It’s okay to long for extra security, especially when you need to keep your home or office area under surveillance.
Such cases are not rare at all!
Suppose, you need to monitor your small children, their nannies, your elderly relatives… You might also want to keep a watchful eye on your pets or even employees to prevent any accidents or abuses.
Perhaps you hate conflicts, but you really want to know for sure what happens in your room while you’re away.
Small, technically advanced products that are called hidden cameras will help you to eliminate any uncertainty causing no overt inconvenience to others.
According to Wikipedia, there are hidden, spy and security cameras. These recording devices are designed to film and watch people without their consent or even knowledge. Such items are often used in reality shows, at home, and in some offices.
If you need to see what is happening at home or in the office, or you need to record a meeting, perhaps spy on your child’s nanny, or just sit back watching TV and watching your children in the other room on your smartphone, then you need a hidden camera unit.
What's On This Page?
Top-Rated Hidden Camera List:
Today there are many options to choose from, and the range and prices are crazy.
That is why I have collated a list of the 10 best-hidden camera units that perform for different applications, but each one delivers clear, crisp vision, provides streaming and come at a reasonable price.
Best Hidden Camera Reviews:
1. MAGENDARA Mini WiFi Camera, Wireless Camera 1080P Camera with Motion Detection
- MULTI-FUNCTION HIDDEN CAMERA: This camera has many functions...
- FULL HD 1080P with WIDE ANGLE: This wifi hidden camera...
- MOTION DETECTION: This nanny camera can be connected to your...
- WIFI HIDDEN CAMERA: The mini camera supports wifi function,...
- MULTI-PURPOSE MINI CAMERA: The mini camera features mini...
The MAGENDARA Mini Spy Camera is an extremely compact product that comes with a tiny recording lens connected by a slim buss wire to a processing unit. This tightly designed package is capable of being hidden just about anywhere in the office, home or on the person.
This model delivers a high-definition video and picture quality of 1920 x 1080P via the 12MP camera. It has 10-hour battery support that enables you to store up to 10 hours of data on a 128GB SD card.
Specifications
- Video Coding: M-JPEG
- Video Format: AVI
- Resolution: 1920x1080P
- Video Frame Rate: 30fps
- Photo Resolution: 4032 x 3024, 12.0MP
- Pictures Format: JPG
- Storage: TF card, 32GB Max
- Battery: High capacity polymer lithium electricity
- Battery Working Temp: >-20℃.
- Battery capacity: 2400mAh
- Cycle Record: 1-60 minutes per section.
- Supports Max. Capacity: 128GB (no include SD card)
- APP supports: Android phone, IOS , PC
- Working temperature: -10℃-55℃.
- Recording last time: 400 minutes
2. Aipinvip Smart Bracelet Hidden Camera, Surveillance Recording Camera 1080P HD
- Portable Design:Our hidden camera uses a bracelet...
- FULL HD 1080P Video Pixels:This hidden camera using...
- Hidden Design: The product is the same appearance as the...
- Support Video Recording While Charging:The product can also...
- Hidden Camera Package Included: The black bracelet hidden...
The Aipinvip is a Smart Bracelet with a hidden camera designed to look like a digital watch with IoT functionality.
This is a perfect solution for covert recording of up to 90 minutes of video and will charge using a standard USB charger. There is a Lithium-ion battery in this device, it is a built-in rechargeable battery that requires charging before use, and if there is no memory card installed, the system will not work.
This device provides a fantastic 1920 x 1080 @30fps. When the battery goes too low, and recording stops, the time will still show (for up to 48 hours after the battery is “dead”) making this a great timepiece as well as a recording device.
Specifications
- Video: AVI/M-Jpeg
- Video resolution: 1920 x 1080 @30fps
- Photo Resolution: 2560 x 1440/jpg
- System Support: Windows Me/
- Compatibility: Windows2000/XP/Win7/Win8/Mac/Linux
- Battery: 350mah
- Charge: DC-5V
- Micro SD: Max 64GB (not included)
3. MEAUOTOU Hidden Camera HD 1080P Spy Camera Long Time Video Recording Security Camera Nanny Cam
- [High Resolution] Video Resolution 1280 * 720P Video Frame...
- [Action Detection Function] Detects the movement of the...
- [Removable Disk Function] is automatically recognized when...
- [Long time recording] The built-in lithium battery can shoot...
- [Practical] business meetings, crime prevention, Nidaring,...
