Use Hidden Cameras – Properly

It is not uncommon for someone to buy a hidden camera, set it up and then be unhappy with the results. All of that could have been avoided if the buyer took just a little bit of time and learned how to use it properly. You have to know what it can do, and what it cannot do, in order to get good results.

Before you buy a hidden camera you have to decide if you want to watch the video in real-time or at a later time. By answering this question you will first make sure you choose the right hidden camera for you. If you want to watch the video real-time you must get either a wired or wireless camera that sends the video signal to your monitor or TV. If you plan to watch it later you should consider using a hidden camera that records right onto an internal SD card. This permits you to take the SD card from the camera and plug it into your computer for viewing. The SD cards are great because they hold a ton of video and are so small.

Another advantage about deciding on a hidden camera that uses an SD card is that because they are so tiny they can be placed inside the smallest most innocent looking objects. This type of unit is so, so easy to start using. Make sure the internal battery is charged, pick the area you want to record, place the camera and turn it on. It is really THAT simple! This type of hidden camera is now available in models that will record good quality video in NO LIGHT conditions! Amazing.

A wired or wireless hidden camera requires different steps to set up. They usually require an external power supply. You either have to plug them into an electrical outlet or have a battery pack attached to it. If it is wired you will have a video “out” cable and a power cable or battery pack. That is a lot of wiring to try and hide. It can be done but takes a lot more work. If you have to plug it in try to place it as close to an outlet as possible so that you do not have to use an extension cord. That would look pretty obvious if you have an extension cord running across the room into a book that has a hidden camera inside!

Some cameras require you to turn them on when you want to use them. They may be motion detected and work by remote. All you may need to do is turn on the camera and walk away. The camera will then sit and wait for any motions to turn the camera on and begin recording. There is usually a switch on the camera to start the recordings manually also. While some hidden cameras record upon motion, some begin recording right away.

You also need to determine how you want to see the output. The wireless cameras will have a receiver. You may need to run cables from the receiver to the monitors if you want to watch the video as it is being recorded. For wired cameras you may have the monitors in one room while the cameras are in another room. All you have to do is plug in the television and VCR and run them through the walls to the camera. You will plug the cables into the corresponding connections on the camera.

When you spend the money to buy a hidden camera know what you are buying. Don’t be one of those that buys it, doesn’t learn how to set it up properly, is not happy with the results, and then stashes it away never to use it again. That could be a nightmare if you happen to be a burglary victim and your hidden camera was sitting in the closet not being used.

You will be glad you learned how to set it up correctly when you have hard proof on video.

Learn more about today’s hidden cameras. Visit Jim Wilkinson’s website at www.YourGreatestProtection.com. Protect yourself with an All-In-One hidden camera that is right for you.