It’s not unusual to get nervous once you have strangers residing at your place. They can be your distant relative, your spouse’s distant cousin, or someone taking a rent. Given the contemporary scenario, it’s not justified to trust a stranger with your privacy or material property.
You may consider it to be a violation of trust. But let us tell you that good old days of trusting people have gone. Now security should be your primary concern. You cannot afford to lose your privacy or security to an intruder.
And with the varied range of hidden cameras, you don’t have to!
Importance of well-disguised/hidden cameras
But why must it be hidden, can’t I just buy a regular wireless camera to monitor my nanny/babysitter/housekeeper?
-Every concerned parent
Well, you can sure, but the person you are trying to monitor will be made aware of your efforts, which may change their behavior.
For example, if someone knows where the cameras are, they may intentionally avoid them, or know area where they are able to act differently without being recorded.
Non-concealed cameras might also be a little unnerving as well. Now, we’re not saying you should always record without consent, but if you told your hire something like “hey, by the way, I may use video surveillance from time to time for security purposes” that could suffice, and since they can’t see the cameras, they may be more at ease with their daily work.
Another more popular reason for installing hidden cameras in your house is to catch burglars.
Home invasion is getting more and more sophisticated as more people are adding outdoor security cameras, both to their front doors, like Nest, as well as indoor cameras.
The problem is, if the camera is visible to the intruder, there is a high liklihood they will destroy or disable it, meaning you lose your recording ability.
With hidden cameras on the other hand, the intruder would have no idea they were being recorded and you may get a much more accurate picture/video of them to give to the police afterwards.
The moral of the story is having hidden camera installed in your home, your sanctuary, allows you to stay secured. How? Take a look at the following passages.
- You can spy on what the stranger is doing. Is he trying to make any harm to you? Is he stealing anything? Needless to say that you should keep your valuable items safely in a locker but even then the fraud people can steal something or other from your room. Learn all these insights through the hidden camera.
- A hidden camera can be activated by a remote controller. So the stranger cannot suspect you spying on him or her.
- A nanny cam can be easily installed on the common household items to record and monitor the activities of the strangers (for instance, residential caregivers).
- Not only stealing valuable items, but nannies or other strangers are also often caught during performing some inauthentic work. For instance, a nanny was recorded in the hidden cam while violently shaking a baby. Also, sometimes a stranger (a distant relative, or local neighbour) is caught redhanded in the camera while sexually molesting a child.
- A camera recording stands as a proof to the illegal work. So you can easily lodge a complaint against the stranger or even win a case at the court by producing such a video footage or image.
Key Features of Concealable Monitoring Cameras
Camera Quality & Image Resolution
These little cameras are a bomb in a shell. With the advancement of technology, the cameras are being equipped with higher picture quality and resolution. So you can easily catch the stranger at action red handed. And they will be easily identified.
However, we recommend you to pick a good quality camera by increasing the budget a bit and place a few cameras across the entire apartment or house. That way, you will get a closer view of the person and can easily produce it as a proof.
If your camera is placed in a center room, and the stranger accomplishes his or her job in a different room, chances are that the camera lens cannot catch the person’s face properly. Learn the range of the lens before purchasing a cam.
Wireless vs Wired & Maximum Battery Life
Gone are the days when your camera battery was lost within a few hours. Nowadays, several cameras are invented with higher battery life. You can charge them once, keep it in action for the next 24 to 48 hours and recharge it once again.
Also, if you can connect the camera with your mobile phone through bluetooth or network, you will get a direct notification of the low battery sign. So you can keep a track of how long the camera is working properly.
Nevertheless, you need to invest on a high quality camera for a prolonged battery life.
Wireless Transmitting / Cloud Storage vs Internal Memory
Now, there are two types of nanny cams. One of these types is equipped with wireless data transfer technology. Here you can record and store the activities directly in your cloud profile.
This is particularly useful for cams that sync with smartphones, like iPhones and Android phones. Having a mobile nanny cam app allows people to monitor their homes even when they’re at work or travelling which is a huge benefit of wireless and cloud connected solutions.
Naturally, these have a wider popularity since these can store an unlimited range of data. Another type of camera lets you store the data in the internal memory. This has a capability to store a limited range of data. And you need to transfer the recordings into your storage system from time to time.
If you find no issues in such recordings, we recommend you to watch and then delete the footage. That way you will be able to save internal memory.
Also, you better invest on a camera that is equipped with wireless data transmission or cloud storage.