The MEAUOTOU is a complete package that delivers an exquisitely designed side clock with a built-in camera that is concealed within the working frame. As such, it does not look like a device with a camera and can be placed safely anywhere in the home or office.
This device has a full 1080P resolution that is activated by integrated motion detectors and will record a 3-minute burst of data. Video storage can be enhanced with the addition of a 32GB Micro SD card. The system comes with an 8GB card.
Since this is a complete package, charging is easy and does not seem out of place, there are no “wires” and such, and it does not look suspicious. Specifications
- Video/Photo Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Frame Frequency:
- Video Format:
- Charging Voltage/Current: DC 5V/1-2A.
- Support System: Windows XP or later, Mac OS X.
4. SOOSPY Wireless WiFi 1080P Indoor Home Hidden Camera/Nanny Cam with Motion Detection
- 【1080P Full HD 】1080P Full HD Hidden camera provides...
- 【Motion Detection & Night Vision】High quality infrared...
- 【24/7 Continuous Recording & Long-lasting battery...
- 【Lightweight and Mini Camera】Length and height are 1.3...
- 【APP Monitoring】:You can view live video on the app...
What can be better than a constantly charged surveillance cam that does its job perfectly? A wall charger that works as a wall charger but contains a hi-res camera and can take video for hours of uninterrupted use.
This device can connect with a 128GB SD card but comes with loop recording that erases old data by overwriting it with new data when the card becomes full.
This model transmits over a 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi connection so you can view the data as it happens, and if you are in a meeting with this device attached to the wall socket, you can record, as well as re-allocate your position by looking at the streaming video on your smartphone.
Specifications
- Video Format: AVI
- Wi-Fi Effective Radius: 30M
- Video Coding: 264
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080P/1080 x 720/640 x 480 Video @15-30fps
- Recording Range: 5m2
- Storage: micro SD card, up to 64GB (not included)
- Power Output: DC5V, 2A
- Image Ratio: 4:3
- PC OS: Windows/Mac OS X
- Mobile OS: Android/iOS
- Web browser: IE7 and above, chrome, Firefox, safari, etc.
5. Conbrov Wifi Wireless Pen Camera 1080P HD Nanny Cam with Night Vision
The Conbrov is a classic “nanny cam” it is designed to be hidden and is built for performance. This device will deliver clear, crisp 1080P full HD crystal clear videos including audio too. You can carry it in your pocket as a stick pen, but the camera port is noticeable, so this is not a proper “spy cam” but rather a hidden or nanny cam device. This is a Wi-Fi enabled device that will both recorded on the internal SD card (up to 64GB) as well as stream to your smartphone when activated. It is activated with integrated motion detectors, and the audio recording function can be used as a stand alone for only voice recording or with video. This device comes with a built-in USB and HDMI connector and is easy to recharge between uses, as well as connect to TV screens and any device that has an HDMI port.
Specifications
- Photo Format: JPG
- Sound Recording: Yes
- Video Format: Mov
- Compression Format: 264
- Video Resolution: 1920 x 1080 at 30fps or 1080*720 at 60/fps
- Photo resolution: 4032 x 3024
- Wide Angle Lens: 170 Degree
- Wi-Fi support: iOS 6.1 and Android 4.0 or above
- Loop Recording: yes
- Storage Card Slot: Micro SD card (class 10 95r 45w recommended for smoother video)
- Maximum Storage: 64GB
- Battery Type: built in Li-on polymer Battery
- Battery Capacity: 560mAh
- Charging voltage: DC-5V
- Charging time: 5-2 hours
- Interface type: MINI 5 Pin USB, HDMI, Micro SD
- Product size(cm): 115mm x 25mm x 14mm
- Weight: 50g
6. WCXCO Spy Pen Hidden Camera - Full HD 1296P 32GB Pen Spy
The WCXCO spy camera pen is a classic James Bond device that comes with a nifty package that conceals a hi-resolution camera. You just aim it at the target and either press the button to activate or place it on a surface, and it will act with motion detection sensors.
This camera delivers 1080p @30fps HD shots, or change it to a lower resolution for more space 720@60pfs. When fully charged this device will provide you with 60 to 70 minutes of Full HD recording. It comes with a 32GB micro SD/TF memory card.
This is a great little unit to place in your office, on a desk, or anywhere at home, in an innocent manner it records everything you want, and as a pen, it comes with you everywhere and anywhere you go.
