)	Much better than 4K	H.264 video standard
3840×2160	4K(8mp)	Average	H.264 video standard

• Network Standard 

Security cameras are usually manifested by their network standard capacities. High network camera compatibility often requires more bandwidth for emancipating good images and videos. Another positive thing is that the fastest network standard usually delivers high-resolution videos. So these are the other things that also govern how far home security cameras can see. 

• Enough Storage Space 

Unlike a mobile’s higher storage space, a security camera also needs greater storage capacity. It is crucial to reveal multiple storage capacities to save videos and back them up regularly.

A high storage capacity is also better for office and commercial purposes. Alternatively, one can choose any camera with advanced compression formats. It will provide similar advantages. 

• Installation Location Of Camera

Installing the camera in the right location is crucial. It is the point by which one can understand how far away the camera can see. Detecting the distance between the objects and the camera is obvious to get a clear image all the time. Unfortunately, in most cases, people forget to check the camera’s specs. 

For this reason, sometimes it seems more difficult for a person to identify the objects from the location. However, appointing the camera in the right place is a part of this involving affairs. And it must be done. 

A Table Of Different Cameras Lens Size And Viewing Distance

After the twin tower attacks incident, video technology (the 1990s) security cameras became developed⁽¹⁾, and most of them can be compatible with computers. Here is a short table of camera viewing angles according to lens size.

Viewing Angle	Lens Size	Identification Distance
100-103⁰	2.8 mm	10 feet, 3 m
90-94⁰	3.6 mm	20 feet, 6 m
48-50⁰	5 mm	30 feet, 9 m
40-43⁰	6 mm	35 feet, 10.6 m
41-42⁰	8 mm	40 feet, 12 m
28-30⁰	12 mm	50 feet, 15.2 m
10-16⁰	22 mm	80 feet, 24.3 m
5-7⁰	50 mm	230 feet, 70 m

As per the list, here you may see that when the viewing angle increases, the sight distance decreases. And the space is perpendicularly increased when the viewing point is less than 10-5⁰. 

5 Tips For Increasing Viewing Distance Of Home Security Cameras

Sometimes, detecting the fantastic view through a home security camp is cumbersome. The reason behind this issue relies on different aspects. However, the most common sense for getting a dark image from the camera is the lack of lighting. So, apply the tips below for increasing home security cameras’ viewing distance. 

1. Hang Them In An Easy To Go Signal Transmitted Area

Samantha Allen, author of the NYtimes⁽²⁾, always advised placing the security camera in areas where signals are easily transmitted. Home security cameras often produce an electrical signal to send feedback to the monitor. So when it is placed on masonry walls, the footage may not be visible clearly.

2. Choose An Ideal Height 

Positioning the security camera at the right height will save you from many risks. The risks are:

• First, your camera will be out of reach of intruders, curious children, and Inquisitive well-groomed.
• Second, it always provides a better image.
• Third, the camera head will be mounted freely without any hassle.
• In addition, the monitor will display a big enough picture to detect all the details. 

3. Provide Additional Lighting In Darkness 

To get a better view of dark areas, add additional lighting. Hang some other lights or tube bulbs at night to discern the sights properly. In that case, attach some existing light around your home instead of installing new fixtures. They will contribute a lot to detecting the images very transparently. 

4. Grab 360⁰ & 720⁰ Camera To Get a Better View 

If you still have viewing concerns⁽³⁾, try this fourth option. Use a 360⁰-720⁰ surveillance camera since it has specialized fish-eye. In addition, those spherical camera lenses offer a much wider viewing area than regular security camps.

5. Position It In Right Angle

Position the camera at a right angle. It is the best trick to get a better view of the camp. Although, try to have a field of view between 60-110 degrees. Hence, many security cameras tend to go beyond 110 degrees or more. Surprisingly, a right-angle camera provides enough distance and width.

Related Questions:

What Factors Affect The Viewing Distance Of Home Security Cameras Most?

Camera focal length is the most common factor affecting viewing distance. The camera’s right angle and position are the second most crucial factor that signifies these affairs. Aside from the installation location, the quality of the image is also affected by the place. 

Usually, camera focal length will contribute much to a better image. However, a camera with high resolution also worked this term efficiently.

Can You Extend The Viewing Distance Of A Home Security Camera?

Two processes will extend the viewing distance of a home security camera. First is attaching an omnidirectional antenna. It will open the range of more than one security camera. Another way to extend its viewing distance is to direct the wireless signals onto one particular camera. 

Apart from these, it would be more worth it if anyone chose a 2.4 GHz directional wireless Patel antenna. The 2.4 directional antenna is better for achieving signals. 

How Do You Measure The Viewing Distance Of Home Security Cameras?

A security camera’s focal length and lens size are the most important factors when determining the viewing distance. Most security cameras are classified as fixed focal lengths measured in mm units. 

Besides this, the measurement of the home security camera can be more transparent if the variable focal length amplifies it. Later, a home security camera typically has a 300-800 feet distance, giving average viewpoints.

Do Security Cameras Have The Same Viewing Distance At Day And Night?

Generally, a security camera has the same viewing distance day and night. This camera’s average day and night vision capacity is around 100-200ft. Yet, they can vary from model to model and developing process. 

Some of them usually have a 300-meter distance capability for monitoring the house day and night. It can vary on a different camera. Again, the night vision might be more extended than the daytime for infrared technology. This technology will provide extra light to get better visibility in the darkness.

Final Touch:

Installing better camera security at home means you will get an invisible bodyguard. Following my instructions, you can determine the camera’s distance more accurately. To conclude, try my simple tricks that may help you determine how far home security cameras can see. The average viewing distance of a security camera is between 3 and 23 meters.

References

⁽²⁾Allen, S. (2022, February 16). 10 Tips To Install Hidden Security Cameras At Home. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/tips-install-hidden-security-cameras/

⁽¹⁾Kruegle, H. (2007). CCTV surveillance : analog and digital video practices and technology (second ed.). Amsterdam ; Boston : Elsevier Butterworth Heinemann, ©2007. https://books.google.com.bd/books?hl=en&lr=&id=DaQY8CrmqFcC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=info:zZDlH0sXX8cJ:scholar.google.com/&ots=PZRy_c1sG6&sig=rg33vIlQWIQWtzaqJ5hgoMP_eq0&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q&f=false

⁽³⁾Surveillance Cameras – 12 Things You Need to Know. (n.d.). Home Technology Association. Retrieved July 23, 2022, from https://htacertified.org/app/articles/surveillance-cameras-12-things-you-need-know/