The Most Common Mistakes Sydney Homeowners Make When Installing Security Cameras

Installing security cameras seems like a straightforward task, you just mount them up, connect them to WiFi, and you’re good to go, right? Not exactly. On the web and in person, we’ve seen all kinds of mistakes when it comes to home security camera installations, especially here in Sydney. From poor placement to choosing the wrong type of cameras for our unique Aussie conditions, there are some key missteps that could leave your home vulnerable even when you think it’s protected.

If you’re thinking about installing cameras, it’s always a good idea to work with a security camera installer in Sydney who understands the challenges of local homes and landscapes. That way, you can avoid these common mistakes and ensure your security system does what it’s supposed to, and that is to keep your home safe.

Now, let’s talk about some of the biggest mistakes we see Sydney homeowners making when installing any kind of smart security cameras, or even the traditional ones, and how to avoid them.

Mistake 1: Placing Cameras Too High or Too Low

This might sound minor, but trust us, it makes all the difference. Some homeowners think that mounting cameras as high as possible is the best way to get a clear, wide-angle view of their property. Others place them too low in an attempt to get facial recognition shots. The problem? Both approaches can make your cameras less effective.

Many Sydney homes, especially in areas like the Northern Beaches or Inner West, have high fences, tall trees, and unique home designs that can create blind spots if cameras are mounted too high.

On the flip side, placing cameras too low (like at eye level near the front door) makes them an easy target for tampering or vandalism.

The Fix?

The ideal height for a security camera is around 2.5 to 3 meters high. This allows the camera to be high enough to prevent tampering but low enough to capture clear details of people’s faces.

Mistake 2: Ignoring the Sydney Weather

Sydney’s climate is unpredictable. One day, it’s blazing hot; the next, it’s pouring rain. And if you live near the coast, the salty sea air can take a toll on your security cameras much faster than you’d expect with rust and corrosion.

The Fix?

Choose weather-resistant security cameras (including stainless steel or corrosion-resistant)  with IP65 or IP67 rating and install them under eaves, awning, or shaded areas to protect them from direct sun and rain.

Mistake 3: Not Considering Sydney’s Unique Crime Patterns

Not all parts of Sydney have the same security risks. The kind of security system that works in a high-rise apartment in the CBD won’t necessarily work for a large property in the Hills District or Blue Mountains. Yet, many homeowners make the mistake of installing generic cameras without considering their neighborhood’s crime trends.

The Fix?

Check local crime reports for your suburb and position cameras where incidents are more likely to occur. Additionally, if most crime happens during the night, install infrared or colour night vision cameras for better visibility.

Mistake 4: Relying Too Much on Wifi

We love smart technology, but one mistake Sydney homeowners make is assuming that WiFi-only cameras will always work flawlessly. Sydney has areas with patchy internet, especially in suburbs with lots of hills, trees, or older infrastructure, think Berowra, Avalon Beach, or parts of the North Shore. If your Wifi drops out, your cameras might stop recording.

The Fix?

Ensure you have a strong and stable connection with range extenders if needed. If you cannot do this, consider hardwired security cameras instead.

Mistake 5: Forgetting About Storage and Backup

Let’s say you install the perfect security camera setup, and then one day, something happens, you check your footage and… nothing. No recordings. This is a surprisingly common issue, and it usually happens because homeowners forget about storage options.

Many homeowners rely on cloud storage, but don’t realize some cloud services delete footage after 7 days unless you pay for premium plans.

Power outages (especially during Sydney’s summer storms) can also wipe recordings if there’s no backup system in place.

The Fix?

Use a mix of cloud and local storage. Consider using a battery backup or solar-powered security cameras for uninterrupted recording during power outages.

Get It Right the First Time!

Installing security cameras isn’t just about buying a few cameras and sticking them on your walls. You need to think about placement, weather conditions, local crime patterns, internet reliability, and storage options—especially in a city like Sydney, where every suburb has its own challenges.

The bottom line? A little planning goes a long way. Install your cameras correctly the first time, and you’ll have a security system that actually does its job, which is keeping your home safe and sound.

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