Specifications
- View Angle: 65 degrees
- Illumination: 1Lux
- Video Format: MOV
- Compress Format: 264 advance version
- Video Resolution: 2340 x 1296, 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720
- Frame Rate: 1296p/1080p@30fps, 720p@60fps
- Photo Format: JPG 4352 x 3264
- Battery Capacity: 380 mAh
- Dimension: 1” L x 0.79” D
- OS: Windows XP/2003/Windows7/8/10Apple Mac OS X - 10.7
7. Conbrov T10 HD 720P Photo Frame Hidden Spy Camera Night Vision Motion Activated
The Conbrov T10 HD is an excellent hidden am a device, in a great camouflaged setting. Hidden as a camera in a picture frame you can actually have many of these devices hanging or sitting around your home and office, and no one will suspect that they are being watched.
The model comes with a built-in 10000mah Super Battery that provides you with 30 hours of daytime recording and 10 hours of and night visual recording time. The device comes with integrated PIR detectors.
The camera lens is concealed expertly in a specially designed pattern that makes discerning it impossible, and it is also a great piece of decoration even when not in use.
The camera delivers a clear 720P HD Video Quality with 1280 x 720P at 30fps, and you can support up to a 32GB Mini SD card (not included). You have an audio toggle option for enabling or disabling recording with sound and a Black LED night vision PIR.
Specifications
- Battery: Lip
- Video compression: M-JPEG
- PIR detection angle: 60o
- PIR detection distance: 5-8 meters (15-25 feet)
- Camera angle: 75o
- Focal distance: 8mm
- Memory extension: supported Up to 32G
- Max PIR standby time: About 2 years
- Fully charging time: About 20 hours by USB, power adapter, 30 hours
- Dimensions: 245mm x 19mm x 14mm
- Size of photo: 180mm x 130 mm
- Resolution: 720P@30fps
- Battery size: 10000mAh
- Loop Recording: Optional
8. PHYLINK PLC-128PW 720P HD Covert IP Wireless Mini Pinhole Spy Camera with Motion Detector and Recorder
The Phylink PLC-128PW is a professional spy cam to be hidden around your home or office. This device is designed for critical performance levels and is backed by a highly professional company. This device comes with its own variable and flexible mounting hardware, so you can attach it to just about any surface application possible.
The model comes with a 6m (20 ft) cable that provides full location flexibility. You must connect the camera to the main unit, this is no amateur device, but a professional hidden camera unit designed for maximum security applications. The video recording is set for 720P HDTV and works Wi-Fi, Ethernet or Power over Ethernet (PoE) 802.3af. and delivers WPS support for fast and easy wireless setup.
This unit comes with an audio line in and has multi-zone motion detection with adjustable sensitivity. The model will send out alerts when activated to your Email and also send you Push Notifications (for iOS and Android). Specifications The specifications of this device are extremely long, since this is a professional surveillance model.
9. AES Spy Cameras ACRHD 720p Alarm Clock Radio HD Covert Hidden Nanny Camera Spy Gadget (Black)
- This camera is not a Wi-Fi camera. All the recorded video...
- 720P HD 1280x720 Resolution @ 30 FPS, Time and Date Stamped,...
- Motion Detect recording for longer record time, Auto Recycle...
- Alarm Clock works 100%. Camera is 100% hidden, no pinhole,...
- Sold and Supported in The US. Get Live US tech support and...
The AES Spy Cameras ACRHD 720p Alarm Clock Radio HD Covert Hidden Nanny Camera Spy Gadget (Black) is a classic. This device is designed for simple multi-purpose use and comes with an AES camera hidden in the construct, so no one suspects they are being watched.
This model connects to the main power supply, innocently, of course, so you get constant power and constant video recording support.
Specifications
- Resolution: 720P HD 1280x720 @ 30fps
- Storage: 16GB Micro SD Card Included
- Sensors: Motion Detection
- Recording: Looped
10. Conbrov HD Book Camera with Max 24 Month Long Time Pir Motion Detection and Night Vision Recording
The Conbrov book is another fine example of how this company camouflages spy cameras for maximizing surveillance operations. Add this to their other decorative designs, and you end up with a plethora of camera sources that are hard to detect.
This model comes with their standard 720P hi-definition streaming video option as well a great night vision PIR that will accurately detect from up to 10 feet. The daytime motion detection starts from 20 feet. This device comes with their toggled audio that can be turned off, and the loop recording provides constant recording while overwriting older files in the card.
