TL;DR
Most apartments need 1-3 indoor cameras. A studio needs 1, a 1-bedroom needs 1-2, and a 2-3 bedroom needs 2-3. With KamiVision cameras starting at €6.95, full coverage costs under €25.
By Apartment Size
Studio (25-40m²): 1 Camera
One pan tilt camera in the center covers everything. The 360° rotation sees every corner.
Recommended: YI 3MP 1296p — €6.95
1-Bedroom (40-60m²): 1-2 Cameras
One pan tilt in the living room, optionally one fixed camera at the bedroom door.
Recommended: YI 3MP (€6.95) + E27 Bulb Camera (€7.95) = €14.90
2-Bedroom (60-80m²): 2-3 Cameras
Living room (pan tilt) + entry point (bulb or fixed) + nursery/kids room (fixed).
Recommended: YI 3MP (€6.95) + YI 2K (€19.99) + E27 (€7.95) = €34.89
3-Bedroom (80-120m²): 3-4 Cameras
Full coverage: living room, hallway, master bedroom, kids' room.
Recommended: 2× YI 3MP (€13.90) + YI 2K (€19.99) + E27 (€7.95) = €41.84
Room-by-Room Priority
| Room | Priority | Camera Type | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living room | 🔴 High | Pan/Tilt 360° | Largest space, most activity |
| Entry/Hallway | 🔴 High | E27 Bulb or Fixed | Catch all entries/exits |
| Nursery | 🟡 Medium | Fixed (wide angle) | Constant baby monitoring |
| Home office | 🟢 Low | Optional | Equipment protection |
| Kitchen | 🟢 Low | Optional | Pet monitoring |
Placement Tips
- Height: Mount at 2-2.5m (ceiling or high shelf) for best coverage
- Angle: Point slightly downward (15-30°) to capture faces
- Light: Avoid pointing directly at windows (backlight issues)
- Wi-Fi: Ensure strong signal — use a Wi-Fi extender if needed
- Power: Plan cable routing before mounting
Budget Breakdown
| Setup | Cameras | Total Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | 1× YI 3MP | €6.95 | Studio / 1 room |
| Standard | 1× YI 3MP + 1× E27 | €14.90 | 1-bedroom |
| Complete | 2× YI 3MP + 1× YI 2K | €33.93 | 2-bedroom |
| Premium | 2× YI 3MP + 1× YI 2K + 1× E27 | €41.88 | 3-bedroom |
All setups cost less than a single Ring or Nest camera. And with no subscription required, your 2-year cost stays exactly the same.
FAQ
Q: Can one camera cover my entire apartment?
A: If you live in a studio or small 1-bedroom, yes — a 360° pan tilt camera covers up to 50m² effectively. Larger apartments need additional cameras for hallways and separate rooms.
Q: Should I put a camera in every room?
A: Not necessary. Focus on high-traffic areas: living room, entry, and any room with valuables or children/pets. Bedrooms typically don't need cameras for privacy reasons.
Q: Do I need different cameras for different rooms?
A: It helps but isn't required. A pan tilt camera works in any room. Fixed cameras are better for specific spots like nurseries. E27 bulb cameras are ideal for hallways where you want discreet coverage.
Q: How much will I spend on a full apartment setup?
A: Between €15-42 depending on apartment size. That's 5-10× cheaper than comparable setups from Ring, Nest, or Arlo — with no monthly subscription fees.
