The market for mini-cameras for covert surveillance has been absorbed by Chinese manufacturers. Today, it is saturated, the assortment is varied, and the prices are not particularly bad. Therefore, if there is a need, it is easy to purchase a mini camera, both in China, via the Internet, and in Russia, in a specialized store.

Scope of application

Camera KPC-S700CP4 KT&C. Price 3500 rubles.

• Covert surveillance of the premises. For example, you want to constantly monitor office employees secretly, so that they do not feel complex from the all-seeing eye of the lens, but work at ease. Then it will be easier for you, as a leader, to understand who really is who.
• Hidden recording of important meetings, especially those that are held confidential for reasons. Moreover, if you come to a meeting in the meeting room of the host party, which is crammed with hidden video and audio recording equipment. Take a camera with you, disguised as a button or watch.
• Supervision of nanny and housekeeper. If you would like to see what the servants are doing while you are away, then by installing conventional cameras, you will have three problems. Firstly, this will traumatize your employees psychologically, secondly, they will be offended and depressed morally from distrust of them, thirdly, whoever wants to will always find a “dead zone” in your villa and take revenge on full program. Better install hidden cameras.
• Mini cameras are convenient to use as regular cameras if you are not particularly concerned about the quality of the images. You have the opportunity to shoot discreetly, which does not cause embarrassment or aggression to others. This can happen in crowded places: shops, streets, parks, train stations.
• It is very convenient to use hidden mini-cameras at seminars, lectures, press conferences, in order to subsequently familiarize yourself with the material in more detail. Previously, a voice recorder was used for this, but progress does not stop, especially since the speaker often shows slides that he would like to capture.

Peculiarities

The main feature of mini cameras is that they can be used as hidden cameras. Almost invisible are cameras that have a lens with a hole in the “eye of a needle” or those that are camouflaged as cufflinks, buttons, brooches, etc.

Cameras can also differ in the method of data transmission: Wi-Fi, 3G, wired or high-frequency radio. A separate class of cameras is non-transmitting, with content recording on internal memory.

Types of cameras for covert surveillance

Sip-m02w. Price: 2900 rubles

By type, covert surveillance cameras can be divided into wired, wireless wifi or G3, and autonomous.

• Wired. A class of cameras that are installed on a stationary basis indoors. Some time ago they were used as portable ones complete with a transmitter and battery. To do this, I had to use, at a minimum, a man purse. Time has passed, and they remain convenient only for stationary use. Requires 5-12 volt power.
• Wireless Wi-Fi. These devices currently operate via the WiFi protocol, so their transmission range is short, up to 50 meters indoors. But if you use the TRENDnet TEW-OA14DK antenna (14 dBi) for the receiver, then the line-of-sight communication range will be 8 km. This is quite enough to be positioned within view of the window, even at a decent distance to capture information.
• Wireless 3G. This is still a new product. But for those areas where there is 3G coverage, mini-cameras capable of transmitting this signal are the most promising. You can watch their images online anywhere in the world on your mobile device. But it’s better to buy a 3G modem, insert it into a laptop or PC, and in addition to viewing, record.
• Autonomous, non-transmitting. A special class of cameras that record video to internal memory and are self-powered. This is very convenient because you are not tied to whoever is reading the information. There is one drawback: the lack of an online mode. Until you merge the data somewhere, it remains inaccessible. Well, so what, you’re not doing intelligence work.

Advantages

The main advantage of mini video cameras is their secrecy. And no, because you need to follow someone or film a crime and they won’t notice you. No.

The psychology of most people is structured in such a way that any entry into their personal life, even from a stranger, triggers a defensive reaction. You just watched a group of your friends playing beach volleyball in a relaxed and fun way. Now try approaching them with a regular camera. The game will change. Someone will get into a rage and start playing for the lens, someone will withdraw and start missing serves, one of the girls will start posing, and some young lady will shout: “Put the camera away, you asshole!”

If you film this with a hidden camera, the game will proceed as normal. Then show the video to the whole company. Your friends will love it, except the girl who posed. She will say: “How could you?”

Camera Samllest VD-7501. Price: 4900 rub.

