In recent years, hidden cameras have become increasingly popular among the public because of their increasingly affordable prices. There are several types of hidden cameras, sometimes called nanny cams because they function to monitor babysitters. The camera also has many uses, including catching a thief or uncovering a cheating spouse. One of the reasons for the increasing popularity of this camera is that it can be installed in just a few simple steps.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Choosing the Perfect Place
Step 1. Place the camera so that it is directly facing the area you want to monitor
The most important thing in installing a camera is finding a place to put it. The first thing to do is find the location of the person and/or behavior you want to monitor. Make sure the camera is in a place that can directly face the related area without being obstructed by anything.
- For example, if you want to keep an eye on burglars entering your home, install cameras near doors and windows.
- If you think your partner is having an affair, place the camera facing your bed or the passenger seat of the vehicle.
- If you have any doubts about how the nanny is caring for your child, turn the camera to the child's bed.
- If you want to feed a cat that stops by your house, set up a camera to make sure no other unwanted animals are eating off the cat's dinner plate. If you live in an area frequented by people and your camera is easily visible, it's best to hide it to prevent burglars. In this case, keep the camera out of sight and facing the food.
Step 2. Consider the sound quality
If you also want a clear recording sound, we recommend positioning the camera in a conductive place with the audio recorder. Make sure the location is as close as possible to where the person speaking will be. The camera should not be near a noisy object, such as a television or radio so that it does not interfere with the recording sound and can be heard clearly.
- For example, if you install the camera in a television room, place it on the opposite side.
- Install the camera near the sofa or chair where the target usually sits.
- When installing the camera in a car, keep it as far away from the car speakers as possible.
Step 3. Mount the camera near its external power source, if needed
While most modern cameras are battery powered, some still operate on an external power source and need to be plugged into a wall outlet. In this case, it is recommended that the camera be installed as close to the wall outlet as possible. Wires and plugs need to be hidden or disguised as common household appliance cables.
Step 4. Connect the camera to the network, if possible
Some hidden cameras have internal memory, while others broadcast video over some kind of network, and some are capable of both.
- If the camera is connected to the network via ethernet or a USB cable, you will need to disguise it and mount it in a hidden place. Mount the camera near the computer or router it is connected to.
- Most commercial nanny cam models connect wirelessly. If this is your type of camera, make sure it is within safe range of your wireless network.
Step 5. Check if the camera location attracts attention naturally
Sometimes the layout of certain rooms is easy to attract views. Avoid areas where the target is likely to see in person.
- Mount your camera well above or below average eye level.
- Ask someone to look for the camera you installed in a particular room. If he couldn't find it even though he already knew there was a camera installed there, it was unlikely that the target would notice. On the other hand, if the camera is too easy to find, change the installation location.
- Some examples of ideal places to hide cameras are air vents, inside false smoke alarms, or under furniture.
- Some examples of bad places to hide cameras because they often attract attention are near paintings, light switches, and televisions.
Step 6. Protect the camera from various elements
Make sure the camera installed outdoors is weather-resistant and in a location that is likely to be safe from damage. Ideally, buy a camera designed specifically for the outdoors. Otherwise, the camera should be in a sunroom or curtained patio.
Part 2 of 4: Installing a Hidden Camera
Step 1. Check the lighting
Many hidden cameras require bright light to produce the best footage. At the same time, the camera cannot record clearly if the light shines directly on the lens. Position the camera away from a large light source. Make sure the room is well lit when the thing you want to record is likely to come up.
Step 2. Make sure the camera is well shrouded
The hidden camera is useless if the target is aware of it. There are two main strategies for ensuring camera confidentiality:
- Make the camera small and hard to see. In other words, a camera with a small lens is installed in a hidden location. This is what most people think when hiding the camera. In fact, this way of hiding is easier to spot because there should be no barrier between the camera and the target. If the lens can see the target, the target can see back.
- Disguise the camera as an everyday object. Tissue boxes, coffee makers, alarm clocks, photo frames, and even automatic air fresheners can blend the camera into the home environment well. People tend to find it harder to notice a lens shaped like a button than a separate camera that's simply hidden away.
Step 3. Follow the installation instructions given for commercial cameras
Commercial cameras come in hundreds of varieties and each has its own set of mounts.
- If you're buying a used camera, try looking up the model number online. Hidden camera user manuals can usually be downloaded for free online.
- Don't forget to install the necessary software. Most hidden cameras rely on external programs to operate. These programs can be built-in to the camera, or third-party ones that need to be downloaded. Some programs are installed on your phone so you can watch them on the go.
Step 4. Test the camera
You should check the function of the camera, especially if it is motion or sound activated. It's a good idea to make sure the camera is active after being stimulated. The method varies depending on the camera and the accompanying software.
