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Covert security cameras are miniaturized cameras designed to provide surveillance while being hidden or disguised as another object. This type of camera is commonly referred to as a spy camera or spy cam because it resembles similar devices seen in action movies and spy fiction. It is also colloquially referred to as a nanny cam because families use them to monitor their nannies’ actions when they are not home.
Once rare and expensive, spy cameras have become accessible and easy to use, and they are now popular additions to your home security setup. A set of spy cameras can help you protect your home and are excellent additions to any home security system.
Home Surveillance
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Spy cams are intended mainly for interior surveillance. Their small size makes them easy to hide or disguise as part of other objects. Many models exist, taking the shape of fully functional everyday household items, such as wall chargers, key fobs, lamps, alarm clocks, or even smartphone charging docks.
Most spy cams on the market record video at high definition, such as 720p or 1080p, creating a clear and detailed image. The video feed may be streamed wirelessly via Wi-Fi to a smart device, sent to a remote network, or recorded to a local storage device, such as a micro SD card.
Many spy camera models possess additional features, such as motion detectors or night vision, making them effective even during the night or when the homeowners are absent.
Monitoring Entry Points
With strategically placed spy cams at the front door and any other access points in your house, such as back doors, garage doors, or windows, you can monitor every possible entry point in your household.
Entry point monitoring using hidden cameras lets you watch for potential troublemakers and ill-intentioned strangers without them knowing they’re under surveillance. They can also replace or complement existing surveillance systems, such as doorbell video cameras.
Learn how to hide a spy camera to ensure potential intruders do not spot them ahead of time. Many burglars and home invaders study their targets before attempting entry, and home security systems are among the first things they’ll look for.
Protecting Your Family and Home
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Spy cameras allow you to keep an eye on your children and other vulnerable family members, such as elderly parents or babies. Many parents use spy cameras with traditional baby monitors, allowing them to use both devices’ video and audio feeds to see and hear how their baby is doing.
If you have contractors or other tradespeople in your home, a spy cam can help ensure your family members and possessions are protected.
Use a Doorbell Video Camera to See Anyone Who Approaches Your House
Monitoring Nannies and Caregivers
If you work a full-time job, you may need support in caring for your children or elderly family members. Hiring a nanny or in-home caregivers to take care of them is the solution chosen by many households. However, no matter how skilled or professional they may be, they may still be strangers to you.
Using spy cameras to check in on your family, including pets, also allows you to see whether the nanny or the caregiver is doing their job correctly and safely. If an issue ever arises, you can review footage to get to the bottom of the matter.
Business Security
All the advantages afforded by spy cameras at home also apply to your business. Installing spy cameras in front of your business’s access points enables you to monitor your property and investments.
Should anything happen to your business, spy cameras record video evidence law enforcement can use. Specific systems equipped with motion sensors may also sound alarms, send push notifications to your phone, or even alert a local security company if they detect movement outside of a predefined timetable (e.g., outside of open hours).
Be sure to know your local and state laws before using spy cameras for business security. Many states impose restrictions on their use, such as clear signage or written consent from your employees.
The Take-Home Message
Spy cameras are a worthwhile investment for home protection. Although they do not replace a complete home security system, a set of spy cams allows you to stay informed of what’s happening at home, improving safety and giving you peace of mind.
FAQs
What’s the difference between a home security system and a spy camera?
Home security systems do not include cameras. Depending on your current home security setup, a spy camera may serve as the primary surveillance system or complete existing security cameras.
Are spy cameras undetectable?
No technology is 100 percent foolproof. There are hidden camera detecting devices which scan for camera lenses or the radio frequency (RF) signals transmitted by Wi-Fi objects.
Are spy cameras legal?
In the United States, it is legal to use hidden cameras for home or workplace surveillance. However, you should make sure to comply with all your local laws.