Popular models

A pen with a hidden camera and a USB input for downloading videos. Price: 3600 rubles

• KPC-S700CP4 KT&C. Covert surveillance camera, made in Korea with a 4.4 mm cone lens. It has a 1/3″ SONY CCD matrix and generates a color video signal with a clarity of 380 TVL. Convenient for hidden installation in walls and furniture. At correct installation a 1.2 mm hole remains on the surface for the lens. Has high photosensitivity. But it is equipped only with an analog video output, which significantly reduces the range of applications.
• Sip-m02w. High-resolution color camera, similar in design to the previous one, but has a slightly smaller 1.4” matrix. However, it uses more advanced CMOS technology, which compensates for its smaller area. Pinhole 3.7mm lens. Video compression according to the H.264 standard. The camera comes with video viewing software for Android and iOS devices. That is, you can easily observe on your mobile device what is happening in the camera’s vision area within the range of the WiFi connection.
• Samllest VD-7501. This is a new generation product. The transmission is carried out over a 3G network. You can see everything that this mini camera records anywhere in the world where there is 3G network coverage. The camera allows you to remotely adjust electronic zoom (10x). Can save video to SD card in HD format, but transmit signal in SD format. It consists of two blocks: a miniature camera and a recorder with a transmitter. Supports motion sensor function, so it will not record a picture without movement for hours.
• Pen with camera. Gadgets hidden recording internal memory is difficult to classify. Because they all have approximately the same technical specifications, but different design. Typically, recording quality is limited to the CIF video standard or, at best, PAL; photos will be obtained in a slightly higher resolution of 1980x1024. The battery will last for 5 hours of continuous recording. To retrieve information, just connect it to your computer like a regular flash drive. They may look like buttons, lighters, flash drives, watches, etc.

Attention. Unauthorized surveillance is punishable by law. There are precedents.

Installation of video surveillance systems

Installation of mini-cameras for hidden surveillance can be permanent or temporary. TO different types installation, a completely different approach. Need to provide good review visibility of the camera, adjust the focus correctly if it is adjustable, and comply with all laws of conspiracy.

Where to install

In order to choose a camera location, it is necessary to determine where the subject or subjects will be located, taking into account the fact that they can sit, stand up and walk. That is, the camera should display as wide a viewing angle as possible. With an ideal camera position, if it is on a wall, there will be an angle of 65-70 degrees between the wall that is below the camera and the imaginary beam from the camera to the eye level of the subject being photographed. We are talking about a standard executive office room approximately 5x8 meters. If the room is larger, the angle changes.

When you install a camera for office surveillance, it is usually installed in the highest position in the corner. This allows you to most fully cover the territory of the room.

In any case, it is necessary to choose a compromise that satisfies the main requirement - legible visibility of faces.

How to install

Almost all mini-cameras for covert surveillance do not have brackets or adjustments for the position and direction of the lens. This means that you will have to set the angle of inclination and come up with fastenings for them yourself. There are known cases when inexperienced would-be masters built cameras into walls, and with every change in the office interior, they knocked them out of the walls to change their location. Don’t be lazy, order a special removable platform from specialists, with camera angle adjustment.

As a rule, office walls are lined with plasterboard - this is the most convenient place to install a camera with a cone lens.

Purchase

Regardless of where you buy a mini surveillance camera, to begin with, you should clearly understand what kind of camera you need. The designation in the nomenclature “mini video camera for covert surveillance” does not mean that this camera is suitable for your purposes.

How to choose

Decide:

• stationary or portable;
• analog or digital interface;
• wired or wireless communication;
• WiFi or 3G;

Where to buy

There are several sources for purchase:

• specialized stores selling security equipment;
• radio markets;
• domestic online stores;
• Chinese online stores.

Of course, you can buy these devices in China by paying with a card via the Internet. And most likely it will be cheaper. But it can be difficult to find the device you need in non-wholesale stores. Therefore, it is easier to buy the found product in Russian online stores.

What is the price

The cost of such cameras is low, unless we are talking about professional video surveillance equipment, the price of which goes through the roof for thousands and tens of thousands of dollars.

For example, a pen camera with a USB port costs no more than $150. At the same time, the Samllest VD-7501 hidden camera with 3G transmission function will cost you $108 (in China), not including shipping costs.

If you compare the prices of wired cameras, they are approximately the same, and are around $70. At the same time, cameras equipped with a transmitter, such as Sip-m02w, cost 55 dollars in China, and 100 in Moscow.

Legality of installation

With this point, you can cross out everything that was written above. Because in the Russian Federation any covert surveillance is prohibited, except for those who are allowed to do so (special services). This is regulated primarily by Article No. 23 of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which states complete inviolability of personal life. But this is just a declaration. But Articles 20.23 and 20.24 of the Code of Administrative Violations directly state that in the case of the use or import of covert surveillance and listening devices, the persons responsible for these acts are fined and the equipment is confiscated.

