Whether you're looking to secure your home, or want to catch your break-in more cleanly, hidden cameras are a novel way to increase your home security.
Previously, we've looked at wireless home security cameras 4 Completely Wireless Security Cameras for Your Home 4 Completely Wireless Security Cameras for Your Home Are you frustrated by home security systems that are limited by dealer location? ? These four completely wireless security cameras just might convince you to cut the cord altogether! Learn more along with a DIY security camera network from old smartphones How to Build a Security Camera Network from Old Smartphones How to Build a Security Camera Network from Old Smartphones There is no best use from old smartphones than building your own DIY network security camera system - we show you everything you need to know. Read More
With systems like the Reolink DIY CCTV system costing less than $400, many people believe that hidden surveillance cameras aren't always necessary. While traditional CCTV systems offer excellent value for money, they have two distinct drawbacks:
Hidden security cameras easily solve this problem. A criminal won't know how to disable the cameras if they don't know the cameras are there. Similarly, if it is not obvious that a home is protected by cameras, criminals may consider not attacking your home.
In general, the use of hidden cameras in your own home is legal in most states, but recording in certain circumstances can be illegal, as can recording for nefarious purposes.
Placing cameras in private areas like bathrooms and bedrooms is not advisable, and recording audio is almost always illegal. You can also consider whether you want to register your family or not. While not illegal, it generally makes more sense to arm your system - enabling check-in functionality only when the house is empty.
Regardless of your system, you should always double check your state's local laws before setting up anything more complex than a basic anti-intrusion system.
For your first hidden camera, a 1080p wireless camera disguised as a smoke detector is a great option. MEAUOTOU spy camera has several premium features, including motion detection, live video streaming, and push notifications from mobile devices.
This camera is totally hidden inside a non-functional smoke detector. You'll still need a real smoke detector, so be careful about its placement, as people may be suspicious of two smoke detectors next to each other.
For your next camera, this hidden camera alarm clock features night vision, motion detection, and has a built-in battery. This camera records to microSD cards, supports loop recording, along with remote viewing and mobile device notifications.
If analog clocks are your thing, this 1080p wall clock camera will easily blend into any room, and the built-in battery should last more than long enough to protect your home in the unlikely event of a power outage. ..
If you're looking to get really stealthy, the Conbrov IP Camera is cleverly disguised as an ordinary PIR sensor. Like the previous cameras, this model has remote control and viewing through your mobile, along with motion detection.
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The camera lens is visible on the front of the unit, but is unlikely to be detected by anyone, especially in the dark. This camera also doesn't have a battery, so you'll need to install it in a semi-permanent position.
There's no better place to hide a camera than in a light bulb - who would? always Do you plan to look there? The Bellcam Light Bulb Security Camera offers all the features you'd expect from a wireless camera, like night vision and motion detection, but it also packs some unique features.
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Two-way audio is built into the bulb, so you can talk to your guests (or intruders) through the camera. It also features a 360-degree panoramic lens, which is certainly a unique perspective, giving you a view of the entire room with just one camera. The bulb continues to function as a normal LED light, and can be operated remotely via the app.
This introductory video from the YouTube channel GatoCam shows very well the capabilities of this camera:
Like the camera above, this lens is unfortunately visible when looking at the bulb, though who would think to check camera bulbs?
What better place to hide a camera than in a USB charger. The USB charger camera features a 1080p camera and is a fully functional USB charger!
With loop recording and the ability to view multiple cameras in one app, you can't go wrong with this little camera. The 90-degree wide-angle lens makes sure you capture the best angle, even though you're so close to the ground.
You'll need a microSD card if you want to record any video, so be sure to check out our microSD card buying guide The Fastest and Best microSD Cards The Fastest and Best microSD Cards We've rounded up the fastest and best microSD cards for use with cameras! cameras, DSLR cameras, smartphones, tablets and more! Their price ranges from ultra-affordable to premium. Read more.
If you're looking to hide a camera, and nothing you bought from the store will work, then this mini spy camera is just what you're looking for.
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Measuring just under a square inch and with a magnetic back, you can easily place this little camera anywhere. With a built-in battery and 1080p image quality, this is one camera no one will detect.
Unfortunately, such a small camera comes with some trade-offs. There's no wireless control via an app, so you'll need to manually start and stop recording. There's also no power supply, just a bulky USB cable, so you'll have to get creative if you want to leave it on permanently.
This is a long list of hidden surveillance cameras, but we have really barely scratched the surface. With hidden cameras, pens, desk lamps, picture frames, and much more, there's virtually no limit to what or where you can hide a camera.
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If you're just getting started with surveillance cameras (hidden or otherwise), be sure to read our guide to IP cameras vs. DVRs. Which are the safest? IP security camera systems vs DVR Which are the safest? IP vs DVR Security Camera Systems There are IP based video systems and DVR based systems. What is the difference? What are the pros and cons? Even more important, which system is the most secure? We'll see. Read more . If you're on a tighter budget, our guide on how to insure your home for under $30 Going on vacation? 7 Ways to Insure Your Home for Under $30 Going on vacation? 7 Ways to Secure Your Home for Under $30 Buying smart tech can be an expensive business, but if you're going on vacation and want to keep as much cash as possible as spending money, you'll need some affordable home security solutions. Read More
Have you installed any hidden cameras in your house? What is the best place you found to hide them? Let us know in the comments below!