Form Factor & Ease of Hiding in Plain Sight
These cameras, though named as hidden cameras, need not necessarily be hidden from the eyesight. This is the USP of such a camera.
You can easily set this camera in plain sight, for instance on any object on a table (say flower vase, decorative show piece), or on bed, or mirror.
These are not easily detectable if someone is not aware of its presence. This is a positive side of this camera since you don’t have to find a hidden corner to hide such an object. You can simply fix it wherever you want! Isn’t that convenient?!
10 of the Most Popular Hidden Nanny Cameras of 2020
Here are some popular types of secret nanny cams along with their pros and cons. Take a brief look.
LIZVIE Alarm Clock Camera
- ✅ Alarm Clock with Camera - Perfect clock design to cover the camera inside. exclusive technology makes the hidden security camera completely undetectable, that looks just like a regular table clock.
- ✅ Wi-Fi Connection: Download the App connect the camera with WiFi network, remotely viewing the live video/record video and pictures on your phone/tablet anywhere anytime.
- ✅ Motion Detection with Pushing Alert - When motion detection is enabled, push notification automatically on your phone APP if motion is detected.
Here the camera is fixed on an alarm clock, mostly on the back side. The design is very minimalist and all black, which means the camera is very well hidden. In fact, the only way you’d be able to find this is with a RF signal detector.
Pros:
- It’s easy to set up.
- It’s not easily detectable.
- You can place the clock on the table and you are good to go. It will trace the activities of the strangers.
Cons:
- It can fall down off the table. This is not ideal if you have a child or pet at home. Once the clock is broken, the camera too will be affected.
- If you invest on a alarm clock camera, you need to invest on its maintenance as well, like changing the battery regularly. That can seem to be an extra expense to some.
- It’s not portable.
TOQI USB charger / Outlet Camera for iOS/Android
This is a portable camera so you can easily carry it to any place without evoking suspense to anyone’s mind. Every living space has multiple wall outlets, so finding a place to hide this in plain site is very easy.
- 👍 Wireless hidden spy camera USB charger: It supports dual USB outlet for connecting devices to charger and includes a built-in Mini spy camera with a hidden camera lens. Monitor your home security and surveillance in real-time...
- 👍 H. 264 compressed Format & expandable memory up to 128GB: hidden cameras with a built-in micro SD card slot that expand memory up to 128gb(the SD card is not including). H. 264 compressed Format, The 128GB memory card can...
- 👍 Easy to Use: Just plug in outlet, The spy Cam will start up and starts working - it doesn’t require any settings or special set-up procedure if you don't need live view. The hidden nanny Cam supports Wi-Fi remote view,...
Additionally, it is a functioning USB charger too, so even if it is seen, it is likely to be used, and while it’s used, the person who is charging their phone will be in perfect view. This is one of the few camera options that actually draws it’s target closer for 1080p monitoring, like a bee to nectar.
Pros:
- This is not easily detectable as it’s attached to your USB port.
- It’s a portable camera and you can carry it around.
- You can use the device as a charger and a camera. Two works in one investment.
- If you have to go out of the hotel room, you can keep it plugged to see if someone storms into your room.
Cons:
- Sometimes, the sound quality can be affected.
- It has higher chance of battery drainage. So you need to change camera battery more frequently.
- The video quality may not be quite high.
Relohas Mini Wifi Cam w/ Motion Detection + Night Vision
These are the most common type of hidden camera. Here no device is attached. So you have to find out a place to hide these. These come with an inbuilt memory card that stores the recordings.
- ❤️ Remotely Monitoring 1080P HD Spy Wireless Hidden Camera Wi-Fi: This portable mini spy camera could 24/7 LIVE STREAM your footage from anywhere in the world. Built-in rechargeable 800mAh battery powered, works anywhere there...
- ❤️ Easy to Hide Mini Spy Camera for Any Places: The cam is separated from the fuselage, Just 0.79 in, 1.41oz cube with zoomable Design, Camera can extend 8.47in to hide and no one will notice it. Come with hook function and...
- ❤️ Upgraded Auto & Manual Night Vision: The BEST NIGHT VISION Spy Camera on Amazon, with invisible lamp beads, excellent night vision gives you a clear view of everything in the evening. NO light, NO sounds without an intruder...
All you need is to open the card and attach it to any USB port or pendrive or memory card reader to check out the recordings.
The Relohas also comes with cell phone app support as well so you can monitor form your iPhone to receive push notifications when motion is detected, meaning you will always know when there is activity and not waste time when there is not.
