Hidden cameras could be a great addition to your smart home security system. They are also known as spy cameras or video cameras. You can use a hidden camera to take video recordings of your home and office discreetly.
If you intend to get a hidden camera for your personal or family’s safety, there are some things that you must consider. One of the factors to consider when buying a hidden camera is its power source. Spy cameras need a steady power source to work effectively. Older models of spy cameras had to be plugged into an electrical source (AC-powered). But new models of hidden cameras are battery-powered. Yes, some hidden cameras need batteries to work. It depends on the type of spy camera you want.
Battery-powered spy cameras are ideal for people who live in areas with inconsistent electricity supply. Such hidden cameras use high-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. The batteries often have a long value life, you would have to recharge and change the battery frequently. It is also easy to conceal a battery-powered spy camera as they don’t use a cable core or wires.
Using either the electricity or battery-powered hidden camera has its ups and downs.
Let’s discuss that in detail.
The Pros of Using Battery-Powered Hidden Cameras?
1. Convenience/Flexibility
Battery-powered spy cameras are easy and convenient to use. This type of spy camera is very flexible and can be used without much hassle. They can be used for all kinds of surveillance activities in different places. Your spy camera can be used as an office camera, nanny cam, commercial camera, and security system.
2. Portability
Whether you’re going on a vacation, or need to secretly record an event, battery-powered hidden cameras are portable and easy to carry around. They are also weather resistant. These cameras are designed to be used when you are on the go. You can easily carry them along with you wherever you go because they are wearable. And you don’t have to deal with the extra bulk of wires. All you need to do is ensure your camera is fully charged and has enough storage capacity.
3. Easy to Conceal
With battery-powered hidden cameras, you don’t have to worry about getting cut when spying on someone. The cameras are small and can’t be easily seen. They are also less conspicuous and fit perfectly as household objects. They can be disguised as a pen, alarm clock, small box, buttons, smoke detector, cigarette lighter, adapter, wristwatch, toilet brush, etc.
No one would suspect that the flash drive hanging on your shoulder or the extra button on your shirt is a spy camera. Depending on the battery capacity, some spy cameras last as little as just 1-2 hours, while others can be used for longer hours. As long as the battery is fully charged, you don’t have to worry about the battery dying while you’re recording.
4. Better Viewing Angles
As a result of the fact that they can be placed just about anywhere, these cordless varieties provide better viewing angles. You don’t have to try to factor in the cord length, power source, and electrical outlets. Once you find the best vantage point to position your spy camera, you’re good to go.
You don’t have to worry about someone seeing a cable connection or tripping over the wires. The spy camera could be staring at them all, and they won’t even know. But with an electric-powered hidden camera, you have to plug the camera into a power source. Sometimes, the distance between the camera and the power source makes it hard to get a good viewing angle. This is because the power cords limit the movement of the plugin cameras.
5. Easy Installation
When using a battery-powered hidden camera, you don’t need a tech expert to help you install it. All you have to do is fix the battery and connect the camera to the internet. Find the perfect spot to hide your camera, then push the record button, and voilà! You are done. You can now relax and watch events unfold while you go about your daily activities. For the corded variety of hidden cameras, however, the story isn’t the same.
The Cons of Battery-Powered Hidden Cameras
1. Batteries are not Readily Available in Stores
As earlier mentioned, spy cameras use high-capacity lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. After a full recharge, the battery may last for a while. This could be days, weeks, or months. It may even last for just a few hours, depending on its capacity. These batteries are not conventional types that can be easily found in malls and stores. Thus, replacing your camera battery may prove to be quite a challenge. You may have to get a new camera altogether.
2. They Have to be Recharged
When getting a battery-powered spy camera, ensure that it has a good battery capacity. If you buy a model that doesn’t have a long-lasting battery, you may be disappointed on some occasions while recording. This is in contrast to the plugin types that can be used for long hours once they are connected to a power source.
3. They are Expensive
Battery-powered spy cameras are expensive when compared to the cord varieties. This could be a result of the battery cost which cannot be easily replaced. If you’re on a budget, this may not be the ideal spy camera for you.
Battery-powered cameras are the best spy cameras you can use for personal security. Some of these cameras can be found here. Some custom varieties that are easily disguised as household objects can also be shopped from here. You can get one for your home or office here.