How do you find a hidden camera?

Finding a hidden camera is not an easy task. After all, it’s meant to stay hidden. This may be necessary in a rental property, a hotel, or an office — anywhere you suspect unauthorised surveillance. 

Being aware of what hidden cameras look like and the basic methods of detecting them will teach you how to stay relaxed in any environment.

Overview of the main methods of detection

If the hidden micro-camera was not installed by professionals from security or law enforcement agencies, there is still a good chance of detecting it. To do this, you need to:

1. The first thing to do is to conduct a visual inspection. You need to look at the whole space of the room, walls, ceiling, corners, furniture, and then abstract from these parts of the room.
2. Shine the torch. By shining a flashlight into a dark corner or a dimly lit part of the interior, you can detect recording equipment by the reflection from the camera lens.
3. Check for suspicious items. Inspect every suspicious location, looking for unusual objects or features where a hidden camera could potentially be located. Particular attention should be paid to the presence of holes.

You can then use specialised technical detection devices:

• An RF signal detector — is a device that identifies radio frequency signals that are emitted by cameras.
• A thermal imager — is used to detect the heat signatures of video cameras.
• A smartphone with a special app — the software can analyse radio frequency or network signals to detect a hidden camera.

Types of hidden cameras

To make it easier to detect, it’s important to know what hidden IP CCTV cameras look like. There are two main types:

• Miniature cameras. Ultra-small lens devices that offer significant advantages in terms of size and ease of installation. However, they have drawbacks such as limited resolution and a narrow viewing angle.
• Disguised cameras. These are small devices in the form of clocks, pens, smoke or motion detectors, or other interior items. Due to heavy camouflage, it is very difficult to find them, but typically they have a limited field of view and resolution.

In addition, hidden cameras can be wireless or wired. The former can be disabled by jamming the signal, while the latter can be disabled by cutting the cable.

Technical specifications

Due to their small size, hidden video cameras were not previously known for having extremely high performance. However, modern video devices can offer excellent specifications. Typically, their performance falls within the following range:

• The resolution — is from SD or 640×480 to 4K, which directly affects the clarity of the picture.
• The viewing angle — can be wide (90-120 degrees) or narrow (up to 60 degrees), being the entire working area of the device.
• The sound recording — the presence or absence of a microphone as a spy listening device.
• Remote access — remote control and the ability to view live video. But requires Wi-Fi or cable internet.
• The power supply — is wired or from a portable battery.
• Night shooting — equipped with infrared illumination, enabling monitoring in the dark.

How does one choose a hidden camera?

In order to be able to find hidden cameras, you also need to understand how they are chosen. Among the key selection factors are the following:

• Purpose of use. In residential spaces, hidden cameras are used for maintaining order and security while the owner is away. In commercial settings, they help monitor employees and ensure customer safety.
• Installation conditions. Available in indoor — high-resolution and outdoor — all-weather resistant.
• The need for additional options. Sound recording, night vision, etc.
• Duration of operation. Wired cameras for permanent monitoring and wireless cameras with self-contained battery for temporary monitoring.

Remember when choosing a hidden mini-camera to pay attention to all technical parameters, which we described above.

Where can you install hidden cameras?

It is important to remember that installing hidden cameras in Kazakhstan must comply with legal and ethical standards. In our country, recording video without prior notice is strictly prohibited and illegal. Therefore, everyone planning to install such a device should respect individual privacy and ethical guidelines. In the event of legal dispute, the court will always side with the person who was recorded without their consent.

However, hidden cameras can also serve as a stylish security element in an office or a discreet interior feature for home protection, doubling as a video surveillance system.