Not so long ago, a hidden CCTV camera could only be seen in a spy movie. But with the development of digital technologies, as well as various online trading platforms, anyone can buy a hidden camera. You can learn about what hidden video surveillance devices are, what to look for when choosing a camera, as well as how to install a hidden camera so as not to break the law, from the article.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE MINI HIDDEN SURVEILLANCE CAMERA
Despite the large number of differences between hidden cameras in terms of functionality, they all have many common parameters that you should definitely pay attention to when choosing a mini camera.
Types of surveillance cameras
Wired. Stationary cameras, installed on a shelf, on a table, are most often used to monitor a baby suffering from an illness. The case can be made in the form of a small camera that stands on a table, for example, or disguised as a table clock, lamp, etc.
Wireless (Wi-Fi). Allows you to remotely control the device and view the video archive from your smartphone or tablet. On average, in line-of-sight conditions, the communication range is 50 m. Concrete walls, electrical appliances can interfere with the range and signal quality.
Wireless (GSM). The camera body has a slot for a SIM card. Using the GSM module, the camera sends an SMS or MMS with detailed information to the specified phone number. The camera can be activated by a call to the SIM card number, programmatically, or using a motion sensor.
Wireless (3G/4G). With the help of the third and fourth generation of cellular communication, you can view real-time video without delay, send a video file to the cloud service. Communication range is limited by cellular coverage, i.e. that’s a big part of the world.
Stand-alone, non-transmitting cameras. Perhaps the simplest device in terms of functionality and installation. There is no connection with the camera, it simply writes video to a memory card (memory card capacity can be up to 128 GB) installed in a special slot. Power is also often autonomous, from batteries or an accumulator.
Signal processing method
Analog cameras. Analog devices transmit a signal in the form of an electrical television signal to a DVR or computer with a special video card installed on it. Resolution is indicated in TVL, this is the number of horizontal lines.
Low quality: 380-420 TVL.
Average quality: 560-600 TVL.
High quality: 1000 or more TV lines.
Digital cameras. The signal from the camera is already digitized, ready for transmission to a DVR, smartphone, etc.
Hidden Camera Power
from the network adapter. For covert video surveillance on a permanent basis, it is rational to use a video camera powered by the mains, since it does not require moving the device. Built-in or desktop mini cameras can be powered from the AC adapter.
From the built-in accumulator. The camcorder has a built-in battery that has a limited video recording time of about 2 hours.
From batteries. Shooting mode
Color. Video recording in color mode is suitable for daytime video recording.
Black and white (monochrome). Monochrome mode allows you to shoot high-definition video at night.
Combined. This function allows you to automatically switch from color shooting during the day to black and white shooting at night, and vice versa.
Viewing angle
The focal length affects the viewing angle. f In telephoto cameras, the field of view is small, but the details are much clearer. The most popular are devices with a fixed focal length from 2.8 mm to 3.7 mm (pin-hole, from the English eye of a needle), this corresponds to a viewing angle of 60 ° -90 °, which should be enough to view most of the average area rooms.
Shooting quality
The resolution of covert surveillance cameras can reach 12 megapixels (Ultra HD), which is often superfluous, because cameras with a resolution of 2 megapixels are capable of shooting video in FULL HD format.
Frame frequency
Modern covert surveillance cameras are capable of doing 30 frames / sec (fps, frame rate) and more. This frequency is needed for video with good detail. For shooting at home, often 15 fps is a lot, since this places an additional amount on the memory card.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of a camcorder reflects the ability of the device to shoot in low light. Optimal sensitivity for shooting at night is 0.001 lux (measured in lux, lux). It should be noted that a sensitive camera will not provide high-quality shooting at night without IR illumination, these are rather two complementary factors.
Sound recording
When choosing a hidden camera, it will not be superfluous to pay attention to the ability to record sound. The object of observation may leave the field of view of the camera, and at this moment sound recording will be very useful.
Benefits of Hidden Mini CCTV Camera
The compact size allows discreet video recording.
Silent operation.
Most CCTV devices have sound recording.
Large selection of camcorder body options. From a frameless camera to disguised as household items in the form of a table clock, a screw, etc.
HIDDEN MINI SURVEILLANCE CAMERA WITH RECORDING
The advantage of recording video is that the archive can be used at any convenient time. For example, present a video as evidence, confirm and dispel any concerns. Most often, recording on a memory card is carried out in stand-alone cameras powered by a battery or batteries. Memory card recording can be used as a backup recording for wireless devices when there is a problem with wireless video transmission.
