Do you need to buy a hidden camera?
Whether you are a private or professional, if you need to buy a hidden camera it is because you need to record something important. At ESPIAMOS, we have the largest variety of hidden cameras on the market. Exclusive equipment that you will not find in any other store.
Our hidden cameras are used in legal proceedings with evidential value. If you want to buy a quality hidden camera at the best price, read on. We show you different versions of hidden cameras so you can choose yours.
Hidden camera operation
The hidden camera has become a very popular device in the security world. This device is very commonly used in companies and businesses, but also to improve the security of homes.
The usefulness of these devices can vary greatly. But their main purpose is to capture images of the activities carried out by certain people without them knowing that they are being filmed.
They are characterized by their small size and the fact that they can be hidden almost anywhere. Some of them are even camouflaged directly in objects of such normal and common use as an alarm clock or a pen.
Their operation is no different from that of any other camera, since they record. Although in the market we find models that have different functionalities.
In front of those that are recording continuously are those that are only activated when they detect movement or noise, which saves battery and also memory in the device.
When using a device of this type we must take into account the position of the camera and make some tests before moving to the final use. The aim is to make sure that where we have placed the device it will capture the images we are looking for. This is important, since a bad placement can make that at the end we get a lot of hours of recording from a wall.
The operation from a more technical point of view
The hidden or spy camera is a device composed of a few chips and a lens, with a memory card that stores the images. It is a delicate technology due to its small size, but at the same time it is very easy to use.
Nowadays we can find very advanced technological devices that include functionalities such as WiFi or sound activation.
Requirements for a good operation of the hidden camera
As we have seen before, it is essential to choose a good place to place it and to make tests to verify that we are capturing images of the area we want to record.
In addition, it is advisable to have our equipment updated with the latest version of software. This assures us that its operation will be as correct as it should be.
As for the different models on the market, if you are not a specialist in using hidden cameras it is best to take wireless models, as they are easier to use, place and hide.
Another aspect to take into account is to control the recording time. This depends on your battery and memory capacity. A good way to save resources is to choose models that are activated only if they detect sound or motion.
On the other hand, it is important to know that you are not limited to the typical spy camera that you must place in a fixed position. Today there are models that you can wear and activate at any time, such as spy camera glasses or spy pen.
Benefits of the hidden camera
They improve security
This is an effect that we notice practically from the very moment that a device of this type is installed, whether we use it at home or in our business.
Knowing that there is a camera recording what is happening makes us feel safer, since we know that if something happens inside the recorded space, it will be recorded and it will be possible to identify those responsible.
In relation to security, the use of the hidden camera has already become commonplace among owners who have homes that for one reason or another have been left empty. Models with a WiFi connection allow you to see live what the camera is recording, which helps to detect not only possible burglars, but also squatters.
They allow you to obtain evidence
The use of these devices is often resorted to because there is no other means of obtaining evidence when it is believed that a crime is being committed. Recently we have seen some examples with the hidden cameras installed in nursing homes, through which it has been possible to demonstrate that some supposed professionals in geriatric care are in fact abusive people who do not care at all for the elderly in their care.
They help in the decision making process
This is especially interesting when a camera of this type is used in a business. Let's imagine a store where there is a problem between an employee and a customer. By looking at the images captured by the camera we can see what has happened and make the best decision. In this way we can avoid malicious claims that only seek a reduction in the price of a product or service or even take it for free. It may seem silly, but this kind of situation is happening more and more.
With these devices we can monitor people, animals, places and things. This way we have much more information available and we feel safer. It is therefore not surprising that sales of these devices have increased in recent years. In addition, they are really easy to use and within everyone's reach.
Types of HIDDEN CAMERAS
Throughout this text we have been referring to the hidden camera or spy camera, but the truth is that there is no single model, but there are several that can be useful in different types of situations.
The choice between one version or another depends on factors such as the objective we are pursuing when making the recording, our budget or the place and people we want to capture images of.
Although some models may seem complicated because of the many technological advances they involve, the truth is that in general they are fairly simple to use. By reading the instructions well and doing some tests before making the final recording, even the most inexperienced in the handling of these devices can get good results.
Hidden camera with WiFi
Today's devices are so small and unobtrusive that they can be installed almost anywhere and go unnoticed. Not even the most attentive person will notice that there is a small camera making a recording.
Typically, these devices save the captured videos in their internal memory or on an SD card. This means that to be able to see the images we must access again the place where we have put the camera, take it out of its location and download the information to be able to see it in our computer or in the mobile phone.
