Things to Consider if Purchasing a Hidden Camera

In the past 5 years there is has been a twenty-five % increase in the sales of hidden cameras (A.K.A. nanny cams, spy cameras, surveillance cameras), primarily because of reports in the media of caregiver abuse. If you are considering using a hidden camera to ensure your caregiver is not abusing your child / children or elderly parent or to secure your home while you are away, there are various things you should consider.

There are many types of hidden cameras in a variety of styles ranging from about $100 up to several hundred dollars that are very easy to hide and use. Hidden cameras are available in almost every type of device typically used in a home or office which includes an alarm clock, air freshener, boom box, car key, deck clock, desk lamp, exit sign, motion detector, smoke detector, electrical outlet, pen, spot light, stuffed animal, hand watch, cell phone, wall clock, etc.

Not too long ago, if you purchased a hidden camera, you had to send the signal via wire or wirelessly to a recording device such as a VCR. Today, many hidden cameras include an internal DVR (Digital Video Recorder) with a SD card. This makes them very easy to use. To view the recorded video, you just remove the SD card and place it in your computer to view. To reduce record time on the SD card, you should purchase a hidden camera that includes a motion detector what will only record when the camera detects movement.

Many people will use hidden cameras to watch their caregivers without notifying the caregiver. This can lead to many problems because the caregiver may take offense to not being trusted. It’s a good idea to let the caregiver know upfront that your home has hidden cameras and that they will be recorded. Explain to the caregiver it’s nothing against them, but the camera is used to record events should problems arise, like the home being burglarized.

One nice feature about some hidden cameras is that they can be viewed online via a PC or even a smart phone. So while you are away, you can view what’s going on in your home. If you are away and your burglar alarm company calls you because the alarm went off, you can pull out your smart phone to view what’s going on in your home.

It is legal to use hidden cameras in all 50 states, however, it is not legal to record some one’s speech without their consent in 15 states which includes, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Want a Hidden Camera?

Hidden cameras are a great way to keep your eye on people doing things they shouldn’t be doing. Want to keep an eye on your caretaker for your elderly parents or your baby sitter  for that precious new baby while you are away, then consider buying a hidden camera.

Hidden camera are very easy to use.  It takes minutes to setup.  They come in color or black and white or wired or wireless.  Stunster.com sells a wide variety of hidden cameras.

Hidden cameras work with a small board camera built into an everyday items such as a radio, mirror, toy, phone, etc.. The camera can be wired or wireless connected to a DVR or VCR using a cable to record the video.