Specifications
- Size: 23” x 5.9” x 1.57”
- Product net weight: 415g
- Battery: 8000mAh
- Standby power: 10uA
- PIR detection angle: 60 degrees
- PIR detection distance: 15-25feet
- Camera Lens angle: about 75o
- Max PIR standby time: 24 months
- Fully Charged time: about 20 hours by 2A USB power adaptor
- Video Resolution: 1080p/30fps
- PIR MD video length: about 1 minute per file
- Video Recording length: about 2 minutes per file
- Max Micro SD storage: 32 GB
- Loop recording: on/off adjustable (Default as on)
Why Buy a Hidden Camera?
Did you know that undisclosed cams are the basic house protection device everyone should have? There are lots of situations when the immediate reaction is crucial. And some of the devices provide online streaming, so you can remotely watch what’s going on. Modern devices are really smart.
They are not visible to the person being filmed. The devices are built in ordinary objects such as books, clocks, adapters or pens. Additionally, the best hidden spy camera commonly costs no more than $100 nowadays, so the devices are affordable and easy-to-use.
In this article, I’m going to describe the most common types of security cameras and their functionality.
Reasons To Get a Hidden Camera
There are four main reasons why you might want to consider getting a hidden camera:
- home security;
- safety of children or elderly parents;
- pets’ security;
- workplace surveillance.
1. Home Security
There are undisclosed video recorders that are equally suitable for outside and inside use, which will film everything that happens inside and outside the house when you are away.
Whether you are just precautious or something is missing in your house, the device is capable to clear up the situation for you. For example, if some of your property is being vandalized, you will have the footage as the evidence of the crime.
Sometimes there are incidents with the missing things around the house and you don’t want to accuse a person without knowing actual facts.
And, maybe, you travel a lot and go for business trips all over the country and want to keep an eye on your house while you are gone.
For example, several years ago Reuters wrote a news piece on the events that took place in Japan and seemed ridiculous at first.
The man noticed that his food was disappearing, which was quite strange as he lived alone.
To find out the reason, he installed an invisible camera in his house. To his great surprise, the device showed that an unknown woman lived in his closet and ate his food.
After the investigation, the police stated that she had been living there for several months! Can you imagine something more disturbing than finding out that a stranger lives in your closet?!
2. Safety of Children or Elderly Parents
Nothing compares to hidden cameras when you aim to increase your family members’ security. They are a perfect solution for those who want to make sure that their small kids or elderly parents don’t do any harm to themselves. Indeed, it’s actually better to be on the safe side!
If you have someone new in the house, it is okay to double-check whether you can trust them. Even if we are sure in our caretakers, we might still want to guarantee that everything is fine with our family.
There have been numerous stories in the news over the recent years about the children caretakers’ abuse. It is especially important to know what is going on with your child when it is too young to tell anything.
Have you heard the outrageous story about child abuse conducted by the nurse in California at the end of 2017? A 6-year-old boy with special needs was hurt by his caretaker. He hit the child with a backpack and threw the toys at his face. Although the boy was crying, the nurse violently pushed him away.
This story was enlightened by the Washington Post. A secret recording device showed the real state of affairs and helped to stop violence and punish the abuser! Needless to say, concealed recording devices can help to detect the crime and protect the child from further violence.
3. The Security of Your Pets… and Property!
The safety of your pets is important because they are left alone for the whole day. Even if there aren’t many risks for them in your house, the footage of their adventures helps to understand what our beloved animals are up to!
So you might need some evidence, especially if you are not sure that the damage to the furniture was done by one of your pets or not. That’s where a concealed camera comes in handy, helping you to identify the guilty one! Just watch this funny video to see what your pets are capable of when you’re away! I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw THIS!
4. Workplace Surveillance
The use of the concealed cameras in the workplace makes many things easier. No matter if you are a local coffee shop owner or the CEO of a large company, secret surveillance will definitely help you and your employees. Firstly, it eliminates health risks, prevents different violations and conflict situations. Secondly, if the incident has already occurred, you will always have the evidence. If there are any violations of the company policy or law, the camera will provide you with the necessary footage.
Best Places to Hide Security Cameras
Hidden cameras are typically built in common devices or objects, such as:
- chargers and adapters;
- power banks;
- digital photo frames;
- electrical outlets;
- clocks;
- electric bulbs;
- books;
- clothes hooks;
- smoke detectors;
- stuffed animals;
- DVD players;
- pens.
