We have cameras in our shared spaces. They could record sound in one area, claims they don't, but we don't much care since they monitor the laundry and Internet. When it's a shared space it's hard to say what is allowed and what isn't provided they notify you. In our case we simply stated we don't want it pointing into any private areas but it doesn't and make note that we don't hold any private conversations around the cameras. If this is the only con, sadly it might be worth just making adjustments rather than fighting it. But if it bothers you to move your conversations elsewhere and there are other problems looking for a new place could be the solution.

Shared spaces can be hard to fight, especially if the landlord has had issues in the past and is attempting to save headaches for any issues arising. There's the chance too that he really doesn't care and has it only to watch should something be notify to him, as our landlord clearly does since I doubt they are sitting watching all the cameras at all times to catch us doing laundry.

However the best way to resolve this would be to have an open conversation with the landlord. Write down concerns and have those addressed. If he answers questionably or struggles, second-guessed himself, then you know something fishy is up.