As you can imagine, this implies that we will have to constantly manipulate the camera, which increases the risk of being discovered. In addition, if we have put it in a place where we do not have easy access, things can get even more complicated, because if we do not download the memory of the camera or the SD card we run the risk that it will run out of space and that when what we really wanted to record happens there will not be enough space to record the recording.
The hidden camera with WiFi is the perfect solution to all these problems. It connects to the Internet and streams everything it captures. That is, from our mobile phone we can see live what is happening in the room where we have put the camera. We can even connect it to a cloud storage system to keep a backup of all the images captured there, this allows us to access them at any time and from anywhere without having to physically manipulate the camera.
Do you remember the case of the empty houses we mentioned earlier? Well, this is one of the best options. If you go on holiday for a while or you have a house or a place that you don't usually use, you can put one of these cameras somewhere. This way you can check if everything is in order and, in case of detecting an unwanted entry, you can take measures.
Although these devices are simple to use, it is true that they require more dedication than other simpler models. Mainly because you have to make the connection between the camera and the router.
It may have sounded complicated to you and something you need to be computer literate to do, but it's not. The steps are so simple that anyone can do it.
The first step is to connect the camera to the router (some are wireless and you don't need to take this step). Then enter the router settings through your computer. The easiest way to do this is to type this address 192.168.1.1 into your browser. This is the gateway to most routers. If yours doesn't work with this address, you can find the right one with a simple search on the Internet, look for something like "router address + company you have contracted with for Internet service".
Once you have accessed the router, look for the camera you have connected and get its IP address. Type it in the browser exactly as you did to access the router. Then you only have to open the ports and choose the options you prefer. It's a pretty intuitive process, so don't be afraid.
With everything set up, you can physically disconnect the camera from the router, since a wireless connection already exists. Now all you have to do is put it in place and run a few tests to make sure it's working properly.
The wireless mini stealth camera
If you've had a look at these types of devices, you'll notice that most of them are not wired. This is because many of these devices already run on an internal battery and do not need to be connected directly to the mains.
This is an advantage because you can put the camera almost anywhere even if there is no power outlet nearby and you don't have to bother with covering the cables, as there are none.
This design makes the spy camera much more unnoticeable and easier to use for people who have never handled a device of this type.
Hidden cameras for surveillance
Although the fundamental use of these devices is linked to improving security, the truth is that we can also use them for routine surveillance tasks in the home.
If you spend a lot of time away from home and want to make sure your cat isn't acting up or your dog isn't taking a long nap on the couch, a hidden camera installed in the house will help you see what they're up to.
For older people, these devices can be very helpful in their care. If you install a spy camera in your parents' living room and also choose a model that has a WiFi connection, you can take a look at what they are doing from time to time. That way you can make sure they're okay even if you're at work or out of town.
For parents of teenagers, these devices are also very useful, as they help you monitor what they're doing when they're alone and if they have any visitors.
Now imagine that unfortunately someone in your house has a gambling addiction. Through a hidden camera you can monitor if they access gambling sites or online games, which will help you take action to alleviate the problem.
Hidden Camera Security
As we have just seen, there are many good reasons for wanting to exercise a certain amount of vigilance over our loved ones to make sure they are well, but sometimes what we are looking for directly is to improve the security of our home or business.
Something as simple and small as a spy camera will help us to significantly increase security.
In this case we can choose between a model with a WiFi connection to be able to see in streaming what is happening or we can opt for a device that has a large memory or to which a SD card can be added if we are going to be making recordings for several hours.
We can use cameras of this type in our business. We need to inform both customers and employees that there is a recording circuit, but they do not need to know where the cameras are.
In some cases we may even consider using the cameras without informing the employees. But only if there is a real reason for this, such as if it is the only way to obtain evidence of a possible crime. This is a delicate case, since the courts will not always accept the recording as evidence, but if we believe that the crime being committed is serious enough (abuse of the elderly, mistreatment of children, etc.) we should not give up using all the means at our disposal to obtain evidence.
Hidden camera with recorder
The old popular saying says that a picture is worth a thousand words, but this is not always true. A picture can clarify many things, but sometimes to really understand what is happening we need to listen.
This is why spy cameras have evolved and many of them now include a microphone. In this way, we get a graphic testimony of what is happening, but at the same time we have an audio that will make it perfectly clear what was happening at the time of the recording.
Camera hidden in wristwatches and wall clocks
Spy devices have evolved a lot over time. If you don't want to complicate your life by looking for the perfect place to hide a camera that is hidden and no one can discover, you can opt directly for devices that come camouflaged in everyday items.