1. Chargers and Adapters
The cameras built in adapters and chargers are simple to use. They are not equipped with the batteries and operate being plugged into an outlet. However, they don’t film if they are not plugged in, this kind of small hidden cameras is still pretty useful for home surveillance.
Some of them can include a micro SD, 32-GB card, so the recording time is 4-6 hours. Except for filming and watching, the device also charges the phones, sends alarm messages, and comes with a USB cable. The devices are portable and affordable, as their price is usually within a $25-$50 range.
2. Electrical Outlets
Electrical outlets are also smart and convenient. They are easy to install and come with long-lasting, 15-day-life batteries.
3. Power Banks
Power banks come with built-in batteries. They support up to 15 hours of filming using micro 64GB SD cards. Quite naturally, older files are overwritten afterwards, as usual.
4. Books
Regular-look books (with paper inside and leather covers) can also include small built-in cameras. The lens diameter is only 1 mm, so the cam is virtually invisible. The device is equipped with high-capacity, 10000 mAh battery that enables 30 hours of consistent recording.
A 32-GB card is sufficient for these purposes. Additionally, the books support night vision, being equipped with LED lights or PIR sensors.
5. Clocks
Clocks that have built-in invisible cams suit any office or home design, looking like the common digital alarm or wall clocks. The devices work on high capacity batteries, coming with SD cards and Wi-Fi features. Some of them are compatible with smartphone tablets and can be controlled by them using special software application.
6. Pens
The best spy pens are portable, equipped with the tiny lens. They are great by design, suitable for journalist and other spy-related professional activities. The devices come with night vision functionality and produce high-quality videos.
Additionally, the products are really affordable. They can serve as home protection items because they easily blend in any surrounding. You can take the spy pen with you everywhere if needed.
7. Clothes Hooks
Clothing hooks spy cameras are great by design and usability, matching any interior. They are lightweight, supporting high-quality video and easy to mount. They provide the full HD video resolution while supporting different SD-cards.
They are usually plug-and-play items that require no special tools or software. The overage shooting time is up to 90 continuous minutes of filming.
8. Electric Bulbs
Light bulbs are the best in terms of the viewing angle. They enable a 360-degree overlook angle, perfectly matching any room design. The devices offer Wi-Fi support, IR lights, up to 128 GB SD-card installation, remote control.
The widest field of view is the main advantage of the light bulb camera, that’s why they are perfect equally for office spaces and home. They are easy to install, draw no attention and provide the clear image.
With the assistance of WiFi setup via iOS or Android smartphone or iPad, using supplied application, you will have access to the camera on your phone remotely. Motion Detection send the signal to record video instantly. This kind of camera is perfect to watch pets, children, nurses, elderly persons, and employees.
9. Digital Photo Frames
Photo frame cams commonly support 75-degrees angle, work only for 50 minutes without an SD-card that can be installed, anyway. Those beautiful frames are amazing spy tools for watching someone or something while you are absent. You can buy those tiny hidden cameras for decoration and be sure that your home is protected.
However, the devices come with tiny, invisible cameras, being suitable for any recording needs. They feature night-vision mode, motion sense and prolonged standby mode.
10. Mini Cams
Concealed devices that look just like mini cams also exist. Small spy cameras are portable, equipped with tiny rechargeable batteries, built-in microphones and LED lights. The size of mini cameras is extremely small, that’s why they can be easily mounted on any surface.
Button camera support high-quality snap shooting, providing the clear images even at night time. The nice feature is that some cameras support video shooting while charging.
Basic Security Cameras Applications
You can use a hidden camera for a plethora of purposes. Here are the most common types of hidden cameras:
- nanny cams;
- miniature devices;
- office and professional items;
- car cameras;
- outdoor hidden cameras;
- cameras are worn on the body.
1. Nanny Cameras
Nanny cams are the most popular type of hidden devices. They are designed to monitor daily activities of caregivers to avoid any violence or abuse. The cam is installed within the common household stuff or built in various objects. The main difference between this item and other ones is that it comes already pre-hidden. You are basically buying it with the item where it is secretly placed. They are usually wireless devices and can be positioned wherever you want them to be. It is a good ready-to-go item.