- Start by waving your hand in front of the camera to check the camera footage. Check the camera's internal storage to see if this movement is being recorded.
- Try imagining real-life scenarios, such as walking in a room, to see if the camera records the action with adequate image quality.
- Test again in a few hours and again a few days later to make sure it still works.
Step 5. Maintain hidden camera
While setup is easy, hidden cameras need to be maintained from time to time to ensure they work optimally.
- If the camera runs out of battery, replace it with a new or rechargeable battery. Read the user manual to find out how. If not listed, note the length of time the battery charges.
- Clean the camera memory regularly. For cameras with limited internal storage media, we recommend reviewing and deleting the recordings. If the camera is connected to a server with a large storage capacity, this step may not even be necessary.
- Like all electronic devices, cameras can be damaged or degraded without your knowledge. Check the camera periodically to make sure it's still working.
Part 3 of 4: Understanding Hidden Cameras
Step 1. Check the legality of hidden cameras
Often times, hidden cameras are illegal. However, regulations may vary by state, or even state. Check the relevant laws before installing hidden cameras.
- As a rule, hidden cameras are legal to install as long as they are within your property and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. For example, the camera should not be installed in a room that provides privacy for the wearer, such as a bathroom, or in a room that is rented out.
- The laws for wiretapping audio are usually different and more stringent than those for video. Indonesia does not yet have a clear regulation regarding audio recording without the knowledge of other parties. However, you need to determine whether voice recording includes wiretapping/interception. The Law on Information and Electronic Transactions states that anyone is prohibited from wiretapping information transmitted through telecommunications networks in any form.
- Hidden cameras in the workplace are only legal if employees have been notified that all their activity in the room is being recorded.
- In the United Kingdom, there are special permits that allow the installation of cameras outside the property if elderly abuse is suspected.
Step 2. Choose a camera that meets your needs
While all hidden cameras have the same function (covering in secret), identifying your needs will help you determine the best camera to use.
- Do you need to recognize the identity of the person being recorded? If the camera is installed to identify thieves, we recommend choosing a camera that records video or still images with a relatively high resolution.
- Would you like to catch a known person performing a certain action? If so, you should look for a camera that records movement well. Buy a camera with a high frame rate (fps). Don't choose one that only takes a series of photos. Camera resolution doesn't have to be high.
- What lighting conditions are needed to monitor? If you plan to record the thief at night, we recommend buying an infrared camera.
Step 3. Buy the right hidden camera model
There are hundreds of varieties of hidden cameras on the market. Prices also vary, from cheap to exorbitant, expert-made high-tech and capable of recording high-resolution or infrared video, to cheap, low-resolution cameras sold in electronics stores.
Part 4 of 4: Making Your Own Hidden Camera
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
You'll need a used webcam, a set of electronics, hot glue gun, and a case to cover the camera. This case should be able to be disassembled safely, and looks natural if attached with cables. Some examples include a used power supply, coffee maker, or alarm clock.
- You will also need a computer or laptop as the camera will be connected to it. You can even use a tablet if you have a compatible USB cable.
- The price of a nanny cam is quite cheap, so making your own camera is sometimes not the most practical step. However, if the materials and tools are available, you can create a hidden camera for free.
Step 2. Disassemble the webcam
Use your electronic device to remove the webcam case very carefully. Remove all components other than the camera lens, circuit board, and USB cable.
Try not to disconnect the lens or USB cable from the circuit board. Make sure all these components stay connected
Step 3. Empty the case to be used, unless it is already empty inside
You need to make room for the camera to fit inside. Open the case using a suitable tool and remove part or all of the contents.
Step 4. Make sure the case has holes for the lens and USB cable
Some items already have two holes like this, for example an electric pencil sharpener. Otherwise, you will need to drill holes in the case with the appropriate eye. Make sure the cable hole is at the meeting part of the casing opening.
When drilling a new hole, you need to consider a location where the camera is not visible. Choose a part of the object that is dark enough so that the lens will be hidden better
Step 5. Install the webcam in the case
Mount the camera and circuit board inside the case using hot glue. Glue the circuit board to the base or side of the case, applying glue between the case and the soldering side of the circuit board. Mount the camera so that the lens fits into one hole. Do not let any glue get on the lens.
Step 6. Reassemble the hidden camera case
Attach the USB cable to the opening before closing the case again. Use glue gun if needed. As much as possible make it look exactly the same as before and cover up the existing disassembly marks. Try covering the cable with a stack of books or other items.
Step 7. Connect the camera with the computer
Connect the new hidden camera to the computer using a USB cable and the computer's USB port. If the cable is too short, attach it to a USB extender. install the spy webcam program of your choice and check if the camera is working.
