There are many compelling reasons to consider investing in a spy or security camera for your home or business. Lucky for you, there are hundreds of cameras out there to choose from. Some are great, some are good, and some are little more than props for people who are trying to live vicariously through James Bond. Absolutely fine if that’s what you’re after, but make sure you’ve nailed what you actually want the camera for, so you make the right choice.
Before we go any further, let’s review the wrong reasons to get a spy camera:
To monitor your family without their consent
To perv on your neighbours without their consent
To perv on your co-workers without their consent
To perv on anyone in general without their consent
Because you could be sued. Also – boundaries.
Here is the Sensible Reviewer guide to the best spy and security cameras for conscientious people who are buying them for the right reasons.
Spy vs. Security Camera
First, the difference between spy cameras and security cameras. Feel free to skip past this section if you already know your stuff.
Spy cameras are secret, as their name suggests. They are designed to be discreet and unseen, so subjects do not necessarily know they are being filmed – or at least where from. Spy cameras are useful for having in the home, in the car or in the workplace, as long as you comply with the law (see section on law). Here is an example of a small covert camera.
Security cameras are more like CCTV. The cameras do not need to be hidden. Often they are there to act as a deterrent as well as a security feature. This is usually the more common choice for businesses, and for homeowners who might have one pointing down at their car, for example. Just its visible presence can sometimes be enough to ward off any trouble. Here’s an example of a modern security camera.
Spy Camera Buying Guide
Best indoor camera
Sony EFFIO-E Indoor Dome
Features:
700TVL
Low light recording
Concealed lens
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Best outdoor camera
Gamut Night Vision CCTV Camera
Features:
30m night vision
HD
Durable outer casing
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Best pinhole camera
Ultra Low Light Pinhole Spy Camera
Features:
Excellent low light performance
Full colour recording
Records through gaps as small as 2mm
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Best night vision camera
Digital Wireless CCTV Camera Kit
Features:
10m night vision
100m range
Weather-resistant
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Best all-rounder
HD Mini Hidden Battery Powered Pinhole Camera
Features:
Highly versatile
Long battery life
Motion detection and sound activation
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Gadgets and Wearables: You’re Wasting Your Money
Unless you’re not looking for a serious camera – just a novelty item. In that case, go to town.
Generally speaking, ‘gadget cameras’ are not for the serious buyer. They seem cool and are very 007, but in terms of actual usefulness, they are not very effective.
Pen cams
When you’re talking about spy cameras, pen cams are often one of the first things people think of. They look just like normal pens, but they feature a tiny camera lens that you wouldn’t notice unless you were looking for it. They’re battery-powered and can really only run for an hour or so. The problem is, they’re not very practical. They take better footage outdoors, which kind of defeats the object. Essentially, they are on their way out.
Spycam glasses
I could repeat the paragraph above, as largely the same principles apply to spy camera glasses. These sorts of products are designed to look ordinary, with the camera subtly embedded. You can get them in glasses or sunglasses – again like the pen, they are battery-powered. Spycam glasses could be useful for recording conversations – but you might be legally obliged to let the subject know they were being filmed. Maybe not so subtle after all.
Clocks and watches
Spycams embedded in clocks and watches are very popular purchases. Clocks, in particular, are often bought for or by people living in care homes, for example, if they think they are being stolen from. There are also alarm clock variations, which are not bad, but you wouldn’t want your home or business security depending on them. As for watches, it’s the pen story all over again. In terms of practical use you are going to have to strategically place your wrist in the right position, which could have you looking like a crazy person. Don’t be a crazy person.
Car Security: Best Car Cameras
If you’re planning on purchasing a spy or security camera for your car, consider its primary objective. Is it to prevent vandalism or theft? Or is it to capture footage of other road users, incidents or journeys?
Vandalism is most likely to happen at night, therefore it makes good sense to invest in a night-vision camera for this purpose. There are three possible options: a camera fitted inside the car, an external camera pointing down at the car, or both.
One of the best models for in-car security would be something like this mini hidden battery-powered pinhole camera. This camera is activated by vibration, motion or sound, so it would start filming at the first sign of trouble. The battery provides up to 10 hours of recording, which is significant compared to the gadget cams. You would need to purchase a MicroSD card separately.
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The problems with relying solely on an in-car camera for security are that a) if vandalism happens at night it won’t be able to record through the window (due to infrared) and b) eventually the power will run out. So ideally, having an external camera covers all bases.