Therefore, everything written above is written for informational purposes, and whether or not to break the law is everyone’s personal choice.

The special features of this camera are:
Very small size, minimum function buttons and high resolution photo and video shooting.

Let's take a closer look.

The camera comes in a stylish metal box.

The kit also includes 2 cables - for recharging the built-in battery of the video camera from the computer’s USB port and for viewing (copying) recordings to the computer; a lanyard for wearing the device around the neck and a disc with a driver.

Let’s add on our own: you won’t need a disk at all, since operating system It automatically recognizes the camera when it is connected via a USB port (the memory card must be inserted into the appropriate slot). An additional removable disk will be created, and you can view the contents of the camera as a flash drive.

The chamber is smaller in size than a regular matchbox. It weighs 30 g and this is with a built-in battery. Amazing, isn't it?!

With all this, this device has all the functionality of a regular professional video surveillance camera: recording color video with sound and photos.

On the front side we see a pinhole lens with a diameter of 1 mm!!! above it and slightly to the left there is a small decorative window (it does not carry any semantic meaning). On the left side there is a hole for a lanyard, with which you can wear this miracle of technology around your neck.

There are only two buttons in the upper side part, with their help you can control this tricky device. Why cunning? Yes, because these two buttons perform all operations - turning the power on and off, turning video recording on and off, taking photos and interacting with the computer.
In fact, everything is not as complicated as it might seem at first glance. In addition, the kit includes detailed instructions in Russian, in which you will find comprehensive answers to all questions when operating the device.

On the left side there is a slot for memory cards. We will need cards in microSD format, the maximum volume that the device can accept is 16 GB. The maximum capacity card can record up to 400 minutes of color images with real-time sound in a resolution of 1280x960 pixels.
The final number of hours of video that can be saved on a 16 GB card depends on many factors, such as the brightness of the overall picture being shot, etc.

On the other side we see a mini USB connector. Using the included cables, we can recharge the built-in battery at any time, and we can also connect the camera to view (copy) recordings to a computer (laptop).
It is worth noting that the set includes 2 wires, each of which serves a specific purpose, and there are corresponding labels and stickers on them.

Technologies that seemed like something out of science fiction in the recent past are now becoming more and more real. Everything that a couple of decades ago appeared only in science fiction films is gradually coming to life.

The video surveillance industry has also undergone noticeable changes for the better - modern technologies allow you to realize the full range of capabilities of a conventional video surveillance camera in a miniature housing.

In addition, various spy cameras appeared in the form of buttons, glasses, watches and other human household items. In this article we will look at the various variations of wireless mini cameras for hidden video surveillance which are of greatest relevance today.

Wireless surveillance cameras

Wireless CCTV cameras can be divided into. The former are very susceptible to various distortions and interference. Interference has virtually no effect on the quality of the image received from the second group of cameras, but it can still lead to a loss of radio signal or a decrease in connection speed.

Wireless mini video cameras can connect to the DVR via a radio channel, with a transmission range of up to 50 meters, in the absence of interference in the form of concrete walls, etc.

Digital cameras, like regular cameras, have standard set components: lens, viewfinder, photosensitive element - matrix, body. Manufacturers make some models without frames to reduce their size, but framed models have gained the most popularity due to their wide range of applications.

Among other things, an integral attribute of modern wireless mini cameras is a receiving module that will receive a signal from a video surveillance camera (such cameras are equipped with a radio channel to provide wireless transmission data), cables for connecting to a monitor, computer or TV, and two mains power supplies - one for the camera, the other for the module. Installation and configuration of such a kit can be done by anyone who knows how to use a computer - it does not require special skills or programming knowledge.

Some case models are equipped with interchangeable lenses, which is a definite advantage if you need to change the viewing angle from time to time - by installing a wide-angle lens, you will get a maximum viewing area, and by screwing on a lens with a larger focal length, you will only be able to track a certain object– a car in the yard, etc. The lenses have a threaded connection, so replacing them is not particularly difficult.

Hidden CCTV cameras are powered by a battery, but it is also possible to connect to the mains using. The battery can operate the camera from 1 to 5 hours. Also, depending on the specific model, it is possible to use the built-in battery as a power source.

For shooting at night, like most conventional cameras, miniature wireless cameras equipped with infrared illumination diodes. This backlight is invisible to the human eye and allows you to shoot in complete darkness with a possible range of up to 10 meters.

