Hidden spy cams come in all shapes and sizes. From air vent spy cameras to spy cameras disguised as household objects, some are more undetectable than others.
In some situations, like in unfamiliar hotel rooms or in private spaces, like bathrooms, the feeling of being watched can be hard to ignore.
Read on to discover the different types of hidden cameras there are, including why they are favored, and which are among the least detectable.
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8 Different Types of Hidden Cameras
Hidden spy cameras are discreet by design. Here’s 8 of the most popular undetectable types of hidden cameras, including spy cameras that connect to phones.
Custom-made
The most convincing spy cameras are likely custom-made. Currently, the smallest camera in the world, manufactured by Austrian company AMS, is smaller than a pinhead.
A custom-built spy camera has the advantage of realism, since it can be produced using an actual object, but will likely be costly to produce if DIY isn’t an option.
In theory, the options for disguise are endless, so long as there’s someone willing to manufacture it.
Mini Camera
Mini cameras aren’t quite as subtle as a true ‘spy camera’, since depending on placement, they’re more likely to be detected than hidden ones.
But they can certainly be described as the more moral option for those looking for useful concealable surveillance, whether that’s to monitor the outside of their home, inside their car, or elsewhere.
Sir Gawain’s mini spy camera is one such choice. Though it can’t be described as a spy camera that connects to your phone, it is an easily concealable solution that lasts for up to 60 minutes a charge.
Small enough to fit between thumb and forefinger, it features night vision, as well as motion detection and continuous recording when it’s charging.
AlfredCamera – Powerful Security Made Mini
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USB drive
We like to think of this as the modern classic of hidden cameras. Spy cameras disguised as USB drives are common and affordable, and will be the hidden camera type you’re most likely to come across online.
They’re cheap and simple to manufacture, which helps keep the costs down. They have a constant source of power through USB ports.
Pen
If a USB drive is the modern classic, a spy camera pen is no doubt its precursor. A staple of spy movies, nowadays they’re an easy find on Amazon.
With this type of hidden spy camera, expect to come across more ‘gimmicky’ options designed as toys.
Charger
Much like USB drives, chargers make for an excellent way to power a hidden camera without sacrificing its disguise, hence their increasing popularity.
Given their natural purpose, these really blend in with surroundings.
Clock
Clocks can be hit and miss in terms of how well they conceal a hidden camera, but as far as finding the perfect hidden camera for the house, this is probably it.
Opting for a spy camera in a clock, a black digital clock face is the only one that’ll convey realism, or else the camera lens will stick out like a sore thumb.
Photo frame
Another subtle option for having a hidden camera for house and office spaces, photo frames can conceal small camera lenses inside the frame itself or behind the glass.
The former is more feasible, since having a phony photo in the frame is a dead giveaway.
Though presumably digital frames will allow for the camera to remain operational constantly, traditional photo frames are more likely to maintain realism.
Smoke alarm/Air vent
Probably the option that draws the least attention to itself and provides the best viewing angle for security purposes, smoke alarms and air vents have long been used to hide cameras inside them for both illicit and non illicit purposes.
If you’ve ever watched a thriller, you’ll probably be familiar with the classic bugging of the hotel room smoke alarm.
Objects mounted high up or on the ceiling, like smoke alarms and air vents, are strong vantage points for general surveillance in the home and in business places alike.
They also more easily provide the option for the camera to be constantly powered through hardwiring.
5 Types of Easily-Detected Hidden Cameras
Some of the options for hidden spy cameras are more obvious than others. Here’s 5 types of hidden cameras that are super easy to detect.
Plushies
Cutting open a teddy bear and stuffing a camera inside it is a pretty foolish means of hiding a camera.
Holding or sitting on it will quickly reveal the presence of something unusual inside it, and may even wind up destroying the camera.
Keeping the camera powered likely means that the back of it will have to be fastened with velcro as opposed to stitching, which is also pretty suspicious.
Plants
Plants are, for the most part, green, meaning a camera among or beneath the leaves is pretty visible.
It goes without saying that if the plant in question is real, it needs water to survive. Good luck to anyone trying to water the plant without drowning the camera tucked into its foliage!
Mirrors
At least in the movies, mirrors seem to be a beloved hiding place for cameras. But these can actually be detected fairly simply.
In low or diminished light, the lens may appear reflected in the mirror, particularly if a light is then shone at the mirror from a particular angle.
Again, powering the camera usually requires odd or unnatural placement, making the camera itself all the more detectable to the naked eye.
Need a refresher on how you can easily detect hidden cameras? We’ve got you covered.
Cluster of objects
Hiding a mini camera among a random cluster of objects isn’t a bad idea per se, especially if seeking subtle surveillance of communal areas without sacrificing the aesthetics of a room to the presence of a camera.
But it’s an easy thing to do poorly if not particular about the objects and how they are arranged. For the most part, it can appear unnatural and draw attention to itself.
Near windows or light sources
Sometimes, it doesn’t matter how well a camera is concealed or what kind of object it is in—specific angles of light can instantly reveal it.
Lenses placed in certain positions near strong light sources will reflect it, creating a glint that will quickly draw the eye.
Feeling uneasy in an unfamiliar place? Learn how to successfully locate hidden cameras using a hidden camera detector for your phone.
Where to Hide Cameras and Where to Avoid
AlfredCamera takes a hardline against misusing concealed surveillance for inappropriate purposes. Hiding cameras in hotels, hostels, and rentals without obtaining consent of the parties being filmed is illegal.
Consent must be obtained before recording others for surveillance. If you suspect you’re being watched secretly, it’s important to notify the authorities.
In the home, no laws specifically prohibit concealed surveillance, but there is a right to privacy where there is a reasonable expectation of it.
Bathrooms, bedrooms, and other private spaces are therefore off-limits.
Conversely, an open-plan office or the porch of your home are public spaces, and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. As a rule of thumb, stick to public or communal spaces when it comes to subtle or covert surveillance.
FAQ
What is the smallest spy camera available?
One report suggests that a camera created by AMS is currently the world’s smallest camera. It is smaller than a pinhead and weighs less than 1 gram, and will be used in surgery and VR headsets.
How do you tell if a screw has a hidden camera?
Screws concealing hidden cameras will have a noticeably large Philips, Torx, hexagonal, or square-shaped screw head. Real screw heads have a very minimal gap for the screwdriver to slot in, whereas false ones would have a complete hole in them for the camera lens to point out of. Shining a light at various angles at the head will reveal reflections from the lens.
Do hidden cameras need wifi?
Hidden cameras don’t necessarily require Wi-Fi, but this will depend on the brand and model. Regular microSD cards are small enough to fit into cameras of a small stature.
Does a hidden camera flash?
Hidden cameras are highly unlikely to have a flash, since this is an overt giveaway of their location.
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5 Best Hidden Camera Detectors & Apps to Safeguard your Privacy
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