Many people aren’t familiar with spy cameras and hidden cameras, which is why our product experts have put together a list of commonly asked questions and answers. Hopefully this will help you familiarize yourself with this technology to help make an informed decision about which nanny cam is best for your particular needs. If you have additional questions not answered here, our sales and support team is available by phone, live chat, and email to help answer any questions you may have.
Do spy cameras need WiFi?
Not all spy cameras need WiFi, but without wireless connectivity, you'll miss out on a lot of features, such as remote viewing on your smartphone and motion detection alerts, which are two of the most common reasons people get a WiFi spy camera. If you don't need those features, and just want to be able to record video, a non-WiFi spy camera can capture high quality video for later viewing on your computer.
Which type of spy camera is better - a battery powered or AC powered one?
Both AC powered and battery powered hidden cameras have pros and cons, and some are better suited for certain situations than the other. In general, battery powered hidden cameras are good for short term surveillance needs, or in those situations where AC power is not available. This might be for example in a car or other vehicle, outdoors, or just in a place in your living room or office that doesn’t have an outlet nearby. AC powered spy cameras on the other hand are good for long-term surveillance situations, such as home security, where you want the camera running 24/7, and don’t want to be charging batteries every day.
What video resolution is best for a hidden camera?
Long gone are the days of standard definition or high resolution spy cameras. Today most cameras record in 720P or 1080P. We even have some new nanny cameras that feature 4K streaming and recording. In addition to different video resolutions, different cameras have different qualities as well - ie. not all 1080P HD cameras are created equal. We only carry high quality cameras, no cheap knock offs here - so you can rest assured our hidden cameras will give you the best quality no matter the resolution.
Spy cameras with audio - can I use one?
Different states have different rules on whether or not you can use a hidden camera with audio. In some states, only one person being recorded needs to be aware of the camera, while in other states all parties must be aware they are being recorded. Before using any spy camera with audio, be sure you’re using them in a proper and legal manner for your particular jurisdiction. Most hidden cameras that we carry with audio recording can have the audio disabled as well if you determine audio recording is not permitted in your area.
SD Card/Micro SD Card
An SD card or a micro SD card are two types of memory cards that are used with many of our products. An SD card is the larger sized memory card, about the size of a postage stamp, while a micro SD card is about the size of your fingernail. Today, most products use the smaller micro SD card. This is where you store videos for hidden cameras and nanny cams.
USB Card Reader
A USB card reader is a device that reads a micro SD or standard size SD card. It plugs into your computer’s USB port, in case your computer doesn’t have a built in card reader slot on it.
IR Night Vision
Infrared (“IR”) night vision is a special type of sensor that allows your hidden spy camera to “see in the dark”. These sensors emit invisible red light which helps the camera see what’s going on, even in total darkness.
Self Recording/Non-WiFi
A self recording or “non-WiFi” hidden camera is a standalone device that doesn’t need an internet connection or any other connected device. It simply records to either internal memory or a memory card. It does not live stream, which makes it much more portable than a WiFi hidden camera which needs a nearby WiFi network to operate.
Nanny Cam - One of the most common reasons people buy a spy camera is to monitor their kids or their nanny in their home. Having a nanny camera for home is an easy way to keep an eye on your babysitter and ensure your children are being properly cared for. Be sure to only place hidden cameras in common areas like a living room or family room, and not where someone would have an expectation like a bathroom or changing room.
Office Security Camera - Most businesses have traditional security cameras set up to monitor common areas and employee areas. These cameras are great for general security, however because they are so visible, it means people (both employees and customers) know where they are at. By installing a hidden camera that is not as obvious or visible, you can have a security camera that can catch people where they aren’t expecting.
Watch Your Pets - Hidden cameras and spy cameras aren’t just for security - that can also be used to keep an eye on your furry four-legged family members. Using a hidden camera for a pet camera lets you see what your dogs, cats, or even a turtle or rabbit!
Monitor Your Children at Home - Maybe your kids are too old for a babysitter, but you still want to know what they’re up to when they’re at home and you’re at work or away from home. With a USB wall charger camera or other similar device you can live stream video and watch what your kids are up to right on your smartphone, no matter if you’re across the street or across the globe.
Garage Security - Chances are your garage houses some of the most expensive stuff in your home. Whether it’s your car or your tools, or just your fridge with your favorite beers, you can easily monitor your garage with one of our hidden cameras, and find out what’s going on when you’re not there. You can even set up motion alerts to get notified instantly if someone enters your garage while you’re away or on vacation.
Warehouse Security - Warehouses need to be some of the most secure places in a business due to the amount of products, inventory, and goods stored in them. Many warehouses have regular security cameras, but supplementing your existing security camera system with a few hidden cameras can help catch employee theft and reduce shrinkage.
Investigate Suspected Infidelity - Worried about a cheating spouse? Our hidden camera devices are ideal to catch a cheater, or to simply give you the peace of mind that you deserve. With so many different designs and form factors of hidden cameras, you’ll almost certainly find one that blends into the area you wish to monitor, such as a living room or kitchen.
