Hidden video cameras can provide security and surveillance monitoring for those special circumstances when it is advantageous not to expose the recording equipment. There are several types and varieties of hidden video cameras that are designed for a wide array of applications. Electronic technological advances have permitted the creation of the smallest cameras, yet these cameras can still produce high quality images and some can also record audio as well.
There are several types of hidden video cameras. You can choose the type of hidden video camera based on your need for clandestine security monitoring. Cameras range from incredibly small in size, known as “pin hole” cameras, to cameras disguised as other devices so as not to indicate that they are actually a security or surveillance camera.
Probably one of the most popular hidden video camera types is the dome camera. This type of camera case looks like a dome or bubble. Although the dome camera is not truly hidden or disguised, dome cameras with mirrored or blackened covers can prevent visual accessibility from the outside in. In other words the subject being recorded cannot tell if the camera is pointed at them or not.
Truly hidden, disguised, or often called “covert” video cameras can be extremely small cameras that are self contained units. These cameras are not only small enough to be hidden out of normal view, but may also contain their own power source, usually a rechargeable battery, and their own digital video recorder or DVR in the form of a compact flash memory card. These cameras often contain built-in motion sensors that activate the camera only when motion in the target area is detected, conserving power and storage resources. Small hidden video cameras are often only 1 ¼ x 1 ¼ inches in size which makes them very “unnoticeable” and easy to conceal.
The technology behind these types of cameras is one of two light sensing imaging devices. A Charged Coupled Device or CCD or Complimentary Metal-Oxide Semiconductor or CMOS. These devices can be extremely small, as little as ¼ or 1/3 of an inch in size and provide a 420-line high quality video image. CCDs benefits include extreme sensibility to even the lowest lighting conditions and inherently sensitive to infrared (IR) radiation. CMOS benefits include an extremely low power demand making them an excellent choice for portable objects.
Disguised hidden video cameras are constructed in a variety of shapes and sizes. Here are just some of the different cameras that are available:
• Faux smoke detector complete with blinking red light. The case is the same case used for typical ceiling type detectors. Up to 4 cameras can be hidden inside the case.
• Standard office type, round wall clocks. These units appear as typical round wall clocks found in most offices, schools, and warehouses. It contains a working clock as well as a hidden video camera.
• Sunglasses. These units use a hidden CMOS sensor and capture video at 320 x 240 resolution or greater and can record video for up to 90 minutes or more.
• Digital picture frames. Recently, the digital picture frame device that displays several hundred digital photographs have become a very popular desk or end table addition. These units come with a hidden video camera embedded in the digital video frame unit.
• Speaker cameras. Actual Operating speakers that contain a hidden video camera.
• Heating and air conditioner thermostats. Once again the thermostat is fully functional for most heaters and air conditioners but in addition to his function, a hidden video camera is built into the unit.
• Flood light or emergency lighting units. These devices provide the lighting function as well as contain a hidden camera.
• Artificial plant and planter. Looks just like a typical “potted” plant but contains an artificial plant and a hidden video camera.
• Other hidden video camera devices include belt buckles, ball point pens, pencil sharpeners, neck ties, baseball caps, electrical outlet boxes, tissue boxes. Painted pictures with frames, and even coffee mugs.
Hidden security video recording is generally legal in just about every state. However, some states do have laws regarding hidden video recording as well as audio recording. Check with your state to verify any legal requirements before investing in a hidden video camera system.
As you can see, there is almost an infinite amount of varieties of hidden video cameras. Modern scientific advancements have allowed these cameras to be hidden almost anywhere and disguised as almost anything.