One of the most successful products is the camera hidden in a wall clock. Apparently this is a clock that no one will pay much attention to. It can be in the living room, in a room, in an office, etc.
It is a fully functional device, which gives the time normally. But in the back is hidden a mini spy camera that will capture images of everything that happens within its viewing angle.
The good thing is that being placed on the wall gets very good shots and easily captures the face of people recorded.
There are situations in which we could do very well to make a recording, but because we are outside our home or our usual environment we can not install a spy device. It is in these cases when we can resort to camouflaged spy devices of last generation. A good example is the micro cameras that are hidden inside watches.
The so-called spy watches have become very popular. There are designs adapted for both men and women, with a more elegant aesthetic or a more sporty style. They are totally functional and nothing in them warns that they are anything other than a watch. However, they have a small built-in camera and in some cases even a microphone, so they capture the image and sound of what is going on around us.
A device of this type can be used in many different situations. It can be taken to a meeting to keep track of everything that is being discussed at the meeting, but it is also a good alternative if our partner or ex-partner is threatening and abusing us psychologically, or if he has threatened to accuse us of some crime we have not committed in order to gain an advantage in matters related to child custody.
There are many cases in which such a device can be useful, which is why its use is becoming so widespread.
Hidden cameras in pens
They have all the advantages we have already pointed out of spy cameras camouflaged in everyday objects.
It's not uncommon for us to carry a pen. No one will be surprised if we leave a pen on our table or carry it inside our jacket. What no one will suspect is that this simple pen is actually a spy camera that is capturing what is going on.
What's more, if someone sees our pen and borrows it to make a note, there won't be any problem, as it works perfectly normally.
The added advantage of this device is that it is easy and discreet to turn on and off. In most cases the on/off button is the same, just press the top of the pen to start recording. Therefore, we don't have to make any strange movements that draw attention to our person.
And in these devices there is no light of any kind to warn that the recording has started, so no one will see anything strange.
Hidden cameras for home
As we have seen along the lines above, the use of hidden cameras in the home is far more common than we think, either for surveillance reasons or to increase security.
Unless we want to obtain evidence that some unpleasant situation is taking place (children stealing from their parents, unfaithful couples, etc.) it is best for all family members to know that such a camera has been installed for security purposes and the location of the camera.
On the other hand, whether or not we share the existence of the camera with the rest of the family members, we should always refrain from using them in areas where privacy can be particularly violated, such as in the bathroom.
Hidden car cameras
In 2019, car or dashcam cameras were one of the most popular technological gadgets, and it seems that the trend will continue.
Every day more and more people decide to install a hidden camera in their car. In most cases the intention is nothing more than to improve safety and to be able to have a recording that shows what has happened in case of an accident.
But these devices also help us to protect our vehicle in case of theft. If we combine their use with a car GPS we can find out where our stolen vehicle is and who the person who stole it is. However, in these cases it is best to pass the information to the police and let them act and go to the place to recover our vehicle.
On the other hand, the dashcam also makes it easier for us to have our car protected against small acts of vandalism, as it will help us to identify that neighbour who seems to be entertaining himself by scratching all the cars in the garage or that young man who has decided it was a good idea to pull the mirrors off all the cars parked on the street.
The important thing in these cases is to choose a model specially designed for use in cars. There are even some that only activate in case of an impact.
Buy a hidden camera
There are many reasons that can lead you to decide to buy a hidden camera and install it at home, in your business or even in your vehicle. But before you make your decision to buy, there are several things you should consider to make sure you make the right choice.
Image quality
This is a fundamental issue. There's no point in the camera capturing the image you want to record if, when it comes down to it, you don't get a clear result that allows you to identify the protagonists of the scene.
Although there are spy cameras with HD resolution, you may not need such precision. Typically, it's around 1080p resolution.
Memory capacity
If you are going to record for several hours you will need a device that has a good internal memory. You can also consider other alternatives such as compatibility with an external SD memory card or similar, being able to connect to the Internet and download the content to the Cloud, or only activating the recording in case noise or movement is detected.
Features
The choice of one or the other depends on the use you are going to give to the device and what you need. You can choose a camera that is already camouflaged in an ordinary object instead of one that you have to hide, decide on a device with a WiFi connection or choose a camera that not only captures images but also audio.
There's a perfect hidden camera for every need. If you don't know which one is best for you, at Espiamos we are at your disposal to advise you on what you need.
Still don't know which hidden camera to buy?
If you still have doubts, we invite you to visit our physical stores or call us at +34 911 369 092. Our commercials will advise you and recommend the hidden camera that best suits your needs. You will be surprised by the amount of hidden cameras we have for you.
