It is becoming common to install security and surveillance cameras at home or in other business establishments. But for the most part, people like to have these cameras out of sight for privacy, and yet they don’t know how to hide cameras.
Luckily, there are some sneaky methods of hiding cameras inside and outside. In this article, we will discuss tips for how to hide a camera in the open, clever ways to disguise them, and available camera models that don’t need to be hidden.
Why Do You Need to Hide a Camera?
Here are some common reasons you may want to conceal security cameras:
- When you want to record but don’t want to make house guests or employees uncomfortable.
- Monitoring babysitters or domestic workers without any interference.
- To catch the shoplifters in the act without providing them any indication that they had been caught.
- Takes the creepiness out of your home for surveillance without having your house bursting with too many cameras.
- To record rental tenants without them knowing (check your local laws of course).
- To catch a cheating spouse without being found out.
How to Hide a Camera?
Here are some basic methods to hide cameras effectively:
1. Use Hidden Camera
Various compact “hidden camera” devices are available, disguised as everyday household items like wall clocks, photo frames, smoke detectors, etc. They have tiny built-in cameras that are virtually undetectable. Place them strategically to monitor entry and exit points.
2. Put Cameras Under Eaves or Ceiling
Positioning cameras under eaves or ceiling corners makes them harder to spot. Use dark, inconspicuous casing rather than shiny domes. Ensure the background and mounting brackets blend in.
3. Disguise Outdoor Cameras in Birdhouse
Installing the camera inside an artificial hollow birdhouse is a creative way to mask outdoor surveillance. Place in branches or patio eaves facing key areas. Custom birdhouses for specific camera models are available.
4. Place Cameras Around Bushes or Trees
Lush areas provide natural and effective camouflage. Mount the camera on an exterior wall or tree using a mounting bracket painted to match. Position it amidst bushes, ensuring the leaves and branches conceal it.
5. Use Camouflage Skins
Adhesive camouflage skins are available for certain camera models and can disguise shapes effectively. Carefully choose prints to match the surroundings – tree bark, granite, bricks, etc.
How to Hide a Camera in Plain Sight?
Along with disguising cameras, you can also hide them cleverly in plain sight:
1. Use Everyday Objects
Cameras disguised as other household objects like wall hooks, smoke detectors, books, pots, etc., can be recorded without drawing attention. Place them at eye level to capture the subjects best.
2. Put into Electronics
Mini cameras installed within devices like computer monitors, TVs, thermostats, speakers, etc. avoid detection. They have pinhole lenses peeking out discreetly. Position devices to face the areas you want to monitor. You can also turn other devices into security cameras, like using a webcam as a security camera.
3. Incorporate It Into Existing Fixtures
Adding pinhole cameras into existing light fixtures, clocks, exit signs, etc., hides them perfectly in plain sight. Use fixture models designed to house covert cameras.
4. Choose the Right Color
Select camera casing in color identical to mounting backgrounds – white, wooden brown, concrete gray, etc. Paint brackets, wires, and other accessories in the same shade.
5. Place Strategically
Position cameras where people are unlikely to glance upwards or inspect closely, like dark high corners. Avoid placing them directly in sightlines at eye level.
How to Hide a Security Camera Indoors?
Concealing indoor surveillance cameras requires a bit more discretion as people spend more time inside and can eventually spot conspicuous equipment. Learn how to hide security cameras:
1. Blend with Home Decor
Cameras disguised as photo frames, wall hooks, books, vases, etc., complement your room decor while recording discreetly. Place them fittingly on shelves, walls, or counters overlooking areas of concern. It is a great strategy if you are looking to learn how to hide a ring camera.
2. Use Compact Battery-Powered Cameras
Miniature wireless cameras like Reolink battery-powered CCTV cameras need no wiring. Their tiny size allows them to place unnoticed items amidst decor items to monitor rooms remotely. Being cordless, they can be moved easily as needed.
3. Place Behind Mirrors or Glass
Installing cameras behind two-way mirrors or reflective glass hides them while allowing a recording view. Bathroom mirrors, glass photo frames, and transparent LCDs can conceal tiny cameras.
4. Hide in Vents or Air Conditioners
Air vents located mid-wall or near the ceiling make excellent hiding spots. Install pinhole cameras inside facing downwards for wide room coverage. Air conditioning units positioned high on walls also work similarly.
5. Hide in Lighting Fixtures
Ceiling lights, recessed lighting, and even table/floor lamps can house micro-cameras with adapters available. It avoids detection even with lights on, especially if fixtures have diffused glass covers. If you want to know how to hide a blink camera, this is the perfect way.
Best Security Cameras You Don’t Need to Hide
For areas you want visibly monitored, install security cameras designed for overt rather than covert surveillance. Here are some top-rated products and now Reolink is offering Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales from Nov. 21 to Dec. 5, with discounts of up to 43% on these cameras. Check them out and save!
Compact Indoor WiFi Security Camera – Reolink E1 Zoom
The Reolink E1 Zoom is an indoor pan/tilt security camera with a compact height. Despite its tiny size, it captures rich 5MP video with intelligent auto-tracking. The motorized head pans 355° and tilts 50°, allowing you to survey an entire room remotely via the mobile app.
With advanced IR night vision, sharp 3x optical zoom, and real-time sound alerts, nothing escapes the E1 Zoom’s watchful eye. It even detects people and pets, auto-tracking subjects that enter its field of view. Despite lacking any disguise, the cute design blends easily into home decor.
Dual-Lens Battery-Powered Camera – Reolink Argus 4 Pro
The Argus 4 Pro is a 100% wire-free outdoor/indoor camera running on a rechargeable battery. It captures super-wide 180° views and vivid 4K video even at night with ColorX technology.
With IP66 weatherproofing, the Argus 4 Pro works in rain, shine, or snow. It lasts several months on a single charge and features AI person/vehicle detection with smart notifications. The sleek, portable design works both for overt and low-profile surveillance.
Conclusion
To hide security cameras, you’ll need to be a bit creative and discreet. Hide them cleverly with everyday household objects, natural camouflages, and placements. They have miniature camera models and adhesive skins to make disguising easier. Install visibly high-quality cameras that are made for unhidden outdoor/indoor use for overt surveillance. These clever tips will help you reap security benefits without awkward confrontations about visible equipment.
FAQ’s
How do I block my neighbor’s camera?
To block a neighbor’s outdoor camera pointing toward your house, install a privacy screen – a simple barrier with one-way transparent mesh. It obstructs camera views without blocking sunlight. Other options include placing potted bamboo plants to naturally block sightlines.
Can I hide a camera in my bedroom?
Legally, it’s inadvisable to place hidden cameras in private bedrooms shared with others, as they infringe on consent. However, nanny cams may be installed, provided they don’t capture bathrooms, changing areas, etc. Check local laws before recording house guests discreetly.
How can I hide my hidden camera on my phone?
Your phone camera can be used discreetly by having an auto lock on and getting a dark-colored phone case with a mini peep lens. Get apps to stay on in the background and record stealthily with phone screens switched off. Use everyday objects and device covers to hide from the eyes.
