subject: Hidden Cameras Are Great When Used Correctly [print this page] Many people purchase hidden cameras and they never install them properly because they really didn't learn how to use them properly in the first place. If you are thinking of purchasing cameras then you need to know how to use them. Here are a few things to follow.
Before you buy a hidden camera you have to decide if you want to watch the video in real-time or at a later time. By answering this question you will first make sure you choose the right hidden camera for you. If you want to watch the video real-time you must get either a wired or wireless camera that sends the video signal to your monitor or TV. If you plan to watch it later you should consider using a hidden camera that records right onto an internal SD card. This permits you to take the SD card from the camera and plug it into your computer for viewing. The SD cards are great because they hold a ton of video and are so small.
Of course the biggest thing you have to consider is if you can use the hidden camera and not have it be noticed. The new models that record onto SD cards are very small, very discreet and can be put inside a small everyday item. The way to set this style of hidden camera up is to first make sure the internal battery is sufficiently charged, pick out where you want to place it to record the suspicious activity, and turn it on. Nothing else to do except take the SD card out of the camera when you want to see the activity. These types of cameras can now record when there is complete darkness. The video quality is exceptional.
A wired or wireless hidden camera requires different steps to set up. They usually require an external power supply. You either have to plug them into an electrical outlet or have a battery pack attached to it. If it is wired you will have a video "out" cable and a power cable or battery pack. That is a lot of wiring to try and hide. It can be done but takes a lot more work. If you have to plug it in try to place it as close to an outlet as possible so that you do not have to use an extension cord. That would look pretty obvious if you have an extension cord running across the room into a book that has a hidden camera inside!
Some cameras require you to turn them on when you want to use them. They may be motion detected and work by remote. All you may need to do is turn on the camera and walk away. The camera will then sit and wait for any motions to turn the camera on and begin recording. There is usually a switch on the camera to start the recordings manually also. While some hidden cameras record upon motion, some begin recording right away.
You also need to determine how you want to see the output. The wireless cameras will have a receiver. You may need to run cables from the receiver to the monitors if you want to watch the video as it is being recorded. For wired cameras you may have the monitors in one room while the cameras are in another room. All you have to do is plug in the television and VCR and run them through the walls to the camera. You will plug the cables into the corresponding connections on the camera.
When you spend the money to buy a hidden camera know what you are buying. Don't be one of those that buys it, doesn't learn how to set it up properly, is not happy with the results, and then stashes it away never to use it again. That could be a nightmare if you happen to be a burglary victim and your hidden camera was sitting in the closet not being used.
You will be glad you learned how to set it up correctly when you have hard proof on video.
