Hidden Security Cameras

James Bond flicks have always been a fascination. They have the best of babes, best of booze (Vodka Martini, shaken not stirred) and of course, the best of gadgetry too. If you watch some of the early bond flicks, you will see gadgets that are very much in use today. There is a wrist watch with a camera, there are hidden cameras in pieces of ordinary looking furniture and lastly there are wireless communication devices which let 007 contacts his chief sitting in another corner of the globe. The devices that attracted me the most were the cameras. I mean, in purely non-voyeuristic sense, a hidden camera can be a great tool if used correctly. It can be a perfect security device and more importantly, since the intruder doesn’t know about the existence of the camera.

The use of hidden cameras as security devices started in army circuits in the early 70′s. The cameras were quite bulky and difficult to conceal back then. However, with time, the size of the camera has decreased while the features have increased. Today, we have pinhole cameras that can be concealed anywhere easily. Moreover, we have completely wireless cameras that have features like pan, tilt, zoom, night vision and infra red. They have become an essential in large homes where multiple domestic help staff is hired. They are also used as nanny cams to keep an eye on nannies when they are alone with the kids. Remote surveillance has become a cinch with the arrival of small, covert security cameras.

The Hidden Camera Advantage

• A hidden camera can today be concealed in objects that are seen ordinarily in residences and offices. For example, you can buy a hidden camera in a stuffed teddy bear. The eye of the teddy bear is the actual lens of the camera and it is quite effective as a nanny cam. If you are apprehensive about hiring a new babysitter for your baby, then rest aside all your apprehensions. Now, you can monitor your babysitter when he/she is alone with your child with a hidden cam.
• You also have hidden cameras in wall clocks, books, back packs, Desktop speakers, lights, mirrors, throw pillow, smoke detectors and even a pencil sharpener. These are items that you normally see in homes and are almost impossible to detect. It is this quality that enhances the effectiveness of the camera as a security device.
• Ordinary security cameras are often targeted by vandals and burglars. But hidden cams are impossible to detect and hence, are always spared from any attempts at disarming the security system. So, even if the other cameras in your home security system are disabled, you will still have one camera working and that alone is enough to nail the perpetrators.
• You can choose from wired, wireless and ‘plug and play’ camera models. Depending on the model and type, you can directly record the footage to a recording device like a portable DVR or a portable DVD player. You can also choose to record it to portable media like VCD’s or DVD’s.
• On the other hand, if you are buying an IP network hidden camera, then you can login to the internet and view the footage from anywhere in the world.
• You can buy a fully functional wireless hidden camera set up including receiver, transmitter and a recording device for as less as $50.
• While this has greatly influenced the security market, it has also been significantly abused. Most hidden cameras are purchased with the sole aim of voyeuristic pleasure and this is a clear invasion of the privacy of an individual.

Hidden Cameras and Laws

Before installing a hidden camera surveillance system at your home or office, always ensure that you check your state privacy laws and check any areas where you might be violating them. By United States Privacy Laws, it is unlawful to install hidden cameras in places which are meant to be private. For example, you cannot install a security camera in a bathroom, locker rooms, trial rooms or a bedroom. Very few states have statutes regarding the installation and use of hidden cameras. The hidden camera technology has vastly improved in the last decade or so and newer laws are needed to curb and control the usage of these devices. High end tools which were available only to law enforcement agencies and government spies can now be purchased by just about anyone. These laws are still being created.

Tips for buyers

Always buy a camera that offers good resolution both in light as well as low light conditions. A decent hidden camera should have a resolution of at least 400 lines. If you want the best image quality, then the resolution should be at least 470 lines. However, the cost will increase with the resolution.

1. The ability to manage light conditions in cameras is called as LUX. In this case however, the higher the Lux rating, the lower the ability of the camera to manage light conditions. So always look for a camera with a low LUX rating.
2. What is the maximum available range of the transmitter and the receiver? Some wireless cameras have a very limited range.
3. Lastly, what kind of camera are you looking for? Wired or wireless? Wired cameras are physically connected to devices like the computer whereas wireless cameras run on batteries.

There are options galore. Create a list of the cameras that you are most impressed with and then start eliminating them on the basis of your requirements. This is the best way to make a purchase.