FAQ on Hidden Cameras

To better help you, we’ve gathered all our most frequently asked questions concerning surveillance and hidden cameras.  Don’t see your question?  Please don’t hesitate to ask!

  • How do hidden cameras work?

    A small board camera is built into an everyday item.  The camera can be wired, which means it is connected to the DVR or VCR using a cable.  The camera can also be wireless, in this case the camera transmits a signal to a receiver that is connected to the DVR, VCR, or PC monitor.

  • What is a wireless security camera?

     Most security cameras require two wires: one for power, and one to transmit the captured video to a display or recording device (TV or DVR, for example).  Wireless cameras only require one wire - for power.  The video is transmitted wirelessly via transmitter and receiver devices.  A wireless camera is really a combination of the camera plus a built-in wireless transmitter to send the video, and a receiver to receive the video, which in turn plugs into the monitor or recorder.

  • Can I get audio in my hidden camera?

    No, you cannot.  According to United States Federal Law, audio should not be used in a surreptitious manner.  One example of surreptitious interception is audio in a hidden camera.  This includes pinhole board cameras and all covert or hidden cameras; i.e., a clock radio.  Audio in a hidden camera or board camera is only available to law enforcement agencies.  Title 18, Section 2512.

  • What is the difference between a wired and a wireless camera?

    Wired cameras have a video cable that runs from the camera to your recording or viewing dev ice, such as a DVR, VCR, TV, or monitor.  Wireless cameras have a built-in transmitter that sends the video signal to a receiver.  The receiver connects to your recording or viewing device.

  • How far can a wireless hidden camera transmit?

    Standard wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 1000 feet and high-powered wireless hidden cameras can transmit up to 2500 feet.  

  • How many wireless cameras can you have in one location?

    You can have up to four wireless cameras in one location.  You can view all cameras at once using four receivers or you can use one receiver and switch to each camera.  You will only be able to view one camera at a time if you only use one receiver.  If you want to install multiple wireless cameras in one location it's best to order them at the same time so that we can put them on different channels.

  • Will a cordless phone interfer with wireless cameras?

    Cordless phones that operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency will cause interference with 2.4 GHz cameras.  Interference should be minimal and usually occurs if the phone is between the camera and receiver.

  • What is a 2.4 Ghz wireless frequency?

    A frequency is used to transmit a signal or data like video.  2.4 GHz is the specific wireless frequency that our transmitters use to send signals to a receiver.  All of our wireless cameras operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency.  Range varies from 200' to 700' depending on environmental conditions. These units are FCC approved.

  • Are the transmitters FCC approved?

    The transmitters used in all of our wireless systems are FCC and Industry Canada Certified.

  • Do the receivers work through walls up to two feet thick?

    Yes, as long as there isn't too much metal in the wall.

  • Which type of security camera should I use?

    A security camera can come in many different styles, including dome, bullet, infrared and hidden.  the security camera that will work best for your application will depend on several factors, such as whether you will use the security camera inside or out, during the day, nighttime, or both.

    Bullet style security cameras are the most popular.  They can be used inside or ourt.  These security cameras come in black and white or color, and come with all of the required mounting hardware.  The security camera's casings are weather resistant and don't require added external protection.  Most security cameras have a fixed 4mm lens that allows you to see facial features out to about 35 feet and provides a 70° angle of view.  Resolution levels for black and white security cameras are about 400 lines, any higher and the benefits are minimal.  For color cameras, the higher the resolution the better.

     Infrared security cameras are also very popular, as they allow animage to be seen in little or no lighting conditions.  Most infrared security cameras are bullet style and can be used inside or out.  The cameras have infrared lighting installed around the outer edge of the lens, which allows the security camera to see in no light 25 feet or more depending on the camera model - even further with a little bit of light (like street lighting or an outside light).

     Dome security cameras are desirable because they provide a different look than other camera types. This is a subjective matter, so it depends on you. 

     Hidden cameras are very popular and can be hidden in almost any item.  These cameras allow you to have the ability to capture video without anyone knowing.  Most hidden cameras cannot be used outside and will need to be used indoors.

  • What is CCD?

    CCD is used in professional cameras because of its high resolution quality and its ability to record in low-light situations.  CCD is basically a small silicon chip that receives light and turns it into voltage variations which make up an image.  It's usually measured in inches, with 1/3" CCD being the standard.  They are higher  priced, but are great for cameras that may require vision in near darkness.

  • What is a Quad?