Pros:
- It has sensitive motion detection
- You can place it wherever you want.
- Wide angle recording
- Easy set up.
- More affordable
Cons:
- Since the camera is not attached to any device, you have to find out a hiding place to attach the cam. You may tap it on the steel iron cupboard or pipelines. Make sure that the attaching platform has similar color as the camera so that the strangers don’t identify the device easily.
- It may not be recognized by all the operating systems.
AMCSXH WiFi Hidden Camera Wall Clock w/ Motion Detection
Unlike alarm clock camera, here you have to set up the cam on the wall clock. This is a convenient security cam that continue its surveillance from a top position. So naturally you can get a 360 degree view of the recording.
- WIFI HIDDEN CLOCK CAMERA: It looks like a ordinary clock, but actually, it is a hidden camera, the spy wall clock can hang on the wall or stand on the table, when you are out, the wireless home security clock camera can help you...
- MOTION DETECTION: When the wall camera detects a moving object, the wall clock with camera will send an alarm and send 3 photos to your connection mobile device, it can help you to keep safety of your property and family when you...
- EASY TO SET: The spy wall clock camera is easy to set up, you can monitor via phone or computer in anywhere and any time, you could live-stream your footage from anywhere in the world, if you are the first time to use the wifi...
Clocks are ubiquitous and this makes for one of the best “hidden in plain sight” options for monitoring your personal spaces.
Pros:
- Easy set up.
- Since wall clocks are more used than alarm clock, so people won’t suspect much. And wall clocks are easily found in every home, so you can easily use it for a second purpose now.
- You can get a comprehensive wide angle view as the the recording happens from a top position.
Cons
- Since a wall clock is placed on a top position, it may affect the quality of the picture or video. So you better invest on a high quality camera that has a wide lens to capture any event in its entirety and also allows you to detect the person properly. Otherwise, if you cannot detect the person, you won’t have adequate proof to catch him or her red handed.
- Keep an eye on the camera battery. Sometimes, it’s not unusual to forget the matter of changing the cam battery since it’s generally out of sight.
- Make sure that the camera lens doesn’t get hidden behind the wall clock.
Stuffed Animal Hidden Nanny Camera
Here you can set the camera inside a soft toy. Generally the cam lens is placed in the eyes or nose of the toy.
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This is a great option because you can give the toy to your child and they will carry it with them so it can have maximum recording of target individuals.
Conversely, you can easily set it on a bed, a couch, or on a shelf to discreetly monitor your home and nobody would be none the wiser given it’s friendly, snugly appearance!
Pros:
- A furry toy can easily hide a camera.
- Child-friendly form factor
Cons:
- The furs of the toy may cloud the vision of the camera and create a hindrance in the recording.
- If you have a child at home or the stranger is coming with a child, this may not be a good idea because the children can detect or break the camera while playing with the toy.
FUVISION Picture Frame Hidden Spy Camera
Here you can place a camera on the picture frame and easily detect any unusual activity through this.
This picture frame camera is fully loaded with a 1080p resolution camera, night vision, and motion detection, so that it only records when there is action.
- WiFi Enable:This picture frame hidden camera is WiFi enabled, so you can remotely control the camera, stream real-time video or download videos and photos to your smart device, almost anywhere. With a quick setup of the YIEYE app...
- Starlight Night Vision: Built-in "No Glow" night vision LEDs inside for seeing up to 8 meters in total darkness at night time and It has a concealed 15 degree downward viewing angle hidden camera lens with daylight HD Color video...
- 100% Wire-Free Nanny Camera:Stay completely free of cords and wiring hassles with our latest Picture Frame HD Wireless Security Camera and Quickly receive a push notification alert with a link to the video attached on your...
Additonally, this model has smart phone alerts so that you can be notified on your iPhone or Android phone when something is happening.
One great feature of this frame is that the battery has an unbelievable 1-year standby time, which is a record among hidden wireless cameras and great for long-term monitoring without the hassle of replacing batteries.
Pros:
This is a great hiding place as the picture in the frame will draw attention of the viewers and they won’t notice the camera.
A picture frame can be placed on a table top and it helps you to get a close view of the activity.
Cons:
- If the subject of the picture is too famous or extremely interesting, people may want to watch it from a close distance. This will allow them to detect the camera. That’s why it’s better to place the camera in an ordinary picture (may be your child’s or your childhood picture). This will not draw much attention.
YTVISION Fake Book Camera
Here you can easily place a camera inside a book. The book is hollow where you can place the camera.