2. Miniature Devices
Miniaturized cams are really small (8*11 mm) and affordable. Their price starts at $6 USD. You can use them to take photos. Professional spy cameras are used in reality shows to catch the participants in absurd or unusual situations.
Do you like Hidden cameras shows?
They are very popular nowadays among the viewers of all ages and professions.
3. Office and Professional Devices
Concealed cameras for office or other workplace types can be installed in a smoke detector or a light bulb to provide a wide field of view on the area. They are constructed to blend in the office space, public waiting rooms, and hallways.
They are quite small and provide a wide viewing angle, commonly about 120-170 degrees. The night-vision mode helps to record everything even in the no-light conditions.
4. Car Cameras
Secret cameras for cars are sold at a very reasonable price, starting from $5 USD. They are programmed to turn on when you start your car to film everything while you’re driving. It is convenient if the car is used by several family members.
5. Outdoor Hidden Cameras
The outdoor hidden recorders are necessary for the protection of your property. In fact, some damage can be done not only by the human intruders but also by the animal ones. So it’s a good idea to use the cameras with the night-mode feature or devices which also perform well in the low-light conditions.
6. Cameras that Are Worn on the Body
Undisclosed cameras designed to be worn on the body are not as common as other types. Nevertheless, they are reliable high-tech items. If you need to shoot something from your visual perspective, these cameras are the best option for you! They are constructed specifically to perform this function. They are usually wireless, operated by the batteries and really simple to use.
Design of Hidden Cameras
All recording devices come in various designs. Need a specific hidden camera type? No problem! There are different types of cameras as far as their construction goes. There are wiring and wireless devices, as well as life-streaming and night vision-mode featuring ones. They can be AC-powered or might include batteries.
They serve different purposes and you can pick the right one according to your specific needs. In terms of design, the cams are:
- plug and play;
- battery-operated;
- wireless;
- wired;
- IP cameras;
- still-shot cams.
1. Plug and Play
These items are produced for immediate use. Additionally, the cams are portable or designed for office/home use. The main advantage of the pre-hidden plug and play cameras is that they blend into the environment easily. You just need to decide what room you are going to put the cam. Just think what everyday item won’t attract unwanted attention, and put your small item there!
2. Battery-Operated
The battery-operated cameras are more flexible in terms of the placement.
They are compact and can be concealed literally anywhere in your house. But you should always remember to change your batteries. Some batteries can work for several hours, while other ones can work for a year. So take the battery life into consideration when picking a wireless device. There are different options helping to prolong the battery life.
For example, there are motion-activated cameras. They will start shooting, only if the movement was detected. There is a more sophisticated possibility to control the camera’s work.
Consider body heat-activated devices! They will work only in the presence of a human being which changes the room temperature range by the body heat. You will film only the essential movements and presences, minimizing the memory usage.
3. Wireless
Miniature wireless devices can be both batteries-powered or plugged right into the wall. As it is stated in the design type, they require no wiring. The compact size makes them portable and invisible to an untrained human eye. The majority of wireless items come pre-hidden.
4. Wired
The main advantage of the wired cameras is that you don’t have to worry about the batteries running out. They are AC-powered and always ready to film. But this advantage comes with a flaw – they are restricted in terms of placement.
Wired cameras are practical and durable, but the wiring limits the number of places you can plug them in. To my knowledge, wired devices are the most reliable ones, and they work better with the motion activation feature than wireless devices.
5. IP Cameras
IP motion activated camera has several similar features to the wireless ones. They are mostly pre-hidden in one of the everyday items not to draw extra attention, and they require no wiring. But the difference is that the signal from such device is sent through the electrical system of the house to the receiver plugged near your computer and connected to its USB port.
This functionality gives you an opportunity to watch and save the video on your personal computer! You can remotely connect to it and see what happens on the monitored territory from any place of the world as far as you have access to the Internet. It is a good solution for the people who travel a lot. The IP cameras use special software which should be installed on your computer. Also, you can use those as a night vision spy camera.
Of course, if someone else uses your computer, this person will notice your special software. And the PC itself should be always connected to the Internet to stream the footage.
6. Still-Shot Devices
Still-shot cameras are commonly motion-activated. They make several shots when the action is noticed. You may change the number of pictures taken every second by the device. This item needs no wiring and saves the images in the internal memory slot.
Functionality Options
Regarding the functional use of the device, there are several options you might want to consider:
- quality of the video;
- SD-card memory capacity;
- Wi-Fi streaming capability;
- low-light filming conditions;
- night-vision mode.
