Why Your Security Camera Round Facing Setup Keeps Missing Things

Security camera round facing setups looks quite simple but the game is beyond then simply connecting it. Most of the people find empty or incomplete footage after an incident that starts after the action is over. It is not caused by the bad camera, it mostly happens due to wrong security camera placement. In this blog, the causes why your round security camera is missing the right footage and what needs to be changed will be discussed. Let’s start!

How Much Can a Round Dome Security Camera Actually See?

Most people think that a security camera with a round facing design can see everything but this is not like that. A round facing security camera contains one lens, and that covers only a part of space in front of it. How much part will it cover usually depends on field of view and how far the subject is. 

Causes 

• A fixed lens covers only one side: By seeing its shape, one can assume that the dome shaped security camera covers every side. But this is only possible if the camera is rotating to the 360-degree. 

• The field of view is limited: Most round facing security cameras have a field of view between 90 to 130 degrees. They don’t capture anything outside this angle no matter how good the camera is.

• Weak frame edges: The edges of the frames are weak due to which it darken the sides of the images. If you want to identify the person, then it would not be possible because of the wide lenses. The image of the person may appear as blur.
• Distance shrinks the detail: If the person is standing far away then less clear they become. You can see the person, but cannot recognize the face.

Solutions

• Always mount the camera by seeing the person’s field of view. 

1. Always place the camera near an important area. Your security camera round facing will give the best view there.
2. If you want to capture something from a distance, then use the high resolution security camera with a round facing design.
3. In order to test the edges of the camera, walk along those edges to identify the right zone.

How to Identify Which Way Round Dome Security Camera is Facing?

The lens of the security camera round facing setup is hidden under the dome which means you cannot see where it is facing. People often like this style because no one can tell what the camera is watching. However, it can cause issue for you to point it in the wrong direction

Causes

• The dark cover hides the lens: The cover of the camera is made in a way that it can hide the lens and no one can tell where it sees.

• The camera looks the same from every side: Some people don’t set the round facing security camera in the right way. They just make a guess where it faces.

• Small movement in angle can make a huge difference: If the camera moves, then the view can change to a 360 degree. A camera that is meant to capture the walkaway may end up looking at a random place like a wall.
• The angle can change over time: Shaking, loose screws or a wind can change the direction of the camera completely. 

Solutions

1. Just don’t make a guess how the camera looks from the outside. Open your phone and see what it shows. 
2. Ask anyone to walk through that area where the camera has mounted. If there is a need to move the camera, do it.
3. Round face security cameras have a small arrow and it shows where the camera is looking. Not every camera has this pointer/ mark, hence make sure to check the manual before buying it. 
4. If you have a camera with a mark, then you can observe the change in movement after some weeks or a month. If there is a movement due to some wind or loose screw, fix it. Otherwise you can also make a mark with a pencil or a tape to observe the view later. 

What is the Right Height To Place a Round Facing Security Camera?

If your camera is placed at the best spot then it will capture the best view. If you place it too high, it will only record the top of your head. If it sits too low, then anyone can reach it. The right height can make a big difference. Let’s see what can happen if the height is not right!

Causes

• The camera is placed too high: When the dome shaped camera is mounted too high, it will not capture faces. You see only shoulders, hats and heads not faces.

• The camera is mounted too low: A camera which is placed too low can be easy to mess with. Anyone can damage it, turn it or cover it. 

• One height for every spot: A height that is set for one spot may not work for the other. You have to set it at different heights for the garage, gate and backyard.
• Not testing the height: It is of no use if you set the height of the camera without testing it. People often drill the holes and then check the right height. It will not work. 

Solutions 

1. For the outdoor spots, start placing the camera at the height of 8 to 10 feet because people will not reach that height easily
2. For the doors and entrances, mount the camera at the height of 7 to 8 feet. You will see clear faces and it is still out of reach for people. 
3. Make an estimate of who will be in the frame and where people stand for different spots. Then pick that place and fit your security camera with a round face design.
4. Always check the view on the phone and if the faces are clear then mark the spot.

How Do Round Security Cameras Work at Night?

At night, dome security cameras work by using infrared lights. The purpose is to light up the place and record the black and white image. But some things can make this night footage turn washed out and minute details can be missed. To know why this happens, read the heading below;

Causes

1. 1. Infrared light bounces back: If the camera is placed too close to a wall, then the light bounces back which can make the image washed out.

• Bright light can block the view: Any bright light like street light or headlights can make people to turn into dark shapes
• Dome cover is dirty: if the dome cover is dirty, it can make the image look worse at night as the infrared light bounces back.

Solution

1. Place the camera away from the ceilings, walls and corners. Even a little movement can help the light stop bouncing back to the lens.
2. Place the camera away from the bright lights. If this security camera round facing setup is not possible, then turn on the camera’s backlight setting
3. Take a soft cloth and wipe the lenses often. If there is a fog inside the dome, that means the seal is damaged. For that, you need to change the camera.

What is the reason that motion alerts occur late or not at all?

There must be some way for a round facing camera to let you know that there’s been some moving about in the area. A security camera can only do that if it detects movement. If either of these steps takes a long time, the alert is delayed or not displayed. Here a round facing security camera is no different than any other camera. It is determined by the angle, the settings and the Wi-Fi.

Causes

1. Low motion sensitivity: The security camera with round facing doesn’t notice fine movements. It may not be sufficient to merely walk slowly or standing at a great distance.
2. The detection zone is not located: Typically, most apps will allow you to mark the region that the camera is monitoring for movement. If that area doesn’t encompass people walking down the path, then the camera doesn’t react.
3. People walk straight at the camera: A lot of cameras are more sensitive to sideways motion than motion towards the camera. People who are running at it straight on can be spotted late.
4. Wifi signal is weak: The further away the camera is from the router or if it’s behind thick walls, the longer it will take for the alert to reach your phone. Sometimes it comes and sometimes it doesn’t. In addition, a weak signal can cause gaps in the video file that’s saved.

Solutions

• Up one level and test. Avoid setting up at the top, as it will result in excessive alerts for leaves, bugs, and shadows.
• Open the app and ensure the zone is where people actually walk – at the door, gate or path.
• Rotate the camera slightly to have people walk around the view rather than directly into it.

Check on the signal in the application. If it is weak, reduce the distance between the router and the camera. Add a Wi-Fi extender or connect the router to the camera using a wire (if the camera supports this). The SD card will continue writing video if there is a loss of Wi-Fi.

Bottom Lines

A round facing security camera is not the reason why it misses footage, it is merely because of the mistakes made in the setup. Look at the view, the angle and the height. Adjust the night light, motion and Wi-Fi functions as necessary. Test it periodically (every couple months) and your camera will capture what’s important

FAQs

What are the security cameras round facing called?

These are called dome shaped security cameras. This is named because of their shape and design. They are also named as ball, fish eye and turret cameras. 

Can round face security cameras rotate?

Most round facing security cameras contain fixed lenses. However, if they have a motorized pan, they can rotate. 

What are common issues of dome shaped security cameras?

Here are some reasons

• The lens direction is not clear because dome hides the lens\
• The field view is limited
• Infrared light bounces back due to bright light at night
• The dome cover is foggy.

How should I check my security camera view?

You can check it through your mobile app every few weeks. The angle of the camera can change due to winds or storms so it is important to check it often.

Does a security camera with a dome shape design have to face the door directly?

It is not necessary but facing it to the side can give a clear image of people rather than pointing it straight. 

 

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