| What is a hidden camera? There's so many | | | | found since the wire would be a give-away when |
| different types that the definition would be limited | | | | looking for such a device. Since these cameras do |
| to any camera that records video or still images | | | | NOT transmit video over the air, a wireless |
| in such a manner that a normal person wouldn't | | | | camera detector is useless against such devices. |
| notice the camera. This could be as simple as a | | | | A lens based hidden camera finder or an |
| standard video camera set up behind a few tree | | | | Advanced Video Camera Finder (one that |
| limbs. However, they can be built into much more | | | | searches for a small signal emitted by video |
| complex devices so that the normal person would | | | | cameras) would aid in the search for such a |
| never even notice it. | | | | device, however, a thorough sweep of a room |
| Where could someone hide a camera? Quite | | | | looking for wires would also prove to be |
| literally anywhere! A button on a jacket or a pack | | | | advantageous. |
| of cigarettes could house the lens of camera. | | | | 3) Wireless cameras that store video locally: |
| With technology constantly reducing the size of | | | | These cameras are by far becoming the superior |
| electronics, cameras now exist that are small | | | | product of choice. They could be built into a clock |
| enough to fit on the end of your thumbnail. We'll | | | | radio alarm and use the power from the AC |
| take a look at a few of the devices found on the | | | | power cord (which also powers the clock), or |
| market today. | | | | they could be found in bird houses or discrete |
| 1) Wireless (hidden) cameras which transmit video: | | | | black boxes without any cords (and thus run on |
| These cameras are quickly becoming obsolete | | | | battery power). There's really no limit on where |
| because they need to transmit the video over | | | | they could be concealed. Keep in mind that all |
| the air, thus requiring the end user to be within | | | | cameras require a lens, and thus the only real |
| range of the transmitter (usually within 100 yards) | | | | defense against such a camera would be a lens |
| in order to receive the signal. The camera | | | | based hidden camera finder (although there are a |
| requires (at minimum) battery power. One can | | | | few models with a coating that attempts to |
| also easily find these transmitting devices with a | | | | defeat the lens finders) or an Advanced Video |
| wireless video camera detector. Additionally, one | | | | Camera Finder. Look through hidden cameras sold |
| can also use a receiver to pick up the signal and | | | | online to familiarize yourself with some of the |
| see what the camera is transmitting. | | | | more common objects that pre-built hidden |
| 2) Wired cameras: | | | | cameras come in and investigate anything that |
| Wired cameras (hidden or not) or just that-they | | | | looks suspicious. |
| require a wire to send the video down, as well as | | | | Do keep in mind the following points: |
| power (either battery or AC). At the other end | | | | * All cameras require power (either battery or via |
| of the wire is either a screen to view the video | | | | an AC cord). |
| or a recording device. These require installation of | | | | * Those running on battery power will occasionally |
| the wiring and are generally thought of as a more | | | | require new batteries or recharging. |
| permanent fixture, although one could use them | | | | * All cameras require a means to transmit (real |
| for a temporary operation. These are more easily | | | | time) or store video for viewing. |