A great value, professional quality CCTV camera is this 1080p Full HD model by Gamut. It has excellent night vision, a range of up to 20 metres and is completely durable and weather-proof. Being HD, it will capture far more detail than a standard CCTV setup.
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Alternatively, what you may be looking for is a dash cam. They provide you with video evidence of road accidents, bad drivers or parking incidents, which can be extremely handy for insurance purposes. Some drivers also like using them to document a road trip or capture unexpected events. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, then you won’t go far wrong with this HD 1080P Car DVR Dash Camera. Again, the memory card is not included. This camera works best when you connect it directly to your car charger, rather than running it on battery.
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Home Sweet Home: Best Cameras for Home Security
There are many compelling reasons to invest in a home security system. Protecting your house, family and valuables from intruders, having peace of mind when you’re away with remote monitoring, and savings on home insurance all make a good case for taking the plunge.
If you’re out to buy your first home security system, then a good place to start is with something like this Digital Wireless CCTV System. It has mobile access so you can view it anywhere you have signal, and it comes with a portable LCD screen – of which you can add up to four. This plug-and-play system offers decent quality at a very reasonable price, with useful features such as motion and PIR heat detection, so you don’t have to leave it recording all day long.
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If you’re looking for something more specialist or would prefer a covert camera option, then you might want to pass on that one and consider something more along the lines of this Night Vision Pinhole Spy Camera.
Left in a room, this camera would keep track of people coming and going around the clock. The built-in PIR sensor uses body heat to activate recording (it is also activated by sound or vibration), or you can choose to set scheduled recording times. The lithium battery and MicroSD card slot mean it can be used as a completely standalone security device. The beauty of this system is its compact, unassuming design – it can be placed on a shelf and not draw any attention to itself.
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Mind Your Own Business: Best Cameras for the Workplace
Having a CCTV system in place can be very useful for employers, not only for security purposes but for aiding health and safety, preventing misconduct and observing productivity. There are also some legal obligations involved, which we will cover later (see section on law).
For the workplace, you’re going to want something larger and more substantial than the options suggested for the home. You may even want to consider mixing and matching visible and covert cameras.
A system like this Gamut TVI 1080p HD Covert Surveillance System is a great first step. This two-camera system uses tiny pinhole cameras that are easily hidden – they can film through gaps as small as 2mm. The cameras themselves are very powerful, capturing far more detail than the average pinhole camera. Its four-channel CCTV DVR also has a 1TB hard drive, where most other covert cameras would only offer basic SD card recorders.
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Another highly recommended option is this mini pinhole spy camera – a spy camera and DVR receiver pack set as with the Gamut, only this one is wireless. It comes with a built-in microphone, which allows the camera to record sound from nearby areas, and it has a more slimline design than the Gamut. This system is best when used in tandem with a 30 LED night-vision camera, as it doesn’t record particularly well in the dark.
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If you’re happy for the cameras to be on display, or you plan on mixing traditional and covert cameras, then a great option for your on-display system would be this Gamut 4-Camera HD CCTV System. The Full HD cameras record crystal clear 1080p video with 30m night vision, and the DVR comes with 2TB worth of hard drive space. It’s a simple plug-and-play system, so there’s no complex configuration required to start recording.
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Out of Sight: Best Covert Cameras
Hidden cameras can offer a lot of advantages, such as improving security, monitoring employee activities, keeping an eye on the children and gathering evidence. They also have the most grey areas with regard to the law, so do make sure you’re complying with the regulations in your country.
We’ve touched on this already, but it’s worth emphasising that ‘gadgety’ hidden cameras – those concealed inside other objects – tend not to be as good. You’re much better off getting a very little, good quality camera that you can easily hide behind or amongst other things on a shelf.
So, if you’re after something tiny, it really doesn’t get much smaller than this Covert Pinhole Spy Camera. This minute 2.4GHz 700TVL camera is only 2x2x2 cm and has audio, colour recording and a 50m range. Be aware that separate rules can apply to use of covert filming with audio, so it’s a good idea to do your research before purchase. The receiver unit has a standard RCA AV output that allows you to plug it into a TV or monitor or run it into a DVR.
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Another recommended teeny tiny spy cam is this HD Covert IP Camera. Unlike the previous option, this one is HD so it captures more detail. Its pinhole lens allows it to be easily concealed whilst in use, and you can view the footage live on your phone or computer via Wi-Fi. Even though it’s very little, this camera actually has a surprising amount of features, such as alarm connections, MicroSD recording and push notifications when there is activity.
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Nanny Cams
Most people are familiar with the concept of nanny cams: hidden cameras installed inside common household objects to keep an eye on caregivers, such as nannies or home help.