In some cases, mini cameras are also equipped with a slot for a Micro SD memory card, which allows you to wireless connection record video on internal storage with further viewing on a computer monitor screen. To save memory, you can use the “motion-based recording” mode - in this case, video recording will be made only after movement occurs in the field of view of the camera lens. Moreover, such a camera, in principle, does not require the presence of wireless connection, which makes it several times cheaper than analogues equipped wireless transmitter, and also thanks to this, it can be easily used as a wireless outdoor mini CCTV camera.

Legality of covert video surveillance

Thanks to its small dimensions, a wireless mini CCTV camera can easily be disguised as interior items, and no one will even guess that they are being watched, but if something happens, know that the law of the Russian Federation prohibits such interference in a person’s personal life without warning, and you may suffer administrative responsibility for such actions. Articles 20.23 and 20.24 of the administrative code of offenses impose a fine for the use of hidden video surveillance or wiretapping, and article 138.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation prohibits the import of certain devices that are special technical means to the territory of the Russian Federation.

Wireless mini video cameras with internal memory

Wireless mini camera.

Among the large number of various miniature video cameras, one can single out one that has the most compact dimensions and the ability universal use. This is the Ambertek RS101 model. Its dimensions (25x25x26 mm) are almost half the size of a matchbox, and its weight is only 11 grams. This camera records color video V AVI format 640x480, and a frequency of 30 frames per second. It is also capable of taking photos with a resolution of 1600x2000.

Recording is carried out on the internal storage – Micro SD card, with possible memory expansion up to 64 GB. Built-in 140 mAh battery allows you to continuously record video for 1 hour, and you can charge it from the computer via USB cable, included in the kit, or through portable chargers (which can increase the continuous operation of the camera tens of times). The stylized protective lens cap is easily removed from the device, making it even more compact and allowing it to be used as a full-fledged camera. You can buy such a wireless hidden mini video camera for about 2,500 rubles in Russian online stores. This camera is not a special technical device and is not prohibited by Russian law.

Several more models of wireless mini cameras from Ambertek, their brief characteristics and price.

Ambertek miniature video camera.

Dimensions: 54x20x15 mm;

Weight: 38 grams;

Metal body;

Record AVI video with a resolution of 640×480 and a frequency of 30 frames per second;

Supports Micro SD memory cards up to 32 GB;

Operation from the built-in battery up to 1.5 hours;

The Ambertek MD80 SE camera comes with a variety of mounts for all occasions: clips with a clothes clip, a mount kit with screws and double-sided tape, a silicone case to protect the camera from damage, and a magnetic bracket.

The cost of the camera is about 3,000 rubles in domestic online stores.

Small CCTV camera Ambertek MD98, cost RUB 7,000.

Dimensions: 53x25x23 mm;

Weight: 44 grams;

This camera has the ability to record video in Full HD 1920x1080 or HD resolution 1280x720, with a frequency of 30 frames per second. In addition, it is equipped with a motion sensor and infrared illumination diodes for shooting in the dark.

Battery life is about 2 hours of continuous video recording. Can work as a web camera. 170 degrees. Video recording is carried out on an internal Micro SD card, with possible expansion up to 32 GB. The price is around 7,000 rubles in Russian online stores.

Wireless mini WiFi cameras

Wireless WiFi mini cameras have the ability to connect directly to the device from which you plan to monitor (mobile phone, computer, laptop, etc.) via a WiFi network, or transmit a signal to the Internet through a router with subsequent online viewing from any device from any point on the globe.

The most important obstacle to signal transmission is walls, so before purchasing them you need to know in advance, and it is better to carefully check whether there is enough power WiFi signal to implement what is planned in your particular case, for example, a wireless street camera with WiFi may have serious problems with signal transmission if it is installed at a significant distance from the receiver and in the presence of interference in the form of walls, which will be inevitable if it is installed on the street. In the absence of obstacles, the picture from the camera will be no different from ordinary ones, and the transmission range can be up to 100 meters.

The power source for mini cameras of this group is also a built-in rechargeable battery with the ability to be powered from mains or batteries. In order to set up the camera, you must first connect it to the power supply, then find the WiFi network of the video camera on your Android/iOS mobile phone or computer and connect to it. Most mini cameras for covert surveillance with wifi do not require special installation, which makes setting them up easy and accessible to everyone; some use special application For mobile devices based on Android or iOS, downloading and installing which will also not cause much trouble for the user of gadgets based on operating systems.

When using several miniature WiFi video cameras in different places it is possible to view the image from each of them on one monitor, but this will require special software and a little computer knowledge to understand how to set up such a system.