    A Quad splits your monitor into 4 sections allowing you to view 4 cameras at once.

  • Will a Quad allow four cameras to record at the same time?

    Yes, you can record all four cameras at the same time.  You also can record using a switching monitor, which will record the camera that is showing at that moment.

  • What is a Plug and Play connection camera?

    It is an RCA video plug and a power plug on the camera for easy connection to a DVR, TV, or other recording device.  This is done by running the RCA (Aux) line into the VIDEO IN of the DVR or TV.

  • What is the difference between a DVR and a VCR?

    A Digital Video Recorder (DVR) system records high resolution digital images to a hard disk drive (HHD) and eliminates the requirement of maintaining VHS tapes.  Since the Video images are stored digitally, the image quality will not degrade over time, as would a VHS tape when recorded over multiple times.  The time-saving search capabilities of a DVR will enable the user to locate the desired video clips via user defined parameters (camera, time, date, etc.) versus the fast forward and rewind functions of a VCR.  A DVR can be accessed remotely from anywhere in the world using the Internet.

  • How many hours will a DVR record?

    The amount of time a DVR will record is based on the size of the DVR's hard drive, the number of cameras recording and the frames per second.  Our stand alone DVRs uses 3.4GB per camera per day.  A 4 camera stand-alone DVR with a 250GB hard drive will record for 18 days.  An 8 camera stand-alone DVR with a 250GB hard drive will record for 9 days.  A 16 camera stand-alone DVR with a 500GB hard drive will record for 9 days.

  • Do I need a VCR from you or can I use my own VCR?

    You can use your own VCR for recording.  However, the VCR will have to be recording all the time. (Keep in mind that most VCRs can only record for about 10 hours).

  • What is a DVR card?

    DVR cards enable the user to convert their computer into a Digital Video Recorder.  The DVR card(s) is typically installed in an available PCI slot of a computer.  DVR cards are bundled with video surveillance software which allows the user to record and display multiple cameras simultaneously from the camera site or a remote location.

  • What are the Stealth Cams with built-in DVRs?

    These are the perfect all-in-one hidden cameras.  As the name implies, the video is captured and recorded onto a DVR that's internal to the camera.  This eliminates the need for cables, transmitters and receivers, and hook ups to VCRs and external DVRs.  The built-in DVRs in this case are simply SD cards; the same SD cards you use in your digital cameras and video recorders.  You literaly put the camera where you want it, plug it in, point it in the direction you want to film, and press record on the included remote control.  Most cameras will also allow you to set frame speed, schedule your recording time, and have a motion detect setting so that the camera will only come on once motion is detected in the room. 

    These hidden cameras have become very popular as Nanny Cams, but can also be used at a business or office, warehouse, employee break rooms, or any place where covert recording is needed. 

    Many Stealth Cams come with a 4GB or 8GB SD card, but you can use your own 16GB or 32GB SD card for even more recording time.  Depending on the quality and resolution you choose, you can record hundreds of hours on one card; and most camera models feature overwrite, so that once the card's memory becomes full recording starts from the beginning again.  When you're ready to check out what was recorded, simply connect the camera to your computer with the included USB cable, or you can remove the SD card and play it back directly on your PC either through its SD slots, or via a SD card reader

  • How long will the camera last with a 9-volt battery?

    This depends on the camera and recording settings, but on average about 5 hours of continuous use.

  • Between what temperatures is it safe for cameras to operate in?

    Safe for B/W cameras to operate is between -23C to +50C or -10F to +122F.

    Safe for color cameras to operate is between -23C to +40C or -10F to +104F.

    It is safe to store cameras between -30C to +70C or -22F to +158F.

  • What is the operating voltage of a camera?

    Our cameras range from 9-volts (CMOS) to 12-volts, and also 24-volts for professional models. 

  • What is a varifocal lens?

    A varifocal lens is one where the focal length of the lens can be varied.  This is a fancy way of saying it is a zoom lens.  Most varifocal lenses have, and in almost all circumstances should have, an auto iris feature.

  • What is a fixed lens?

    A fixed focal length lens cannot zoom.  The focus is fixed.  A fixed focal length lens usually allows more light to pass through the lens at a given focal length than a varifocal, or zoom lens.  this can be important in low light situations.

  • What is Resolution and Lux?

    Resolution refers to the camera's ability to reproduce images.  The higher the resolution, the better the image.  Lux refers to the amount of light that is needed for the camera to see.  This becomes important if you need the camera to see in low light.  The lower the Lux, the better.