When you’re about to set up a perfect surveillance system at home or work, you need to know what to get. Depending on the needs, you can get either big and powerful cameras that are going to show everyone that they are being recorded, or small hidden cameras that are virtually invisible.
If you want to let everyone know to watch out for what they are doing, you can install the first kind, but if you want to see if someone’s doing something illegal and catch them while doing it, then you need the second kind. See a little history on surveillance here.
Before getting hidden cameras, you should make sure that you’re doing the right thing and ordering the right brand and model. There are thousands of them out there and you need to know how to find and pick the best ones.
But, what else is there to know. There is so much information available, that you might get confused if you start reading online. We’re here to show you the most valuable info you need to know about hidden cameras, so better start reading the points right away.
1. Make sure the use is legal
Not all places and not all people can be legally recorded. In general, it’s legal to record whatever you want in your home since this is your private place. If you’re getting a nanny, they should be aware that you’re filming them while taking care of your baby. On the other hand, setting a camera outside will make it illegal.
When it comes to work, there are many different rules and regulations and it’s best to check with your lawyers about this. What is surely forbidden is to record people outside in the open and use the materials for your personal needs. Before getting anything and installing it somewhere without anyone knowing, make sure everything’s legal.
2. Place them strategically
When you’re installing hidden cameras, you need to do it strategically. What does this mean? It means that you need to place them in a position where the lenses are going to cover a wide enough area for everything valuable to be seen. See more about this here: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/home-improvement/tips-install-hidden-security-cameras/.
If you place it in the artificial plant on the desk, you might not see anything because of the flowers, but if you do it strategically and precisely, you’ll get a perfect look at the person in front of you. On the other hand, make sure that the people you’re filming do not see that there’s a camera, because else they will be furious knowing that you’re recording them and your plan will fail.
3. Get ones that are connected with your smartphone
Why would you need a camera that is not connected to Wi-Fi in 2021? Today’s technology provides so many benefits that a hidden item can easily be connected to the internet, and with it, to your smartphone through a specialized app made just for this need.
Look for those models who are connected to the internet and have their apps that will provide easy access to what they are recording live, and you’ll be able to see this record, also live. Of course, this footage can be seen later, but in most situations seeing what’s happening live is much more important than having a late response.
4. They can be used for both work and personal needs
These hidden cameras are often used for offices and places where managers and owners want to know what their employees do at all times. If there’s a suspicion of some illegal or unwanted activity, then these cameras are going to uncover it.
Often, they are being used for home needs. People want to know what’s happening in their homes at all times. There are handymen, cleaners, babysitters, all having access to our stuff a lot of the time when we are not around. These devices can easily spot something happening that you don’t allow happening.
The worst thing that hidden devices are used for is the babysitting issue. You don’t want to see them torturing your children, but if you do, then you want to have proof when you’re filing a lawsuit. That’s why you should look for hidden cameras with audio for home that will be able to show all details.
5. Not all of them are equally good
Before getting just anything, don’t forget to do your research and find the truly amazing one. You can’t afford just any device that won’t do a good job. Some of them will have better recording resolution, and others a much lower allowing you to see nothing.
Some can film in total darkness, and some are even equipped with infrared features providing unbelievable results. Of course, those with more features are more expensive, so make sure you know what you’re looking for.
6. They are so tiny that you can place them anywhere
If you don’t know what you’re getting after you order, you should know that hidden cameras are often so small, that they can easily fit inside your shirt buttons, just like in good old Hollywood movies. They are no bigger than a fingernail, so don’t be surprised when you see how small they are.
That makes them easily adjusted to the surrounding. If they are so small, they can fit anywhere. You can put them on a top shelf, and no one will notice it’s there, standing right next to some pencils and decorations.
