There is no single right number, but there is a sensible way to work it out. Start with the places someone would actually come and go, then add coverage where you want extra detail. This room-by-room guide gives you a realistic starting point for a condo, a family home or a larger property.
A simple rule of thumb
Cover every entry point first: the front door, back door and garage. Then add the approaches: the driveway, side gate and yard. Everything else is a bonus.
Start with your entry points
- Front door. A video doorbell is the easiest first camera. It sees everyone who comes to the door and lets you talk to them.
- Back and side doors. These are quieter and often less visible, which makes them common weak spots.
- Garage and driveway. One camera facing the driveway covers vehicles, packages and the garage door.
- Side gates and paths. Cover the routes that lead to the back of the house.
- Main indoor area. If you want an indoor camera, choose a hallway or living area rather than private rooms.
How many cameras by property type
These are starting points, not rules. Adjust for the size of your lot, the number of doors and how much detail you want.
| Property | Typical starting point | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Condo or apartment | 1 to 2 | A video doorbell or door camera, plus one indoor camera |
| Townhouse | 2 to 4 | Front door, back door and a garage or lane |
| Detached home | 4 to 6 | All doors, the driveway and the sides of the house |
| Large home or acreage | 6 to 8 or more | All of the above plus outbuildings, long driveways and perimeter |
| Shop, office or multi-building site | 8 to 16 or more | Entrances, parking, loading areas and key interior spots |
Where to place them
- Mount cameras about 8 to 10 feet (2.5 to 3 m) up so they are out of easy reach but still see faces.
- Point them at the approach, not straight into the sun, so the picture stays clear at all hours.
- Choose a camera with a built-in light or siren for spots where you want to discourage visitors, not only record them.
- Keep cameras on your own property. Avoid pointing them at neighbours' windows or shared spaces, and keep them out of bathrooms and bedrooms.
Match the recorder to your camera count
Wired systems record to a recorder, and a recorder has a fixed number of channels. If you need 6 cameras, an 8-channel recorder works. If you plan 8 or more, choose a 16-channel model so you have room to add later. Fusion recorders take both wired and Wi-Fi cameras; our Fusion guide explains how.
Complete systems to start from
A complete 8-channel bundle with 4K analog turret cameras and a 1TB hard drive, for a detached home or small business.
View product ➜
A 2TB recorder with 6 or 8 H13 4K bullet cameras. The recorder supports up to 16 cameras (8 wired and 8 Fusion Wi-Fi), so you can add more later.
View product ➜
A starter system for a home or small business with 12MP Ultra HD cameras and smart security lighting.
View product ➜
A good first camera for the front door, with a head-to-toe view and detection of people, vehicles, animals and packages.
View product ➜Frequently asked questions
Do I need a camera on every side of the house?
Not necessarily. Entry points matter most. Add cameras to cover approaches such as a driveway or side gate, rather than every wall.
How many cameras can one recorder handle?
Lorex recorders come in 8, 16 and 32 channel sizes. One channel equals one camera, so pick the size that covers your plan with a little room left over.
Can I add cameras later?
Yes, if the recorder has spare channels. That is why a slightly larger recorder is a good investment. For Wi-Fi cameras you can simply add another unit.
Should cameras be inside or outside?
Start outside, at the doors and approaches. Add an indoor camera only if you want to see a specific area, such as the main living space or a pet.
Build your system
Browse complete systems by number of cameras, or add cameras one at a time.
Complete systems ➜Doorbell cameras ➜NVRs ➜Keep reading
- Wired vs Wi-Fi Security Cameras: Which Is Right for Your Home?
- NVR vs DVR: What Is the Difference and Which Do You Need?
- Video Doorbell Buying Guide: Wired vs Battery, 2K vs 4K
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