Their use with regard to the law can be unclear. The bottom line is that you need to make outsiders aware that they could be filmed, but you don’t have to specify where the camera is located. For more comprehensive details, read this guide.
You might think of a nanny cam as looking something like this:
And if that’s exactly what you’re after, let me save you some time and direct you to straight to this wireless teddy bear cam. But if you want something of a slightly higher calibre, read on.
The next step up from something like the teddy bear cam is this Foscam HD ‘Pan and Tilt’ IP camera. It shoots excellent 1080P Full HD video, giving you a highly detailed view of your home, with intelligent alerts to your phone or tablet to let you know immediately when there is movement. It has a built-in microphone and speaker and powerful 8x zoom – so you won’t miss a thing.
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A great all-rounder if you’re looking for a good quality covert nanny cam (or dash cam) is this mini 720p HD battery-powered spy camera. This very compact camera has a super wide-angle lens that can actually be rotated 180°, and it captures very high-quality footage at a resolution of 1280×720. Recording is triggered by sound, vibration or movement, so you save the 10hr battery life by not recording all the time.
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If you’re fine with the camera being on display, then you might be better served with something like this 720p HD Pan Tilt Wireless IP Camera. This handy piece of kit allows you to view the footage on your mobile in real-time, wherever you are. In terms of aesthetics, it looks a little bit like a fancy webcam – not overly imposing. It is a cost-effective option for those who don’t want to shell out too much for a camera, but still need something of good quality. At night it is able to record up to 10m away, and you are able to control the ‘pan and tilt’ function remotely.
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Where the Wild Things Are: Best Cameras for Observing Wildlife
If the purpose of your spy camera purchase is for documenting animal behaviour rather than human, then there are options created especially for that. Don’t go hiding your tiny expensive pinhole camera up a tree.
The best version for you will depend on what kind of wildlife you wish to observe.
Bird box cameras
Bird box cameras are becoming very popular. They allow you to see baby birds hatching and growing inside their nest as the parent comes and goes, without disturbing them.
This 700TVL wired bird box camera with audio and night vision is the perfect package for bird lovers. Its wide-angle lens allows you to really see the birds up close, and because the camera is so tiny (3cm wide) it won’t get in their way. This kit would actually make a fantastic and affordable gift for anyone interested in birds or wildlife, and they don’t have to be super tech-savvy as it’s easily connected to the TV using the labelled RCA/phono inputs.
The same camera is also available as a wireless version, which transmits video to a receiver rather than via cable.
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Trail cameras
Trail cameras, also known as scouting/remote cameras or camera traps, are self-operating, motion-activated devices that are used to film wildlife without disturbing the animals. They are often left out in the open for a few days at time, therefore must be waterproof, sturdy and suited to an outdoor environment. For best results, it’s worth getting one with decent night vision, as many animals are more active at night.
If you’re looking to film wildlife, you’re not going to go far wrong with this HD waterproof wildlife hunting trail camera. This camera is so waterproof, it can actually be fully submerged in water – though I don’t recommend doing this on purpose. It shoots top quality video and runs off AA batteries, so is great for out in the woods where there is no power. Aside from wildlife, this camera is also really handy for capturing fly tipping and vandalism in remote areas.
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This Crenova HD infrared game & trail camera is also a best-seller, and for good reason. It has 120° wide-angle night vision, high-quality full-colour resolution and cool functions such as multi-shots, intervals and time lapses – great for showing activity sped up over a long period of time.
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Spy Cameras and the Law
The law around use of spy cameras varies around the world. Before investing in one, always consult with your local law enforcement.
As a general guide, if the camera is on your private property, you are ok. If they are being used at a place of work, you should display a sign letting people know they could be filmed. One important point is that you shouldn’t place them in areas where people can reasonably expect some privacy – like the loo. But I don’t need to tell you not to go around putting spy cams in toilets. That’s some good common decency right there.
Using spy cams on other people’s private property can be iffy – secretly filming someone in their home is a clear invasion of privacy.
A key thing to remember is that recording with audio has different rules to recording without. There are more restrictions on what may or may not be recorded with audio, due to wiretapping laws. So again, be sure to check what the official line is in your country. For UK residents, see this section on domestic CCTV guidance.
Before-You-Buy Checklist
To help you work out what kind of camera is going to best suit your needs, consider the following:
Is there a power source near the intended location of the camera?
Most cameras will require one unless they are battery-powered
Battery-powered cameras can only run for a short amount of time
Will the camera be recording at night?