Mini wifi camera Ai Ball. Price - 7000 rub.

Ai-Ball. Among the large number of mini cameras equipped with a data transmission module over a WiFi network, we can highlight the popular Ai-Ball model. Its dimensions are relatively small - 30 x 35 mm, and its weight is 100 g including battery. The wireless mini WiFi camera Ai-Ball easily and simply connects to a computer/laptop, as well as devices on android base and iOS: just turn on the camera on your computer or mobile phone, download the simple Ai-Ball AV Recorder application (or use a browser), connect to WiFi networks“Trek Ai-Ball”, and immediately view the image from the camera, as well as record video with sound.

In addition, this camera has the ability to connect to Wi-Fi router, thanks to which you can view video via the Internet from anywhere on the planet, and using the Multiview mode, you can view images from several miniature Ai-Ball cameras on one screen, so you can easily organize. Power is supplied via a CR2 battery, from the mains using the charging stand included in the kit, as well as via a portable charger. The cost of such a camera today is about 7,000 rubles in domestic online stores.

For correct settings cameras, you must read the instructions that come with the kit!

WiFi camera SyCloud. Cost about 8000 rub. in Russia.

SyCloud. Another good model is the SyCloud mini WiFi camera. It is capable of recording video in HD (1280x720), 30 fps. It has relatively small dimensions and weight: 56x54x19 mm, 50 grams. By using free applications for Android and iOS, you can view the image from this camera directly on the screen of your mobile phone, as well as on the computer. Built-in batteries allow the camera to operate continuously for 1.5 hours. You can set up video recording on a Micro SD card and use the camera as a car DVR. You can buy a SyCloud camera within 8,000 rubles.

Wireless mini web cameras

Nowadays you won’t surprise anyone with miniature ones that easily fit in the palm of your hand, but wireless models may still be a wonder to a person encountering it for the first time similar devices. Wireless mini web cameras are quite easy to set up: they come with a special receiver that is inserted into USB port laptop/computer, and receives a signal from the camera at a frequency of 2.4 MHz at a distance of up to 100 m. Installed on a computer software, included in the kit, you will immediately see the image transmitted by the camera on the monitor screen.

A wireless web camera can be easily installed anywhere in your home, apartment, office, or on a window, for example, to monitor a car in the yard. An accumulator, battery, or electrical network is used as a power source.

To do this, you need to disguise the camera as some kind of interior item, or install it in a secluded, out-of-sight place. But do not forget about the legality of such actions if you are planning to monitor someone, this has already been said above, so we will not repeat it.

Among other things, miniature web cameras are very convenient when used for your own needs, for example, for communicating with friends or family via Skype, or simply for photographing children or home parties, if image quality is not critical to you.

Mini spy cameras

If earlier spy cameras in the form of buttons, watches, glasses, pens were beyond reality, and were shown only in science fiction films about the future, today you can easily purchase such a gadget at a very affordable price.

Modern mini video cameras are actually fantastic devices that 10–20 years ago could only be seen in spy films. Some devices easily fit not only in the palm of your hand, but also on one finger of a person. At the same time, they provide very high quality recordings, allowing you to subsequently examine all the details of what is happening.

Camera options
One of the most important characteristics such a device is the type of matrix used in it. When choosing a specific model, it is advisable to pay attention not only to the resolution, but also to the physical dimensions of such a part, as well as the level of photosensitivity. However, the shooting quality of a mini-video camera also depends on other factors - for example, on processor performance, so before purchasing it is advisable to watch several videos obtained using a specific device.
The design of the lens is equally important. The use of optically pure glass and aspherical lenses has a positive effect on the quality of shooting, helping to avoid color shifts, geometric distortions of objects and other interference. It is important to clarify the camera viewing angle, which modern models can vary between 60–180 degrees.

Image stabilization
Since small action cameras are typically used on the move, they need a system that eliminates noise caused by lens movement. Most manufacturers use digital stabilization.
Virtual image shift is not able to completely eliminate distortion, but it does not complicate the design of the device and practically does not increase its cost.
If the user plans to take pictures during extreme sports, he should buy a mini video camera with optical stabilization. In it, the position of the matrix is ​​adjusted by special servos, which eliminates its shift relative to the lens.

Portable devices at Eldorado
Our online store offers affordable prices for compact action cameras from manufacturers such as SMARTERRA, SONY, PANASONIC, GMINI and others. To quickly select a suitable model, you can use convenient system sort goods by cost and main characteristics, or seek help from a company specialist.