: Cameras often capture more than just your property. They may inadvertently record neighbors in their yards or pedestrians on public sidewalks, leading to potential legal and ethical issues regarding consent and the "expectation of privacy." Best Practices for Protecting Privacy
If you want a deterrent, buy a $50 fake camera with a blinking red light. It works 80% as well for 0% of the privacy risk. If you want actual security, buy a real system—but treat it like a loaded firearm. Understand where it is pointed, who has the keys, and what happens when it misfires.
We have a right to defend our castles. But a castle with a moat does not need to blind the neighboring village. The rise of home security camera systems is irreversible; they are too useful to abandon. However, the current culture of "record everything, ask questions never" is creating a low-grade surveillance state on our own blocks.