Complete with 1080 HD recording, and loop-recording abilities with a total 32GB internal memory, this is a great non-wifi option for a “set it and forget it” solution.
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Also, putting a fake book on a shelf with many other books is a great way to hide a camera in a studio, home office, or living room.
Pros:
- Here you can keep the camera-book on the book shelf and detect any activity closely.
Cons:
- If anyone wants to read that book you may fall into a false position.
- If other books are placed in front of it, that may cover the lens and it won’t be able to detect anything.
NANIBO Clothes Hook Hidden Camera
Here you can hang a mini camera on the clothes hook. This is perhaps one of the most versatile types of hidden cameras as a clothes hook wouldn’t look out of place in any room.
- This Mini Camera looks like a regular clothes hook, nobody will realized this is a camera, it can also be used to hand light clothes ,you can see exactly what happened when you were not in your home, office, business, no easy to...
- The video captured by this camera is great quality; enjoy this stunning camera and playback your recorded footage in 1920x1080 HD color video resolution at a 75 degree wide angle, so that you can see exactly what happened.
- Your clothes hook hidden camera is plug and play. No software or added downloads are needed. It supports up to 32GB Micro SD Card (Not Included).
One potential negative though is if the suspect actually uses the hook, which may partially obstruct the line of sight with the clothing. However, placed in the correct spot, perhaps with something pre-hung on the bottom hook, is a great way to disguise a camera in any room of the house or office.
Pros:
- Wide angle view
- It’s too ordinary a place for anyone to look for a cam.
Cons:
- If people go near to the hook to hang their dress, they may detect it.
- May get blocked by clothes if someone actually uses it for hanging stuff.
Nanshiba Fake Smoke Detector Camera
It can detect any smoke occurring at your home or workplace. That way such a camera is a must have to protect your family and associates.
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One thing that doesn’t stand out or look unusual in any way in ANY room is a smoke detector, which makes this one of the most sneaky hidden camera designs out there.
The smoke detector cam records in HD, has WiFi, and has 180 day battery life that is preserved with motion activation. It should be noted this product only records video and not audio, but it does connect with your phone for remote monitoring.
Pros:
- It is easily portable
- The camera can detect smoke and save you from greater damage.
- This is a two way camera that can also detect any unusual activity in your place.
Cons:
- The battery life is not too high. So invest in a high quality cam.
- Potentially awkward viewing angle from the ceiling
LIZVIE Phone Charger/Dock Camera
Just like USB camera, this one too comes along with a phone charger. The fact that EVERYONE has a smartphone, and they all need charging means this is one of the most blatant “hidden in plain sight” options.
- 📸【Hidden Camera】Lizvie invisible camera lens under the black special glass in the real charging base, no one will realize that there is a Spy camera inside.The nanny camera for home office surveillance, childcare, pet and...
- 📸【Special Degined for iPhone Charger】Perfect compatible with iPhone 11 Pro, 11, XS MAX, XR, XS, 8, 8 Plus, 7, 7 plus, 6s plus, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, 5c, 5s, SE, 5, iPad, Air, Pro, Mini, iPod.Ensure safe and stable charging with...
- 📸【Motion detection & Alarm Push】Wireless hidden camera Sensitive Motion Detection, wirelessly connects via wifi to understand and get real-time alerts at home / office. Even if you don't have time to stare at your phone,...
This looks just like a regular Lightning-port charging dock, and indeed it is. Yes, this hidden camera actually is fully functional and will charge any iPhone, iPad or iPod that is plugged into it.
It comes with night vision, alarm push notifications to your phone, 128GB capacity SD card storage, and 24/7 looping recording ability.
Pros:
- Easily hidden
- Easily portable
- None can detect easily.
- Actually is functional so chances of detection are lower
Cons:
- Make sure to carry the charger carefully so that the camera doesn’t get broken.
- You cannot keep the charger in your bag since it will not be able to record anything then.
License-to-Shoot Summary
These spy or nanny cameras are extremely handy to protect your privacy. Also, these are important to keep your kids safe and secured. You can detect if any stranger is causing any harm to your kid.
Are you a nanny or babysitter? Do you want to know if you’re being monitored without your consent?
We wrote an exhaustive guide to how to do a search for bugs and how to detect them as well as a roundup of the top camera detecting gadgets that can help you quickly asses whether or not you are being monitored.
Which type of camera would you like to buy? Comment below and let us know!
Last update on 2021-09-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API