1. Video Quality
The level of the video performance is very important because you want to have a clear image of what is going on. Some intruders on the private property can be only visible on the high-resolution video.
The majority of the undisclosed cams provide the superb video filming, but the capabilities may vary from item to item. There are three terms describing the video quality – high quality, high resolution and high definition.
The best hidden cameras ensure HD video recording. The higher the quality of the video, the more memory space it takes. So if you want to shoot a full-HD video, make sure that SD-card has enough memory.
For a sharp and clear image, the device should have a great optics. Therefore, it can provide the good dark/light contrast and accurate color presentation.
Another essential feature of the device which increases the quality of an image despite the light conditions is high-dynamic-range imaging (HDRI), also known as WDR (wide dynamic range).
According to Wikipedia, this technique helps to provide a greater dynamic range of luminosity. This means that the light transition of the optic is a lot like our visual system.
It balances the contrast of light and shadow and provides clear video in the low-light conditions.
2. Memory Capacity
There are two possibilities when it comes to saving the video shot by the concealed device. It can be stored on the included SD-card or transmitted directly to the computer.
The self-recording cameras which are also called all-in-one cameras are standalone items. They save a video to the internal memory of the item or to the removable SD-card, therefore, their memory capacity is limited.
The basic SD-memory cards capacity is from 2GB up to 32GB. There are SD-cards which provide more storage memory, but the amount of the footage that can be stored varies depending on the video quality.
If the memory is full, the camera will write the new video over the old one. That means that if you won’t save it on the computer, the footage will be lost. To watch the footage, you will have to plug these cameras into the computer.
There is a software that might be downloaded and installed together with the motion-activated devices which will inform you about the intruders with a push-up message. It is a great alarming security system.
3. Wi-Fi Streaming Devices
Another option is a Wi-Fi-streaming camera. Those are usually wireless devices and require no special tools for installation. They stream the video live and provide the possibility to watch the footage remotely via the Internet. The video is stored on your computer, so the memory capacity is larger than on the SD-card. The main advantage of this type of recording is that you can witness what’s happening around your house or office space right now. But these cameras do require a good broadband Internet connection.
4. Low-Light Filming Conditions
A crucial factor influencing the quality of the picture is the light. Almost all cameras are good during the daytime or in the bright light indoor conditions. The game changes, when it comes to the low-light conditions.
The camera’s low-light sensitivity increases with the digital day/night feature. If you are interested in filming in low-light conditions, you should pick the device with the low “lux” rating. Lux is the metric unit for measuring the amount of light that falls on an object.
A low lux rating means that the camera performs well in the low-light conditions. The lux rating 2 is enough to get a good image in the dimly lit spaces.
Different brands can provide a different image quality in the low-light conditions even with the same lux rating because the quality of the picture taken is subjectively marked by the manufacturer.
It is always better to test the camera yourself to be sure that the picture you get is exactly what you want.
5. Night-Vision Mode
The night vision mode is another feature of a hidden camera. The items with this capability are usually more expensive because they require a sophisticated optic to picture the image without any outside light.
The devices that are capable to provide a high-quality image at night feature Smart IR or built-in IR LED lights. They provide a clear detailed image, necessary for the night surveillance.
Conclusion
Nowadays, there is a wide variety of spy cam devices. They are high-resolution, lightweight, convenient and affordable.
Additionally, it is usually legal to use them. However, please note that security cameras are subject to some legal issues.
According to US code, audio recording in a surreptitious manner is prohibited in 13 states out of 50. Therefore, sometimes even the best hidden cameras for home come without audio recording capability.
Before buying an undisclosed device with the sound recording feature you need to check whether it is legal according to your State policy. Surveillance cameras market provides a plethora of functional high-technology devices.
There are so many options that you can easily pick the right one. The best hidden camera is lightweight, compact and features good optic to make a high-definition video. The motion-activated cameras are efficient in saving the battery life and filming only the essential incidents.
So select the preferable type and buy the best-hidden camera according to your preferences. Whether you want to secure your house, protect your family members, pets or property, a hidden camera is a perfect device for you.
This is a compact item which blends into the environment and draws no unwanted attention. I hope that this article was informative and interesting for you. Please feel free to leave the comments and questions below. Let me know which hidden camera type you liked most!
Which cam type you consider to be the coolest?
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