Can I disable cameras by shutting down power to the entire residence?

This would only work if the camera does not have a battery back-up, which a number of cameras do. Depending on the type and size of the camera, it could still be recording for hours or even days. If is is a wireless camera AND of small size, chances are (since wireless use higher power) that the battery back-up will last only a short time. If it is a wired camera (with video signal and low voltage power remotely supplied) that goes to a recorder somewhere else, there could be a battery back-up running not only for hours but even for days or weeks!