If so you will need an infrared camera or one with low light recording
Infrared cameras cannot film through windows
How much detail does the footage need to capture?
If you need to clearly capture detail like faces or car registration plates, you will need to invest in a 1080p HD camera
What distance do you need to capture?
Make sure the night vision is powerful enough to reach the subjects. Cameras will usually quote a night vision range
Do you need to store the footage?
If you don’t need to store it, you could make do with a simple camera and receiver setup
If you do, how much storage space will you need?
Will you be filming constantly, or will it be motion-activated?
Constant filming requires a nearby power source
If motion-activated, it will only record if something moves in front of the camera
Wireless range
How far away will the receiver be?
Are there any obstructions between the camera and receiver? A solid obstruction such as a wall can halve the range
If you choose a wireless camera, will the signal be strong enough to reach the receiver?
Most Common Issues for Buyers
Here are some of the most frequent problems that new spy camera owners can run into, and how to avoid them.
Recording at night
If you need a camera that will record good-quality footage at night, then you should expect to pay a little bit more for it. A night-vision camera will use infrared light to produce clear footage. What many people don’t realise is that infrared waves don’t penetrate glass – only bounce back – so if you try to film through a window using a night-vision camera then it won’t work. The camera must be in the same environment as the subject.
Image quality
Most spy and security cameras are analog, rather than digital (with the exception of HD cameras). This means that image quality is measured in television lines, or TVL. As a guide, 700TVL is approximately the lowest you should aim for if you want to capture footage that is of decent, usable quality. A spy pen, for perspective, would have around 420TVL. More on spy pens later.
Wireless cameras
People associate the word ‘wireless’ with being cord-free – understandably. With spy cameras, ‘wireless’ refers to transmitting a wireless signal, not power. So while you may choose a wireless camera, that doesn’t mean it will be cord-free, unless it is also battery-powered. The downside with battery-powered cameras is that they don’t run for very long.
9 times out of 10 you will be better off with a camera that isn’t wireless. There are various issues that pop up time and again with technology not working or signal interference. Wired cameras tend to be better quality, plus HD is more readily available with these models.
FAQs
Do security cameras make noise?
Spy cameras do not usually make any noise. That would kind of give them away! However, if you’re using a big professional recorder, the hard drive can sometimes emit a humming sound. Most people get around this by installing the recorder somewhere out of the way, such as a cabinet or up in the loft.
Can I rent a CCTV camera instead of buying one?
It is possible to rent security camera systems, which is a good option if you need it for a temporary event such as a festival. However, if you will be using the system over a long period, it makes more sense to buy.
Can I connect my spy cam to my phone?
Yes. Spy cams that connect to Wi-Fi are really popular as they allow you to check what’s happening on your camera in real time. Not all cameras have this capability, but some do: like this mini battery-powered camera and this wireless HD hidden camera.
What about spy cam apps?
You can now theoretically turn your smartphone into a spy cam using apps like Secret Spy Camera Pro or ReconBot. But you need to be there to operate them, so they are more for short snippets than general surveillance, and they will only be as good as the quality of your phone camera.
How much storage do I need?
If you need your camera to record all the time, you will need a lot more storage space, so you should get a camera that records to a hard drive, like this Hikvision Turbo dome camera system. If you’re only after short clips, for example where the footage is motion-activated, then you can go for one that records to an SD card, such as this mini-battery-powered camera (mentioned above).
What kind of motion sensor is best?
There are two different types of motion sensor associated with spy cameras. The first is pixel-based, which is where the camera senses movement within the picture and starts filming. This is the basic level of motion sensor. The second kind is PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor) motion detection, which is triggered by body heat. Though less common, it is more sophisticated, but the downside is that the subject has to be within approximately 20 metres for it to activate. If you need the motion-activation to be triggered by something far away from the camera, then pixel-based detection is best.
Do I need an HD camera?
HD cameras offer much better image quality, but you may or may not need it. HD files are considerably bigger than SD ones, so require more storage space. If you need to capture a lot of detail, such as car registration plates or clear faces, then you should consider HD. Watch out for cameras that are advertised as HD but are actually not – a lot of pen cams will do this, but they fail to meet the HD image quality specifications despite being larger files.
Spy and CCTV cameras are a great security investment and offer peace of mind for the safety of your home, business and possessions. As long as they are used within the terms set out by the law in your country, they can be incredibly useful for a range of different scenarios. As they are a significant investment, be sure to think carefully about the features you require and do your research beforehand. And importantly, do not use them for the wrong reasons. You have been warned.
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