Sometimes the right mount can spell the difference between a good home security camera and a bad one. You can have a great camera but if you can’t place it where it can view the action, it’s a fairly worthless investment.
A Mounting Problem
We have tested a lot of home security cameras and returned a few because the way to use the camera was with the little table stand that came with device. It amazes me how many manufacturers neglect this important aspect and miss out on a way to differentiate their cameras from the rest of the pack.
Things have improved over the years. During the industry’s infancy they all had their own little niche stand. Proprietary mounting patterns that excluded the use of anything other than what the company wanted you to use. That has changed now that most companies recognize the universal 1/4″ – 20 threaded screw common to tripods. This open a whole array of third party mounts suitable for home security cameras.
Most manufacturers provide a small stand which can sometimes prove to be inadequate for practical use. That’s where this article comes in handy.
Mount Recommendations
In terms of good standard camera mounts, we have always liked the Arkon line of camera mounts. The majority of their camera mounts are built upon a ball and socket design which means that after you get the mount in pace, it’s easy to make minor adjustments. The photo that accompanies this article is one of our favorite mounts of theirs. This is the Arkon Camera Wall Mount for Cameras. Built on a metal base, the mount measures 8 inches high. There are adjustment points at the base, midpoint and tip. The end has the standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded pattern. This particular mount is perfect for wall mounting. Arkon also offers a bunch of others. You might find their suction cup mount to be extremely handy for pointing your home security camera outdoors.
A great way to improve the outdoor night vision of an indoor home security camera is to place it directly against the window pane. The Arkon Camera Suction Mount is a good affordable way to do that. This mount has a vacuum mechanism at the base to ensure secure adhesion to the window. The mount is typically used in vehicles, but it’s going to work at home just as effectively. I have used this one personally for several years and it’s easy to use. There is the standard 1/4″ – 20 threaded screw that fits cameras with that tripod hole on the bottom or side. There is an adjustment point midway on the mount to help get the camera flush against the windshield.
And Then There is Blink
Big fans of Blink. They remain one of the few companies that continue to use a proprietary mount pattern. Fortunately there are adapters to the tripod pattern available. Use these to attach your Blink battery powered camera to a standard mount.
Summary
Before you purchase a home security camera, it’s a good idea to think about where you want to put it. Make sure there are mounts that are available from the manufacturer to put it there. If not, look for the universal 1/4″ – 20 threaded mounting pattern on the camera so that you can use a universal mount.